Buying used MTD mower DON'TS
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ส.ค. 2024
- In this video I'm trying to show you some of the pointers that I use whenever I'm
out looking for used mowers. There's a lot of design flaws that are inherent with some of these mowers and in this video I'm showing you an older MTD design which covers quite a few mowers like the Yard Man some of the Husky brands and some of the Yard Man series which now are defunct . I find that most of the fault with the mower is based on two things and that is previous owners not making the correct repairs also, and mainly, the way the desk engages the belt and blades whenever it is lowered as one smooth operation however when cutting grass the belt has a tendency to slip which is not good whenever you're needing to maintain blade speed to cut heavier grass. - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
I have one just like it. 20 years old, best mower I have ever had.
same here, I know a guy who has the same model, 20+ years old and he mows and plows snow with it. doesn't want to get rid of it even though he could buy a new one anytime he wants.
I have a 1995 MTD Yard Machine that I bought new. Just replaced one of the drive belts this week, everything else is original. I have one acre of land and have had no issues with this mower.
i have a 95 mtd as well. can you tell me how to level the chasis (not the deck)? mine leans, but deck looks level.
@@khamkham7134 check all the air in the tires look up under make sure nothings come a loose that front part swivels may have a bad front wheel bearing
Strange you never said anything about liking to throw rear drive belts. My 1996 12 horse model loved to throw rear drive belts. You can't add lube to transaxle also. The transaxle case cracked after 25 years of mowing. I actually found a replacement in a mower salvage yard. It's still mowing today.
I've only replaced the rear drive belt because it broke.
I finally changed the deck belt and the front drive belt because they were getting loose.
Never seen one that the deck engaged when you lowered it. My parents owned an mtd yard machine with that motor and a 42" deck,but it wasn't that design. They used it for 21 trouble free years from 1990-2010. I did the routine maintenance on it as far as tune ups and taking the battery in the house and keeping it charged occasionally throughout the winter. Never replaced the belts,tires,or antiscalp wheels. When they got rid of it it was because the tires were dry rotted and leaking air so bad that they had to be aired up for each mowing. They mowed about an acre a week with it 7 months out of the year. Not bad for $985 in 1990 dollars.
I have the same one except mine is hunter green. 1998 Model. I am the second owner. It is still going strong. I actually think that it cuts grass and throws it better than my John Deer rider. I know MTD gets a bad rap, but they are one of my favorites because of the parts interchangeability and availability. Most things to work on them are easy. Pretty bulletproof engine and transaxle combination that has been around a long time. The key to these, as any machine, is proper maintenance.
If you really want brighter headlights in your mower, it's best just to buy the LED equivalent of whatever bulb fits your mower's headlight socket. Say maybe 1156 or 1157. For under 20 bucks you can have 300-500 lumens at half the power draw of the the standard bulb.
I own a 1997 12.5 / 38" MTD Yard Machine and it's been the best mower I've ever owned ! To say this machine has a flaw is incorrect in my opinion judging on my machine . If the machine is having trouble cutting you should mention all possible reasons . For one , people often let their grass get too high and then try cutting with the deck too low . And they never sharpen or replace the blades . You should also mention worn and or stretched belts and when they do replace belts to be sure to get the right ones ! People will often get belts 1/2 inch in width when they need 5/8 inch . And that makes a world of difference . I am amazed at how mine will climb the hill out back and march through the grass , cutting with no problem !
I've used a couple of these 90's mtd designs for almost 2 decades. They do the job, if they're maintained and not abused.
The single cylinder B&S does labor when cutting tall, thick grass. The opposed B&S twin does a better job, when the grass is taller.
They continue to serve me well and surely beat having to use a push mower.
Like a lot of mowers, they need nearly constant tinkering. Not the "set it and forget it" type. Seen it on a few ride on mowers, not just mtd. They all have their problems
I have a 22 year old MTD (Ward's) that still runs good. Other than the battery, the only things I had to replace were the ignition coil and a belt pulley - and those were only last year. I even still have the original belts on it. Oh, I forgot the plastic starter gear broke about 5 years ago, I think that was about $2. I addition to mowing, in the Spring I aerate the lawn separately and in the Fall I sweep the leaves separately, so I put about a season and a half on the machine every year. If you think the old MTDs were bad, look at the new mowers with plastic engine parts and plastic transaxels.
I have 4 of that generation of MTD riding mower (ranging from 1990 to 2005). They are the best value of any riders I have ever owned. They are cheap and easy to maintain and they are far more reliable that my 61" Dixon Ram Ultra that cost $5,800. The Dixon was the worst I've ever owed. I could have bought dozens of good used MTDs for the price of that POS.
Ive had a 12/42 MTD since 1991. Never had a problem with it! All I ever had to replace was the foot pad for $8.00
The wiring is a good pointer too. I've seen them where people wrap wires around metal oil drain tubes. Heat and friction are of the two things wire jackets hate and some people think it's a good idea to wrap the wires around a source of both of them.
There are too many modifications to that lawn mower that it's really not fair to make a comparison to an all-stock one. For example, I have the exact same model mower as the one in the video- the only difference is that, other than possibly the belts and battery, it is completely as it was when it left the factory. On that note, I have had no major issues with it, being a 30 year old machine.
I have a mtd twin cylinder 46 inch cut still running strong .. not bad for a 1999 model
My 14 horse Yardman rider is difficult to turn. How can I fix this or should I take it to the repairman?
Thanks for posting these helpful hints. MTD lawn tractor mowers are pretty common around here - identical machine can be found under 5 or 6 brand names. I saw a used one, priced attractively, but when I checked it, it had several of the problems you mention. Found another, 16 HP/42 inch deck for $50 more, 4 years old, owner had maintained it really well and it had none of the problems you mention, except cracked "headlight" plastic. That didn't worry me - we get 16-17 hours/day of sunlight, so no mowing in the dark, LOL. All the other trouble spots you point out were good, plus everything worked properly. Sure I spent $50 more, but your "trouble tips" probably saved me a few hundred. Tip for others who are looking - don't be afraid to ask the owner about how often he's serviced his machine, and what's been done. If it's a good unit, the owner will have no hesitation in telling you - and you can see it as well. Even little things - any rust starting, etc. My only beef is that I wished the seat was set a bit further back, but that's easy enough to adjust. Thanks again!
+Jim Baritone Great News! Glad to hear it helped out.. Happy Mowing😁
Aren't the seats supposed to be easy to adjust? Was the beef that the previous owner was a different build, or that it couldn't be adjusted far back enough?
I've had my MTD 38" cut riding mower for over 10 years and it's been fantastic. Looks like most of the trouble with this mower is the owner!!
Like I said in the video there's going to be exceptions however 95% of the MTD mowers that I worked on over the years, that have that cutting deck design, always have issues. Feel lucky you're in the 5%.
@@Foxboss9 hi , you think you can help me out , I had a question about the turf trac
I had one I had bought back in 1994 it lasted me 14 years best mower I’ve ever owned.
I've owned and fixed several of these mowers, one problem that often gets overlooked it the belt tensioner will get rusty and become "fixed", frozen in place, and then cannot keep the proper tension on the deck belt as the deck is raised and lowered. As difficult as it is to pull the deck out of these its always worth checking this. In about half of the ones I've fixed the tensioner was messed with by the p.o. or someone in the past, and were incorrectly installed, so that they were reassembled into a fixed position, probably right after replacing the belt. Then when the new belt stretches a bit they end up being too loose, and squeal and slip as did his neighbors mower did in the video. There is a hat shaped washer require at the tensioner pivot, so the tensioner arm can still pivot freely after the bolt at the pivot is fully tightened. If it doesn't you have something wrong. Another problem has been weak springs, both the deck belt tensioner, an the big spring that pulls the deck to the rear. If they are rusty or stretched out a bit they are not going to provide the correct tension. I've added new springs to the list of parts for all f my deck rebuilds, unless they are pretty new, for most mowers they are still available.
I've had other issues with these mowers, like the rather flimsy front axle, sometimes actually breaking at the pivot or spindle hole. But for all of the issues MTD's are plentiful and cheap, most parts are readily available, and if you're handy mechanically you can keep one of these mowing for a long time. For any brand of mower the biggest problem I see are the people that leave them out in the weather all winter, uncovered and exposed, and expect them to fire up and run fine in the spring. They were not designed for this. Exposure to the weather has probably killed more mowers than actual use, which is silly since an $8 plastic tarp can prevent it.
I have a 1986 MTD 18 hp it has an electric clutch for the deck and it cuts beautiful even when the grass is over 2months growth.Thanks for the video.
john palma Thanks for sharing that and reminding viewers that there was a time when MTD wasn't trying to dominate the outdoor power market and instead was making some decent equipment.... Your older MTD had a lot going for it, 1) it didn't have the stupid "lower the deck, blade engagement.. 2) having the positive belt engagement with a PTO huuuge advantage and 3) the smooth power and torque that can only be provided by a twin cylinder.. All those pluses adds up to a good mower.. keep it going, shopping for a suitable replacement that would treat your as good as that one does gets real expensive these days..
that head light looks cool 😎
The steering gears/linkage should be checked prior to purchasing a used machine.
I agree, I avoid those like the plague. You didn't mention how hard it is to replace the drive belts...lol. that deck design is a nightmare
My dad had that same mower. He passed away and it is still sitting in the garage. No one uses it much now. It is like BRAND NEW after all these years. The battery did croak after a while from lack of use. The headlights in those mowers are more for mowing out by the road so cars can see you. I personally think they are junk but they seem to last a long time if well maintained or like my dad's, not used much. The biggest problem I see is some people buy too small of a mower for the lawn. Any mower will bog down in tall grass. Especially wet grass. I remember this huge lady bought this tiny little lawn mower for 3 acres of lawn. She called me on it because it kept quitting. The gas can in her garage had no cap and was full of caterpillers. That's right, dead caterpillers. Plus it was full of water. I made her buy a new gas can and cleaned all the junk out of her gas tank and carburetor. She wore that poor little mower out quickly because of mowing too tall of weeds and hay field , plus the ground was uneven.
This isn’t a MTD problem, this is a owner being an idiot and not getting it fixed correctly. I’ve fixed many MTD’s of that body style and the worst part of these is the belt system for the drive. Besides that they are good mowers I’d the engine runs and the trans works.
Exactly I had a MTD 42 inch mower for 14 years never had any problems with it I think I only replaced a belt one time out of the 14 years best mower I’ve ever owned.
You can tell a bracket is missing from the deck. That's why the belt keeps slipping...
I mow every week with a 1964 John Deere 110. People call me crazy until they see it in action it does a beautiful job, but I put a lot of money into rebuilding the engine, transmission and mower deck. So it works like brand new but has that weathered old look
It's really hard to buy that kind of quality anymore..
The drive belt slippage might be due to that spring that attaches behind the right rear wheel. It pulls back on the deck to tension the belt. And maybe a new, correct belt is in order.
THIS GUY KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT MTD
Excellently presented. Perfectly explains some issues, I was given one of these this week from a client cleaning out the shed, i've sorted it all out, cleaned it up and now cant wait to make it dissapear into someone elses shed. Can't complain being given a decent working mower for being a reliable service provider.
David Hancock 👍😁
That was luck
I’ve ran a few of these MTDs and none of them have had decks that stay on or function. I’ve had some transmission issues as well. The most common is that when they sit for a while the lower gears don’t work, only the high gears will move the tractors for a few minutes. Also I’ve had belt slippage problems in high gears but I think that’s just the belt. I wouldn’t not recommend mowing with one.
I have one and the mower will stop moving forward in 1st gear if there is much resistance like climbing a grade or in thick tall grass. Is this a transmission issue or a belt issue? The mower was bought new by my grandfather, he used it for a few seasons and became ill and could no longer use the mower so it set unused under a carport for the next 8 or 9 years. I took possession of it this year and after cleaning the carb and replacing the fuel lines, changing the oil and a new battery have been using it since about May and just noticed the problem with 1st gear a couple weeks ago
Randy Gray after running the machine for awhile all the gears will start working. If you pull the clutch back with your foot and hold it back it should keep going in low gears.
@@enginesandoutdoors3238 Thanks Ill try that
Randy Gray if that doesn’t work try replacing the drive belts
I've found that running 55w lights is not a problem. If however the battery is slightly larger than the factory battery, it will touch the seat and discharge. This will cause the need to be charged.
By discharge, do you mean it will create a huge arc and blast you off the seat into the air?
Engine mounting plate bushes distort giving more belt slack too! Starter pinion wears quickly. Steering track rod bends
giving toe out/wheel jam. Grass duct gets blocked regularly unless grass is short and bone dry. Safety switches fail.
Starter Solenoids fail. Flywheel magnets come unglued, locking engine. Beside other faults you mention!
robert stirling I agree mtd mowers are garbage
That poor guy is having the hardest time mowing his yard.
Before I started repairing tractors, I did a lot of mowing and these MTD tractors will take a beating. The decks are difficult to remove but are also very well attached and can take a ton of abuse. I never picked up trash, just mowed ever rhino in its path. These older MTD machines are tougher than the new ones. Now the EZ remove quick attach decks are barely mounted to the tractor and the mounting beakers are easy to bend and break off. I fix this issue quite often along with spindles vibrating loose from the mounts and ripping off the deck. All the big box store mowers are wimpy. I think the AYP machines are about the best. Unfortunately craftsman is having mowers built by MTD again so even craftsman is turning to crap. I have found that Husqvarna and Ariens are pretty much all built by AYP. At least all the newer models out now that Iv been seeing around Texas. I do agree about the Briggs v twin, with good servicing the v twin motors will outlive the tractors.
Yep just scored a 1988 wizzard 12 hp commercial 460cc briggs 38 " deck. All i did was cut a regular lawn tractor battery in where the tiny motorcycle battery would have gone, the deck itself is solid american steel you can tell . cleaned out the carb and off it went cutting grass better than my john deer ever did . i went through 3 decks with john deer they just rot out quickly and cant take any abuse , the brackets break off the deck from cheap chinese steel as soon as they rust forget it . its over . The wizard was free and in better than good shape . grand total about 40 bucks into it 32 for the battery including the core charge. can of drab green camo paint and a few grade 8 bolts and nuts to make bracket to hold the bigger battery in place lol try and even find a decent used john deere deck for under 250 . just wont happen. Im thrilled to be back on a old school lawn tractor . I kept the deere la-125 for some use . But ill be running my Wizard from western Auto as my grass cutter. as far as the long arm that drops the deck . i see no issues?? . Replacing belts will take more time but new lawn tractors are garbage unless you pay $3,000 dollars or more . This was made in 88 and still in great shape . My john deere looks like the old jaloppy all held together with anything available to keep it from disintegrating as far as dry rot on tires ??? show me a tractor that dosen't get dry rot on tires ! The john deer had them after 3 years . That dosent effect anything pop a tube in it when it wont hold air . If the new lawn tractors are better why is everyone selling them lol on any given day youl see 20 husqvarnas for sale and 20 john deere as well and cub cadets !! Even my old gear shifting craftsmans or yardmans were better than todays
Our 1994 MTD 16hp Tecumseh (Agway) is still going. Only oil changes, deck pulley bearings, of course belts changed. Never touched transmission. Original tires and seat is like new. Does not smoke either. But it is getting tired. A lot of hours on it!
Spent a good bunch of hours putting the belt on for my neighbor lady..tall weeds & these mowers dont mix . Thanks for the great video !
Amen! Thanks for watching 😁
just picked one up for sixty bucks. new battery and drained rain water from gas runs good. missing belt guard on deck blades won't stop spinning when disengaged. I agree bad deck design. hope a new cover will solve my problem.
Good tips for buying used mowers. I bought one of the Montgomery Wards (Powr Krart twin cylinder ) tractors in 97 & mow 1 & ½ acres of mostly hills. It still runs strong. On the Wards tractor I do not have the cutting problem you mentioned. I did have to change the starter once & the 2 blade deck I swapped out for a 3 blade deck due to the original deck rotting out. I have limited garage space & left it outside for years (although covered). I will be using it this weekend. When cutting advise your neighbor to cut in a pattern that shoots the grass out away from center not inward only to build up. You are a 100% right about having to remove the deck . After all these years I still cringe just thinking about changing the belts & sharpening the blades.
+JOE Z 😃
I have a 12.5 hp with a 38inch deck and it works fine just had to have to beirings replaced it strong running
Excellent video! Tell your viewers to go on Craig’s List and buy a use Toro Wheel Horse
tractor for about $500.00 I have a 2001 HXL 16/38 model Runs supremely!
Well designed, makes the these other tractors look like toys! Runs every day with no problems.
Dropping the deck to engage the blades is just about the worst idea ever. I don't normally pay for mowers, I get them free as scrap, repair and sell or use for parts to repair other machines. AND, I've never paid as much as $100 for a rider.
I think my dad had an mtd like this he sold it just before it went bad for $75. Then when I grew up I wanted to get into small engine repair so I posted an ad on Craigslist and a guy gave me a mtd 18/46 for free so I ain’t complaining.
I know this is an old thread, but i just picked up an 18/46 to fix up (pretty good condition) anything you learned you'd like to pass on?
A M the transmission was pretty much bullet proof, but the engine in the one I got needed a coil, then needed a starter, then carb, and it just ended up having just as much money in it as I sold it for, ive learned with mtd’s unless they run from a jump, they aren’t worth fixing up.
@@tractormatt4301 appreciate the info. It def needs some work. Just gonna throw a couple bucks at it here and there. Gotta go through wiring, PO deff disabled switches and it has a parasitic draw
I agree and disagree with your assessment. That particular mower has been hacked up and abused. I would never buy any machine that someone has hacked to such an extent. I am guessing that one of it’s pervious users was quit heavy (300 plus pounds or more) or extremely abusive to bent that axle. Wether you buy a YM machine like this, new or used, you must bear in mind that they are inexpensive, lighter duty machines. As such, you must go easy on them and maintain them if you expect them to last. The design of the deck might not be perfect, but that floating deck is a real lifesaver if you live in an area with trees that have surface root growth. Also, parts are cheap and easy to get for these mowers and I would rather deal with rebuilding a deck than deal with a failed hydrostatic transmission on a higher priced/ranked named brand mower. I agree that I would pass on that mower, but because of the abuse and hacking; not because of the design of the deck. I would take a well maintained Yard Machine over ANY mower with an RS800 transmission!
I just got one of these mowers for free. It is the 16.5 HP Briggs and Stratton I/C engine. 1998 model I believe.
Everything is in good shape, so hopefully I am one of the lucky ones. Thanks for the very informative video!
i guess I am quite off topic but do anybody know a good place to watch newly released tv shows online?
@Brysen Dash flixportal xD
@Layne Lane thank you, I went there and it seems to work =) I appreciate it!!
@Brysen Dash happy to help :D
I can't believe you didn't mention to check for cracks in the frame, MTDs are awesome for that.
I know it can happen but, I have only had one MTD that had frame issues back in 1994 on a 1990 MTD that was sold by Kmart.. I haven't seen another one since.
the head light up grade is no problem SYLVANIA 1157 bulbs are 27 watts. 54 watts a pair and only 800 lum . I put 4.5" 27w 3000LM Round Flood Light Pod Off Road led on my mower
I put small LED light bars on my mowers. The MTD varidrive system is ok IF you lube the variator pulley once a year and use MTD drive belts because they are a little wider than the 5/8" hardware store belts. My blade brakes are worn out a long time ago. I use a 1995 14.5 hp 42" MTD that i got for nothing 5 years ago. I mow over 2 acres and show it no mercy . it is still running and doing its job.I put 4-6 hours a week on it. Yes it takes maintenence but it works for me.I flip mowers and buy my seats from Surplus Center. They run about 48$ with shipping
4:22 you got my ( neighbor of the year) vote
I got mine for free and it was an 18.5 42 dark grey hydrostatic,not many problems except a new battery (that I already had on the shelf) with the same seat but it was falling apart so I went to my mower parts pile and found a brand new seat,nice mower honestly,I cut an acre of grass every weekend in about an hour and a half, with a 3" pulley on front and back so equal speed and power it probably does about 8 or 10 mph
I got a lot of mowers but this is my favorite
I had a MTD I had bought back in 1994 ended up having it for 14 years had no problems I think I only replaced a belt on it once out of the 14 years my Husqvarna I’ve replaced like 3 belts in 4 years those old MTD mowers were built to last.
So I watch relic videos....but could not finish this one. Pointing out modifications an owner does helps almost no one. I think the owner is creative. MTD are low end mowers. If the price of a new mower doesn't identify quality, then you'll be surprised how often it needs to be fixed.
My mtd mower is still running 15yrs old
Enjoyed you video....I have and old Wards mower that was built by MTD. The design is very similar, the thing is after 24 yrs. of service I have no complaints about it. 12.5 Briggs still runs good serviced regularly. Garage kept deck cleaned after a summer of cutting. Original tires....sorry I can't be more negative but maybe the newer ones are cheaper. At any rate good video.
All you have to do is replace the diode coming out the stater plug 200 part regulator common black Diode allows. Current to flow only one way piece of cake😊
I acquired one in 2009 and I have used it now for 6 seasons and its been great. I think its probobly a 2000 model since its called millennium. You cant beat these for the money, New blades and it cuts beautifully.
09809709879876678698A Awesome!, Glad to hear.. Yours is definitely the exception, not the rule. hope it keeps doing well for you.
Foxboss9 I cut some 12" Grass today. I noticed what your talking about. Took 2-3 runs to cut it with a fresh set of Blades.
ftecconn uuughhh!
I love how you are calling that mower a POS when its 20 years old and still cutting grass. There is an adjustment rod to take up and remove belt tension for those blade engage setups. They are kind of a bitch to work on I'll admit it but they last
Compared to my Sears that is 43 years old(and at least 3 other 40 plus year old brands,THIS is a POS... There are quite a few mowers from the same era that are quite a bit better in darn near every way, Including other MTD Models that don't use this kind of deck engagement design.... As far as adjustments on the decks that lower to engage the blades, There is no adjustment, the spring tension that is on the back of the deck that pulls the deck rearward as the arm is being lowered is where the belt receives it's tension to engage on the pulleys...The only way to engage the belts more(or less) is by adjusting the spring tension which is impossible as there is only one mounting point for the spring on the transaxle..
@@Foxboss9 the belt tension I just drill a hole in the back plate with an eye lit and it works good to fix the belt issue. Which I will 100% agree there are better mowers then this one. But when it's a $899 lowes special new and you get 20 years out of a rebadged beer can cant be to upset. The new troybilt ponys are the BIGGEST pile of horse shit I've ever seen though. I'll take this style mtd over any new troybilt any day
@@RusticShine remember this is a "used" mower buying guide... No one should be buying this model of MTD Used...
With all common known issues set aside it is very annoying that a part for a yard machine or yard man which is a cheap retail mower, cost the same as a part on a Troy Bilt. I think that’s why most of these sit up and don’t get repaired and brought back to life because MTD prices the parts so high.
I almost bought a 2018 john deere today it was a 20hp with a 48-inch deck. But I got lucky and found a used toro 10 years old with low hours It has a 10.5 with a 42-inch deck so far that thing is better than my 1991 craftsman garden tractor
I have a MTD 155/96 Black Edition, and I like it a lot. shortly going to make a tractor from it.
Put a 5/8 belt on the deck last way longer
I agree they are more trouble than they are worth. I have one in my garage now and I'm thinking it will be my last. Its missing a cover and a guide pin. Engine has a hard time starting because belt drags. Hard work with little reward.
I got a 93 94 MTD yard machine and it a good mower... well a racing mower 2 cyl it's good but the tire went flat and I pushed it and the tire came off the rim but beside that better than any other
i had one of those but i replaced the lights with led lights and it was a good tractor untill i got a better one
Thank You, you gave me a few tips, and I see you're side. Another feather in the cap!
ha ha I feel the pain for not having any lights... I have this same body style yard machines or whatever. I have Auxbeam offroad lights worked into the factory housing... took some doing and some fancy bracketry lol It looks sweet though because I did it so that the factory diffuser still covers the lamps. They are LED and I figured up that they were only pulling around 3 amps and that is jussst enough to stay within the limits of the alternator on mine. They are PLENTY bright enough to mow at midnight. The mower is a good mower but they are made cheap and mine was tip top just the axle was loose from the frame but I just welded a small piece of scrap and shot some holes through it.
codemiesterbeats 👍😁
My neighbors get perturbed when I go out mowing at midnight. Go figger. ;)
I bought one today for 30 dollars already got her going was under water
Their really tough
Most of these issues are from hack jobs by the previous owner rather than issues with MTD themselves
Doctor Feinstone granted this one MTD has been modified incorrectly but you have to remember that the modifications we're done for a reason. It all started with the fact that the headlights suck on these things. So all of the charging system and Battery Mount issues was to address poor lighting system. As far as the deck is concerned though that was not anything to do with the previous owner. I worked in a shop that 600 to 800 units a week total. Out of that number roughly 100 of those units where various brands of riding mowers that were sold at the big box stores. Out of that hundred this model of MTD was prevalent and took up roughly 60 to 70% of the repairs. And it wasn't because it was the most popular being sold, it was because it was the cheapest being made. Working on these units in my shop here at the house, never did I have one that the deck worked exactly the way it's supposed to when it came in for repairs. In the time that is spent trying to correct the engineering fail was always way more time involvement then the mower was worth. So although some of the deficiencies that I show on the specific mower could happen to a lot of the other mower manufacturers that are out there, the fact that one of the most major functions that a riding lawn mower supposed to do, and that is mow the lawn, is not being done effectively or at all by almost all of this model of mower makes this thing a major fail. Kind of like the 2.7 liter Chrysler engine. The car needs to drive and when you have an engine that is failing on the level that the two sevens are based on the fact that oil changes have to be done following a strict regiment doesn't mean that the owners are failing when they accidentally go thousand miles over the recommended interval. Trust me as a lawn and garden mechanic for quite a few years this is one of the worst models of MTD's or lawn mowers in general that you can buy or use. It gave the nickname that is affecting Italy used by all the small engine technicians of "Missed The Dumpster" for a reason.👍
With friends like you. Who needs enemies?
2:50 it's just camber😂 the seller would say
I have been given one. I think I will rebuild engine and fix the loose deck.
After 14 years I notice the problems he is Describing. Ran well for many Years but the Thing is worn out. Trying to find Blade Height adjustment Info. Hope I can find the Manual. Love the Truck Battery in the Back - Priceless.
:-)
thank you for telling why my mower doesn't cut hight grass (I have a MTD 13/96, with some of the same issues)
I have a much older version of the exact same mower and mine works awesome, it has outlasted many newer mowers and always starts. Cuts very well, deck is the same, but works very well. Outlasts Craftsman and Deere for sure.
Nice video. I am in Australia and have an old L12 White / MTD.
I got it on EBay very cheap in pieces (local pickup) .
Long story short the exhaust valve seat was jumping out of the head the fix was said to be put it back and peen around the seat to lock it in. After the third time it jumped out I replaced the motor with a Chinese 17 HP - The mower now does wheel stands and sounds like a helicopter about to take off plus I had to re engineer the steering arm but all good now.
I have not trouble with long grass it has more then enough power.
I also replaced the deck bearings and put a new set of blades on it the lyres are old and cracked but so long as it works I don't care.
That is interesting. I figured that the Chinese engines would be a naturally, progressive move in the US for replacement engines but I didn't necessarily figure how those engines would be accepted globally. The valve seat was an issue with the Briggs and Stratton L-head engines, especially the boxer-style twin. I've personally peened quite a few seats back in over the years. Sometimes the fix holds forever sometimes only a mowing season. I was glad when Briggs went to the Intek design. I'm glad you are keeping the old mowers going strong in your country. I am curious, why does it sound like a helicopter? is it the exhaust note or is it the blades on the deck? I might have to experiment with the Predator brand Chinese engines that are available here in the US in great abundance. I used a small single one on a go-kart project I had in the past, with great success. Maybe I'll try a twin cylinder one on a future project riding mower.. Thanks for watching and commenting.☺
never had any issues with this sort of setup. no debating the flaws in the design. it's junk. the thing that stood out to me was the paint. i've never seen anything that was painted and patched up work right. the little fixes, end user engineering and fresh coat of ugly to hide the original ugly mean it's gonna be trouble.
I have been wrenching on mowers since I was 8. (40 now) Many great points made here. I just picked up a "White" mower for 20 bucks with the exact same deck. The mower was a basket-case, meaning I got it in pieces. Naturally those belt guides are gone, and the front two pin guides on the engine pulley were bent out of whack. Starts, runs drives and charges just fine, but that deck is a nightmare. I'm still working the "bugs" out. I prefer the electric clutch style myself. Like the one on my Husqvarna 2654 (also an MTD) Or heck, even the manual disc-clutch style like my Case 444 or John Deere 322 are good too. But anything that slacks or tightens the belt to engage or disengage a deck, is just a problem waiting to happen.
Makes you wonder where MTD engineers that designed that deck, got their degrees at?
Correction: My JD 322 has the electric clutch too. Above, I referred to it having the manual type. Also, My JD 212 had a cone clutch on the engine shaft. It was great as well.
Not sure of the year of mine, but it's 2000+ for sure. It's yellow and is a Yard Man by MTD. It's a 42 deck, with a 19.? Briggs pushing it. Doesn't have this deck lowering thing I keep hearing about. Has 7 gears, cuts in reverse as well. You engage the blade with a lever on the right hand side, by the blade height adjustment. Honestly, it runs like a dream and I've never had an issue, in any height of grass! The ONE thing that bothers me, it seems like the blade doesn't get high enough; even at it's highest setting, it's still pretty low! Any suggestions???
where are the tensioners on the deck. I didn’t see any in this video. Looks like the belt is routed wrong.
I gave my MTD away to my neighbor it ran great the reason i gave away was that the steering linkage was cheap aluminum always got locked up.
i have a mtd white l12 mower and i have never had a problem besides the gasline being worn out and the filter cracked to
Which model of MTD garden tractor should I buy based upon which transmission?
For example - this list of 1980 MTD garden tractors:
140-910A = B&S 11 HP engine, 4-speed transaxle
140-912A = B&S 11 HP engine, 4-speed transaxle with overdrive ("Sixteen/Four")
140-916A = B&S 16 HP opposed-twin cylinder engine, 4-speed transaxle
140-918A = B&S 16 HP opposed twin-cylinder engine, 4-speed transaxle with overdrive ("Sixteen/Four")
140-994A = B&S 16 HP opposed twin-cylinder engine, hydrostatic transmission
140-995A = B&S 18 HP opposed twin-cylinder engine, hydrostatic transmission
To sum it up, which of the following transmissions on this particular year's machines were most reliable?
4-speed transaxle with no overdrive
4-speed transaxle with overdrive ("Sixteen/Four")
Hydrostatic transmission
ClassicTVMan1981X buy any belt driven variable drive Transaxle and other than belt replacement it should be fine... LIGHTWEIGHT Hydrostat Trans are great and convenient but they need to be looked after and maintained.. Plus no towing or plowing with Hydrostats, it will shorten they lifespan..
So I guess that among these the 912 and 918 (and related versions such as the Yard-Man 14912 and 14918 and the White GT-1622 and GT-1822 Yard Bosses) would be the ones to look for?
ClassicTVMan1981X I have a1980 yardman 18hp hydrostatic with a Briggs and Stratton opposed twin. It's a tough machine, not sure how it mows I only plow and garden with it.
its 14995-0 btw
Thank you! It would have the Briggs & Stratton model 421417 type 0146-01 engine.
Use one of those flat black bungee cords to tighten deck. Hook one end to the deck around the hitch and back to the deck. I have kept my mtd mowing 2 acres for the last 21 years. same deck. I also went with the big battery,mainly my fault for not wanting to charge the small battery during the winter, the small ones didn't seem to last more than 2 years. I like the light also.So you just put it on the charger once every 4 or 5 times you mow, no big deal, and you have a good light.
Well my brother in law said it would last 3 years. Guess I get the last laugh.
Thats the best way to handle these mowers, Just throw a bandaid on it and keep a churnin' !!! The least amount of time spent repairing these things makes them worth owning..
I've had mine for you is have no trouble and I put it through some really bad yards and junk
Why is it so important that riding mowers not cut wile in reverse ? This drives me nuts.Im looking for a good reason not to disconnect switch that shuts mower off when put into reverse .
Cheef Cherokee Safety issues..they think the operator will get so preoccupied mowing(Or drinking) that they will accidently back over their kids or pets while mowing.. If customers ask me to disconnect the switch I just show them how and let them do it.. If it's mine I disconnect it every time..
Thats about what i thought .Thanks .
@@Foxboss9 yeah its a saftey issue because now and days most people dont know how to mow a lawn properly
I agree with what you said and seeing the comments and looking at the issues it looks like that most things on this tractor are consumer modifications and I think your tips could apply to any brand of lawn tractor
Yes, there was a lot of modifications that were issues however, the main problem with that mower is the deck design. From the factory it is a nightmare. Should have never been made. And unfortunately it was produced for quite a few years. Other than that all those modifications could have caused problems with other manufacturers too
@@Foxboss9yes sir I agree I would save up for a John Deere
I had the same one only with a 18hp twin Briggs, I had exactly the same problem with my deck, it was just one big headache
In Ireland "Yard =concrete.
Garden Front/Back= grass with Annual or herbaceous flowers/shrubs.
Irish amateur Gardener
Yeah we definitely speak the same language differently. LOL. Here in the US, a garden is an area of the yard that has been "tilled up" with a rototiller and has flowers or vegetables planted Within.
looks like it's missing the tenser pulley....your right about the lite though, he should of used a led, that's what the new model has...for the price it's a good mower, unless you want to drop 2- 3000 on a john deer...order a new seat from MTD Willard,Ohio..peace out.
That's one of the problems. The belt does not have a tensioner. The belts tightness is determined by the spring that is on the back of the deck that tightens up as the deck is lowered and is shifted to the rear of the tractor as is being lowered.
I part out most of them
Most have been rigged up and every thing messed up by a none mechanic
If deck good then I rebuilt it for a good one and paint with primer, waiting to match mower paint
I have one with the PTO handle. Also swapped out the 18 hp engine for a 21 hp I had laying around. Deck design be damned, the thing cuts like a champ. I wouldn't touch an older model though.
Separate blade engagement handles are definitely the way to go with MTD
Got this lanw mower for free, doing restore on it. Fun project, but deck support system definitely sucks.
You never mentioned the muffler bearings.
This is helpful thank you. From the research I have done so far, MTD makes mowers under many different brands (Troy Built, Cub Cadet and more). Do they all share this poor design? Are there other brands that are engineered better?
Just like any other manufacturer MTD does have models that are not bad at all. This model however is the one to stay away from. I'm not talking about just the colour and the year I'm talking about anything that is packaged under the MTD brand that has this kind of deck engagement. It's definitely a buyer beware and if you're not doing the work yourself you want to find a place that has a reputable service department that will cover the warranty effectively.
@@Foxboss9 the only issue i have with them is the deck safety i dont get worn deck mounts
Yeah I have had this mower for a long time 15+ years and have ALWAYS had a terrible time with the deck...it mows but if there is any tall grass it's just like he says...avoid these type get the one with the separte pto handle.
As bad as these are I've seen worse. The one model year Cub Cadet (not sure of the OEM) went to a timed belt for their big box models, is the worst mowing deck I've seen ever. The deck had a toothed timing belt between the two blades, combined with the fact that the blades were overlapping, which wouldn't be bad if it was tensioned right. But it wasn't on any of them I've seen. So you'd mowing along fine and all of a sudden those blades start colliding. By the time most humans can react enough to turn off the PTO, it would leave large pieces of the blade in the lawn.
+Dilan Gilluly I hate timed decks. Just destroys lots of parts when the belt breaks. Heck, MTD and AYP been building decks for years that are not timed and when properly maintained they cut awesome.
I would blame the owner of this machine that made the mods. I am not a fan of the later version of MTD mowers either. Also, most people do not follow maintenance schedules. Kills me to see a mower deck that is rusted out,...why is it rusted out? (Kept outside, and never cleaned)
Paulie Detmurds Ohio grass is really wet most of the time and not cleaning the underside is usually the reason it rust out..
Great job explaining. Take a look at an issue with my Bronco. Tell me what you think. Thanks
I buy these MTD riding mowers for the engines, and never pay more than $75 for one. Thought for sure you would mention the stupid Vari-drive at some point, they always need new belts. Often times, you find the machine still running on the factory belts, all cracked and worn. Ever wonder why these single speed axles have such a high speed in reverse? Makes no sense at all.
I don't have many problems with the variable drive except like you mentioned about the belts. I tell my customers to run the belts till one of them breaks then bring it to me to get both belts done. The reverse speed on the pedal variable drive seems a little faster than most except for the older ones that have the speed control on the left side of the dash. On those, when the selector is put in the highest setting, they are fast forward and reverse almost to the point of being unsafe. $75 is about right. That's all they are worth. That or Free(I have a freebie on my lift right now)
I bought the MTD Gold Lawn Tractor (2002) with the Static transmission used for $400 on craigslist. I was able to mow our pasture with really tall grass 4 times with it, the belt came off. But I was pretty abusive with it, I have to say. Yes it has lot of play in the mower deck like you said. It does help protect the blades a little when mowing a pasture though. My seat has a few tears also, maybe a seat cover somewhere ebay? I need to find out how to put the belt back on. I saw one video shows accessing the belt under the seat (the UPPER belt). Well at least it already paid for itself mowing the pasture 4 times, that cost about $150 each time to have someone else do it.
Can you tell me how to get the upper belt back on? I don't want to replace it yet it slipped off.
What's a good craigslist mower to look for?
The double bladed mower deck is not that powerful than the single one. All the power of the engine has to be divided by two and the two blades run vice versa which results in a small area in mowing width that is not perfectly mowed and so the cutted grass cannot perfectly mowed out of the deck
Chang the deck belt to a 5/8 the bigger one it will last and no I would to it gray mower I love mine I cleared the woods behind my house I have a scraper on the backe if mine and a small winch
The other thing I want to ask you is: when buying a used MTD riding mower or lawn/garden tractor, should I look for one no earlier than 1987 (at least in the case of the 995), which was when MTD first implemented the seat interlock that stalls out the engine when the operator leaves his seat without doing these two things first: disengaging the mower deck and then applying the parking brake?
I bought one i went through blades,belts because of the lower deck.