Engine Model # 148-599012 Serial No. 9049 08035 Any Help Would Be Greatly Appreciated!! Mail To: Zippo Varga PO Box 2323 Muncie, IN 47307 Email: ZippoVarga@gmail.com
My dad purchased the exact same tractor "brand new" and I still have it. We bought it in September of 1970; however, it is a 1969 model. I have all of the history on this tractor including the sales receipt. My tractor has been parked in my barn for 25 years when I took posession. It is still in pretty good original condition.
We love your babbling. 👍😁 That is a unique looking machine. I like it, I would stop to look at it at a show, it's not something I "need" but it's really pretty. The features are pretty slick too, mag deck, peerless gearboxes, etc, what is the rear end gearbox?. I hate to admit it too, but I have a '71 Wheelhorse/Reo snowblower with a Tech HH70 pull start, that runs flawlessly too. That Tec is points ignition though, not solid state, but it has adjustable timing, which blew my mind. Anyway yeah, stay safe Zippo! Glad to see you back in the shop. I'm working on getting the wood chipper on the horse III tiller this spring, that 8HP Briggs is running happier, I am sure it still needs rings, but it tilled the garden nicely this year after you helped me tune it last year. 👍 Cheers Sean
I don't remember the strap down hood, do remember it being metal though. There's just something about that yellow paint, and all the labels that can be easily read with the good size letters that appeal to me. Of course more importantly is the condition it's in. Another nice one!!!
Thanks Arcie! I'm not a Sears/Craftsman guy, but this one just spoke to me. I pretty much only wanted this one, but it was a package deal for all three or nothing. But at just fifty bucks each, I couldn't go wrong. Cheers! Zip~
Babble on Buddy! You might find some info thru The Sears subsidiary in Canada, "Simpsons-Sears". Wen I went up for mail earlier this week, the mush in back of the barn was dry enough to walk on, so I visited my model 917.8320.Engine model 143.536022. All references to my machine avoid reference to "tractor, in favor of "riding lawnmower".
I love that machine. I have two mowers from that era. One is a 1969 Sears tractor with a fiberglass hood might be 6 or 8 horse and the other is a Motoboy around same year. Looking foreward to learning more. Take care Zippo
Hi Zip. This mower is really neat. I think Tecumseh ran the fuel line through the shroud mainly for the snowblowers but I'm not sure on that. I'm really curious to see what the year is on this. Weird question but what material is the grille made from? Babble on brother Zippo
I found some images on a few sites. One shows a 77 Craftsman (Yellow) that has a 10hp electric start engine. I did notice that the front axle is different. Also, the grille is slightly different. I'm still gathering info and will send you what I can find. My first thoughts were to ask the fellas at SSBTC on facebook as it resembles a sears suburban.
Wow, it really is in nice shape, eh? From the dash to the grilles and even some of the little decals. They just don't put the same soul into anything they make these days.
One thing that really throws you, is the beefyness of it, to look at it you would think, it isn't as heavy as it is, yeah mine has the same plastic door ding protectors, mine has it around the headlights and all the edges, I would imagine it was placed there, so the customer wouldn't cut themselves on the sharp metal.
I'd guess that it is a 67, with the 9 being either the day or month and the 10 being the other. I ran across this while looking up a self propel model 131.97342, serial 03065005968. Craftsman solid state Eager-1 self propel. Also yellow. I guess mine could be anywhere from 65, 68, or 73. Lol
Hey Zippo! Glad to see that you are out in the shop again. Were you able to get the voltage regulator and the gauge on the dash tested and working? Take it easy! 👍
I haven't put any more time into the little guy yet Jeffrey, but I will soon. I'm anxious to give it a try on the lawn, then a good cleaning and another wax job to brighten it up. It sure is an odd bird! Cheers!! Zip~
I have the Suburban Farm Living catalogs from 68-72 and it's not in there. It's probably in the main catalogs that were 2" thick that covered everything Sears had.
@@71_sears97 With it being an early AYP built machine I doubt that you'll find much info on it. 131 in the tractor model number indicates that it was built by AYP. The 917 (Roper built) machines are much easier to identify. Some of the early 502 (Murray Ohio built) machines are hard to find info on as well. Mostly because both AYP and Murray changed ownership a few times over the years.
I have the same exact machine im in roachdale indiana mine has a side draft carb the starter is mounted on the motor and has a newer pull start so i think mine has the newer 10hp tecumseh i have the hubcaps deck and everything and the seat on mine is not origional
I'd love to see photos of yours TandM. My email is in my video descriptions if you want to shoot me a few photos. They're quite hard to come by in the hydro version. Cheers! Zip~
Hey Man Hows every little thing???? Have You discontinued the sunday deal? Just aint seen anything latley / I do have the Ditch Witch Trencher up and running still needs a tweak or two hear and there But is Usable..... Are You still in need of one ? have a broken/bad tile?
Sixtyfiveford prob right , I did see one that looked like it the other day . It was in pa i think , Do not remember if it was on market place or ebay , do not think thee was much info on it
Yes sir 65 ford is right, the first number of the 9049 is the year and the last 3 are the day, and that makes sense for the double the price of the manual trans machine for the new for 69 hydro lol I love it more n more Zip! Oh and I was wrong, she listed for 799 brand new, oops old age is hitting me lol
Late 67 to early 1970s. The 67 model Craftsman wasn't as polished but it used the same engine,deck,similar grill shell ect ect ect. The Tecumseh HH100 engine had Points ignition up until the middle of 1968. The 1st digit in your engine serial number is the year. The last 3 digits in that number is the day of the year (unless that year was a Leap year). 9 = 1969, 049 = February 18 131 model number is an early AYP (American Yard Products) number. Early AYP built machines are almost impossible to get a manufacture date on because the company changed hands several times over the years. All of the Sears (Roper built) tractors started with a model number of 917. The Murray Ohio Mfg. built Sears tractors model number started with 502. Here is a pic of a 67 model. vintagesearsgardentractors.com/files/857c.jpg
Hey Zip I work for sears in home lawn and garden service for giggles I typed in the model number at the Searspartsdirect site and dropped the last didgets off there looks to might still be some parts available for them
Thanks Brian! I've found a few listed parts there as well. It looks like the only thing this one is missing is the steel battery cover, which I'll most likely just make. Thanks for checking for me! Cheers! Zip~
I have to say man that's one of the most beautiful things I've seen. I gotta say, after this pandemic is over, it's gonna be time for me to take my 1970 Sears Suburban 12, and give her a 2nd restoration! That'll make a good video for my channel, which I'm not on right now... But probably should be😆😆
Believe it’s 1970 or late. 1960s Think it’s a Tecumseh hh100 engine. Made by Rally/Roper is this it ? www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/003/2/2/3224-craftsman-1319671.html
Tractordata.com lists that model as 1969-70 built by roper for Sears. interesting little tractor www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/003/2/2/3224-craftsman-1319671.html
Someone went through this a few years ago...gardentractortalk.com/forums/topic/55293-anyone-know-what-year-this-craftsman-is/ My guess is 1965-6 Suburban...kinda sorta...the decks were fabrications and squared off on both ends...so, yours must of been replaced ? What is puzzling me is the "full" fenders...those must be custom ? Also the grille...mid 60s had similar, but horizontal openings down low. I just did some work on a older Craftsman rototiller with a Tecumseh...it was a mystery engine, no id numbers. Guy I got it from was sure it was a Briggs, even to the point that he had tried to rebuild the carb...and installed a way too long Briggs needle ! I dunno with all this toilet paper shortage...those vintage catalogs may be getting more rare !
Would it have been sold in Canada? Seems like an odd ball of a tractor.. This may be an advertisement for it but its a page for sale on Ebay www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Yellow-SEARS-CRAFTSMAN-Riding-Lawn-Mower-Man-Mowing-Lawn-VINTAGE-AD-/271511067043 Or this same image from a vintage ad site. www.vintageadbrowser.com/industry-ads-1960s/19
I usaly go to tractordata.com but in this case not a lotta info on your mower. Looking at pictures seems like 1969 models are all painted yellow and 1970 models are orange not sure if thats a coincidence or something to that. I know the feeling of frustration trying to find information, I've got a few od ball rare garden tractors I've been trying to find information on myself.
The engine was built on 18Feb1969, so the little beastie was probably assembled in April or May 1969. Tecumseh introduced their electronic ignition in 1967....
My dad purchased the exact same tractor "brand new" and I still have it. We bought it in September of 1970; however, it is a 1969 model. I have all of the history on this tractor including the sales receipt. My tractor has been parked in my barn for 25 years when I took posession. It is still in pretty good original condition.
There was a standard transmission model and the hydrostatic model. Is yours the hydro? If so, it's only the third I've located. Cheers! Zip~
hi mate,, nice to see you in the workshop.. hope your keeping safe
It's good to be in the shop finally. Lots to get done and the work is piling up. But that's a good thing! Cheers Mate! Zip~
Just picked one up and it's a true original owner, garage keep survivor with original plow and owners manuals for both ...it's Awesome❣
A nice mower that was proudly made in my bicycle days.
I was a whopping 3 years old in 69 lol. Cheers my Friend! zip~
Nice one Zippo
Awesome video thank you
Love it........ Nice and clean...... #MudMowers
Seen when you got this but i just realized it's a hydro. There is a site called vintage sears garden tractors that has alot of info
Thanks Gil, I'll check it out! Zip~
Ok sent you the screen shot, it shows that it is indeed in the sears catalog, so hopefully someone has the catalog it is in.
Wazzup!
We love your babbling. 👍😁
That is a unique looking machine. I like it, I would stop to look at it at a show, it's not something I "need" but it's really pretty. The features are pretty slick too, mag deck, peerless gearboxes, etc, what is the rear end gearbox?. I hate to admit it too, but I have a '71 Wheelhorse/Reo snowblower with a Tech HH70 pull start, that runs flawlessly too. That Tec is points ignition though, not solid state, but it has adjustable timing, which blew my mind. Anyway yeah, stay safe Zippo! Glad to see you back in the shop.
I'm working on getting the wood chipper on the horse III tiller this spring, that 8HP Briggs is running happier, I am sure it still needs rings, but it tilled the garden nicely this year after you helped me tune it last year. 👍
Cheers
Sean
GTT has a pretty good library of manuals. When Zippo bables, we listen. Good Luck, Rick
I don't remember the strap down hood, do remember it being metal though. There's just something about that yellow paint, and all the labels that can be easily read with the good size letters that appeal to me. Of course more importantly is the condition it's in. Another nice one!!!
Thanks Arcie! I'm not a Sears/Craftsman guy, but this one just spoke to me. I pretty much only wanted this one, but it was a package deal for all three or nothing. But at just fifty bucks each, I couldn't go wrong. Cheers! Zip~
Hi Zip! Your tractor is a 1969 or 1970. Found it on tractor data .com Never saw one of those in All my years working as a Sears tech. Awesome find!!
My guess it is a 1969 Nice video 👍🏻
Something about old mowers is cool. the body on that thing looks pretty serious.
Babble on Buddy! You might find some info thru The Sears subsidiary in Canada, "Simpsons-Sears". Wen I went up for mail earlier this week, the mush in back of the barn was dry enough to walk on, so I visited my model 917.8320.Engine model 143.536022. All references to my machine avoid reference to "tractor, in favor of "riding lawnmower".
I have the same one! It has a 10hp tecumseh
With it being so unique, do you have any plans of showing it off at any future tractor shows?
I may very well take it to the Portland (Indiana) show this Summer Rocket. Zip~
Sorry Zippo Iam behind watching the videos, I will do better, enjoyed it thanks
No worries! I find my self having to catch up all the time lol. Cheers my friend! Zip~
I love that machine. I have two mowers from that era. One is a 1969 Sears tractor with a fiberglass hood might be 6 or 8 horse and the other is a Motoboy around same year. Looking foreward to learning more. Take care Zippo
I would date my toy" somewhere inthe mid to late 60's.
49th day of 1969 should be the serial number decipher.
They are tough to figure out. good one 65
Açcording to TractorData.com Roper built that model for Sears in 1969 and 1970. It list the price as $699 in 1970.
Thanks Fred!!! Zip~
Hi Zip. This mower is really neat. I think Tecumseh ran the fuel line through the shroud mainly for the snowblowers but I'm not sure on that. I'm really curious to see what the year is on this. Weird question but what material is the grille made from? Babble on brother Zippo
I just repaired a 3.5hp Tecumseh...had fuel line routed thru shroud.
@@heyinway The old ones did. They stopped that around 1975.
I found some images on a few sites. One shows a 77 Craftsman (Yellow) that has a 10hp electric start engine. I did notice that the front axle is different. Also, the grille is slightly different. I'm still gathering info and will send you what I can find. My first thoughts were to ask the fellas at SSBTC on facebook as it resembles a sears suburban.
A friend of mine has one thats a stick trans he got for $150 scrap price. Then turned it into a speedster by flipping the front axle and regearing it.
Wow, it really is in nice shape, eh? From the dash to the grilles and even some of the little decals. They just don't put the same soul into anything they make these days.
One thing that really throws you, is the beefyness of it, to look at it you would think, it isn't as heavy as it is, yeah mine has the same plastic door ding protectors, mine has it around the headlights and all the edges, I would imagine it was placed there, so the customer wouldn't cut themselves on the sharp metal.
Hay Zippo find the code number and the first two numbers will be the year model.
I'd guess that it is a 67, with the 9 being either the day or month and the 10 being the other. I ran across this while looking up a self propel model 131.97342, serial 03065005968. Craftsman solid state Eager-1 self propel. Also yellow. I guess mine could be anywhere from 65, 68, or 73. Lol
Hey Zippo! Glad to see that you are out in the shop again. Were you able to get the voltage regulator and the gauge on the dash tested and working? Take it easy! 👍
I haven't put any more time into the little guy yet Jeffrey, but I will soon. I'm anxious to give it a try on the lawn, then a good cleaning and another wax job to brighten it up. It sure is an odd bird! Cheers!! Zip~
That tractor is a 1969. Engine date according to the engine serial number is 49th day of 1969. Neat little tractors
I have the Suburban Farm Living catalogs from 68-72 and it's not in there. It's probably in the main catalogs that were 2" thick that covered everything Sears had.
@@71_sears97 With it being an early AYP built machine I doubt that you'll find much info on it. 131 in the tractor model number indicates that it was built by AYP. The 917 (Roper built) machines are much easier to identify. Some of the early 502 (Murray Ohio built) machines are hard to find info on as well. Mostly because both AYP and Murray changed ownership a few times over the years.
Well one day it will come to you just be patient young man
I have the same exact machine im in roachdale indiana mine has a side draft carb the starter is mounted on the motor and has a newer pull start so i think mine has the newer 10hp tecumseh i have the hubcaps deck and everything and the seat on mine is not origional
I'd love to see photos of yours TandM. My email is in my video descriptions if you want to shoot me a few photos. They're quite hard to come by in the hydro version. Cheers! Zip~
@@ZippoVarga will do!
Hey Man Hows every little thing???? Have You discontinued the sunday deal? Just aint seen anything latley / I do have the Ditch Witch Trencher up and running still needs a tweak or two hear and there But is Usable..... Are You still in need of one ? have a broken/bad tile?
Sixtyfiveford prob right , I did see one that looked like it the other day . It was in pa i think , Do not remember if it was on market place or ebay , do not think thee was much info on it
Yes sir 65 ford is right, the first number of the 9049 is the year and the last 3 are the day, and that makes sense for the double the price of the manual trans machine for the new for 69 hydro lol I love it more n more Zip! Oh and I was wrong, she listed for 799 brand new, oops old age is hitting me lol
Late 67 to early 1970s. The 67 model Craftsman wasn't as polished but it used the same engine,deck,similar grill shell ect ect ect. The Tecumseh HH100 engine had Points ignition up until the middle of 1968. The 1st digit in your engine serial number is the year. The last 3 digits in that number is the day of the year (unless that year was a Leap year). 9 = 1969, 049 = February 18
131 model number is an early AYP (American Yard Products) number. Early AYP built machines are almost impossible to get a manufacture date on because the company changed hands several times over the years. All of the Sears (Roper built) tractors started with a model number of 917. The Murray Ohio Mfg. built Sears tractors model number started with 502.
Here is a pic of a 67 model. vintagesearsgardentractors.com/files/857c.jpg
Hope that helps :)
Hey Zip I work for sears in home lawn and garden service for giggles I typed in the model number at the Searspartsdirect site and dropped the last didgets off there looks to might still be some parts available for them
Thanks Brian! I've found a few listed parts there as well. It looks like the only thing this one is missing is the steel battery cover, which I'll most likely just make. Thanks for checking for me! Cheers! Zip~
check out antique tractor .com they might help late 60s early 70s
Go to vintage machinery .com there is a large database there that Keith Rucker has downloaded or try vintage tractors .com garden tractor forum
I have a sears flyer my wife has, how do I share it with you?... Never mind I see your Gmail.... I'll send you a photo of it.
Here you go www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/003/2/2/3224-craftsman-1319671.html
Thanks for taking the time to do some research on my behalf! I truly appreciate it. Zip~
I have to say man that's one of the most beautiful things I've seen. I gotta say, after this pandemic is over, it's gonna be time for me to take my 1970 Sears Suburban 12, and give her a 2nd restoration! That'll make a good video for my channel, which I'm not on right now... But probably should be😆😆
It's Definitely a 1970‼️
Any chance the engine is not original? 69 model with a 79 engine? Tecumseh electonic engine in 69? GM went to HEI in 1974 and FoMoCo by 1975.
Also check isavetractors.com for engine parts
Look at www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/003/2/2/3224-craftsman-1319671.html
Thanks Bill! Looks like it's a 1969. Zip~
Its a Roper 69, 70 , www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/003/2/2/3224-craftsman-1319671.html
Believe it’s 1970 or late. 1960s
Think it’s a Tecumseh hh100 engine. Made by Rally/Roper
is this it ?
www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/003/2/2/3224-craftsman-1319671.html
I’m guessing late 60s or very early 70s
Tractordata.com lists that model as 1969-70 built by roper for Sears. interesting little tractor
www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/003/2/2/3224-craftsman-1319671.html
Someone went through this a few years ago...gardentractortalk.com/forums/topic/55293-anyone-know-what-year-this-craftsman-is/
My guess is 1965-6 Suburban...kinda sorta...the decks were fabrications and squared off on both ends...so, yours must of been replaced ?
What is puzzling me is the "full" fenders...those must be custom ?
Also the grille...mid 60s had similar, but horizontal openings down low.
I just did some work on a older Craftsman rototiller with a Tecumseh...it was a mystery engine, no id numbers. Guy I got it from was sure it was a Briggs, even to the point that he had tried to rebuild the carb...and installed a way too long Briggs needle !
I dunno with all this toilet paper shortage...those vintage catalogs may be getting more rare !
Would it have been sold in Canada? Seems like an odd ball of a tractor..
This may be an advertisement for it but its a page for sale on Ebay
www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Yellow-SEARS-CRAFTSMAN-Riding-Lawn-Mower-Man-Mowing-Lawn-VINTAGE-AD-/271511067043
Or this same image from a vintage ad site. www.vintageadbrowser.com/industry-ads-1960s/19
I usaly go to tractordata.com but in this case not a lotta info on your mower. Looking at pictures seems like 1969 models are all painted yellow and 1970 models are orange not sure if thats a coincidence or something to that. I know the feeling of frustration trying to find information, I've got a few od ball rare garden tractors I've been trying to find information on myself.
Have you went to web.archive.org/ ("The wayback machine") and looked for asecc.com/ ?? It's still on there ! Hope it helps.
The engine was built on 18Feb1969, so the little beastie was probably assembled in April or May 1969. Tecumseh introduced their electronic ignition in 1967....