Can you post the engine code number that is stamped into the shroud on older L-heads or the valve cover on the newer OHV? Don't use the family numbers. On a Briggs and Stratton, the first 6 digits indicate yy/mm/dd.

I have a scotts 2046 (20hp/46 deck) - this information below is found under the seat - it even tells me the age of the unit.

Tractor Serial Numbers: GSX2046010750 20V46T
DATE: 110698
Says "Deere and company" on the sticker
Engine Model number: 406777 Type: 0115E1

I paid $250 for mine - it had a flat tire and some other minor issues. Since it was a John Deere Sabre clone - I felt I was making a relatively safe purchase.

I have found my scotts to be very reliable and a comfortable unit (I like it a lot) .

1) I probably would be happy with a smaller engine for fuel consumption purposes (im really cheap) ... A single cylinder would have been fine for my 1 acre of mow-able property (2.5 acres total). But the V-twin is soooo smooth...

2) I wish I had a slightly smaller deck (mines a 46") ... I cant get my scotts through the shed door. Very important for winter storage.

Thinking about it - Im not really complaining about the motor - as I use the scotts to pull a lawn cart around with never a problem (fill and firewood). As for power - I have more power than I know what to do with. Heck - most times I mow the lawn with the engine actually idling. Except when Im having company - I might go just above idle for a nicer finish on the lawn.

Mine has a hand controlled Hydrostatic on the right side rear fender. Reverse is a bit whimpy - forward is fine. You should check this on your next purchase.

Gear drive trannies (in my opinion) are a little less friendly to shift and manipulate when mowing - However they tend to be more durable. A bulletproof hydro tranny equates to a big buck tractor... If you dont have a lot of obstacles then it wont matter much. I must admit I really like the hand controlled hydro tranny - others swear by the foot controlled units. I would not let a hand or a foot operated hydro be a deciding factor in the purchase. (unless of course a disability gets factored into the equation).

One bummer for me is that Im having trouble finding a bagger for my unit - I really could use a bagger for fall cleanup. Apparently their in the range of $700 dollars and I only spent 250 on the mower ... So Im still looking for a used bagger.

If you think you need a bagger ( then know it up front ) as finding one later could be a problem.

Another thing - you should note these units are not industrial strength GARDEN TRACTORS and putting them through hard labor; such as towing stone up and down the yard isnt something they were designed for (unless you have a level property - i dont).

For example I move a lot of stone on my sloping property - I use an old Sears rider with a 5-speed gear tranny for that type of work. With the idea that I dont want to burn up the hydro pulling big weight around - I probably would be fine, but I like the little 10hp sears for this type of work for some reason.

I think you found a decent deal, and with your back problems you will immediately appreciate a riding mower.

Regardless of your decision, good luck to you - and happy mowing.

Dave

The Scotts mower is a rebranded AYP mower that they have stopped making. All of AYP mowers have strong engines but the trannys wear out if you have hilly surfaces or your subject them to pushing snow or pushing a blade in farm work on a regular basis. If you aren't cutting level land then only expect to get 5-6 years out of them with average maintenance.
If you cut level land & are on time with the maintenance & keep them covered you will probably get 10 years of service from them possibly 15 years.

The Scotts mowers that were sold in Home Depot in the late 90's were John Deere Sabre series mowers. THat is not to say that AYP didn't make some during other years. I worked for a Deere dealer during that time. I don't remember for sure, but I believe that Deere manufactured those tractors themselves. That being said, the Sabre line had a design life of less than 10 years so I wouldn't expect it to last too long.

Mark,

That Scotts 17HP/42" Model# 42502X8 sounds like the original Scotts by Murray that was sold at the HD around 95-96.

Then Scotts was built by JD for a while then the brand disappeared.

Parts manual for that model if you click here

I owned the bigger brother of that Scotts and it was a decent unit. Most parts are available around the net and aftermarket.

I have one that i bought new--same model #---its a 2000---Im trying to find skematic for the carb----gas leaking from small piece on bowl with 2 wires comeing off it---