John Deere 720 Pull Start

[Bill Becker]

I recently acquired a John Deere 720 with a pony motor. I am sure the pony motor needs work but the guy I got it from passed away and he always pull started it. Is there anything special I need to do with the decompression or stater levers for the pony motor to pull start it? I am also looking for someone around the Janesville, WI area that could get the pony motor running again. Thanks for any help.

 

[wore out]

I recently acquired a John Deere 720 with a pony motor. I am sure the pony motor needs work but the guy I got it from passed away and he always pull started it. Is there anything special I need to do with the decompression or stater levers for the pony motor to pull start it? I am also looking for someone around the Janesville, WI area that could get the pony motor running again. Thanks for any help.

Put tractor in 4th gear, get it moving, pull decompression lever, engage hand clutch, with engine now rotating, release decompression lever and advance throttle lever. Should fire right up.

NO need to mess with the pony engage lever.

 

[Scott 730]

All good info above. "IF" the tires want to slide in 4th gear, shift up to 5th.

 

[m16ty]

Years ago we had a R JD and the pony motor would never run right. We just made sure to park it on a hill if we shut it off or plan on pulling it with another tractor.

 

[buickanddeere]

Careful that the 720 does not run over the tow tractor when it starts .
If replacing the coils or plug wires . Do not mixup the spike post coil and wire design components with the spring clip design .
Starting engines are notoriously abused and neglected .

 

[Mobuck]

Back in the 60's, I mowed hay an entire season with a 1949 B John Deere that had nothing but a 'gravity starter'. Just make sure the hill was steep enough.

 

[John Deere D]

Years ago we had a R JD and the pony motor would never run right. We just made sure to park it on a hill if we shut it off or plan on pulling it with another tractor.

My JD R had the pony motor crankshaft brake.....
Fabricated a bracket,install a 24 volt starter from a Caterpillar G333 Engine.....
A gentleman with to much $$$$$ came along.......
He loaded the first electric start JD "R" he ever saw..........