25 year old lawn mowers

[dlundblad]

You’re doing good helping the neighbor.

My dad recently went to an electric push mower so he gave me his old (I’m guessing 20 year old?) Tecumseh powered Lawn Boy as well as an older Briggs powered thing that a family friend gave him 10 years ago.

I already had one and didn’t need 3. Really don’t need 2. Gave the Briggs to a guy down the road and am keeping the LB. It needs topped off after every use even with 20w50. The deck is cracking in 3 spots so I have it tied together with 1”x8” pieces of steel and tek5 screws. I have another deck that should work. Found it non running for free. Will likely need fuel hoses and a new primer bulb soon.

 

[350Rocket]

Yes, it’s a Craftsman with those super sized rear wheels with ball bearings. The thing nearly took off down the hill by itself!

I have a 1999 Toro recycler, probably the same engine. Only issue with it is plastic gas tank leaks above half full and it smokes blue on cold start. I paid $140 used like 6 or 7 years ago.

Nothing but oil changes and blade sharpening so far and a bit of fuel system cleaner when the oil level was rising (needle and seat sticking probably). That problem went away and it doesn't use any oil between changes once a year.

 

[Wylie6G72]

My 2004 Troy Bilt has the 6.25hp with that same kill switch. I like to degrease and then wash the mower occasionally and when that thing gets even a little wet, you can forget starting it. But the engine has been completely trouble-free except oil consumption pretty much from the beginning, but 15W-50 solved that. Definitely worth saving.

 

[Rmay635703]

My 2004 Troy Bilt has the 6.25hp with that same kill switch. I like to degrease and then wash the mower occasionally and when that thing gets even a little wet, you can forget starting it. But the engine has been completely trouble-free except oil consumption pretty much from the beginning, but 15W-50 solved that. Definitely worth saving.

Yeah, this brigs was able to start fully swamped in the rain, too bad nothing lasts forever, probably some seals getting crunchy.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Now for the rest of the story. The new control cable came in. It was a bit too long, but I was able to wrap it once around the control bar before I Inserted the upper end into its slot. I wrapped electrical tap around it to keep it from popping out accidentally. The cable can now pull the kill switch open and disengage the brake. Works great.

 

[JHZR2]

Loving my 20yo John Deere and my two nearly 40yo snapper mowers!

As long as you can get parts, run them!

Glad to see other old equipment being run to its fullest!

 

[gman2304]

Loving my 20yo John Deere and my two nearly 40yo snapper mowers!

As long as you can get parts, run them!

Glad to see other old equipment being run to its fullest!

100%. I bought the one on the left off CL a couple of years ago for $150 as a spare…just in case. Both 1998 models and still run great.

 

[JHZR2]

100%. I bought the one on the left off CL a couple of years ago for $150 as a spare…just in case. Both 1998 models and still run great.

View attachment 234508

Oooh that one with the filter is so neat!

 

[Snagglefoot]

Now for the rest of the story. The new control cable came in. It was a bit too long, but I was able to wrap it once around the control bar before I Inserted the upper end into its slot. I wrapped electrical tap around it to keep it from popping out accidentally. The cable can now pull the kill switch open and disengage the brake. Works great.

Now for the fruits of my labor. I received a surprise 60 ounzer.

 

[Jim K]

< 25 year old lawn mower guy.