White 2-105 through Workhorse 125 Knowledge

Steve in IL

Member

• Nov 29, 2023

• #1

Used to own an early 2-105 (no front lights, air cleaner above engine, A/C condenser fans behind cab). Other than loud cab, and no foot throttle or diff
lock, we really liked that tractor for mowing with 15 foot flex wing mower. Looking to buy something similar, and wondering what the wise folks on this
board think about how the tractor improved (or didn't) through time.

There seem to be many improvements to those tractors, somewhat indicated by the later red stripe paint. But there are also many older tractors painted with
the newer red stripe. The side console shifters seems to be an improvement. Are they? Still later, the cab top looks to be replaced with flashers that
are molded in. Is that an indication of an improved cab?

The Perkins is also replaced by a Cummins. Is that good? Did the rest of the powertrain remain the same? Do the latest models still freewheel in low?
(That is something that you had better learn quickly on hilly ground!)

Any and all comments on how all the changes have stood the test of time are welcome.

Thanks.

 

paulsamwel

Member

• Nov 29, 2023

• #2

3 series tractors kinda the transition between a 2-105 and the workhorse models.Workhorse series got you a 3 series isolated cab plus the Cummins and inboard planetaries like a 2-135.

 

paulsamwel

Member

• Nov 29, 2023

• #3

Also true side console layout started with series 3 tractors.Would like to get my hands on a nice 125 myself.Hell,I would trade my Deere 4440 for one.

 

O

oliverplow

Member

• Nov 29, 2023

• #4

I have a 2-85, 2-88, 2-135 series 3, and a pair of 100s. My favorite is the 2-88. It is just a nice driving tractor. Only advantage I see with the Cummins over the Perkins is cold starting. The Cummins do take more fuel though. I actually think the Perkins are more gutsy than the 5.9 Cummins. If I had to pick one White tractor ever made to farm with, it would be a 2-110. Good luck finding one of those in good shape! But that is just my opinion.

 

OP

OP

Steve in IL

Member

• Nov 30, 2023

• #5

They are difficult to find! One of the reasons why I need to be a bit wiser about what I am looking at.

When you say Series 3, exactly what does that mean? Is that a 2-110, with a side console shifter, but perhaps not the molded cab top?

As I mentioned earlier, as I look around, I will often see a tractor that is painted to look newer, so I am trying to better understand the underlying differences.

Thanks

 

paulsamwel

Member

• Nov 30, 2023

• #6

2-88 replaced the 2-85 and the 2-110 replaced the 2-105 in about 1982 -83.The 2-88 and 2-110 are considered a true series 3 tractor.The perkins engine was updated and the cab was isolated from rest of tractor.The molded cab roof was a couple years later but same basic tractor.2-88 and 2-110 are virtually identical except the 2-110 Is turbocharged.The cabs all had side console controls as well.

Here's some pictures of my 2-88.This one is an early series 3 as the amber lights are externally mounted as opposed to later ones that had the molded in lights kinda like the Deere soundguard body cab.

 

S

scootergmc

Well-known Member

• Nov 30, 2023

• #7

Fine looking specimen!

 

G

GermantownGreen

Well-known Member

Location

Montrose MO

• Nov 30, 2023

• #8

We have a mid aged 2-110.
Have a loader mounted on it.
Molded plastic roof, not good for the branches.
Later engine than Father in law's 2-205, he has two.
Been good to us.
GG Wes

 

OP

OP

Steve in IL

Member

• Nov 30, 2023

• #9

I think he means your tractor Paul, not mine!

 

O

oliverplow

Member

• Nov 30, 2023

• #10

2-135 series 3 and larger all had park in the transmission using the same lever that shift the gears. All the 100 and Workhorse series had the same. 2-88 and 2-110 used a hand brake set up like the 2-105, but the lever was in the side console and more user friendly.

 

OP

OP

Steve in IL

Member

• Nov 30, 2023

• #11

That is a good thing I ran through the parking brake on the 2-105 a few times. Not good.

 

G

GermantownGreen

Well-known Member

Location

Montrose MO

• Nov 30, 2023

• #12

Here's our pics..
I had the loader put on with Power beyond. With a joystick.

 

A

Antique Acres

Member

• Dec 6, 2023

• #13

Paul,

Where did you get your cab kit for your 2-88? I notice that yours is gray instead of red. The one on dads (germantown green on here) 2-110 is also gray. Most of the 2-110/2-88 I have seen listed for sale have red cab kits in them. Did later ones have gray and earlier ones have red?

Bailey @ Antique Acres

 

paulsamwel

Member

• Dec 7, 2023

• #14

Fehr has both grey and red cab kits/headliners as do others like AP air.Mine was originally red

 

A

Antique Acres

Member

• Dec 7, 2023

• #15

Paul,

Did you go through Fehr? Ive heard good things about their kits, however I have heard that shipping them is expensive.

Bailey @Antique Acres

 

paulsamwel

Member

• Dec 8, 2023

• #16

Hi Bailey,
Yes the headliner is oversize so more expensive,dont remember the cost.My tractor has a Fehr headliner/cab kit.Great fit quality parts.Had the seat redone at a local upholstery shop.
Think I spent around 1200 or 1300 for everything,installed it myself.
Paul

 

paulsamwel

Member

• Dec 8, 2023

• #17

Picture of it the day I bought it.Trashed cosmetically inside and out but only had around 3400 hours.Running gear was solid.Replaced tires,hydraulic pump,fixed oil leaks etc.

 

A

Antique Acres

Member

• Dec 12, 2023

• #18

Paul,

Thanks for the insight. Really appreciate it.

Bailey @Antique Acres

 

OP

OP

Steve in IL

Member

• Feb 27, 2024

• #19

Steve in IL said:

Used to own an early 2-105 (no front lights, air cleaner above engine, A/C condenser fans behind cab). Other than loud cab, and no foot throttle or diff
lock, we really liked that tractor for mowing with 15 foot flex wing mower. Looking to buy something similar, and wondering what the wise folks on this
board think about how the tractor improved (or didn't) through time.

There seem to be many improvements to those tractors, somewhat indicated by the later red stripe paint. But there are also many older tractors painted with
the newer red stripe. The side console shifters seems to be an improvement. Are they? Still later, the cab top looks to be replaced with flashers that
are molded in. Is that an indication of an improved cab?

The Perkins is also replaced by a Cummins. Is that good? Did the rest of the powertrain remain the same? Do the latest models still freewheel in low?
(That is something that you had better learn quickly on hilly ground!)

Any and all comments on how all the changes have stood the test of time are welcome.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Just to complete the loop. A 1982 White 2-110 with 4300 hours, 3 remotes and 30% tires sold at a local consignment auction for $25,000 (plus 2.5% buyer’s premium).

It was a nice enough tractor. Maybe an 8 out of 10.