2-135 Series III Engine

[bluebone]

I have found a nice Series III 2-135. The tractor appears to be well cared for and kept inside most of the time. I'd rate it a 7 out of 10. I have heard that the Herc has longevity issues, especially after 4500 +/- hours. I have also heard the Series III tractors have an improved Herc. If there are any improvements, what are they?

What do you guys think this tractor is worth with 5,000 hours, and how long will it go, assuming it has been well cared for and used for planting and light tillage?

 

[johns]

The Herc is basically the same, I think they are a good engine. Some guys on this board have added high-compression 22:1 pistons and it really wakes the motor up. Along with injection pump adjustments, over 200 hp is attainable. You will like the series III cab, the throttle and 3sp shifter were moved from the dash to the right hand console. If it has duals, good tires, and a full set of weights I would say 12-15 thousand. Some guys may think this is low, but this is what a dealer would offer if the guy was trading it in. If this has a mechanical front axle, I would say its in the 17-20 thousand range.

 

[bluebone]

Thanks John. I know the cabs are nice. We just bought a 170 a month ago for our tillage tractor. We sold our 1066 Monday, and need to replace our planter tractor. I've always been a White/Oliver guy, but I also thought it would be better to spend 10-15k on a Series III or 100 series White, than to spent 36k on a 4450 Deere with the same hours.

If I do buy the tractor and for some reason the Herc goes down, I swap it for a Cummins, but I don't want to have to do that shortly after buying the tractor, but I guess you never know. A brand new one could tear up tomorrow too.

 

[olliekid]

my cousins have a 2-135 for tillage and chopping and they havent run into very many problems. the hercules engine is good but if you could find a cummins white 100/120/140/125/145 that might be the better option because like you said, the hercules engines are a little weak once you get to 4-5k hours.