After searching CL for about 1 year, I finally pulled the trigger on a used (cheap) rider. My lawn isn't that large, so I didn't really "need" a rider. I wanted it for more of a toy -- pulling implements, pulling kids in trailer, and mowing back yard in a hurry. Thus, my budget was real low. I found this '99 Ace (MTD) close by, and picket it up last month. It was $300, and looks/runs great. It has a 16.5 HP Briggs with spin-on filter, hydro, 42" cut. It starts/runs/drives real nice -- with no smoke. I could tell the previous owner took care of it, and actually cleaned it up for the sale. It's not perfect of course. It could use a new seat (cracked), and 1 new front tire (bald), but it could also be used as-is for quite some time. It also needs some steering work: the tie rod is slightly bent. He included a lot of new parts for the steering: tie rod, spindles, ball joints, etc. A mulch kit was also included. I'll fix the steering once my other main project is complete.
It was due for standard maintenance. I changed the oil first thing. Manual states to use synthetic 10w30 for year-round use. I bought Castrol Edge on sale, and used a longer Purolator classic filter (about 1/3 the price of Briggs filter). I want/need a Pig Funnel before the next oil change! I changed air filter/pre-filter. Spark plug looked good. The blades need sharpening (bad). I also bought a new fuel filter (but haven't changed yet).
Yes -- I know MTD is garbage -- blah blah blah, but it should suit me for what I intend to use it for (and $ paid for it). On to the pics: (Of course it's parked in the worst part of our lawn -- please don't judge my grass by that patch. We have a dog, and that patch is right off the patio/deck. The rest looks pretty good. I need to reseed that section this Fall)
It was due for standard maintenance. I changed the oil first thing. Manual states to use synthetic 10w30 for year-round use. I bought Castrol Edge on sale, and used a longer Purolator classic filter (about 1/3 the price of Briggs filter). I want/need a Pig Funnel before the next oil change! I changed air filter/pre-filter. Spark plug looked good. The blades need sharpening (bad). I also bought a new fuel filter (but haven't changed yet).
Yes -- I know MTD is garbage -- blah blah blah, but it should suit me for what I intend to use it for (and $ paid for it). On to the pics: (Of course it's parked in the worst part of our lawn -- please don't judge my grass by that patch. We have a dog, and that patch is right off the patio/deck. The rest looks pretty good. I need to reseed that section this Fall)
