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Suggestion for Craftsman Riding Mower

15 years ago

I have a Craftsman Riding Mower - 42" 6 speed 15.5 HP OHV Briggs & Stratton Turbo Cool Model 28N707 Type 0173-01 Code 960905ZD. I am going to sell this and am not sure of how to price it. I used this mower up until July 2005, and it worked great then. After this we moved to a suburb (relocated due to job), and I just needed to use a push mower. I kept the riding mower, since we were considering moving back to the country within the next couple of years. I would start the mower every few months. However, the mower went unstarted for about 6 - 8 months or more, and after that it would not start. The motor would turn but would not start. Now, the mower has not started in over a year. Yesterday, I tried to start it again. I do not know much about working on motors. I drained the gas tank and put fresh gasoline in it. It would turn but would not start. After doing some searching online, I have found that since it has sat for so long unstarted, the carburetor is probably gummed up. Other possibilities from what I have read - fuel filter bad, gasoline line plugged (if this is the case, it would be the hose from the filter to the carburetor because I drained the gas from the tank through the hose from the tank once I disconnected it from the fuel filter)...

My question is would it be worth my time to try to get the mower running - would I get my money's worth regarding selling it? Or should I just sell it like it is and explain its condition and just sell it accordingly (for a lower price)?

Which ever the case, what kind of price should I ask? As for what I have had done to this when I was using it - deck rebuilt, tune up, clutch mechanism replaced, inner tubes put in tires - this is all I can think of).

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Comment (1)

rustyj14
15 years ago
A fine running piece of machinery will bring a far better price, than one that has been neglected! When folks are looking for a lawn tractor, they are one of two kinds of people.
1. the helpless sort, who don't know anything more about a tractor, than turn the key and get it started, move handles, mow grass, put away wet!
2. Folks like me, who see a challenge in anything that doesn't run, and will drag home some of the most mis-treated stuff, to make it run again, and either re-sell it, or use it to cut their own grass.
  One guy said, when i made an offer for a mistreated lawn tractor:"That's a ridiculous offer!" I told him "i only make ridiculous offers, call me if it doesn't sell!"
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***" But the problem is in reinstalling the 4 brush plate and holding all the brushes in to get past the rotor."*** That part (referred to as "rotor"), is the commutator (in case you do try taking the starter apart). There are a few threads throughout this forum that include some methods for "keeping the brushes caged" during assembly. If you are going to attempt a "teardown", I suggest you research the older forum threads for these tips and techniques. ***" You can field test the starter on a bench with 12 volts."*** Yes, but not "just any" 12V source. Ideally you need to use a 12 volt automotive battery, at least as "big" as what is in the tractor, and that battery must be fully charged. Trying to use a small, low output battery charger will likely produce negative results. Use a set of jumper cables to a "known to be good" 12V battery for bench (or "driveway") testing.
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You say "The engine ran smooth etc." And WHEN was the last time that engine RAN smooth" 2 days prior to swapping? Or, last year? You really ought to start a new thread to cover this issue. It might be helpful to some of us if you will provide the engine model number and type number you find stamped or listed on a decal ON THE ENGINE. And you need to give the numbers for both engines and tell us which one you took out and which one is the replacement. What about the fuel hoses you are using? Are they new? If the Yardman tractor had sat for a long time in an inoperable condition, the inevitable varnish that will form inside the hoses may be breaking loose and migrating into the carb.
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