Iseki TU167 buying advice: everything you need to know before you buy

Iseki TU167 buying advice: everything you need to know before you buy

Looking for an Iseki TU167, or torn between the TU147, TU157 and TU177? Together, these four models form a generation of compact Landhope mini tractors that you regularly come across second-hand in the Netherlands and Belgium. In this buying guide, we explain the differences, what you can expect to pay, and what to look out for during a test drive.

Suitable for the entire series: Iseki Landhope TU147, TU157, TU167 and TU177 (2WD and 4WD versions).

Iseki TU167: one generation, four model numbers

The TU147, TU157, TU167 and TU177 are the same generation of compact Iseki mini tractor, but with increasing power output. They share the same chassis concept, the same clutch, brakes, steering system and gearbox (6 forward / 2 reverse), but differ in engine, dimensions and tyre size. The higher the model number, the bigger and heavier the tractor.

Good to know: the TU147 and TU157 run on a smaller engine (engine codes K3B and K3C respectively), while the TU167 and TU177 both have the larger K3D engine. This is a concrete, technical difference that becomes even more important later in this article and on the specifications page when you start looking for parts.

The sister series TU145/TU155/TU165/TU175

There's something else you should know before searching for parts or comparable listings: alongside the TU147/157/167/177 range, there's an almost identical sister series with the model numbers TU145, TU155, TU165 and TU175. Comparing the original Iseki factory manuals of both series shows that the technical specifications — engine code, displacement, power, dimensions, weight, tyres, transmission, capacities, even the troubleshooting table — are literally identical at every point between, for example, the TU167 and the TU165.

In practice, these are two parallel model number ranges for the same generation of tractor, presumably differing by production year, export market or dealer badge. The most important consequence for you as a buyer or owner: parts between, for example, a TU167 and a TU165 are almost always a 1-to-1 match, since they share the same engine (K3D) and the same chassis. So if you come across a listing for a TU165 while actually looking for parts for your TU167, you're usually fine.

Don't confuse this with the real difference within the series itself: the TU147 (K3B engine) and TU157 (K3C engine) have a different, smaller engine than the TU167/TU177 (both K3D engine). Head gasket, piston rings and other engine-specific parts are therefore not simply interchangeable between a TU147/TU157 on the one hand and a TU167/TU177 on the other, even though they belong to the same tractor generation.

Iseki TU167: what is this generation suitable for?

These are compact, lightweight mini tractors ranging from 14.5 to 17.5 hp, built for small-scale ground work, hobby farms, landscaping businesses and private owners with a larger property. Think of mowing grass with a flail mower, light tilling work, a small rotary tiller, towing a small trailer, or snow clearing in winter. They're too light for heavy continuous ground work or large plots; for that, you'd better look at heavier classes. But for maintaining a yard, an orchard or a small plot, they're excellent, especially thanks to their small turning circle.

Iseki TU167: overview per model

For the full technical specifications, dimensions and 4WD variants: see the Iseki TU167 specifications page.

Iseki TU167 second-hand prices: indicative overview

Prices of second-hand Iseki Landhope tractors from this generation vary widely, depending on operating hours, version (2WD or 4WD), presence or absence of power steering, presence or absence of a cabin, and overall maintenance condition. The amounts below are therefore purely indicative and not a guarantee — always physically inspect and test drive any tractor before buying.

Buying an Iseki TU167: what should you look out for?

• Verify the engine code on the type plate. Since the TU147/TU157 have a different engine (K3B/K3C) than the TU167/TU177 (K3D), you'll want to be certain which engine is actually fitted before ordering parts or comparing prices.
• Pay attention to the exhaust during a test run. Noticeably heavy white smoke at idle that reduces when you rev the engine is a well-known phenomenon with these older diesel engines and often points to worn injectors, incorrect injection timing or low compression. See our troubleshooting page for a detailed explanation and what you can do about it.
• Check the clutch, brake and steering play. The clutch pedal should have 20-30mm of play, the brake pedal 30-40mm, and left/right should be adjusted equally. If this feels different, it's often easy to fix but still a point for negotiation.
• Check for rust at the chassis number and frame. These tractors are often 30+ years old; carefully inspect the condition of the frame, especially on tractors that have been kept outdoors.
• Ask about maintenance history. Has the engine oil and filter been changed regularly? Has the coolant been refreshed? This says a lot about how carefully the previous owner has looked after the tractor.
• 2WD or 4WD? 4WD versions are heavier and have an additional front axle gearbox and front axle that need lubrication (see our fluids page) — check there for leaks as well.