1989 John Deere 200 series cart dragging beer runner

I scored a 1989 265 John Deere for free a week ago.  I'm hoping to replace my L120 and it's ever failing tuff torque 46 for playing in the sugar sand and dragging my trailers and yard carts.

I acquired this machine curbside with new starter (which apparently is inop), new fuel pump and a new ignitor of unknown origin.

First stop, hit the starter with juice. Nothing.

Second step, acquire parts machine. Check, a 260 that someone seems to have made a fearless front clone. Came with a 265 rolling chassis that caught fire at some point.

Pull starter from parts tractor now we're cranking with the solenoid jumpered. Pull and clean carb. Reinstall with gaskets in correct place

I'm at the point where I can get it to bark with fuel or carb cleaner down the throat. I'm suspicious of the fuel cutoff solenoid on the carb. Could be wiring.

At this point the 27 dual purpose battery was pretty low and the mosquitos were quite hungry so I turned in for the night.

I've been eyeing the heck out of both axles from that parts 265 for the L120.. wondering if it would be easier to swap the intek twin onto the 200 or just the axles and steering onto the L120.

Sounds to me like an engine swap would be easiest. The steering setups on the L series are unique in that they have two drag links and no tie rod, so you’d have quite a big project on your hands. Can’t wait to see some pictures of your finds, that 265 sounds like a cool machine! 

Tire upgrade check



L118 hood fits pretty well..



I've replaced the entire steering on the L120, just to find a crack in the cast iron front axle. Add that to the transaxle that I've changed the fluid in twice and still seems like it's ready to give up; I was looking at alteratives.

There she sits, awaiting a friend to go exploring with. The L120 could go play but it's pretty thirsty and smokes a bit.

The 265 is running and driving pretty well I'm just worried for a break down because it really does not move without the engine running.

I picked up a mower deck for it since I sold my only mowing mower.. I tuned up the craftsman but still need to replace the spindle and while I'm at it I may as well install that complete deck rebuild kit I ordered..