42 yrs old and Finally got a lawn boy

15 years ago

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/lmower/msg1117022013466.html "I bought this one"

I have know idea if that link is going to work but that doesn't matter so much. The reason for the post is I just wanted to share with someone,that just might care,that I got a cool Lawn Boy.

I think I got a good used Lawn Boy 10515. If the link worked, you know about as much as I do about it. I found this link trying to learn some about my mower. The pics in it are the same that were in the ad on Craiglist. The guy I got it from shared the same story with a little more detail.

Anyway I brought it home and pulled the muffler expecting to find some carbon build up in it and in the exhaust ports but they both were OK. I did manage to remove about a tablespoon of carbon out of the muffler. I also cleaned the filter, changed the plug and put a couple of pumps of grease in the rear wheels. Next I ordered a Gator blade and installed it. I decided to leave the mulch fan off as it did'nt fit against the gator blade like the OEM did.

Today was the first time I used it. At first I wasn't WOW'd by it much. It was only when I mowed some thick grass that my heart raced a bit. I had read about that LB sound and was anxious to hear it. It does sound unique just running but man does it sound killer at work. I'm hooked and have plans to purchase another just as soon as I find it near home.

I'm happy with the price I paid ($100) then add about $40 bucks in gas to pick it up. I really don't know if it was a super good price but I'm happy. It runs great even though I was told it surges some when it's just "running" and not cutting grass. It did surge some when I first brought it home butt I found the air breather was'nt hooked on one end. It looked like it was on but it was'nt. Once I got that on correctly the surging stopped. Anyway heads were turning in the neighborhood today. That LB sounded awesome cutting thick grass.

I am using synthetic echo oil that is 50:1 @ 2.6 ounces per gallon. I mixed up 2 gallons and added 2.6 ounces 3 times. Based on what I've read here the echo synthetic at 50:1 should have been OK but some still add extra to get it closer to 32:1. I should be OK - ? If not,please stop me now. I had no idea that LB ashless oil was still around but I saw a bunch of at HD today. I can use what I mixed today in my Echo blower,edger and weed eater and go with the LB oil.

Anyway, I'm excited and just wanted to share my fun.

Tim

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Comments (7)

nctom
Original Author
15 years ago
Nope, the link doesn't work but you can always copy and paste the address and see it that way.

Tim
1saxman
15 years ago
You do not have to add the extra oil. Just put the two 2.6 oz shots in for two gallons. 2-cycle oils are made differently for different mix ratios. Original LB oil is thin for complete dispensing from the can and quick mixing with the fuel. Consequently it must be mixed no higher than 32:1. Other oils are more concentrated for higher ratios but take more time and attention to dispense and mix. 50:1 with the Echo oil should provide good, clean lubrication for the Lawn-Boy. The engine may surge when not under a load because of lean jetting. This has no significance.
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'Quits surging for the most part when I'm actually mowing grass,' What it does when not cutting grass is technically not of any concern. Specifically, it is running as-designed. The later 2-cycles were forced to run leaner than they should because of emissions laws, so they surge without a load on the engine. When the engine starts to slow because it's cutting, the reduced speed allows the spring-loaded air vane to move, opening the throttle. Still, you might try increasing governor spring tension to pick up a few RPM which sometimes smooths out the surging and makes it go into 'power mode' (smooth hum) sooner. Find the white plastic wheel with knurled rim at the base of the air vane on top of the carb. Turn the wheel 4 clicks clockwise and see how that works. It is not possible to adjust it enough to over-speed. In fact, as long as the mulch fan and blade are attached, you can manually push the air vane all the way over to wide-open throttle and hold it there. It can only run up so far until the horsepower requirements of the two 'fans' meets the max power of the engine, probably 4000 RPM or so. Too fast to use for mowing, but much slower than the engine can potentially run.
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Steve, you should push it to the corner of your driveway, so I can have it, then you can go out and buy a brand new mower! JUST KIDDIN'! Congrats on your mower! Is it your first LB? There are several LB fans here that wouldn't trade them or sell them off for anything, especially now since they're no longer made. It's amazing how well a 30 year old mower can still run and handle,almost like it's 3 years old! Like Walt said, those years had an aluminum tag riveted to the deck usually between the rear wheels. Later on, they used an aluminum backed sticker tags sometimes towards the right rear wheel, and some on the left side back at the rear wheel. Unless the deck had been reconditioned, those tags generally will still be visible. I'm actually getting ready to totally recondition one of mine with all new engine parts and powder coating the deck, new wheels etc. All my other LB's ran forever and well enough never for me really get the desire to do this, just something to do! This mower will no doubt be around long enough for me to end my mowing chores as an old man.
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I have had dozens of these with this problem. I don't know why so many complain about the carbureators being plastic, etc. but they are so simple to work on. Just clean the carb and I usually remove the pilot jet and clean the orifices with a thin wire as well as the main jet orifice. I highly recommend installing a good gas filter like the larger Briggs clear style you can get anywhere. I have made them standard fare on my Lawn Boys for years. I don't like those "York Peppermint Patties" filters though. While you're in the carb you may want to do the minor mod on the jets (very very simple) to make her run better and less prone to clogging in the future. Walt is correct, if the dealer gave you that line, he really doesn't understand 2 cycle engines. They are incredibly simple once understood. But that can probably be said about anything in life. BTW, the elcheapo throttle control plastic detent typically breaks and I wouldn't worry about it. It is really for the idiots who can't figure out what a choke setting is. The better alum. deck models got a better throttle control, much smoother.
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indy452
15 years ago
Congrats!

10515's are one of my favorite Lawnboys that were made. I've used them commercially off and on for years now. If you take care of it, it should last for many years. The wheels are the weak link and take care of the tranny.

Does the 10515 you bought have the metal carb? If so even better!

Enjoy.

Neal
wheresmypension
15 years ago
I enjoyed reading this posting by Tim and I can completely relate to the fun of aquiring a new machine, getting to know everything about them and putting them to work. They seem a little bit alive to me and as I develop a feel for each machine it gives a real sense of empowerment to contol the function of these gadgets that make us capable of so much productive work. This is a golden age for anyone who can truly make friends with machines, because now any average lazy person (like me) can produce results that would have required a whole crew of contractors say 200 years ago. I hope nctom has a lot of fun with the new Lawn Boy...I have to sign off now and go hug some of my tractors. Mark
nctom
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you all for sharing in my excitement. The advice is appreciated and this is another lesson in understanding that things don't have to be brand new and cost a lot of money to be awesome.

I'll have to look again at the carb to verify if it's metal. I do know that the float bowl is metal.

Thank God for bermuda grass and ammonium nitrate.

Tim
indy452
15 years ago
"I'll have to look again at the carb to verify if it's metal. I do know that the float bowl is metal.

Thank God for bermuda grass and ammonium nitrate."

If the float bowl is a goldish color you have the metal Walboro carb. These with the walboro carbs are even better and will usually provide longer service. Good job.

I also have bermuda and my lawnboys like to eat it!!LOL!

Neal
fordtech
15 years ago
Congratulations on your newly aquired Lawn-Boy! Im glad to see someone who appreciates a fine machine.

About 24 years ago I aquired my first Lawn-Boy, a brand new F series with aluminum deck. Man I treasured that mower, cleaning it like brand new every mowing and it treated me with one of the best looking lawns in the neighborhood for several years. I suddenly had to change jobs and move out of country for a couple years and ended up giving the mower to a young brother in law. I really hated to see it go but you have to do what you have to do for the familys future.

I returned to visit family about 5 months later and when I asked brother in law how he liked the mower, well he kind of gave a dirty look and shook his head and proceeded to tell me how much of a POS that mower was and how the engine was locked up and he just threw it away! The ninny forgot to mix fuel with oil and destroyed it, only to blame the mower!

Im very glad to see a mature person take posession of your mower and hope you have a lot of fun with it!

42 yrs old and Finally got a lawn boy

Comments (7)

nctom
Original Author

1saxman

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42 yrs old and Finally got a lawn boy

Comments (7)

nctomOriginal Author

1saxman

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indy452

wheresmypension

nctomOriginal Author

indy452

fordtech

COMPANY

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nctom
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Original Author