gypsmjim wrote: "No one answered my original question, i.e., don't you think that if Toro is licensing their equipment manufacturer to a subcontractor they would be having it made to their specs? I say that becasue the HD JD sitting right next to the HD Toro looked to be of equivalent "quality" (whatever that means), while the Yardman clearly looked a cut below." ********************************************************** MTD is in the business of manufacturing tractors to the specifications agreed upon between themselves and the party ordering the tractors. So, in my opinion, Toro calls the shots when it comes to choosing the quality of the components selected for tractors bearing the Toro name. When it comes to OPE, the selling price increases as the quality, size and features of the tractor increases. Better hydros, larger hp, larger deck sizes, larger tires are the obvious differences that salespeople point out to the consumer. Whether the blade spindles are stronger or the idler pulleys use larger bearings in them are things that the consumer can't be shown nor would many of them even understand. If all three tractors you looked at are within 100 dollars of each other, then you would expect them to be built to roughly the same quality and offer the same features. If the Yardman is several hundred dollars less expensive, then it will certainly be lacking in features and quality. If you are considering all three, then look up the specs and do a detailed comparison. Start with the hydro unit because, aside from the engine, that is the second most expensive repair part on the tractor.

actually i have idea what a camshaft or a camgear is. i thought they were just the same thing. now you can see i will never be the mechanic to maintein the JD properly. I followed everyone's advice here and accepted the 1999 JD 425 offer. It does NOT come with any attachment. It is used by a homeowner (sole owner) strictly for cutting grass in the past 10 years. i guess that explained the low hour of usage on the engine. i will arrange a pickup as soon as possible with the seller and will report back after that. hopefully it will go through smoothly this time. njrookie

One thing, which I keep mentioning, is leaky intake gaskets. It's a very easy thing to eliminate, by spraying WD-40 or some other combustible spray around the intake gasket area. If it smooths out, you'll have an idea of the problem, if it doesn't, look elsewhere. Of course the WD-40 won't cure the problem, only isolate it. In your situation, when everything is cold, the parts would be contracted for a possible leak, as it warms they will expand to possibly seal the leak.

i have a 425 jd . carb. 20hp. ohv. k series 583 hours. last year the motor started missing and then it cutoff .the jd dealer installed a time delay module. on it. it ran good for nov 2 2006 to nov 29/2007 now it has been in the shop 2 more times for this problem. dealer told me they do not know what is wrong. things i have done to it myself the past week . 1.new air filters both of them 2.new fuel filter 3. checked and gaped plugs 4.cleaned raditor fins and screen this mower has been very well taken care of. if anyone has had this problem please e/mail me . also just got my tractor back on sat.26/2008 dealer said they replaced time delay module again . if they did it still will not run