Lawnboys were some of the best mowers made when they were still 2-cycle. The staggered wheel design made unique looking stripes in the yard that I think looked cool. I remember so many people having them when I was little.
Another great story. Thanks! As for me, I don't remember seeing them around that much as a kid. My father had a "Cooper Cyclo-vac". Made me push it around. Glad I found this example. Almost passed it up. Have not seen one around since. BTW, Nice fish! -C
Nice! That's what I call "staying power". I have two Lawn Boys....I guess you have seen their stories on TH-cam. Enjoy yours and thanks for checking it out! -C
I have a1973 lawn boy as my daily driver. I have managed to keep all my fingers and toes. No need for a safety bar. Good luck having a modern mower last 50 years. And yes. I am old. The magnesium deck is wonderfully light.
Ha Ha! Yeah, I'm a loon. When I found it, it had a half tank of proper fuel that smelled fresh enough to try out. The unique sound gave it away. Cool machines!.
I remember all that light blue smoke lol. And my dad's sometimes kept running also like that . I used to flood it also then open carb soaked filter let it sit out . my dad always made me bag. I hated that.
Thanks' Sir. To think I almost walked away from it! I really didn't know what I had (or that it was two stroke) until later. It's a blast- only weighs a few pounds wet too!.
Love that old "Lawn Boy sound" with the 2-cycle engine and under deck exhaust. Had one many years ago, and just bought an old '72 model that I'm doing a light restoration on (for "go", not so much for "show"). Looking forward to getting this little light weight (19") going to do my trim with. They made 'em cheap, but they're sweeties.
I like sound too. Very unique....and they are not smoky at all! Mine is mostly a "go only" as well. I cleaned a few things up. It could use a carb tear down I think. Overall, a nice tight machine! -C
Thanks, man. Definitely a keeper. When weather is a bit nicer I'm going to pull the shrouding off and have a better look around inside. I kid you not...I was totally surprised after pulling it out of the metal pile and starting it....to find out it's a 2-cycle. Almost passed it up!!
The pre compliance F engine Lawnboys (1978 to 1983) are the overall best Lawnboys or best mowers of all time for that matter. Although I'd argue that all the F engined LBs with an aluminum deck are worth saving, a pre compliance F without electric start or self propel has hardly anything to go wrong on it. So damn simple and well made.
My parents lived on a millpond with a 3/4 acre lot and long slope towards the pond. My dad went through a number of 4 strokes until he bought his first 2 strike lawn boy. He went to a lawn tractor as he got older, but my youngest son now uses that '72 at his house.
Had a 2 stroke Toro myself. From my Father in law with a hill. Was ok, but when it got fussy I got rid of it......this was before i knew what i was doing. I regret losing it every day now. It was really cool.
One of the very best mowers ever. I've sold n serviced thousands when they were in business. In the last fifty years they really had top sellers in those that last the longest. I had one of there first made mowers and I could start it with the flick of my hand on the exposed fly shell. Wish I kept it , but I made money selling not keeping. Still have a new short block engine left for that model in stock.
The accolades for these older Lawn-Boys keep rolling in! I'll open it up in another few weeks. Look at that switch and clean around inside. F series look pretty strait forward. Thanks for sharing!
Great lucky find there. Love the LawnBoy mowers. I have a 4 stroke 1997 model that runs nice. That 2 stroke sound brings back memories of the one I used when I cut the lawn in 70s and mid 80s. The model I used was passed down. It was off white with blue wheels. I think from the 60s. That mower was bulletproof. When our Simplcity riding went down , which was often. The LawnBoy took over. We had an acre to mow. Good times
Thanks, Mate. Yeah, it's a hoot! A little hard to start cold. Probably could use a total carb scrubbing. I think primer bulb OK. I acquired a mid 90's silver series some years back in the same manner. would not run when hot though (bad coil likely-expanding/contracting, losing continuity). Had I known better then, I would have fixed it :(
Great video! I have that EXACT same lawnmower. You cannot kill these things.! This one sounds rough though and the RPM is low. like it was ran without oil or the very simple carb needs work. Mine sounds like a well made propeller driven aircraft, it’s a beautiful and melodious sound. One of the reasons this mower is so light is because it has an all aluminum deck, or body. It’s cast aluminum which today is unheard of and at the time uncompleted with. The staggered wheels are because the discharge for bagless mode blows out the front right. For bagging mode there is an adapter which is inserted into the top righ front deck of the mower bypassing the side discharge, which diverts the clippings up into the bag. It’s a really one-of-a-kind machine and the main advantage to a two-stroke over a four stroke that I found is that because there is power on every stroke and also because it spins at a higher RPM than a fourth stroke, this mower never bogs down. In my 40 years of using it, it has never once stalled due to being overloaded. #theydontmakeshitlikethisanymore
Thanks for the commentary! Admittedly, this example was literally just off the metal pile at the local dump. It still had fuel in it (of dubious quality perhaps). Some carb spray and cleaning out the air filter and it coughed to life- as is. Yeah, I was surprised at the sound (being a 2-cycle). I had to hunt around a while to find a little sticker on the tank indicating 50:1 oil mix. That finally tipped me off! Good thing I didn't load it up with strait gas. Looking forward to tinkering with it on a warm day.
I had one that was a little bit older and it was a magnesium deck. After the motor had a catastrophic failure, I threw the deck in a bonfire at night. Lit up a few acres like it was the surface of the sun once that deck got going!
Nice unit! My first lb was a 7268 and i have recently acquired 2 R7268s. I am in the process of restoring one of them. I replaced the piston, rings, seals, rebuilt the carb, and had to put a different coil on it and now it runs great! These are getting rare. In today's world Im sure any typical homeowner would look at these and scratch their head lol. I couldnt tell but make sure the sir filter is oiled and you run good 2 stroke oil at 32 to 1 and it will last a long time.
Thankyou, Sir. Yeah, I NEVER see these around the neighborhood and I still can't get over my good fortune finding this unit in the scrap pile. Almost passed it up, not knowing they have such a large fan base! Good job on the rebuild. I just take mine out once in a while for a ceremonial spin around the yard. Nice site. I just subscribed :) -C
Red white and blue??!! Sweet. I'll see if I can find pics on line! As for this example, I saw it there at the dump in the metal pile. I circled around (even left the dump), then said what the heck...came back and grabbed it. I didn't really know much about these machines or the loyalty then. I mostly find junk there! (but a few decent Ariens snow blowers too. :) -C
My Grandfather had one when I was a kid , I’m 66 now , I’m thinking it was either gray w/ red gas tank or green w/ red tank but can’t remember we started it with a coil of rope that you had to rewrap it around the top of motor every time you cranked it , I have 2 newer ones that was give to me . Thanks for sharing this .
Thankyou, Sir! Great story. Yeah, I think the really old Lawn Boy mowers were something other than "green". Glad you liked. I have found several other Lawn Boys at the dump over the years. Ranging from early nineties, to mid 2000's....but this is the only 2-cycle 70's machine I have ever come across! Cheers, -C
Thank-you Sir! Yeah. They are cool. The sound surprised me at first. Glad I didn't dump in any strait gas! Once I a TORO 2 cycle as well. Regret losing that one. Cheers! -C
Wow! Now that machine is a real trooper! I have a video floating around out there pertaining to an old 3-stage snow blower. Now this had not been started in 10 years or so....and it did start first pull with a tank of clean gas....but I also sprayed a healthy shot of ether (starting fluid) into it to move things along a bit! Thanks for viewing. -C
Oh man this brings back childhood memories. We had one that was almost identical to this one that you have. It ran for years, we loaned it to my uncle and he blew it up somehow. I think he put straight gas in it, even though he denied it lol.
That would do it! I almost did the same thing. Lucky I caught myself. I had never seen one these until I snatched it from the dump! Thanks for watching and sharing your story. -C
That’s definitely 1970,s style . I have a few of that brand & they really did a good job of making My yard look good . How ever they don’t build them anymore. All because of EPA regulations. I’d would like get hands on one
Thanks for checking it out! In addition to this example, I have another 90's vintage Silver Series machine. I gave that one a restoration. Don't use them much because as you said. They don't make them, and parts are hard to find I hear. Cheers! -C
@@robertwhite9898 Yeah, I've had a couple of newer "Lawn Boy" mowers I found at the dump (also floating around on TH-cam somewhere). They are essentially just Toros painted green. At least the 90's ones, , Toro appeared to still be using the off-center decks stamped from the original Lawn Boy factory line. Makes them a bit more interesting anyways.
I hear you. They are hysterical. I once had a Toro GTS 2-cycle that I got rid of maaaany years ago (before I knew what I was doing). I still regret that day. Thanks for checking it out! -C
You bet. It's pretty cool. I once had a Toro 2 cycle that I regrettably got rid of because I didn't bother/learn how to fix it. I was psyched when I realized what this is :)
I picked up a real nice i think its a 7205 i think its 1979 on local craigslist carb was done blade was balanced and sharpened. I could tell the guy loved lawnboys. He had lawn boy everything in his garage and about 7 other lawnboy mowers in some shed. I bought it for my friend for her yard.
Nice! I have two still. The 1979 you saw, and another one from the mid 90's that I restored. The 90's one is floating around in the electronic ether someplace as well. Congrats on you purchase and thanks for viewing! -C
I have a '78 I bought new. Just broke the recoil spring so it is in the shop for a full service. Since I bought it I have cleaned the air filter, sharpened the blade and two or three times popped in a new plug and cleaned the carbon out of the muffler. It had it's last repair/service in about 1990.
Wow! All the bells and whistles. You could charge admission to fire it up and and show it off. Nice. Mine is rather mundane, but still kind of cool. -C
You picked up a good lawnmower buddy that was one of the best built lawnmowers or at least engines as long as you put enough oil because it’s 2 cycle as long as you keep the muffler ports clean and your carburetor so we can breathe good a good filter I think will last forever
Hey, thanks mate! It is pretty cool. And to think I almost passed it by. ( I drove back on second thought, before it was tossed in the crusher). I think I'm going to take apart/clean the carb. Then it will be perfect!
Grew up in the Midwest and as a kid, hung around the local lawnmower repair shop. I’d say about 1/2-3/4 of their biz was service and Lawn-Boys like this were their bread ‘n butter. They always had a stable of used Lawn Boys for sale that had been serviced and were ready to mow again. Machines from the 1960’s-forward, painted in the traditional early LB soft pastel colors to the typical grasshopper green of yours that started around 1968-1970. It was really obvious that when it came to residential mowers, people in my town preferred Lawn Boys. They looked different. They sounded different. The oil and gas blend has a particular smell when running that four cycle mowers don’t have. Their lightweight magnesium decks felt like you were pushing a feather, unlike the heavy steel decked mowers. They had self-propel so they basically drove themselves which made mowing hillsides a breeze. Some models even had optional electric start. There was a lot to like about them. Never could figure out why I couldn’t convince Dad to trade our Murray Briggs & Stratton hunk of junk for a neat Lawn Boy, but he dug in his heels. Probably figured hey, the boy’s doing all the mowing. Why do I need to change anything?🤦🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️😂
Good story. Thanks for posting! These Lawn-Boys really have a cult following. Almost getting warm enough for inspirational tune-up time. The one I have.....the wheels are worn down to "baloney skins"...Smooth. Goes to show you how much use it received before the previous owner junked it.
Nice! I just picked up a 10605 model with a Kohler from the dump. Not as interesting, (being kind of re badged Toro), but it seems to start up and run pretty good. Blade clutch and drive all work too. Amazing. Will try to up load soon. Thanks for checking out! -C
You always need to go counterclockwise to get around trees and clear the clippings away from the grass to be mown. The 2cycle likes high revs. It does have the torque to go over clippings in unmown grass.
Roger that. Yeah, surprised the heck out of me when I started it the first time. Just wasn't paying attention. Good thing I didn't add any regular gas!! -C
Great video. I've got 30 or 40 of the older Lawn Boys in storage. About half are in good running condition. Keeping them for a retirement project someday.
i love Lawn Boys!! I just now found and subscribed to your channel Brother. I am sure i will enjoy the uploads. This one was awesome! Thank you for taking time to make it!!
In 1982, we picked up a Lawn boy and I am still using it!!! Same plastic carb. Keep an eye out. I have had the brass seats for the needle valve and idle come loose. Still starts on one pull too. It still screams like a banshee. Nice power and cuts everything I throw at it. Mine has a clutch on the blade such that it will run but the blade stops. Just wish I could find a replacement muffler.
Nice. Picked it up pretty new then. Mine is a little tough to get going, but once started, it runs fine. One of these days I'll pull the carb apart and give it a good overhaul. Thanks for checking it out! -C
I wish my mother never got rid of my dads 2 stroke Lawn Boy back in the 90s and replaced with a "modern" heavy ass self-drive unit. I hated mowing after that.
I hear you. My dad made me use this thing called a Cooper Cyclovac when I was a kid. Had this big honking bag on a rod that stuck out the side and would bend to the ground with the weight. Torture. Thanks for the view. Hope you find another LB mower! -C
Tenacious c You are lucky to have found this old Lawn Boy in running condition. I have a 1978 model and the pull cord does not work. The repair shop told me that there were no longer parts available for this old of Lawn Boy Mower, that was five years ago. I would love to get it running again but that is probably not possible.
Thanks! I almost walked away from it. Like I indicated previously, I didn't realize what I had stumbled across. Blind luck. Probably never find another. As mentioned by others, you might need to go the used route. Probaly worth it in the end if you can't re-build it..
We had one like that when I was a kid in the 90’s didn’t have it long always gave us issues now days I have two old 2 cycle mowers ones a Clinton trim-it and the others a old 50’s mow master sure get a lot of odd looks from neighbors when they hear a 2 cycle and see a lawn mower
Tenacious C i have this exact same mower. I took the cap off to try and fix the pull string. Trying to put it back together but fuel lines and such aren't lining back up. Needless to say I'm all thumbs when it comes to this 👎👎🤦♂️ any advice or resources would be awesome 😀
@@mattbrown7394 Hi Matt, I have not pulled the top off myself. I want to look at the on/off switch and have a look around soon. Are fuel lines stiff? They can harden up with age.
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague hey I actually figured it out (maybe lol) the trouble I was having was the primer tube. Very short tube and not much space to work with 🥵
Thanks! Yeah, I really had no idea what I had found until I posted the video and comments started rolling in. Of course, I have never found another one out there! I should give it a full restoration, but I have too much stuff! In time. -C
@Tenacious C's Rescue League these things have a cult following, and only recently have I finally been able to join! As long as it's got good compression and starts well, you don't really need to work on the engine much. Remember to mix it with good oil and 32:1. It's good to see those mowers in caring hands.
@@therandomman6647 Roger that. I use the ethanol-free stuff for the old 2-cycles. Could probably use a carb overhaul. A little fussy to start...but runs pretty smooth once it kicks in. Thanks for the support! -C
@TenaciousCsRescueLeague it is an F engine carburetor and works very similar to almost any engine with an air vane governor. In all my experience with F engines, they take a lot of priming to start, even with rebuilt carburetors. These engines are marine grade, at least up until Toro bought them. You can use marine oil, which is nice. If you ever need to take the blade adapter off, index it 90° to the piston at TDC. If you have any more questions about Lawn Boys, I do have plenty of experience, and would be happy to help!
Yeah, the bane of every kids existence.... mowing the lawn. My Dad made me push around this thing called a Cooper Cyclovac. I wish I still had it just for the weirdness factor.....but it is long gone. He replaced it with a pretty cool Toro GTS. I DO still have that though! There's a video of it out there someplace. Thanks for watching. -C
Thanks for the commentary. I bet I'll never find another one. What gets me is how LIGHT the machine is! It's a breeze to push around. I keep meaning to give it a proper carb overhaul and cleaning. Might be a good Memorial weekend project. Cheers! -C
One of my paternal uncles had a lawn boy lawnmower when I was little; I remember Kevin (my “dad“) borrowing it a lot to cut our grass. This would’ve been as far back as 1992 to around 1996 or so. Couldn’t tell you what the model was specifically, but I can describe it as follows. It was red, had some kind of knob in the middle of it on the front below the handlebar, had a bag catcher on it for catching the grass and the motor had two different sounds to it; I can’t describe exactly what they were though. also, it folded down quite a lot to the point where it was quite small and could easily fit in the back of a car. I also remember there being some kind of a cap below the handlebars as well; it was kind of hexagon shaped. also when you pulled the string to start it, it didn’t make the steadily increasing and then decreasing revving sound you normally here; the sound was a lot quicker.
Hmmm. That is a mystery to me. Interesting. Any images on the web that would clue you in? Perhaps search on defunct mower companies to find a lead? would be cool to see! -C
Thanks for checking it out. Yeah, as I have mentioned over the years, when I picked it up I didn't even know what I had! I passed it up on the first pass, and the guy with the front end loader almost crushed it. I've found several other LawnBoys, but all 4 stroke. I never find ANY 2 cycle mowers :( Cheers! -C
Interesting contributions on the mag decks....Not sure what the composition of this one is. Certainly some kind of "light shiny element"....like Aluminum, or perhaps Magnesium? Certainly not steel!
I have the self Propel version of one of those, push the top of the handle forward and it drives away by itself, you would probably think that's even scarier. I think they're rated around 4 and 1/2 or 5 horsepower but I'm not sure.
Nice. That's always good sporting fun! Sounds cool. I found some old free manuals online. The F-100 engine I have is rated 3.5 hp, but it revs really nice. I have an old 3 stage snow blower that is "self motivated" as well!
neato, i have a similar model that is rear drive self propelled with an electric start, so the switch is on the handle and not the housing. I haven't used it in years. great mower. I miss that sound, and the smell too.
I remember using those old lawnmowers and I either had to wait for all the gas to run out or take a metal rod/screwdriver with a wooden handle and have the two metal parts to turn off the lawnmower. I took a hubcap one time to stop it and nearly electrocuted myself.
Awesome! Wasn't it good clean fun when safety features were just a curiosity, and not the law? I had a little craftsman with a Briggs that I had to do the same thing. I'd hold a screwdriver across the plug and ground it out against the cylinder head to stop it! :) -C
Yeah......I wasn't really paying attention. I almost let it go at the dump. Circled back around again and grabbed it. I simply was not that familiar with these machines! I have a whole new appreciation now!
I have the 7268. Same as yours but not sold as a rear bagger. Also have 4 of the 19 inch version model 5247. The 1978 through 1982 precompliant F series Lawnboys were some of the best ever made. I also have about 11 other Lawnboys from 1968 through 1978. Yours is more than likely a 1982 model. The early F series, 1978-1979 had a hex adjuster on the governor air vane. Then they went to the round adjuster that clicked to adjust. Then in 1982 they added the extra louvers in the top center portion of the shroud to aid in cooling. Also your mower has a post compliant open to run coil which is why your on/off switch is backwards. You need to order 100-2949, pre compliant ground to run coil. The old style triangle wheels are getting harder to find, especially new, but you can find OEM Toro replacements or generics when those wheels are no longer usable. It is a very nice mower and with proper care should last many years. My wife and I use 4 Lawnboy mowers in rotation weekly on 6 properties, mainly 1975 through 1980 models.
That's awesome! Thanks for the all the info Quite a following out there for these machines. The wheels are completely smooth...."baloney skins". Not sure if that is factory, or any tread just wore down over the years. The coil thing kind of flummoxes me, but several have commented. Glad to have a part number! Cheers! -C
The unit you have runs great and sure cuts REALLY nice too! Too bad you don't have the self-propelled version, because then you can let it go and it will drive itself. When I was a kid, my neighbor had the self-propelled one and was able to let go and give me two thumbs up. The damn thing kept moving without him touching it at all😂. It was the best!!! It was almost like those robo-mowers they have now. Makes me wish I had one.
Thanks! It's pretty smooth once warmed up. The old self propelled ones must be a rather rare commodity these. Dump pickers such as me take what we can get! :)
Found a 7268 on Craigslist ten years ago for 75 bucks and have been using it since. Make sure to put an air filter in the carb box and mix your fuel with non oxygenated 91 octane and API TC rated oil (i like Amsoil Saber) at 32:1....it will run a very long time. Pull the under deck muffler off and clean the exhaust port, they will get coked up with soot if low quality oil is used.
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague a blocked exhaust port and or muffler on F engines can greatly reduce power and cause poor performance in general. I haven't had to clean mine one time once I started using quality oil
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague The exhaust ports getting clogged was about the biggest demise of a lot of Lawnboys. People would think they were worn out and get rid of them, then someone in the know would pick them up off the curb or from the junk yard, clean the exhaust ports and turn around and sell it. Very profitable past time. The goofy wheel set up was promoted as an anti scalp design. The 2 cycle and light weight made these the preferred mower for mowing ditchs and steep hills as no worry on oil starvation. I think most of the people in Galesburg IL had one of these at one time as that is where they were made. I grew up there and worked at Outboard Marine (the manufacurer) for about 6 months. They are a unique mower and with minimal care seem to run foreever.
Very interesting. I have a `74 Lawn Boy 7224 with a D600 motor. Been in our family since new. Been using Pro Mix multi-ratio oil for the past 8 yrs. and wonder if it caused heavy scoring in the cylinder and compression is low. Now need another D600 engine. Having trouble finding one. Used Shell 93 for the past 2 yrs. and wonder if the extra detergents harmed things. I have heard good things about Amsoil Saber. Curious why you advise 91 octane. I know Lawn Boy advises "regular". I don't think the exhaust ports were ever cleaned on this machine, and the rpms dropped over the past 10 yrs.
@@richardgiles7017 Hey, thanks. Appears that a lot of signs point to the exhaust ports on these old F and D engines as areas of fickle behavior. I need to tear down the carb on mine (too many other gizmos laying around..) It runs well, but a little hard to start, and the carb leaks a bit. Bad float seat perhaps. Simple fix. Luckily it has is a factory fuel shut off lever. Nice feature!
I heard that's the trick to longevity. Hard to find the EtOH free gas up this way though. I use Stabl in everything and it seems to help keep things easy starting.
@@snoopysrc Well, Sure!! Why not. I need to fix that kill switch bug and then take it out for a real romp in the field. Might be worth capturing on vid.
They were needed for lawns with slopes and being 2 cycle they could mow slopes without worry of them not getting the lubrication they needed. 4 cycle mowers especially old splash types could be damaged mowing slopes so these were highly sought after from people that had sloping lawns.
Thanks, Man. I keep meaning to just pull that carb off and clean the heck out of it. They look pretty simple....but so many rescue things going on now! (plus my day job gets in the way). -C
I have a similar one found in a similar fashion i think mine is 1975 but mine looks new compared to this one. I had to take apart the self drive linkage and the worm gear setup going off the shaft because the o-ring vaporized the second i looked at it. Im not exactly sure how it goes back together so been running it without the drive
Good score! Mine doesn't have the drive system. A simple old walk-about. I have another video of this one following a clean up and some rudimentary restoration. Looks a lot better at end of that vid! -C
These were great mowers but now that they are 40+ years old if your going to actually use one today it would be worth putting in new crank seals (makes starting and running soo much more consistent) and having a spare ignition coil on hand(they are pricey especially OEM). They are incredibly simple and easy to work on but the parts these days are getting scarce and expensive.
Thanks for the tips. Yeah, I rarely use this machine. I feel lucky to even have it. I keep it in the garage as a curiosity and just fire it up every now and then to give a quick edge cut along the driveway! Thanks for checking it out. -C
I had one of those years ago and the crank bearing exploded inside the cylinder and scored the walls I was pissed as fuck lol so I restored a gold series and I always do a cylinder pressure test every season to Mike sure the compression is good, rings are good and bearing should last a good ten years as well
Man. Lots of drama there. I found a snow blower with a Tecumseh 7hp with a shattered connecting rod. I had to remove the fused aluminum from the crank with muriatic acid. New rod went in fine and it still runs pretty good, but smokes a bit. Yep, just keep an eye on it.
I just got mine and I don't like how it's so loud it runs really rough and the first time I started up at smoked but then I started it again and then there ain't no smoke it's super loud is the part I don't like about it but it cuts really good still learning about this mower I just got literally just got yesterday
Trial by fire....that's the way I learned too. Probably a bit of gummyness in the carb or something. Mine is not much lowder than a 4 cycle engine.....just a different pitch. Could the baffles in the muffler be shot?
I grew up south of Galesburg Illinois where they used to make these it was a very popular brand my stepdad had one and a neighbor turned one into a riding mower using a tow behind moter and differential. I looked up the new ones and they are lame just a brand they don't have the chute in front of the wheel anymore
Hey, thanks for the view and interesting commentary! I hear a lot of fond memories about these machines. Regarding the new Lawn Boys, yeah. They are just green Toro's from what I understand.
i recently got my hands on one of these. i was cleaning the carb and was like well why is it so thick. bad fuel and it had oil in it. drain the tank but nothing was in it and on the cap 2 stroke. while i was cleaning the carb i thought the carb looked like a 2 stroke carb. got it all back together and started right up. and sounded exactly like a snowblower. the blades need sharpened but it still tore through some literally almost waist high grass first and only pass. for what i paid and what i got. this falls into the steal category. i love 2 strokes so one more reason to run one. i use lucas 2 stroke semi synthetic oil in my 2 strokes so low smoke and 50:1 ratio they will last forever. my moped has a race cylinder on it and uses same oil and after thousands of miles there is 0 wear. im sure the same will go with this thing. it barely has any use on it so its gonna be like getting one brand new.
Good story. I have never seen another one of these around myself. I guess I could look for them on line, but the "free finds" are the best. Looks like a good fix you made! Many years of happy mowing to you! -C
I got one to same mower I can't for the life of me to get it started it got spark and compression I added 2 stroke and oil and it doesn't work. Any tips would be greatly appreciated
Spark and compression are 90% of success. Only thing left I can think of is a carburetor or fuel delivery bug. Did you try spraying a little starting fluid (i.e. "Instant Start", basically ether in a can) into the carb with the air filter removed? It might roar to life for a couple seconds then poop out? If so, the engine works. That's good. You just might need to pull the carb to clean/replace or clean/replace the fuel lines. Don't run it more than a couple of seconds on the "instant start"...you need that 1:32 fuel mix for cylinder lube. Please advise if this helps! Thanks for watching. -C
Thanks much! I guess at this point I just deal with the switch in the reverse position. A lot of theories out there regarding the coil and other confounding propensities of reversed continuity. But I agree! It is petty cool and I thank myself every summer for rescuing it! -C
I have snow blowers too. Even more cumbersome! I went to a place on the Virginia/North Carolina border a while back....the guy collects military tanks. Now THAT's a hobby!!
Some older mower decks, including Lawn Boy, have magnesium decks. Looks like Al but it's not. Scratch a spot down to clean metal. Put a little vinegar on it. If it bubbles, it's probably Mg. Edit: I see, now, someone make a similar comment. Do the scratch thing and see what it does.
Actually, there IS a throttle control but not of the typical manually operated type. This throttle is controlled by a paddle shaped air operated vane inside the engine shroud that is connected directly to the carburetor. The air cooling turbine (flywheel) that cools the engine blows air against it, and whenever there is LESS air resistance on that air vane it will raise the throttle. When there is MORE air pressure blowing on that air vane (indicating higher revs) it will throttle down as needed. It is a quite ingenious system, coz it saves fuel and it saves you from having to babysit the throttle cable while you mow. Taller, tougher weed patch in there? NO PROB! it'll just throttle itself up immediately as soon as that air vane senses the increasing power demand on the engine, while the load increases, the rpm goes down. All of this happens "on the fly" -and it happens faster then you can reach down and manipulate a throttle lever too. Mow on!
@@econoroller my model 10301 had a "thumb wheel" on carb to increase/decrease engine speed. I set it faster, because I used to cut waist high grass with it.
Yes!...of course use it! Pulling that starter more than once is worse...That equals no lube in a 2 stroke on that second pull! Honestly, it doesn't matter. Continents drift at a faster rate than you will ever see engine wear from a shot of ether.
Most starting fluids do actually have some sort of oil in them. It usually says something like “two cycle safe!” Or “contains upper cylinder lubricant”.
I just broke mine this morning and decided to have it replaced along with the pull cord, carb cleaned, etc. It is a '78 model I bought new. I'll ask them where they get them if you are interested.
I have a lawnboy 8232 and the deck was the magnesium from 1973 and I found a lawn boy 8237 deck with the F series engine 1978 and the engine was completely blown deck was in beautiful shape if you watch my TH-cam video on it you’ll see and how bad the other decoration I went to my 8232 it was cracking and magnesium
Will catch it. The deck on this machine is in good shape. I should really give it a good cleaning and tune it up a bit. Looks like some aluminum or light metal? Aluminum doesn't really hold paint well in my experience. I have an old Toro GTS with analuminum deck and it's peeling a bit.
They do not build them like that anymore they started out in the 50s by making a Johnson motors for the boats and they got into the Lawn boy business and the rest is history now it’s all going to electric yippee
That sounds about right. Was probably an authentic rating back then. Into the 90's manufacturers started fudging horsepower #'s upward to improve sales. The courts nixed the practice, so everything is in cubic centimeters now.....a quantitative measure!
It’s actually a SUPERIOR design as a) the discharge speed is enhanced/ unencumbered based on the placement of the deck orifice (though my LB is always in mulch mode) and b) that staggered wheel means one can really get close to obstacles with the front-right sweet spot for precision trimming as unobstructed blade-area is maximized by moving that FR wheel back
@@michaelsocash3407 I agree. Despite the unorthodox looks, the design is extremely functional. I mentioned it reminds me of old Blohm and Voss aircraft designs (i.e. Blohm and Voss Bv 141 & P111). Off point, yet fascinating. www.luft46.com/bv/bvp111.html
I remember these, they had very little power. I think they switched over to 4 cycle engines for more power. If the grass was long and thick forget it they were VERY under powered. You couldn't give me one.
That's too bad. Perhaps out of tune? Mine is awesome. Like a chain saw through the grass. Glad someone "gave" me one. Can't beat the return policy at the dump!
You were definitely doing something wrong, wrong gas mix restricted exhaust something I've owned several & still have 2 left I used to use them as a brush hog they're so powerful
I agree. It was a good rescue. I'm sure that someone didn't know what they had when he just dumped the machine there. To add insult to injury, the "dump guy" pulls up to the metal pile every 15 minutes with the bucket loader and smashes everything there, then tosses it into the crusher. He'd crush and toss a pot of gold coins without a care. Thanks for checking it out ! -C
I had one for half a season. In tall grass, it would out-smoke hell. I got tired of breathing oil fumes and got rid of it. Give me a good ole 4-stroke anytime.
Hmm. Mine doesn't smoke. And since 2 cycles have no oil sump or valves/rods, it can't be bad rings or oil seepage from the head. Perhaps a bad (very high) oil/gas mix or something with the mixture?
My LB is 24yrs old and never had that problem... if you use a QUALITY synthetic ashless 2cycle oil with the correct ratio - and, if you know how to operate a LawnBoy, you should not encounter that malady
![งมหอย จับปลา มือเปล่า หาอยู่หากินแบบวีถีอีสานกับแก๊งเซียนหรั่ง ม่วนคัก! [ขอนแก่น] @Sianstudio](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JEJZg6N-AbU/mqdefault.jpg)
![ประสบการณ์ จ้าง Developer ที่ผมจะไม่มีวันลืม [ภาค1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bzivN4KDg-k/mqdefault.jpg)
Lawnboys were some of the best mowers made when they were still 2-cycle. The staggered wheel design made unique looking stripes in the yard that I think looked cool. I remember so many people having them when I was little.
Another great story. Thanks! As for me, I don't remember seeing them around that much as a kid. My father had a "Cooper Cyclo-vac". Made me push it around. Glad I found this example. Almost passed it up. Have not seen one around since. BTW, Nice fish! -C
Ive got three lawn boys, bought one in 1975 still running today, Silver Series and a Gold Series all running.
Nice! That's what I call "staying power". I have two Lawn Boys....I guess you have seen their stories on TH-cam. Enjoy yours and thanks for checking it out! -C
Man nice lawnboy, I love these old 2 stroke lawnboys best mowers ever made.
Thanks. Yeah, one of my most fortuitous finds at the transfer station. Light as a feather and fun to use. Thanks for visiting! -C
This is what I mowed with when I was a kid. It’s cool hearing one again! It’s been over 35+ years! Thanks!
Everyone fondly remembers the sounds of these old 2-cycles. Glad it brings back memories :) -C
Those ol Lawnboys had a distinctive sound.
Yes they did! Caught me off guard, but those 2-cycle engines were very unique...and quite robust!
I have one I bought new in 1978. Key electric start and self propelled. Best mower ever!
Wow! That's a good run. Any mower than go 43 years, can certainly go 50, 60 or 70+ years!
Sure makes me feel old when I see someone excited about this
Makes me feel old fussing around with it!
😂
I still use Lawn Boys on my yard. I love the staggered wheel deck.
I have a1973 lawn boy as my daily driver. I have managed to keep all my fingers and toes. No need for a safety bar. Good luck having a modern mower last 50 years. And yes. I am old. The magnesium deck is wonderfully light.
Exactly1
Good thing you found out it's 2 cycle before running it :) I have a 1980 model 7268 and a 1991. Love them!
Ha Ha! Yeah, I'm a loon. When I found it, it had a half tank of proper fuel that smelled fresh enough to try out. The unique sound gave it away. Cool machines!.
Great mower. As a kid I used one to make money. Couldn't kill it, loud and you got a headache from the oil fumes but what a great mower.
Ha ha! Perhaps it is the same one! Thanks for the reflections on it. Definitely a loyal fan base. -C
I remember all that light blue smoke lol. And my dad's sometimes kept running also like that . I used to flood it also then open carb soaked filter let it sit out . my dad always made me bag. I hated that.
You found a jewel in the trash. Lawn boy, one of the best mowers ever. 2cycle that is. Enjoy !
Thanks' Sir. To think I almost walked away from it! I really didn't know what I had (or that it was two stroke) until later. It's a blast- only weighs a few pounds wet too!.
Love that old "Lawn Boy sound" with the 2-cycle engine and under deck exhaust. Had one many years ago, and just bought an old '72 model that I'm doing a light restoration on (for "go", not so much for "show"). Looking forward to getting this little light weight (19") going to do my trim with. They made 'em cheap, but they're sweeties.
I like sound too. Very unique....and they are not smoky at all! Mine is mostly a "go only" as well. I cleaned a few things up. It could use a carb tear down I think. Overall, a nice tight machine!
-C
I used one of these a lot in the 90's. Worked great! Pretty sure dad still has it out in the shed.
Cool! You should see if it is still there and try to fire it up. If not for the utility, then for the nostalgia of hearing that old 2-cycle sound :)
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague I just remember dad always thought the lawn looked nicer with that compared to the 4 cycle mower.
One of the best model series Lawn-boy made.
Fix it up & it will last another forty years.
Thanks, man. Definitely a keeper. When weather is a bit nicer I'm going to pull the shrouding off and have a better look around inside. I kid you not...I was totally surprised after pulling it out of the metal pile and starting it....to find out it's a 2-cycle. Almost passed it up!!
The pre compliance F engine Lawnboys (1978 to 1983) are the overall best Lawnboys or best mowers of all time for that matter. Although I'd argue that all the F engined LBs with an aluminum deck are worth saving, a pre compliance F without electric start or self propel has hardly anything to go wrong on it. So damn simple and well made.
@@ericjohnson3332
Agree.
My parents lived on a millpond with a 3/4 acre lot and long slope towards the pond. My dad went through a number of 4 strokes until he bought his first 2 strike lawn boy. He went to a lawn tractor as he got older, but my youngest son now uses that '72 at his house.
Had a 2 stroke Toro myself. From my Father in law with a hill. Was ok, but when it got fussy I got rid of it......this was before i knew what i was doing. I regret losing it every day now. It was really cool.
You found a gold nugget there mate
One of the very best mowers ever. I've sold n serviced thousands when they were in business. In the last fifty years they really had top sellers in those that last the longest. I had one of there first made mowers and I could start it with the flick of my hand on the exposed fly shell. Wish I kept it , but I made money selling not keeping. Still have a new short block engine left for that model in stock.
The accolades for these older Lawn-Boys keep rolling in! I'll open it up in another few weeks. Look at that switch and clean around inside. F series look pretty strait forward. Thanks for sharing!
you still have f series engine email biscuitb32@hotmail.com
Great lucky find there. Love the LawnBoy mowers. I have a 4 stroke 1997 model that runs nice. That 2 stroke sound brings back memories of the one I used when I cut the lawn in 70s and mid 80s. The model I used was passed down. It was off white with blue wheels. I think from the 60s. That mower was bulletproof. When our Simplcity riding went down , which was often. The LawnBoy took over. We had an acre to mow. Good times
Thanks, Mate. Yeah, it's a hoot! A little hard to start cold. Probably could use a total carb scrubbing. I think primer bulb OK. I acquired a mid 90's silver series some years back in the same manner. would not run when hot though (bad coil likely-expanding/contracting, losing continuity). Had I known better then, I would have fixed it :(
Great video! I have that EXACT same lawnmower. You cannot kill these things.! This one sounds rough though and the RPM is low. like it was ran without oil or the very simple carb needs work. Mine sounds like a well made propeller driven aircraft, it’s a beautiful and melodious sound. One of the reasons this mower is so light is because it has an all aluminum deck, or body. It’s cast aluminum which today is unheard of and at the time uncompleted with. The staggered wheels are because the discharge for bagless mode blows out the front right. For bagging mode there is an adapter which is inserted into the top righ front deck of the mower bypassing the side discharge, which diverts the clippings up into the bag. It’s a really one-of-a-kind machine and the main advantage to a two-stroke over a four stroke that I found is that because there is power on every stroke and also because it spins at a higher RPM than a fourth stroke, this mower never bogs down. In my 40 years of using it, it has never once stalled due to being overloaded. #theydontmakeshitlikethisanymore
Thanks for the commentary! Admittedly, this example was literally just off the metal pile at the local dump. It still had fuel in it (of dubious quality perhaps). Some carb spray and cleaning out the air filter and it coughed to life- as is. Yeah, I was surprised at the sound (being a 2-cycle). I had to hunt around a while to find a little sticker on the tank indicating 50:1 oil mix. That finally tipped me off! Good thing I didn't load it up with strait gas. Looking forward to tinkering with it on a warm day.
I had one that was a little bit older and it was a magnesium deck.
After the motor had a catastrophic failure, I threw the deck in a bonfire at night. Lit up a few acres like it was the surface of the sun once that deck got going!
Nice unit! My first lb was a 7268 and i have recently acquired 2 R7268s. I am in the process of restoring one of them. I replaced the piston, rings, seals, rebuilt the carb, and had to put a different coil on it and now it runs great! These are getting rare. In today's world Im sure any typical homeowner would look at these and scratch their head lol. I couldnt tell but make sure the sir filter is oiled and you run good 2 stroke oil at 32 to 1 and it will last a long time.
Thankyou, Sir. Yeah, I NEVER see these around the neighborhood and I still can't get over my good fortune finding this unit in the scrap pile. Almost passed it up, not knowing they have such a large fan base! Good job on the rebuild. I just take mine out once in a while for a ceremonial spin around the yard. Nice site. I just subscribed :) -C
Cant belive someone threw that away! Had a bicentennial Lawn Boy that was white with red white and blue stars!
Red white and blue??!! Sweet. I'll see if I can find pics on line! As for this example, I saw it there at the dump in the metal pile. I circled around (even left the dump), then said what the heck...came back and grabbed it. I didn't really know much about these machines or the loyalty then. I mostly find junk there! (but a few decent Ariens snow blowers too. :) -C
I use to have a lawn boy just like this one 2 cycle motor
Yep. 2- Cycle. Lot of fun! Slices through the grass. Glad I found it!
We still got ours lol
Those things never die at all
They blow some smoke but it runs great
Pretty much. Simple and no fuss. Probably only has about 10 moving parts.....the spinning blade and 4 wheels accounting for half of them! ; )
My Grandfather had one when I was a kid , I’m 66 now , I’m thinking it was either gray w/ red gas tank or green w/ red tank but can’t remember we started it with a coil of rope that you had to rewrap it around the top of motor every time you cranked it , I have 2 newer ones that was give to me . Thanks for sharing this .
Thankyou, Sir! Great story. Yeah, I think the really old Lawn Boy mowers were something other than "green". Glad you liked. I have found several other Lawn Boys at the dump over the years. Ranging from early nineties, to mid 2000's....but this is the only 2-cycle 70's machine I have ever come across! Cheers, -C
Badass 2-smoker. Moderns are not worthy.
An oldy but goody indeed. A certain charm to these old devices!
Classic. Loved the sound of it running when I was a kid.. still do. These were fantastic lawn mowers.
Thank-you Sir! Yeah. They are cool. The sound surprised me at first. Glad I didn't dump in any strait gas! Once I a TORO 2 cycle as well. Regret losing that one. Cheers! -C
My grandpa has one from the 1940s and he hasn’t tried to start it after he got it in 1970, and it started first pull
Wow! Now that machine is a real trooper! I have a video floating around out there pertaining to an old 3-stage snow blower. Now this had not been started in 10 years or so....and it did start first pull with a tank of clean gas....but I also sprayed a healthy shot of ether (starting fluid) into it to move things along a bit! Thanks for viewing. -C
Very cool. Never seen or heard of this brand.
I guess they have been around for a quite a long time. My second machine. What got me was the 2 cycle motor. Cool!
Oh man this brings back childhood memories. We had one that was almost identical to this one that you have. It ran for years, we loaned it to my uncle and he blew it up somehow. I think he put straight gas in it, even though he denied it lol.
That would do it! I almost did the same thing. Lucky I caught myself. I had never seen one these until I snatched it from the dump! Thanks for watching and sharing your story. -C
I love my old lawn boy. One thing cool about mine is the exhaust is under the deck don't know about yours. So quite when mowing.
Ahh. Good point for Jeri.
Yup... this model indeed features the muffler under the magnesium deck...
Most older lawnboys with f engines have exhaust ports under the hard aluminum deck
That’s definitely 1970,s style . I have a few of that brand & they really did a good job of making My yard look good . How ever they don’t build them anymore. All because of EPA regulations. I’d would like get hands on one
Thanks for checking it out! In addition to this example, I have another 90's vintage Silver Series machine. I gave that one a restoration. Don't use them much because as you said. They don't make them, and parts are hard to find I hear. Cheers! -C
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague toro bought them out a long time ago
@@robertwhite9898 Yeah, I've had a couple of newer "Lawn Boy" mowers I found at the dump (also floating around on TH-cam somewhere). They are essentially just Toros painted green. At least the 90's ones, , Toro appeared to still be using the off-center decks stamped from the original Lawn Boy factory line. Makes them a bit more interesting anyways.
I want one of these! I’m on a 2 cycle kick/phase lately. I must have one.
I hear you. They are hysterical. I once had a Toro GTS 2-cycle that I got rid of maaaany years ago (before I knew what I was doing). I still regret that day. Thanks for checking it out! -C
I use to have one and it would cut badly overgrown fescue with ease.
Yeah, these 2-cycle engines wind right up. Like a chain saw through grass!
What a unique and seemingly full of modern ideas, machine!
You bet. It's pretty cool. I once had a Toro 2 cycle that I regrettably got rid of because I didn't bother/learn how to fix it. I was psyched when I realized what this is :)
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague Jon3800 has a very large collection of Lawn Boy machines and spiders!
He is on TH-cam too.
Ha ha! The culmination of 70's technology. But it still works as it should for the most part. That's what counts!
"Spiders"! That's a great way to describe the Lawn Boy mowers. I always thought they looked like "crabs" as well :)
I picked up a real nice i think its a 7205 i think its 1979 on local craigslist carb was done blade was balanced and sharpened. I could tell the guy loved lawnboys. He had lawn boy everything in his garage and about 7 other lawnboy mowers in some shed. I bought it for my friend for her yard.
Nice! I have two still. The 1979 you saw, and another one from the mid 90's that I restored. The 90's one is floating around in the electronic ether someplace as well. Congrats on you purchase and thanks for viewing! -C
I have a '78 I bought new. Just broke the recoil spring so it is in the shop for a full service. Since I bought it I have cleaned the air filter, sharpened the blade and two or three times popped in a new plug and cleaned the carbon out of the muffler. It had it's last repair/service in about 1990.
Sweet. It's probably just having a bit of a mid-life crisis. Will be back in your hands for the second chapter soon enough!
I have a 1978 self-propelled version of that same mower. It also has electric start, which i find hilarious
Wow! All the bells and whistles. You could charge admission to fire it up and and show it off. Nice. Mine is rather mundane, but still kind of cool. -C
You picked up a good lawnmower buddy that was one of the best built lawnmowers or at least engines as long as you put enough oil because it’s 2 cycle as long as you keep the muffler ports clean and your carburetor so we can breathe good a good filter I think will last forever
Hey, thanks mate! It is pretty cool. And to think I almost passed it by. ( I drove back on second thought, before it was tossed in the crusher). I think I'm going to take apart/clean the carb. Then it will be perfect!
Grew up in the Midwest and as a kid, hung around the local lawnmower repair shop. I’d say about 1/2-3/4 of their biz was service and Lawn-Boys like this were their bread ‘n butter. They always had a stable of used Lawn Boys for sale that had been serviced and were ready to mow again. Machines from the 1960’s-forward, painted in the traditional early LB soft pastel colors to the typical grasshopper green of yours that started around 1968-1970. It was really obvious that when it came to residential mowers, people in my town preferred Lawn Boys. They looked different. They sounded different. The oil and gas blend has a particular smell when running that four cycle mowers don’t have. Their lightweight magnesium decks felt like you were pushing a feather, unlike the heavy steel decked mowers. They had self-propel so they basically drove themselves which made mowing hillsides a breeze. Some models even had optional electric start. There was a lot to like about them. Never could figure out why I couldn’t convince Dad to trade our Murray Briggs & Stratton hunk of junk for a neat Lawn Boy, but he dug in his heels. Probably figured hey, the boy’s doing all the mowing. Why do I need to change anything?🤦🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️😂
Good story. Thanks for posting! These Lawn-Boys really have a cult following. Almost getting warm enough for inspirational tune-up time. The one I have.....the wheels are worn down to "baloney skins"...Smooth. Goes to show you how much use it received before the previous owner junked it.
Also have a r7268. Runs amazing, 1981 model. Best mowers ever.
Nice! I just picked up a 10605 model with a Kohler from the dump. Not as interesting, (being kind of re badged Toro), but it seems to start up and run pretty good. Blade clutch and drive all work too. Amazing. Will try to up load soon. Thanks for checking out!
-C
You always need to go counterclockwise to get around trees and clear the clippings away from the grass to be mown. The 2cycle likes high revs. It does have the torque to go over clippings in unmown grass.
Yeah, the side discharge is pretty old school, but it works pretty good when the grass is dry and not extremely tall.
Should be 3200 RPM
ah yes, that distinct lawn boy sound!
Roger that. Yeah, surprised the heck out of me when I started it the first time. Just wasn't paying attention. Good thing I didn't add any regular gas!! -C
Great video. I've got 30 or 40 of the older Lawn Boys in storage. About half are in good running condition. Keeping them for a retirement project someday.
Thanks much! Wow, 30-40? That is quite an enterprise. Can probably sell one after each restoration and have steady income for a loooong time!
i love Lawn Boys!! I just now found and subscribed to your channel Brother. I am sure i will enjoy the uploads. This one was awesome! Thank you for taking time to make it!!
Thanks! I like the off center design. very funky. eccentric, but practical. If a bag attached, you can still get the deck in for close edging.
In 1982, we picked up a Lawn boy and I am still using it!!! Same plastic carb. Keep an eye out. I have had the brass seats for the needle valve and idle come loose. Still starts on one pull too. It still screams like a banshee. Nice power and cuts everything I throw at it. Mine has a clutch on the blade such that it will run but the blade stops. Just wish I could find a replacement muffler.
Nice. Picked it up pretty new then. Mine is a little tough to get going, but once started, it runs fine. One of these days I'll pull the carb apart and give it a good overhaul. Thanks for checking it out! -C
I wish my mother never got rid of my dads 2 stroke Lawn Boy back in the 90s and replaced with a "modern" heavy ass self-drive unit. I hated mowing after that.
I hear you. My dad made me use this thing called a Cooper Cyclovac when I was a kid. Had this big honking bag on a rod that stuck out the side and would bend to the ground with the weight. Torture. Thanks for the view. Hope you find another LB mower! -C
Tenacious c You are lucky to have found this old Lawn Boy in running condition. I have a 1978 model and the pull cord does not work. The repair shop told me that there were no longer parts available for this old of Lawn Boy Mower, that was five years ago. I would love to get it running again but that is probably not possible.
Look on ebay
Thanks! I almost walked away from it. Like I indicated previously, I didn't realize what I had stumbled across. Blind luck. Probably never find another. As mentioned by others, you might need to go the used route. Probaly worth it in the end if you can't re-build it..
We had one like that when I was a kid in the 90’s didn’t have it long always gave us issues now days I have two old 2 cycle mowers ones a Clinton trim-it and the others a old 50’s mow master sure get a lot of odd looks from neighbors when they hear a 2 cycle and see a lawn mower
Cool. Always good to keep the neighbors alert. I bet that old mow-master is something to behold!
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague indeed it is and with all the weird old junk I own I do lol it is indeed I’ll get a video of it up soon
Tenacious C i have this exact same mower. I took the cap off to try and fix the pull string. Trying to put it back together but fuel lines and such aren't lining back up. Needless to say I'm all thumbs when it comes to this 👎👎🤦♂️ any advice or resources would be awesome 😀
@@mattbrown7394 Hi Matt, I have not pulled the top off myself. I want to look at the on/off switch and have a look around soon. Are fuel lines stiff? They can harden up with age.
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague hey I actually figured it out (maybe lol) the trouble I was having was the primer tube. Very short tube and not much space to work with 🥵
These things are so coveted, I'm surprised you managed to drive past one twice! I own 3 lawn boys and they are fantastic!
Thanks! Yeah, I really had no idea what I had found until I posted the video and comments started rolling in. Of course, I have never found another one out there! I should give it a full restoration, but I have too much stuff! In time. -C
@Tenacious C's Rescue League these things have a cult following, and only recently have I finally been able to join! As long as it's got good compression and starts well, you don't really need to work on the engine much. Remember to mix it with good oil and 32:1. It's good to see those mowers in caring hands.
@@therandomman6647 Roger that. I use the ethanol-free stuff for the old 2-cycles. Could probably use a carb overhaul. A little fussy to start...but runs pretty smooth once it kicks in. Thanks for the support! -C
@TenaciousCsRescueLeague it is an F engine carburetor and works very similar to almost any engine with an air vane governor. In all my experience with F engines, they take a lot of priming to start, even with rebuilt carburetors. These engines are marine grade, at least up until Toro bought them. You can use marine oil, which is nice. If you ever need to take the blade adapter off, index it 90° to the piston at TDC. If you have any more questions about Lawn Boys, I do have plenty of experience, and would be happy to help!
I mowed with one of those....... tough as nails.... and harder to stall in tall grass than your typical 4 stroke of the time.
Hey! Thanks for the view and comment. Yeah, it's kind of like a chain saw for grass!
Yeah, the bane of every kids existence.... mowing the lawn. My Dad made me push around this thing called a Cooper Cyclovac. I wish I still had it just for the weirdness factor.....but it is long gone. He replaced it with a pretty cool Toro GTS. I DO still have that though! There's a video of it out there someplace. Thanks for watching. -C
Have a 21 inch self propelled I bought brand new in 1979 very light ,use it for my lawn where it is sloped!
Cool! Yeah, my father in law had a 2-cycle mower he used on his sloped yard for years. You don't need to worry about oil not being in the sump! -C
These were the upper class mowers , still are great mowers . With a good sharp blade you get a nice cut out of these mowers .
Thanks for the commentary. I bet I'll never find another one. What gets me is how LIGHT the machine is! It's a breeze to push around. I keep meaning to give it a proper carb overhaul and cleaning. Might be a good Memorial weekend project. Cheers! -C
One of my paternal uncles had a lawn boy lawnmower when I was little; I remember Kevin (my “dad“) borrowing it a lot to cut our grass. This would’ve been as far back as 1992 to around 1996 or so. Couldn’t tell you what the model was specifically, but I can describe it as follows.
It was red, had some kind of knob in the middle of it on the front below the handlebar, had a bag catcher on it for catching the grass and the motor had two different sounds to it; I can’t describe exactly what they were though. also, it folded down quite a lot to the point where it was quite small and could easily fit in the back of a car. I also remember there being some kind of a cap below the handlebars as well; it was kind of hexagon shaped. also when you pulled the string to start it, it didn’t make the steadily increasing and then decreasing revving sound you normally here; the sound was a lot quicker.
Hmmm. That is a mystery to me. Interesting. Any images on the web that would clue you in? Perhaps search on defunct mower companies to find a lead? would be cool to see! -C
Rare! Love 2 stroke anything
Thanks for checking it out. Yeah, as I have mentioned over the years, when I picked it up I didn't even know what I had! I passed it up on the first pass, and the guy with the front end loader almost crushed it. I've found several other LawnBoys, but all 4 stroke. I never find ANY 2 cycle mowers :( Cheers! -C
Some of these had magnesium decks, I used one of these when i was a kid to mow lawns, hated it lol.
Interesting contributions on the mag decks....Not sure what the composition of this one is. Certainly some kind of "light shiny element"....like Aluminum, or perhaps Magnesium? Certainly not steel!
I have the self Propel version of one of those, push the top of the handle forward and it drives away by itself, you would probably think that's even scarier. I think they're rated around 4 and 1/2 or 5 horsepower but I'm not sure.
Nice. That's always good sporting fun! Sounds cool. I found some old free manuals online. The F-100 engine I have is rated 3.5 hp, but it revs really nice. I have an old 3 stage snow blower that is "self motivated" as well!
neato, i have a similar model that is rear drive self propelled with an electric start, so the switch is on the handle and not the housing. I haven't used it in years. great mower. I miss that sound, and the smell too.
All the bells and whistles! Definitely a unque sound. Caught me off guard when I first got it going!
I remember using those old lawnmowers and I either had to wait for all the gas to run out or take a metal rod/screwdriver with a wooden handle and have the two metal parts to turn off the lawnmower. I took a hubcap one time to stop it and nearly electrocuted myself.
Awesome! Wasn't it good clean fun when safety features were just a curiosity, and not the law? I had a little craftsman with a Briggs that I had to do the same thing. I'd hold a screwdriver across the plug and ground it out against the cylinder head to stop it! :) -C
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague right? I'm just glad that we have an electric now as I have a smaller lawn and it shuts off my releasing the lever
@@AntmeetsMelbourne And at the end of the day, all of your fingers and toes add up to 20! Priceless :) -C
yup they sure are 2 cycle, used to have two of these
Yeah......I wasn't really paying attention. I almost let it go at the dump. Circled back around again and grabbed it. I simply was not that familiar with these machines! I have a whole new appreciation now!
Yep, 70s model. The neighbor down the street had one of these when I was a kid.
I don't think anyone is more than two degrees removed from someone who once owned a vintage Lawn Boy!
Just seen two kids mowing yards with one of these. Had to find out what it was.
Too funny! I wonder if they know they are using a classic?
Oh I bet they know lol it rattled like it was from 79.
interesting i think my grandad had that exact mower and dad used as a kid but earlier
A buddy of mine over the other day and said a similar thing...."My Dad used to always have Lawn Boy mowers" His da is in his 90's!
I have the 7268. Same as yours but not sold as a rear bagger. Also have 4 of the 19 inch version model 5247. The 1978 through 1982 precompliant F series Lawnboys were some of the best ever made. I also have about 11 other Lawnboys from 1968 through 1978.
Yours is more than likely a 1982 model. The early F series, 1978-1979 had a hex adjuster on the governor air vane. Then they went to the round adjuster that clicked to adjust. Then in 1982 they added the extra louvers in the top center portion of the shroud to aid in cooling. Also your mower has a post compliant open to run coil which is why your on/off switch is backwards. You need to order 100-2949, pre compliant ground to run coil. The old style triangle wheels are getting harder to find, especially new, but you can find OEM Toro replacements or generics when those wheels are no longer usable. It is a very nice mower and with proper care should last many years. My wife and I use 4 Lawnboy mowers in rotation weekly on 6 properties, mainly 1975 through 1980 models.
That's awesome! Thanks for the all the info Quite a following out there for these machines. The wheels are completely smooth...."baloney skins". Not sure if that is factory, or any tread just wore down over the years. The coil thing kind of flummoxes me, but several have commented. Glad to have a part number! Cheers! -C
I have one of these ima tinker with it and try to get it to start
Excellent! They take a 1:32 two-cycle mix. Cool machines. Let us know when you get it fired up! -C
The unit you have runs great and sure cuts REALLY nice too! Too bad you don't have the self-propelled version, because then you can let it go and it will drive itself.
When I was a kid, my neighbor had the self-propelled one and was able to let go and give me two thumbs up. The damn thing kept moving without him touching it at all😂. It was the best!!! It was almost like those robo-mowers they have now. Makes me wish I had one.
Here is the self propelled version I was talking about.
th-cam.com/video/z2HhtjCGD5w/w-d-xo.html
Thanks! It's pretty smooth once warmed up. The old self propelled ones must be a rather rare commodity these. Dump pickers such as me take what we can get! :)
Found a 7268 on Craigslist ten years ago for 75 bucks and have been using it since. Make sure to put an air filter in the carb box and mix your fuel with non oxygenated 91 octane and API TC rated oil (i like Amsoil Saber) at 32:1....it will run a very long time. Pull the under deck muffler off and clean the exhaust port, they will get coked up with soot if low quality oil is used.
Hey, thanks for the tips. just running some 87 octane, but it is fresh. Filter clean. Will check the port too. Have not looked at that.
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague a blocked exhaust port and or muffler on F engines can greatly reduce power and cause poor performance in general. I haven't had to clean mine one time once I started using quality oil
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague The exhaust ports getting clogged was about the biggest demise of a lot of Lawnboys. People would think they were worn out and get rid of them, then someone in the know would pick them up off the curb or from the junk yard, clean the exhaust ports and turn around and sell it. Very profitable past time. The goofy wheel set up was promoted as an anti scalp design. The 2 cycle and light weight made these the preferred mower for mowing ditchs and steep hills as no worry on oil starvation. I think most of the people in Galesburg IL had one of these at one time as that is where they were made. I grew up there and worked at Outboard Marine (the manufacurer) for about 6 months. They are a unique mower and with minimal care seem to run foreever.
Very interesting. I have a `74 Lawn Boy 7224 with a D600 motor. Been in our family since new. Been using Pro Mix multi-ratio oil for the past 8 yrs. and wonder if it caused heavy scoring in the cylinder and compression is low. Now need another D600 engine. Having trouble finding one. Used Shell 93 for the past 2 yrs. and wonder if the extra detergents harmed things. I have heard good things about Amsoil Saber. Curious why you advise 91 octane. I know Lawn Boy advises "regular". I don't think the exhaust ports were ever cleaned on this machine, and the rpms dropped over the past 10 yrs.
@@richardgiles7017 Hey, thanks. Appears that a lot of signs point to the exhaust ports on these old F and D engines as areas of fickle behavior. I need to tear down the carb on mine (too many other gizmos laying around..) It runs well, but a little hard to start, and the carb leaks a bit. Bad float seat perhaps. Simple fix. Luckily it has is a factory fuel shut off lever. Nice feature!
thats a good old lawn boy i got a old lawn boy i only run ethanol free gas in
I heard that's the trick to longevity. Hard to find the EtOH free gas up this way though. I use Stabl in everything and it seems to help keep things easy starting.
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague you can get a gallon at tractor supply true fuel 50 1 for 19.99
@@snoopysrc No Kidding. We have a TS two towns away. I'll check it out. Thanks!
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague are you making more lawn boy videos this spring????
@@snoopysrc Well, Sure!! Why not. I need to fix that kill switch bug and then take it out for a real romp in the field. Might be worth capturing on vid.
My wife says it looks like Darth Vader
Darth Vader?! Awesome! It does have a bit of a mechanized-transformer look about it... now that you mention. -C
They were needed for lawns with slopes and being 2 cycle they could mow slopes without worry of them not getting the lubrication they needed. 4 cycle mowers especially old splash types could be damaged mowing slopes so these were highly sought after from people that had sloping lawns.
Yeah, My father in law had a 2 cycle Toro for just that reason. Had a bag too. Wish we still had it! Thanks for checking it out. -C
The little lever above the air filter is the high low idle I believe.
Thanks, Man. I keep meaning to just pull that carb off and clean the heck out of it. They look pretty simple....but so many rescue things going on now! (plus my day job gets in the way). -C
I have a similar one found in a similar fashion i think mine is 1975 but mine looks new compared to this one. I had to take apart the self drive linkage and the worm gear setup going off the shaft because the o-ring vaporized the second i looked at it. Im not exactly sure how it goes back together so been running it without the drive
Good score! Mine doesn't have the drive system. A simple old walk-about. I have another video of this one following a clean up and some rudimentary restoration. Looks a lot better at end of that vid! -C
I like the rifle.in the back ;)
Ah, yes. Contrivances such as that are typically found throughout my garage. I never claimed to be the safest man in show bizz :)
These were great mowers but now that they are 40+ years old if your going to actually use one today it would be worth putting in new crank seals (makes starting and running soo much more consistent) and having a spare ignition coil on hand(they are pricey especially OEM). They are incredibly simple and easy to work on but the parts these days are getting scarce and expensive.
Thanks for the tips. Yeah, I rarely use this machine. I feel lucky to even have it. I keep it in the garage as a curiosity and just fire it up every now and then to give a quick edge cut along the driveway! Thanks for checking it out. -C
Honestly if i owned that id definitely convert it to an outboard motor for my dinghy
That would be good sport. Or a square-back canoe. Who needs paddles!
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague i already installed my 3.5hp outboard motor on my kayak with outriggers but this mower engine will have more grunt
I have a similar one. I believe it's 4 hp.
Sounds about right. I found the manual on line and it has all the specs. Lawn Boy web site.
I had one of those years ago and the crank bearing exploded inside the cylinder and scored the walls I was pissed as fuck lol so I restored a gold series and I always do a cylinder pressure test every season to Mike sure the compression is good, rings are good and bearing should last a good ten years as well
Man. Lots of drama there. I found a snow blower with a Tecumseh 7hp with a shattered connecting rod. I had to remove the fused aluminum from the crank with muriatic acid. New rod went in fine and it still runs pretty good, but smokes a bit. Yep, just keep an eye on it.
It's lightweight because I believe it might have a cast magnesium deck.
Yeah, definitely some kind of light rust resisatant metal. Shiny through the paint chips. Not like steel!
This model of Lawn mower has the cast aluminum deck but earlier ones did have the magnesium deck.
I just got mine and I don't like how it's so loud it runs really rough and the first time I started up at smoked but then I started it again and then there ain't no smoke it's super loud is the part I don't like about it but it cuts really good still learning about this mower I just got literally just got yesterday
Trial by fire....that's the way I learned too. Probably a bit of gummyness in the carb or something. Mine is not much lowder than a 4 cycle engine.....just a different pitch. Could the baffles in the muffler be shot?
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague sold them for ten years.
1can Lawn Boy oil to two gallons of gas.
@@fiddlingaryThanks. Sounds easy. I guess it comes in 4 oz bottles? I have a 1qt bottle of generic 2-ctcle oil. I measure and mix.
Loud? 2cycle lawnboys with the muffler under the magnesium deck as satisfyingly quiet
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague Sold them fir ten years.
I grew up south of Galesburg Illinois where they used to make these it was a very popular brand my stepdad had one and a neighbor turned one into a riding mower using a tow behind moter and differential. I looked up the new ones and they are lame just a brand they don't have the chute in front of the wheel anymore
Hey, thanks for the view and interesting commentary! I hear a lot of fond memories about these machines. Regarding the new Lawn Boys, yeah. They are just green Toro's from what I understand.
Same one as mine.
Luck you are then! Cool old machines. -C
I have parts for it. That's an early F series mower.
i recently got my hands on one of these. i was cleaning the carb and was like well why is it so thick. bad fuel and it had oil in it. drain the tank but nothing was in it and on the cap 2 stroke. while i was cleaning the carb i thought the carb looked like a 2 stroke carb. got it all back together and started right up. and sounded exactly like a snowblower. the blades need sharpened but it still tore through some literally almost waist high grass first and only pass. for what i paid and what i got. this falls into the steal category. i love 2 strokes so one more reason to run one. i use lucas 2 stroke semi synthetic oil in my 2 strokes so low smoke and 50:1 ratio they will last forever.
my moped has a race cylinder on it and uses same oil and after thousands of miles there is 0 wear. im sure the same will go with this thing. it barely has any use on it so its gonna be like getting one brand new.
Good story. I have never seen another one of these around myself. I guess I could look for them on line, but the "free finds" are the best. Looks like a good fix you made! Many years of happy mowing to you! -C
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague yes it was a very unexpected but welcomed find. the aluminum deck was a nice touch too.
I got one to same mower I can't for the life of me to get it started it got spark and compression I added 2 stroke and oil and it doesn't work. Any tips would be greatly appreciated
Spark and compression are 90% of success. Only thing left I can think of is a carburetor or fuel delivery bug. Did you try spraying a little starting fluid (i.e. "Instant Start", basically ether in a can) into the carb with the air filter removed? It might roar to life for a couple seconds then poop out? If so, the engine works. That's good. You just might need to pull the carb to clean/replace or clean/replace the fuel lines. Don't run it more than a couple of seconds on the "instant start"...you need that 1:32 fuel mix for cylinder lube. Please advise if this helps! Thanks for watching. -C
Tenacious C i am new to your channel awesome video
Hey, thanks mate! I run kind of a "homeless shelter for misfit machinery" here.
You can buy a new on/off switch for it on eBay. Part # 104-4446. Nice mower. Similar to the 1979 Model 5247 I use to have.
Thanks much! I guess at this point I just deal with the switch in the reverse position. A lot of theories out there regarding the coil and other confounding propensities of reversed continuity. But I agree! It is petty cool and I thank myself every summer for rescuing it! -C
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague I have several old Lawn-boy two cycles. Great mowers once you understand them.
I have one with very low hours. Well i have 3 it has become not the best hobby. I don't need 3 LOL
I have snow blowers too. Even more cumbersome! I went to a place on the Virginia/North Carolina border a while back....the guy collects military tanks. Now THAT's a hobby!!
Some older mower decks, including Lawn Boy, have magnesium decks. Looks like Al but it's not.
Scratch a spot down to clean metal. Put a little vinegar on it. If it bubbles, it's probably Mg.
Edit: I see, now, someone make a similar comment. Do the scratch thing and see what it does.
Nice. Garage chemistry! Will check it out. Thanks much -C
interesting mower, but there is no throttle control?
Hi there. That's correct! It is either running, or not running. One speed only. -C
Actually, there IS a throttle control but not of the typical manually operated type. This throttle is controlled by a paddle shaped air operated vane inside the engine shroud that is connected directly to the carburetor. The air cooling turbine (flywheel) that cools the engine blows air against it, and whenever there is LESS air resistance on that air vane it will raise the throttle. When there is MORE air pressure blowing on that air vane (indicating higher revs) it will throttle down as needed. It is a quite ingenious system, coz it saves fuel and it saves you from having to babysit the throttle cable while you mow. Taller, tougher weed patch in there? NO PROB! it'll just throttle itself up immediately as soon as that air vane senses the increasing power demand on the engine, while the load increases, the rpm goes down. All of this happens "on the fly" -and it happens faster then you can reach down and manipulate a throttle lever too. Mow on!
@@econoroller my model 10301 had a "thumb wheel" on carb to increase/decrease engine speed. I set it faster, because I used to cut waist high grass with it.
Do NOT use starting fluid in a two stroke use pre-mix gas there is no oil in starting fluid
Yes!...of course use it! Pulling that starter more than once is worse...That equals no lube in a 2 stroke on that second pull! Honestly, it doesn't matter. Continents drift at a faster rate than you will ever see engine wear from a shot of ether.
Agreed. I use an ear syringe - pull fuel from the tank, then squirt it in the venturi.
Most starting fluids do actually have some sort of oil in them. It usually says something like “two cycle safe!” Or “contains upper cylinder lubricant”.
Try using Coleman fuel instead of starting ether. Works good
It's got the wrong coil. That's why the switch is backwards.
Thanks. I'll pull the shroud off of it and take a look. Perhaps just a bug at the switch?
I have a old one but I need the spring for the pull string anyone know where to get one at
I just broke mine this morning and decided to have it replaced along with the pull cord, carb cleaned, etc. It is a '78 model I bought new. I'll ask them where they get them if you are interested.
@@iowapanner2223 ok that would help
Wow
Interesting old machine, isn't it? !! -C
I have a lawnboy 8232 and the deck was the magnesium from 1973 and I found a lawn boy 8237 deck with the F series engine 1978 and the engine was completely blown deck was in beautiful shape if you watch my TH-cam video on it you’ll see and how bad the other decoration I went to my 8232 it was cracking and magnesium
Will catch it. The deck on this machine is in good shape. I should really give it a good cleaning and tune it up a bit. Looks like some aluminum or light metal? Aluminum doesn't really hold paint well in my experience. I have an old Toro GTS with analuminum deck and it's peeling a bit.
@@TenaciousCsRescueLeague interesting
Drove by it, walked away.. do you drive a Subaru?
Nah. Guy in New England Don't drive Subaru's. :)
They do not build them like that anymore they started out in the 50s by making a Johnson motors for the boats and they got into the Lawn boy business and the rest is history now it’s all going to electric yippee
These F engines were rated at 4 horsepower.
That sounds about right. Was probably an authentic rating back then. Into the 90's manufacturers started fudging horsepower #'s upward to improve sales. The courts nixed the practice, so everything is in cubic centimeters now.....a quantitative measure!
First time I saw one of these on the marketplace I thought it was an optical illusion, or a wheel fell off.
Turns out it was just a goofy design
I know! I think that is part of what endears these machines to their fans. The whimsical design, sound, etc.
It’s actually a SUPERIOR design as a) the discharge speed is enhanced/ unencumbered based on the placement of the deck orifice (though my LB is always in mulch mode) and b) that staggered wheel means one can really get close to obstacles with the front-right sweet spot for precision trimming as unobstructed blade-area is maximized by moving that FR wheel back
@@michaelsocash3407 I agree. Despite the unorthodox looks, the design is extremely functional. I mentioned it reminds me of old Blohm and Voss aircraft designs (i.e. Blohm and Voss Bv 141 & P111). Off point, yet fascinating.
www.luft46.com/bv/bvp111.html
I remember these, they had very little power. I think they switched over to 4 cycle engines for more power. If the grass was long and thick forget it they were VERY under powered. You couldn't give me one.
That's too bad. Perhaps out of tune? Mine is awesome. Like a chain saw through the grass. Glad someone "gave" me one. Can't beat the return policy at the dump!
You were definitely doing something wrong, wrong gas mix restricted exhaust something I've owned several & still have 2 left I used to use them as a brush hog they're so powerful
This will cut thick grass a foot high with out bogging down. The only thing stopping it is the chute clogging.
This came very close to being killed by someone who didn’t even know what it was.
I agree. It was a good rescue. I'm sure that someone didn't know what they had when he just dumped the machine there. To add insult to injury, the "dump guy" pulls up to the metal pile every 15 minutes with the bucket loader and smashes everything there, then tosses it into the crusher. He'd crush and toss a pot of gold coins without a care. Thanks for checking it out ! -C
I had one for half a season. In tall grass, it would out-smoke hell. I got tired of breathing oil fumes and got rid of it. Give me a good ole 4-stroke anytime.
Hmm. Mine doesn't smoke. And since 2 cycles have no oil sump or valves/rods, it can't be bad rings or oil seepage from the head. Perhaps a bad (very high) oil/gas mix or something with the mixture?
My LB is 24yrs old and never had that problem... if you use a QUALITY synthetic ashless 2cycle oil with the correct ratio - and, if you know how to operate a LawnBoy, you should not encounter that malady