OT craftsman lawn mower

[Lanse]

I know, i know, i said no more mowers, but a nice little craftsman came up for sale down the road from me for $50, it ran, and had a deck. Belts and blades shot however. I decided that i could mow lawns with it this summer instead of paying my mom "rent" to use her mower. This one has a 38" deck and 4 speeds, is silver. Any way to tell what model it is??? Also, how do you jumpstart one of these-i cant seem to get this one to start turning, shot jumper cables mabey?? They worked fine november '06 last time they were used. The dude got it to work, go figure.. And with my luck, i just sold my other 2 non running mowers for $50 yesterday. ;-)

 

[IH2444]

It should have a craftsman part number somewhere. Under the seat ?

 

[rustyj]

I'm assuming this is a lawn tractor? Or is it a self-propelled, walk behind mower?
Assuming it is a tractor, here's the dope!
Check all battery connections, at battery, and where other ends of cables attach, either at the frame, or the starter bolt. You probably need a new battery. Check tightness of cable at starter solenoid, and check the fuse in the line near solenoid. Check bolts where they connect to the starter solenoid. Clean all connections with sandpaper, and reconnect.
The model and serial numbers are on a sticker, somewhere on the machine, usually under the seat. The engine numbers are stamoed into the black flywheel housing, either on a plate, or at the square part that covers the fins on the block. Check carburetor for dirt or clogged air filter. Check fuel tank for dirt and water. Install new gas filter, and make sure the rubber fuel lines are soft, and not cracked.
Check front main drive belt, and the belt to the mower deck. Look for cracked backing, or the vee part of the belt-s.Clean out around the fins, look for mouse nests in the engine covers.
Air up the tires, make sure the foot brake will stop the tractor--its too late when ya start down a slope and find out the brakes don't work!
Install fresh gasoline, pull out the choke knob, push the throttle handle up, turn key to start, and it should start. Some tractors have the choke at the top of the throttle throw.
Good luck! Rustyj

 

[Lanse]

it doesnt.....

 

[Lanse]

yeah, its a little lawn tractor. It would jump start for the feller i got it from, but i aint doing something right. Been using the kubota

 

[Anonymous-0]

Depending on age- you may have safety relays/switchs to worry about in starting circuit. As in seat switch, neutral gear, deck blades not engaged, clutch pedal down or brake pedal down. Jumping direct to starter would bypass the safety relays which might be fried--something to check. RN

 

[Anonymous-0]

safety switches. many newer mowers have safety switches on clutch, blade drive, parking brake, transmission and possibly under the seat. any or all may deactivate the start circit . the seat switch also shuts off the ignition if you get off or fall off. some times you have to move the lever a little if switch is not fully moved or switch has dirty contacts to get the problem to clear and make every thing work. you are young and learning take time to think thru problems and you may suprise yourself with what you can do.

 

[Andy Motteberg]

Just buy a Farmall H and put a belly mower or sickle mower on it.

Andy.

 

[Lanse]

Its just a matter of time, LOL
Id like to get my B a sickle bar

 

[Lanse]

i allready have. The thing started for him....

 

[Lanse]

tried all that....Thanks though

 

[Leland]

Lanse google (old sears gardentractors)
there is several groups on yahoo for them you should find all the help and parts you need .

 

[THEkyroastnear]

most craftsman mowers ive seen are made by a co. called american yard products. from some others who have owned one you can most likely plan on putting a belt on the deck every year which thru sears are rather pricey.of all ive known of none were as satisfied as they expected. hope your luck is better. guessing it has a briggs engine

 

[Leland]

I disagree about that I owned a newer sears mower for several years and the only thing I ever bought for it was blades and oil changes . for the most part I had no complaints .

 

[Andy Motteberg]

Is the B running yet?