Toro 12-38

[supton]

Model 71184, it appears to be a 12hp mower with a (rotted out) 38" deck. From 1994? Question: was this a good machine? I keep reading about how late model stuff is awful, but I don't want to keep fixing up yesteryear's junk either. I was given this machine about 10 years ago and have done little with it.

Right now it smokes a bit at startup and runs rich--air filter looks clean but I haven't touched the carb ever. The web says 12hp Briggs and Straton. Was told it needed a carb when I got it but for some reason it's been ok for me. Did misfire spectacularly the other day though. 5 speed gearbox; I looked the other day and there was no drain or fill plug on it.

Recently it has decided to stop moving at times, but the last time I used it I realized that I can't start out in 2nd gear. I have to start in 1st and shift while moving into 2nd. I'm guessing cable adjustment, maybe?

Only reason I ask is because I'm toying with getting tire chains for it as I run out of traction while moving my 4x8 trailer around. I don't want to put money into this one since it appears "every" tractor uses a different size tire, and CL is full of cheapo tractors.

 

[jeepman3071]

I wouldn't really put any money into it. They were decent machines when new, but are your typical consumer grade lawn tractor meant more for mowing and not towing or plowing. If the engine doesn't burn oil and the trans works decent it might be worth putting a new carb on it. If it's pretty worn out then I'd just try to clean the carb and get it running the best you can.

 

[supton]

I'm not a good gauge of "good" I guess. It moves, beyond that... Sounds like decent plan, just milk it along I guess. I'd like to get chains for it to move my trailer but it sounds like i should find a better tractor first, then get chains (if need be) at a later date.

Poor thing has been stored outdoors for 10, maybe 12 years. Rust is start to creep up there on the frame--nothing bad, but I'm dubious about any hardware breaking free--or I should say, not breaking off.

 

[FT92]

all I can add is I bought one used years ago, ran it for maybe 10 years then sold it to my brother in law who ran it for another 2-3 years , when he moved into an apartment he sold it to a friend who still uses it as far as I know...only thing I replaced on it was the carb which worked great but the linkage was so worn I just replaced the carb from another machine I had sitting around

 

[Fawteen]

Originally Posted by supton
I keep reading about how late model stuff is awful, but I don't want to keep fixing up yesteryear's junk either. I was given this machine about 10 years ago and have done little with it.


Take what you read on the internet with a significant dose of skepticism. There are good and bad models of "late model stuff", just educate yourself on the difference.

Personally unless it had some significant value (an old Toro rider does not) I wouldn't put any time or effort into it.

 

[jeepman3071]

Originally Posted by supton
I'm not a good gauge of "good" I guess. It moves, beyond that... Sounds like decent plan, just milk it along I guess. I'd like to get chains for it to move my trailer but it sounds like i should find a better tractor first, then get chains (if need be) at a later date.

Poor thing has been stored outdoors for 10, maybe 12 years. Rust is start to creep up there on the frame--nothing bad, but I'm dubious about any hardware breaking free--or I should say, not breaking off.


Keep in mind that chains can put more stress on the axles/gearbox.

 

[supton]

I take everything I read with a grain of salt. But I don't want to toss good money after bad fixing something not worth while. When I was a kid I knew what cars were good ,what engines & transmissions were good, etc. For some reason I've never done that for yard equipment.

 

[jeepman3071]

Originally Posted by supton
I take everything I read with a grain of salt. But I don't want to toss good money after bad fixing something not worth while. When I was a kid I knew what cars were good ,what engines & transmissions were good, etc. For some reason I've never done that for yard equipment.


A lot of it has to do with condition. I have customers with el-cheapo machines that last for decades because they store them inside and meticulously maintain them, and others who go through $10,000 mowers every 2 years because they destroy everything they touch.

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted by supton
.... and CL is full of cheapo tractors.


If you are retired.... keeping old riding mowers running can easily become a full time job!

if you want "good" HEAVY iron mowers, think 1960's and `1970's....not 199x

 

[supton]

Nah, not retired, have more enough to do as it is. I really don't mind taking on a project, fixing it up--but when done, I'm done. I'd expect it to just run and run. A project that keeps needing attention... is not something I need right now.

Older stuff is tempting, but a recently I replaced a flathead driven snowblower with a couple of OHV jobs, and the difference is impressive, fuel consumption wise. I'm not sure I am real interested in side valve motors anymore. Especially not since many of them must be moving into the NLA area for parts availability. Like I said, I don't know what is good and what is bad (and on CL, anything good is something you have to jump on, fast).

 

[supton]

Used it a bit this weekend. I suspect the gear lever is out of adjustment? I didn't get a chance to see if there was an adjustment. Anyhow. It works fine if I take off in 1st, then shift up while moving. Taking off in second, no go.

Something I also noticed: the gear shift will get stuck and not shift. Let's say I get stuck, wheels are spinning. I hit the brake, at a full stop. I try to reverse direction. It won't come out of gear to go into reverse (or forward). I did have another time where it wasn't stuck, maybe I was on a hill (forget now) but while stopped the gear lever was stuck. Like the drivetrain is binding up?

 

[JTK]

Sorry if I missed it, but can you cut grass with it? You mentioned the deck is rotted out.

Only things I can think of with the transaxle is rust or junk on or around the lever/linkage? Maybe contaminated grease/oil in the box causing the shift forks to stick?

These were real Toro machines back then and better than MTD or Murray of the day.

 

[supton]

Yeah, it still cuts grass. Used it for 30 or 40 minutes this weekend. New battery make starting a snap.

I should give it a soaking down, maybe some Fluid Film.