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how many of you repair small engines as a hobby? $$

Mar 7, 2012#1

T

twinfords

i started last year as a fluke, fixed my parents mower then all of my friends equipment. 200+ pieces of equipment later i have equipment everywhere (mostly free or trade ins) it has become a crazy profitable hobby also. everything from electric hedgers to Exmark mowers. I also have CAD (chainsaw Addiction Disorder) that i am trying to kick. i truly enjoy helping folks get their equipment back in order. Old Honda, Snapper, John Deere stuff i like the best but appreciate all of them. PS never gaurentee a chainsaw when selling it. (i have had several folks straight gas them even after my 15 minutes of how to operate them)

Mar 7, 2012#2

pugaltitude

Not a hobby but my main business.
Repair everything from small electric to golf course equipment.
Specialise in cylinder grinding and everthing Briggs.
Busy period now its start of the season so usually 15 hour days.
Hobby, i wish :laughing:

Mar 7, 2012#3

SONOFADOCKER

I work in shop . Sales delivery demonstrations . I do go into the junk pile and take tractors or mowers out . Put them on the bench lift and tinker .
I can take them home to sell or give them away . Some get put in the showroom for sale .
Some people are silly about fixing machines . Rather spend thousands on new than a few hundred to fix .

Mar 7, 2012#4

Two-Stroke

I've been a fix-it hobbyist for more years than I care to admit but I really got back into small engines in a big way about three years ago. I have a Briggs-powered Jacobsen that I got for free from a neighbor more than 20 years ago. I kept it running and used it to mow my very small yard in the city for all those years.

Three years ago, I bought a big place out in the country with lots of steep terrain. I mowed that with the Jake for a while until that old four-stroke was just about shot from mowing all the slopes.

That spurred me to revive my long-standing interest in anything powered by a two-stroke engine. [Two-stroke engines are far superior to four-strokes for mowing on a slope -- the bearings get continuously lubricated because of the pressurized crankcase.]

I now have a collection of ten two-stroke mowers that I love to work on. There are eight Lawn-Boys and two Suzuki-Toros. [That includes three mowers that are essentially parts mowers.]

:laughing: In the last six months or so I've begun to control my addiction to these fine machines -- which you can no longer buy new, adding to their appeal for collectors. :laughing:

Mar 7, 2012#5

I

ILENGINE

far from hobby for me also. will be working from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm 7 days a week real soon, probably through the first part of October.

Mar 7, 2012#6

reynoldston

Sure is a hobby for me. A old retired mechanic that can't give up the wrenches. One job at a time and on only what I want to work on. Shop is closed in the winter months but will do a odd job now and again seeing I have a wood heater in the shop. In the warmer months a little of everything cars, lawn equipment, motorcycles but nothing big and heavy.

Mar 7, 2012#7

Edwards saw service

It started as a hobby/ interest for me. So much so I went to trade school for power equipment. Now I own my own business plus I'm a mechanic for a professional shop where I work on everything but I'm also the 2 stroke specialist for the shop. I service all brands but I have the most experience with Ariens, BobCat mowers, Meyer Snow plows, SnowEx and RedMax which all of those brands are ones we sell. For me I love it and it is a profitable business if you're a garage mechanic. It's a piece of mind sitting and tearing down engines diagnosing and making them run like new again.

Edwards Saw Service in Glen Mills PA

Mar 7, 2012#8

Carscw

Glad to see so many pros here. I do not really even like to work on mowers but I do not want to pay $65 for a filter and oil change. I ask this a few months back and only got one answer and it was wrong. I have a 20hp Briggs twin would not start so took plug out and grounded it at the plug hole and the engine started put plug back in and no start. I have had this happen on a Briggs 5hp a few years ago. And please don't say the valves every starting problem on here some one says it's your valves

Sent from my iPhone using LMF

Mar 8, 2012#9

Two-Stroke

Here's the ultimate thread for hobbyists who make a few bucks fixing old mowers:

"My Lawn Mower Repair Thread" by hanyoukimura

It's one of the greatest threads ever on LMF... IMO.

Mar 8, 2012#10

reynoldston

Carscw said:
Glad to see so many pros here. I do not really even like to work on mowers but I do not want to pay $65 for a filter and oil change. I ask this a few months back and only got one answer and it was wrong. I have a 20hp Briggs twin would not start so took plug out and grounded it at the plug hole and the engine started put plug back in and no start. I have had this happen on a Briggs 5hp a few years ago. And please don't say the valves every starting problem on here some one says it's your valves

Sent from my iPhone using LMF

Because your plug wasn't under compression. It takes more to operate a spark plug under compression. This is the reason you should always test for spark with the plug in the engine. I guess my question would be how would a engine run without the spark plug in the engine because you would have 0 compression?

Mar 8, 2012#11

I

ILENGINE

Carscw said:
I have a 20hp Briggs twin would not start so took plug out and grounded it at the plug hole and the engine started put plug back in and no start. I have had this happen on a Briggs 5hp a few years ago.

Sent from my iPhone using LMF

Had a Briggs opposed twin a few years back that would only run if one cylinder was disconnected and not grounded, short in the ignition armature. The opposed twin single module uses both ends of the secondary winding to fire the plugs. The single cylinder engine problem may be related to rust on the flywheel, even though briggs says it won't effect igntion, or low induction of the igntion module but somethings just can't be explained.

I have a customer that farms and has a honda engine on a hopper wagon to fill the planter. he will replace the plug, clean the carb, replace the fuel and still won't start. He will drive it the 8 miles to my shop and i will start it on the first pull every time. Has happened 3 times in the last year.

Mar 8, 2012#12

reynoldston

ILENGINE said:
I have a customer that farms and has a honda engine on a hopper wagon to fill the planter. he will replace the plug, clean the carb, replace the fuel and still won't start. He will drive it the 8 miles to my shop and i will start it on the first pull every time. Has happened 3 times in the last year.

I would say you just had a little better pulling arm them him:smile: Unless the bumps and the ride to your shop did something? If that is the case he should give it a trip around his field a few times before he trys to start it.

Mar 8, 2012#13

Carscw

Years ago a very old gentlemen told me it was a bad spark plug Who knows for sure but I do know if you put a new plug in it will fire right up

Sent from my iPhone using LMF

Mar 8, 2012#14

I

ILENGINE

reynoldston said:
I would say you just had a little better pulling arm them him:smile: Unless the bumps and the ride to your shop did something? If that is the case he should give it a trip around his field a few times before he trys to start it.

I told him is was problably the trip over to the shop. I started it last spring, last fall, and this spring already. I may also have a better pulling arm but this guy is not out of shape by any means. The thing that gets me is the look on his face everytime that I start it. Makes him feel like an idiot. sometime in the future the real problem will present itself and get repaired, but for now can't fix a no start problem when it starts on the first pull.

Mar 8, 2012#15

reynoldston

ILENGINE said:
I told him is was problably the trip over to the shop. I started it last spring, last fall, and this spring already. I may also have a better pulling arm but this guy is not out of shape by any means. The thing that gets me is the look on his face everytime that I start it. Makes him feel like an idiot. sometime in the future the real problem will present itself and get repaired, but for now can't fix a no start problem when it starts on the first pull.

I know what you mean, I have been there. Repair because it stops running. comes to my shop and I mow my whole lawn with over a hour of running plus run it for another period of time and just keeps running and never skips one time. Customer takes it home and it quits after 5 minutes or less. Come to find out the customer wasn't holding the dead man switch with her foot good enough. This mower had a dead man switch and not a seat switch. Now what do you charge this person for time spent and trips to her house watching her mow .

Mar 8, 2012#16

Edwards saw service

reynoldston said:
I know what you mean, I have been there. Repair because it stops running. comes to my shop and I mow my whole lawn with over a hour of running plus run it for another period of time and just keeps running and never skips one time. Customer takes it home and it quits after 5 minutes or less. Come to find out the customer wasn't holding the dead man switch with her foot good enough. This mower had a dead man switch and not a seat switch. Now what do you charge this person for time spent and trips to her house watching her mow .

A $40 service call fee? Haha.

Edwards Saw Service in Glen Mills PA

Mar 8, 2012#17

I

ILENGINE

two years ago had a customer with a Toro that would quit after about 30 minutes. He would call and I would go and it would start by the time I got there. Kept this up for about a month and One day he dropped the mower off with a full tank of gas and said start it up and run the deck and when it quits you will know what is wrong. It ran out of gas first. About a week later he called me again and I jumped in the truck and took off to his house, when i got there put a spark checker on it and no fire, Replaced the ignition module and problem solved.

Now if you are wondering why I didn't just replace the igntion module even though I suspected that was the problem. the module is $114.00 and didn't feel right spending that much of the customers money chasing demons.

Mar 8, 2012#18

reynoldston

Edwards saw service said:
A $40 service call fee? Haha.

Edwards Saw Service in Glen Mills PA

That is one of the many reasons I don't make any money in my repair business, if I don't fix it I don't charge. A person out to make a living couldn't afford to do that or they would be out of business quick which I can understand. As I said before this is just a hobby to me to make a little spending money. Also I couldn't afford to spend hours on this forum.

Mar 8, 2012#19

pugaltitude

reynoldston said:
Also I couldn't afford to spend hours on this forum.

I think most people in business will only come on when its lunch or tea break.
Im on right now but it is 11.18 at night.

Mar 8, 2012#20

reynoldston

pugaltitude said:
I think most people in business will only come on when its lunch or tea break.
Im on right now but it is 11.18 at night.

I sure got you beat on that one because I am on a 24 hr. tea break seeing I am retired, also this will be my 1000 post so I now be in the 1000 club now:smile:

Mar 8, 2012#21

pugaltitude

reynoldston said:
I sure got you beat on that one because I am on a 24 hr. tea break seeing I am retired, also this will be my 1000 post so I now be in the 1000 club now:smile:

Iv noticed :wink:

Mar 8, 2012#22

T

twinfords

stayed home from work today and worked on a lot of mowers to get them ready for spring. installed a new tranmission in a Toro 20017, rebuilt carb on Craftsman push mower, rebuilt carb on Lawnboy 10323 (great machine 2 stroke), rebuilt carb on John Deere 14SB, replaced starter rope on Snappper push mower (1995 model). installed new wheels on a Craftsman self propel, checked over a Honda HR194 and stared at an 1980's Snapper that needs to much work.

Mar 9, 2012#23

N

natenkiki2004

I've been a computer technician for 8+ years, I'm very much into electronics and anything to do with computers but ever since last year, I've dabbled here and there in small engine stuff (mostly a lawn mower out of necessity to eliminate weeds & voles on property) and I'm hooked. Started with 1 lawn mower, now I've got 2. Also have a 5hp rototiller, 2 cycle string trimmer, 2 cycle mantis-style tiller, and even got into an old Honda CT90 with a 6hp engine. I'm absolutely loving small engine work and I do plan to get to the point where I can rebuild various small engine implements as a hobby and to make a little cash on the side. It really is addictive (as is this forum).

Mar 10, 2012#24

T

twinfords

well had a pretty good day today, sold my HR194 and a craftsman push mower, sold a bicycle and got a new landsape customer, he dropped off two craftsman mowers with Honda 160's and a mini billy goat to fix. I also picked up a 86 Snapper and a club cadet for $40.00,

Mar 11, 2012#25

B

benski

What's a "club cadet"?

I enjoy working on and tinkering with all this lawn care junk, up to a point. There are certain brands that are so cheaply made I try to stay clear of them, but it's great when you can bring something back to life that was fairly easy and quick to fix, and actually get paid for your time...:laughing::thumbsup:

Mar 12, 2012#26

S

snapsstorer

I just tinker around on the small engines i have. A freind of mine has been talking to me about starting a small repair shop doing small repair from replacing power cord to working on yard tractors. I rewired the tractor, rebuilt carbs, replaced parts on engines, fixed and balanced the blades on mower decks. one day one of his freinds had him bring their yard tractor to me, to find out what was wrong with it, found a spindle bad on it from a unbalanced blade. one end was 3 onces off from the other end

Mar 12, 2012#27

T

twinfords

benski said:
What's a "club cadet"?

I enjoy working on and tinkering with all this lawn care junk, up to a point. There are certain brands that are so cheaply made I try to stay clear of them, but it's great when you can bring something back to life that was fairly easy and quick to fix, and actually get paid for your time...:laughing::thumbsup:

benski, Club Cadet (it is like the Boy Scouts) you know you are in it

)

Mar 12, 2012#28

T

twinfords

well, fixed the Craftsman self propell with a 1" smaller belt and picked up a Toro GTS and Yard Machine today, i truly enjoy this stuff and the fast pace/turn around.

Mar 15, 2012#29

T

twinfords

Sold the Yardman and picked up a self propel Craftsman, have two folks coming over tonight to purchase mowers and a customer to pick up his repaired mowers. i end up putting most of my profit back into more mowers to repair and sell. :smile:

Mar 15, 2012#30

T

twinfords

what a day, sold three mowers, one weed wacker and fixed a customer mower. I also got another mower from a customer that i fixed as well. Great mower night.

Mar 17, 2012#31

R

Rivets

Started teaching small engine repair in 1974. Worked in small engine shop each summer to keep up to date. (fat chance) retired in 07 and 40units came in the last three days. Getting to old for this, maybe I should retire again.

Mar 18, 2012#32

reynoldston said:
Because your plug wasn't under compression. It takes more to operate a spark plug under compression. This is the reason you should always test for spark with the plug in the engine. I guess my question would be how would a engine run without the spark plug in the engine because you would have 0 compression?

Plug is briged by carbon inside. Needs god clean with wire brush or replacment
Philip

Mar 18, 2012#33

reynoldston

Rivets said:
Started teaching small engine repair in 1974. Worked in small engine shop each summer to keep up to date. (fat chance) retired in 07 and 40units came in the last three days. Getting to old for this, maybe I should retire again.

You have to learn to work differant after retirement. One of the words you have to learn to say is NO. The way I do it anymore in my retirement years is just one job at a time and just the type of work I want to do. Also if you want me to fix it it will be done my way or take it else where. Make it more into a hobby then a job.

Mar 18, 2012#34

R

Rivets

Was able to say no until our govoner screwed the unions and lost health insurance. Now must work more to pay for it. $1000/month. Lucky I can still work.

Mar 18, 2012#35

reynoldston

Rivets said:
Was able to say no until our govoner screwed the unions and lost health insurance. Now must work more to pay for it. $1000/month. Lucky I can still work.

They call them the golden ages. I am going to lose my health insurance this month and going to have to find a new health insurance company. I have medicare so I do have some help. If I have to come up with 1000/month I don't know what I would do? Who is going to hire a man in his 70's if I have to get a job?

Mar 22, 2012#36

T

twinfords

crazy week so far, sold 4 mowers yesterday but got two more mowers as trade-ins and fixed one of them already and the other does run but the trans is gone (they took it out and threw it away), haha, 6.0 HPO briggs Gold series engine though. i really enjoy this stuff.

is the one i am trying to sell as well.

Mar 22, 2012#37

twinfords said:
crazy week so far, sold 4 mowers yesterday but got two more mowers as trade-ins and fixed one of them already and the other does run but the trans is gone (they took it out and threw it away), haha, 6.0 HPO briggs Gold series engine though. i really enjoy this stuff. <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5206"/> is the one i am trying to sell as well.

Still look in good codition or did you give it some TLC? Ha ha
PJ

Mar 22, 2012#38

reynoldston

twinfords said:
crazy week so far, sold 4 mowers yesterday but got two more mowers as trade-ins and fixed one of them already and the other does run but the trans is gone (they took it out and threw it away), haha, 6.0 HPO briggs Gold series engine though. i really enjoy this stuff. View attachment 5206 is the one i am trying to sell as well.

Sound more like a full time job to me not much of a hobby. Sure glad it's you and not me.

Mar 23, 2012#39

T

twinfords

Reynoldston, full time job?? that would be my real job or my three children or my love for nature/gardening/ firewood/ and the list goes on.

Mar 23, 2012#40

reynoldston

twinfords said:
Reynoldston, full time job?? that would be my real job or my three children or my love for nature/gardening/ firewood/ and the list goes on.

That would be the difference between you and me. I am almost to the age that my children are starting to take care of me any more and they sure make a lot more money then me. I always loved nature/gardening/firewood also but my body just tells me NO any more. I have been told they are called the golden ages but I would sure love to trade with you for the children/nature/firewood and the list goes on:smile:

Mar 26, 2012#41

T

twinfords

yea i see how you feel, my Father in Law is 78 and he is and has always been 100 MPH, he can't do it anymore and now has bad knees etc. He still tries to do all of the yard work etc but has learned to rely on me for harder things, cutting wood, trees down and rebuliding equipment etc. I do more for him than any other person (he is actually my ex - father -in -law) go figure!! i enjoy doing things for a lot of people.

Mar 26, 2012#42

T

twinfords

WOW!! i had a crazy weekend, sold 7 lawn mowers and fixed 3 others, fixed a chainsaw, had another dropped off for repair and got 3 other mowers ready for sale. also picked up a 917.273240 Craftsman rider YT4000 that i need to diagnose. sold 3 mowers to single Mom's as well and delivered 2 others. It makes me feel good to help folks out and keep the mowers out of the landfill etc. Yes I also make good pocket $$.

Mar 29, 2012#43

T

twinfords

update, i picked up an Montgomery Wards rider for $75.00 and got it running the other night, sold a Lesco Sulky i had and picked up 3 self propel mowers (Scotts, Craftsman & Troy-bilt) all for $50.00

Apr 3, 2012#44

T

twinfords

Well I sold the Scott's mower the next day and the Craftsman is ready and for sale, the Troy-bilt will need additional work, it does have an aluminum deck though. I also sold two other mowers, Lawnboy 10323 and a Craftsman self propel. I picked up a like new Craftsman self propell with bag $50 & a like new John Deere 14SB with unused grass bag and original owners manual for $50. Also traded labor on installing a battery in a yard man rider for a Toro 824 snow blower in great shape that has French/English labels on it.

Apr 3, 2012#45

reynoldston

twinfords said:
Well I sold the Scott's mower the next day and the Craftsman is ready and for sale, the Troy-bilt will need additional work, it does have an aluminum deck though. I also sold two other mowers, Lawnboy 10323 and a Craftsman self propel. I picked up a like new Craftsman self propell with bag $50 & a like new John Deere 14SB with unused grass bag and original owners manual for $50. Also traded labor on installing a battery in a yard man rider for a Toro 824 snow blower in great shape that has French/English labels on it.

Looks like you are going full speed ahead in the mower business in Maryland, here in NY cold weather has returned and I am still heating my house with the wood fire.:frown:

Apr 3, 2012#46

T

twinfords

here are a few pics of what i got ready tonight, Toros, Snappers, Craftsman, John Deeres etc.

Apr 5, 2012#47

T

twinfords

i rebuilt the Mikuni carburetors on the two 14SB's and installed bushings in a Montgomery Wards MTD rider, also rebuilt a Tecumseh carb and shined some of the chrome on the 14SB, changed the oil in the MTD rider and cleaned the plugs. also got new air filtes for the 14SB's

Apr 5, 2012#48

reynoldston

twinfords said:
i rebuilt the Mikuni carburetors on the two 14SB's and installed bushings in a Montgomery Wards MTD rider, also rebuilt a Tecumseh carb and shined some of the chrome on the 14SB, changed the oil in the MTD rider and cleaned the plugs. also got new air filtes for the 14SB's

Where in the world are you buying all these mowers from? Looks like you got more business and repairs then your local mower dealer.

Apr 5, 2012#49

T

twinfords

reynoldston said:
Where in the world are you buying all these mowers from? Looks like you got more business and repairs then your local mower dealer.

Reynoldston, it is crazy !! i answer ads in Craigslist and word of mouth, the major factor is everyone with a yard needs / has a mower no matter if they have a big or small yard they need a mower. There are so many broken/not being used mowers in folks yards/sheds/garages etc. most of them don't know who to call to get rid/fix them. This is not rocket science. (i cannot reveal all of my secrets though). i have fixed almost every mower that i get unless it has a rusted deck then i utilize every part i can. it is fast fun and profitable for me.

Apr 9, 2012#50

T

twinfords

Where do i begin, sold one of my JD 14SB's over the weekend, sold a Craftsman self propel, fixed two other mowers for a customer (Troybilt & Weedeater nock off), installed 8 yards of mulch, fixed a yardman mower, fixed a Honda mower, fixed a Craftsman MRS mower, fixed a troybilt mower, took my Son's T-ball team to the opener minor league game, i almost forgot, i had a call back fronm one of the single Mom's that her mower i sold her would not start. (long story short is that her 13 year old son poured what he thought was gas into the tank before even starting it for the firts time) mostly water in that there tank!!! i had to dis assemble and clean tank, float bowl carb etc and runs like a champ now. Charged her $10.00 for the gallon of gas and the drive over to her place. (i did several good deeds this weekend)...

Apr 11, 2012#51

T

twinfords

This week i sold 2 mowers, fixed a 33" Troy bilt walk behind (all belts and blades and choke cable etc) as well as sharpened several sets of blades and worked on a Honda Versa Mower self propel and sharpened blades. worked on several old Tecumseh's and Briggs to get them ready to swap out bent crank engines. picking up a Husqvarna tractor this week also. More to come i am sure.

Apr 11, 2012#52

T

twinfords

tonight I actually strippes two mowers, a Cub Cadet that had a bent crank and a Scotts that was rusted beyond repair. I also got two mowers ready for sale that i have had for over a year, both Craftsman. One had a stuck valve and the other needed an engine swap. I also picked up a 6.5 Toro Tecumseh for $20

Apr 12, 2012#53

T

twinfords

here are the two Craftsman i have ready

Apr 12, 2012#54

T

twinfords

crazy busy night tonight, sold 4 mowers, two Craftsman and one Snapper 1987 six speed and my 1990 2 cycle lawnboy commercial mower. sold one weed trimmer, i was given 3 mowers, two with Honda engines and a customer dropped off a leaf blower to fix. i also picked up a Husqvarna YTH150 rider with the Kohler engine and anothe leaf blower repair. pics to folllow of new stuff tomorrow. i never run out of mowers to repair,

Apr 15, 2012#55

T

twinfords

hello all, i sold 5 more mowers, 2 snapper 6speeds, my last 2 cycle Lawnboy and 2 Craftsman self propel, i also fixed the two leaf blowers and got the Husqvarna running and driving but the blade clutch is locked up, i picked up a Toro 20017 and Toro weed wacker, finally got the Billy Goat bag as well. I need to work on 4 other mowers, Honda engine MTD Pro and Craftsman as well as a Murray briggs,

Apr 17, 2012#56

T

twinfords

Well last night I picked up a customers John Deere Rider and a old Montgomery Wards self propel as well as a customers Yard Man self propel, I worked on 2 of the Honda engine mowers, the Craftsman is fixed but needs a new blade (i will get today) the MTD pro runs but has a air leak somewhere (full throttle and sounds like it is going to blow up when it starts). that is all for now.

Apr 17, 2012#57

max08

I agree and yes it started as a hobby interest for me but, soon turned into a little side jobs for me. I really enjoy working on push mower though, i tackle it all but, chain saws: moody creatures. But, to me there is nothing like bringing back the dead and forgotten little mowers who only need a little TLC. We need to remeber that the machines are beast of in- perfections and, were made to trim, cut, blow or mow. With each and every one we work on maybevatvtimes its something different but, forvthe most part its operater error and, neglect to these machines we love or, we wouldnt be talking about them. Also, if anyone has any ideas on 14 sb/jd john deere walk-behind 5.5 hp kawasaki tranny problems which im having on one of my babies, feel free to drop me a line. Good evening :biggrin:mlf! Max08

Apr 18, 2012#58

T

twinfords

Hello all, worked on a John Deere LT166, needs both deck drive belt and timing blade belt and a good cleaning and lube. also rebuilt an old Tecumseh and a Briggs. They are ready for sale. check out the YTH150 Husqvarna and the deck is rotted beyond repair but the engine is good and tranny is good. I currently have 7 mowers for sale, hope to have a good weekend,

Apr 20, 2012#59

T

twinfords

Hello all. the John Deere LT166 is finished and ready to mow, i finally took pictures of the two Hondas and i took a picture of the rotten Husqvarna deck as well. The JD had the old deck design for the Freedom deck which takes a smaller timing belt also.

Apr 20, 2012#60

Sawfxr

I started out as a kid back in the '80's working at a Deere dealer in the lawn & garden repair shop. Always had a natural ability to fix things. Since then it was always a "hobby" helping neighbors and friends with their equipment issues while I maintained a full time job. A little over a year ago my wife lost her corporate job and has yet to find a suitable replacement job. She is doing some business tax consulting from home which pays the bills but we aren't saving any funds. So I decided rather than to take on a second job elsewhere, I'd work in my own garage fixing mowers and such. What started out slowly last summer has gained serious momentum this spring. I want to go another year and see if things keep pace as this may replace my regular job and save me driving to work.
E.

Apr 20, 2012#61

T

twinfords

Sawfxr, yes it started as a fluke fixing my Parents mower and now this!!! 256 pieces of equipment later. i truly enjoy the fast pace of fixing this type of equipment. some of the older units are very well engineered, most of the work is fuel related with maintenance a close second.

Apr 22, 2012#62

T

twinfords

Hello all, I sold two mowers today, we are finally getting much needed rain which will kick everyone in high gear for the mowing season. Sold the personal pace ans MRS Craftsman today, I finally took apart the Kohler 25HP and both rods were broke and much carnage was in the block, the top of the cam was broke clean off as well. Not sure what I want to do with it going forward. Tractor is in very good condition.

Apr 24, 2012#63

T

twinfords

slow day today but did get a Toro 20017 running and fixed the tranny as well. i need to get 2 front wheels and clean her up and she is ready for sale, A customer dropped off a walk behind the other day (trade in) and i just got around to looking at it, Yard man with Kawasaki engine, i am stoked, it matches the John Deere 14SB's but newer FJ180V engine, yeah for me!! i also have an older Troybilt self propel with aluminum deck i almost have ready for sale. Guy brought back the MRS Craftsman today because the self propel stopped working, flipped it up and found the belt had jumped off the pulley, put new belt on for him and he was happy. Mowers are becoming hard to find at a fair price right now and the price for some of the new ones are rediculisly low!! $300 for a Toro self propel is giving that thing away,

Apr 29, 2012#64

T

twinfords

hello all, busy weekend for me just getting things ready, fixed two folks mowers, cleaned carburetors for them, started on first pulls, one was a Craftsman with Kawasaki engine the other John Deere with Briggs, both newer mowers. fixed a Homelite trimmer (junk). Guy brought back Self Propel Craftsman again with thrown belt, i gave him his money back, checked out mower belt cover and was full of leaves and dirt/sand etc like he was using as a leaf mulcher. I mowed with it for 35 minutes and could not produce the thrown belt, sold it today to someone else, they used it to cut their entire yard with out a problem (will keep an eye on ti though) here are a few pics of what is for sale.

May 2, 2012#65

T

twinfords

Update, fixed 2 homelite trimmers, fixed a Troy bilt Honda mower, picked up my new CV730S Kohler for my engine swap for the Craftsman DYT4000, picked up a Troybuilt self propel with electric start (it works) sold a Murray push mower and the MTD Pro push mower/ picked up this Poulan Pro push as well. have the edger for sale and the Toro and two Poulans now.

May 2, 2012#66

N

natenkiki2004

twinfords said:
Update, fixed 2 homelite trimmers, fixed a Troy bilt Honda mower, picked up my new CV730S Kohler for my engine swap for the Craftsman DYT4000, picked up a Troybuilt self propel with electric start (it works) sold a Murray push mower and the MTD Pro push mower/ picked up this Poulan Pro push as well. have the edger for sale and the Toro and two Poulans now.View attachment 5804

Hey, I just got a mower like that, same exact one with the 550 Briggs. It runs good but I swear it runs too fast, especially when compared to some other Briggs engines I have. Does yours run seemingly fast or do I have a screwed up governor/linkage?

May 3, 2012#67

T

twinfords

natenkiki2004 said:
Hey, I just got a mower like that, same exact one with the 550 Briggs. It runs good but I swear it runs too fast, especially when compared to some other Briggs engines I have. Does yours run seemingly fast or do I have a screwed up governor/linkage?

natenkiki2004, check the linkage and the return spring, you can bend the tab on the front where the spring attaches to slow the RPM's

May 4, 2012#68

T

twinfords

hello all, well i sold every mower i have except one (poulan trade in) push mower, i have a few junkers i can get going but not super nice projects. I will now turn my attention to the 6 riding tractors i have. i need a break anyway to spend some quality time with my family and the garden. Happy Friday!!

May 5, 2012#69

D

DaveTN

I used to work for Sears in 90-91. Before that at Suzuki Cycles. Haven't held a public job since 1991 when I left Sears. I tinker around with all sorts of engines from Massey Ferguson diesels, John Deere tractors and mowers, as well as automobiles and all sorts of small engines. I can't resist picking up a thrown out mower or weedeater, washer, blower etc...drag it home and if in the mood to tinker with it. Then I will till I tire of it and throw it on the bone yard. All around my place are mowers in various stages of repair/dis-repair! One old lady on my road called up (don't know how she found my #) and said..."When can you look at my mower? When can I bring it by?" I said..."Ma'am..I'm not running a shop", to which she replied..."But you've got all those mowers sitting out!" I said..."I'll be glad to look at it if you wish." She hung up on me! Some nerve!! lol Yes, I tinker for a hobby. Just turning 60 this month!
Thanks for looking. David Pack, Knoxville, TN

May 5, 2012#70

M

Micah_repairman

Yea I do I'm only 19 and got interested and working with family my uncle does this to keep his mind of the pain he suffers because of muscular dystrophy. I Started helping knowing nothing but now it comes natural to me.

May 6, 2012#71

N

natenkiki2004

twinfords said:
natenkiki2004, check the linkage and the return spring, you can bend the tab on the front where the spring attaches to slow the RPM's

Thanks, I just saw the tab up front with the spring. I bent the tab the equivalent of 1/8th of a turn away from the engine (tensioning the spring) and that didn't seem to have any effect on engine speed. Do you have any idea on the proper RPM for this engine? I'll get a tachometer sometime and see if my worries are founded or not.

May 6, 2012#72

T

twinfords

did you try to move the tab in the other direction to see if made a change?

May 6, 2012#73

T

twinfords

Hello All, well I fixed a couple mowers for folks. sold the Poulan push and got a 21" Murray ready for sale. My big success (so far) is with my Wife's help we recranked a brand new CV730S Kohler (2004 model) it was in the crate still. We did a crank swap with the old crank from a Craftsman DYT 4000 that had double broken rods. the mower had 162hrs on it. Well we did the swap and started it up tongiht let it run for 1/2 hour and cut the grass with it. It is a sweet mower with 48" deck and hydro foot pedals, cruise control, digital hr meter etc. here is the Murray and this is what the Craftsman looks like but with a 48" deck and the Kohler Command 25HP

May 6, 2012#74

N

natenkiki2004

twinfords said:
did you try to move the tab in the other direction to see if made a change?

Well, at default, the tab is inward and the spring is pretty much limp, as far as I remember anyway. I'll play with it again either tonight or tomorrow. Thanks for your patience and help

May 14, 2012#75

T

twinfords

Hello All, i fixed a Craftsman self propel over the weekend, sold the Murray push mower, fixed a older homelite trimmer, started a few units for folks that could not fiqure out how to. also had my wife cut the grass with one of the DYT4000's pictured. I also got some parts delivered to fix Craftsman GT18 rider, John Deere J3816 chainsaw and a Homelite trimmer/Toro trimmer. The DYT4000's will be for sale soon. The one is the unit a did the engine/crank swap on.

May 23, 2012#76

N

natenkiki2004

natenkiki2004 said:
Well, at default, the tab is inward and the spring is pretty much limp, as far as I remember anyway. I'll play with it again either tonight or tomorrow. Thanks for your patience and help

I got this issue sorted out. Purchased a tachometer and contacted Briggs & Stratton. They replied saying the engine is meant to run at 3100RPM. Bending the tab in towards the engine slowed RPM. I set it at 2800RPM just to be safe. I find it kinda odd that it runs so fast (my similar age Kohler runs at 1500...) but I trust B&S.

Got a buyer coming to pick up the mower tomorrow for $50. I only have about $8 into it with a carb diaphragm and spark plug. Pretty quick turn-around and decent cash in my wallet.

May 23, 2012#77

T

twinfords

natenkiki2004 said:
I got this issue sorted out. Purchased a tachometer and contacted Briggs & Stratton. They replied saying the engine is meant to run at 3100RPM. Bending the tab in towards the engine slowed RPM. I set it at 2800RPM just to be safe. I find it kinda odd that it runs so fast (my similar age Kohler runs at 1500...) but I trust B&S.

Got a buyer coming to pick up the mower tomorrow for $50. I only have about $8 into it with a carb diaphragm and spark plug. Pretty quick turn-around and decent cash in my wallet.

that is great news natenkiki2004, most of the fixes are simple things, glad to have helped you.

May 23, 2012#78

T

twinfords

Hello all, things have been slow, hard to find a decent mower to repair etc. picked up a Craftsman self propel a few nights ago and need to get it ready for resale. also a co worker dropped off a Troybilt self propel with a burned up transmission. I have 6 push mowers to work on and 2 chainsaws, 3 weed trimmers, 3 riders, one zero turn, to work on as well. i need to get these machines running etc and get them on the market. some are customers as well. have not sold anything for a few weeks now.

May 29, 2012#79

T

twinfords

update, got Craftsman self propel ready for sale and picked up and sold a MTD little push mower, fixed one chainsaw and the other has both intake grommet bolts broke off in the cylinder (no fix for now) repaired a Scotts self propel with new drive wheels, fixed a little craftmsman push mower and a super nice Craftsman self propel. I also fixed two older Troy-bilt self propel mowers, sold one of them and the other is ready and is also a key astart model.

May 29, 2012#80

T

twinfords

here is the troy-bilt i sold as well. have another in better shape with key start.

May 30, 2012#81

scott47429

hey guys i own a auto repair shop where i live but for the past year i have been buying selling trading and repairing mowers and i love it i would rather be doing this then auto repair lol maybe some day

May 31, 2012#82

T

twinfords

hello all, sold one of my Toro Suzuki mower last night and got the other Troy-bilt ready, i am getting down to the last of my mowers for sale, customer dropped off his leaf blower yesterday (said he does not need it anymore) it started after some persuasion. i need to sell some chainsaws.

Jun 2, 2012#83

K

karl41

Why don't you replace the v-belts?
Theese days, it's not even not necessary to buy OEM spare parts. I've bought my poly-v-belt a few weeks ago over there Best-drivebelts.com - Poly-V Belts

Jun 3, 2012#84

hanyoukimura

It's been a side hobby since last year. I really enjoy it. Its not steady income, but the profit margins are good and its nice to have extra money to get things done that I normally wouldn't be able to. Plus I enjoy bring these machines back to life and giving them a second chance. Many of them were on their way to the landfill when I saved them. At least some of the people who have purchased them have tried to care for them as well, which is a good feeling.

Jun 4, 2012#85

T

twinfords

hanyoukimura said:
It's been a side hobby since last year. I really enjoy it. Its not steady income, but the profit margins are good and its nice to have extra money to get things done that I normally wouldn't be able to. Plus I enjoy bring these machines back to life and giving them a second chance. Many of them were on their way to the landfill when I saved them. At least some of the people who have purchased them have tried to care for them as well, which is a good feeling.

yea i know what you mean by (on their way to the landfill) i am anal when it comes to telling my customer to keep it the way i sold it to them and it will last forever. Just when i think i am cought up i get slammed with 10 more jobs and 9 new mowers. i do enjoy the fast turn around and $$ in my pocket.

Jun 4, 2012#86

T

twinfords

Hello all, i had a busy weekend, I took the Troy-bilt self propell trans apart and found a broken pin that goes in the axle shaft, i used a large finish nail and cut down to size to repalce it and it is working fine now (time will tell). i also worked on a Ford 1210 tractor, picked up 9 mowers to fix etc and changed the blades on my 48" Craftsman DYT4000. I worked on so many mowers this weekend not sure what all I did, here are a few picks of things ready for sale. Scotts, Craftsman etc.

Jun 6, 2012#87

T

twinfords

update, i got two additional mowers, a troy-bilt and a yard man with manual push start. i fixed another one of the 9 mowers i got last weekend, Craftsman with Honda engine (bad coil). i now have fixed 5 of the 9 mowers, i have two customers dropping off mowers tonight and someone coming tomorrow to look at some for sale. hope to make a sale etc.

Jun 11, 2012#88

T

twinfords

Hope everyone had a productive weekend, i sold the black Craftsman rear wheel drive mower, sold the other Scotts front wheel drive mower, fixed a bolens 5.5 briggs, fixed a Craftsman front wheel drive (was my parents mower that i sold a customer last year) the carb was varnished from leaving gas in it over the winter. fixed a Ryobi 775r trimmer. i have several other mowers for sale and am working on several others as well.

Jun 11, 2012#89

Parkmower

I have a few questions.
I always kinda just helped friends out at no cost.
But if I were to charge, what are average rates.
A carb rebuild?
A oil change and tune up?

Jun 11, 2012#90

T

twinfords

Parkmower said:
I have a few questions.
I always kinda just helped friends out at no cost.
But if I were to charge, what are average rates.
A carb rebuild?
A oil change and tune up?

hello, i charge $40.00 hr plus parts, I usually charge $70.00 to perform full tune up and sharpen blade, change oil, air filter, rebuild carb, clean plug etc. i will also do a ful clean on the mower, this is for a walk behind mower, more for tractors etc. i also do work for free for friends/ family etc. to an extent. Also work for equipment trade etc, if i get something for cheap or free i pass the good fortune on to the customer as well. sometimes just chargeing my time for cost of the mower.

Jun 12, 2012#91

M

Moparkid13

I've recently started to consider small engine repair a hobby, I've allways been interested though. I had to rebuild the carb on my self propelled snapper and for some reason that set it off. I've been hooked ever since,,:laughing:

Jun 14, 2012#92

T

twinfords

Moparkid13 said:
I've recently started to consider small engine repair a hobby, I've allways been interested though. I had to rebuild the carb on my self propelled snapper and for some reason that set it off. I've been hooked ever since,,:laughing:

it is a great hobby, never ending flow of people dropping small engine items off to get fixed. i work on things everyday after my real job. rebuilt a carburetor last night and cleaned fuel tank, new fuel lines etc on a power washer, messed with a few mowers etc. need to put more on for sale.

Jun 15, 2012#93

T

twinfords

here are a few mowers i have ready for sale, i worked on a few last night, one is a cool Yard-Man with push button start.

Jun 25, 2012#94

T

twinfords

hello all, had a very busy weekend, fixed Cub Cadet mower for single Mom, sold Troy-Bilt electric start mower, sold Craftsman Honda Mower, sold Weed Eater trimmer with triblade attachment, sold Yard-Man mower, picked up a 14sb JOHN DEERE and a Craftsman tractor, also three other parts mowers that i got all running and another Craftsman push mower, fixed leaf blowers, etc.

Jun 25, 2012#95

hanyoukimura

Busy day for me as well on Sunday. Sold two Craftsman, acquired an MTD and a Craftsman, serviced a Toro and got the HRM215 running.

Jun 25, 2012#96

T

twinfords

hanyoukimura said:
Busy day for me as well on Sunday. Sold two Craftsman, acquired an MTD and a Craftsman, serviced a Toro and got the HRM215 running.

Yes it can be addicting, half of it is the thrill of the chase and the other half is fixing it and the other half is selling it. that is 1 1/2 times the fun.

)

Jun 29, 2012#97

S

S.E.M.

mine are running weak, prob needs a full flush and diaphrams. your really getting it done, but now it is real hot so i have been staying inside lol.

Jul 2, 2012#98

T

twinfords

hello folks, we got slammed by the big storm and have no power still, looks like another few days with out, i still have sold mowers and chainsaws and trimmers. used the billy goat and Yard Man vacuums to clean up the yard. Sold the Toro Suzuki today, sold Stihl saw, sold Craftsman saw, sold Poulan Pro mower, Sold craftdman mower, sold Murray mower. sold Ryobi trimmer.

Jul 3, 2012#99

reynoldston

twinfords said:
hello folks, we got slammed by the big storm and have no power still, looks like another few days with out, i still have sold mowers and chainsaws and trimmers. used the billy goat and Yard Man vacuums to clean up the yard. Sold the Toro Suzuki today, sold Stihl saw, sold Craftsman saw, sold Poulan Pro mower, Sold craftdman mower, sold Murray mower. sold Ryobi trimmer.

With all that business with your lawn mowers how do you keep the government's hands out of your pocket or do you pay all the taxes?? I know as for myself I keep my repairs very small keyed, pay retail for parts with the sales taxes, only do word of mouth business repairs, no signs, and cash only. I have to charge a little more for parts this way but I can keep my labor charge down. I always give the customer the option to buy there own parts but find they don't want to.

Jul 5, 2012#100

T

twinfords

reynoldston said:
twinfords said:

hello folks, we got slammed by the big storm and have no power still, looks like another few days with out, i still have sold mowers and chainsaws and trimmers. used the billy goat and Yard Man vacuums to clean up the yard. Sold the Toro Suzuki today, sold Stihl saw, sold Craftsman saw, sold Poulan Pro mower, Sold craftdman mower, sold Murray mower. sold Ryobi trimmer.

With all that business with your lawn mowers how do you keep the government's hands out of your pocket or do you pay all the taxes?? I know as for myself I keep my repairs very small keyed, pay retail for parts with the sales taxes, only do word of mouth business repairs, no signs, and cash only. I have to charge a little more for parts this way but I can keep my labor charge down. I always give the customer the option to buy there own parts but find they don't want to.

Click to expand...

it is a hobby remember, i actually do not make profit, i put all of the $$ back into other equipment. I do have reciepts as well for all of the retail parts i buy. it is a losing game. but fun

Jul 6, 2012#101

S

S.E.M.

i got my murray push mower fixed i picked up. Sure enough carb clean and a diaphram, learned from this forum that the front idle lever may be bent as well. And it was, so i fixed that too.:thumbsup:

Jul 6, 2012#102

hanyoukimura

Busy busy. I have a HRM215 I'm waiting on an air filter so it can be finished, Someone brought two mowers (Craftsman and a Troy-Bilt) and a chainsaw to be worked on, and a coworker brought over a Toro Recycyler to be fixed and tuned up.

Fun times.

Jul 9, 2012#103

T

twinfords

Hello all, power was out for 6 days due to severe storm on East Coast. finally came back on Thursday night @ 7:30. Thanks to Conneticut Power & Light for coming to the rescue of BGE in MD. i sold Husqvarna chainsaw, Craftsman self pro mower, Craftsman Electric trimmer, Bolen push mower, seed spreader a gas can, a Poulan leaf blower and stripped a old porch Gildder and ready for paint. picked up a Troy-Bilt, Toro and fixed a Murray push mower and worked on several power washers with blown pumps.

Jul 13, 2012#104

T

twinfords

crazy busy week, i honestly do not know where to begin, i picked up a few mowers, Troy-bilts, Toro's, Scott's, Craftsman etc. , a Ryobi Blower and a spreader. Sold Toro and Murray as well as a Homelite trimmer with tri blade on it.

Jul 15, 2012#105

S

S.E.M.

just sold the murray push, got $40 for it. they said there son has went through 3 mowers this year. and at that price they will keep my number for when they have to buy more.

Jul 16, 2012#106

T

twinfords

i had an ok weekend, sold a weed wacker and fixed a propane Craftsman weed wacker. i picked up two hedgers, an Auger, a Echo trimmer, a Poulan Super 25DA, a 6hp straight shaft briggs (1969) two Honda engine mowers, 4 craftsman mowers, and my favorite a Snapper commercial with a Wisconsin Robin engine, this thing is cool and runs like a top. also sold a push mower today,

Jul 22, 2012#107

T

twinfords

hello folks, fixed customer mower, sold Craftsman self propel, sold Scotts self propel, sold Ryobi trimmer, fixed a Poulan wild thing, picked up two Poulan xxv and a Craftsman mower and a weed Eater mower,

Jul 26, 2012#108

T

twinfords

Been busy with redoing my Kitchen, ripped up the old ceramic tile and installed new 18 x 18 tile, took me 4 days to do it all. actually sold a few mowers as well and fixed several. i finally got the new dexk for the Husqvarna tractor on. also got the weed eater ready and the Craftsman ready, fixed several trimmers I need clean decks for all of the engines i have.

Jul 28, 2012#109

B

bigheaded5

Hobby/side $$ for me...doing it for a few years. Buy them cheep or free when they LOOK like they are ready to junk. Do a complete once over mechanically, replace any worn parts and then a detailing top to bottom....

Jul 28, 2012#110

Grassbandit

Today did a string trimmer rental and a tune up on a briggs 3.5 hp push mower. The owner overfilled the oil and to make matters worse he was using the wrong oil. Using 2cyl oil just cause he saw a pic of a lawnmower and an outboard engine on it.
Yikes!
Forgot to say, Finished the paint job on the Simplicity as well, pics coming soon.

Jul 28, 2012#111

T

twinfords

i had a busy day, fixed a gas pressure washer, McCulloch Power Mac 310, electric Power washer, a Toro 20016, sold a 22" Craftsman, worked on a few wackers, went to Sears and got some mower stuff on clearence.

Aug 3, 2012#112

T

twinfords

sold Scotts mower, sold Weed Eater mower, picked up 3 old mowers, i have the Husqvarna YTH150 and the Craftsman DYT4000 for sale, as well as the Montgomery Wards MTD

Aug 5, 2012#113

T

twinfords

hello all i did two rider drive belt changes today for customers one Craftsman and one Yard Machine. i also gotr two push mowers ready for sale and got the bar and chain on the 034 Stihl i picked up. Also picked up and fixed these two gems the other day.

Aug 13, 2012#114

T

twinfords

hello all, busy last two weeks, i sold every walk behind mower i had for sale, fixed 2 generators, one power washer, sold a power washer, fixed 3 other mowers, got a few chainsawa ready, fixed leaf blower, trimmer etc.

Aug 20, 2012#115

T

twinfords

hello all, I sold the Red DYT4000, and picked up 9 mowers to fix, i fixed a few pieces of equipment as well for a few customers. Just when i think i have made some room, i get more stuff, got an old Troy-bilt tiller, a Troy-bilt chipper shredder (good Briggs 10HP engine) and another broken power washer. here are some picks of mowers ready.

Aug 20, 2012#116

robinb66

I started working on lawnmowers at 13 now im 45 went to voc tech in high school junior and senior year graduated with honor role. Status from small engine repair class never really got work in a shop but did a bunch of backyard repairing for friends and other people. Always had a deep respect for lawnboys getting ready to obtain a couple one selfpropeled that runs and an old bricktop that I'm fixing to restore( complete overhaul, paintjob, and the like). Looking forward to reading the lawnboys forum to keep up on all the lawnboy junkies like myself.

Aug 20, 2012#117

Two-Stroke

robinb66 said:
I started working on lawnmowers at 13 now im 45 went to voc tech in high school junior and senior year graduated with honor role. Status from small engine repair class never really got work in a shop but did a bunch of backyard repairing for friends and other people. Always had a deep respect for lawnboys getting ready to obtain a couple one selfpropeled that runs and an old bricktop that I'm fixing to restore( complete overhaul, paintjob, and the like). Looking forward to reading the lawnboys forum to keep up on all the lawnboy junkies like myself.

Hey, robinb66, I'd sure like to see some photos of that old bricktop in the Lawn-Boy forum. Where did you find it?

Aug 20, 2012#118

robinb66

twinfords said:
i started last year as a fluke, fixed my parents mower then all of my friends equipment. 200+ pieces of equipment later i have equipment everywhere (mostly free or trade ins) it has become a crazy profitable hobby also. everything from electric hedgers to Exmark mowers. I also have CAD (chainsaw Addiction Disorder) that i am trying to kick. i truly enjoy helping folks get their equipment back in order. Old Honda, Snapper, John Deere stuff i like the best but appreciate all of them. PS never gaurentee a chainsaw when selling it. (i have had several folks straight gas them even after my 15 minutes of how to operate them)

Two-Stroke said:
Hey, robinb66, I'd sure like to see some photos of that old bricktop in the Lawn-Boy forum. Where did you find it?

Actually still working on getting the.money to buy it and the other one picking up the. self propelled on the first will post pics when I have them found it at a local coast to coast been friends with the owner for years!!

Aug 20, 2012#119

Two-Stroke

robinb66 said:
Actually still working on getting the.money to buy it and the other one picking up the. self propelled on the first will post pics when I have them found it at a local coast to coast been friends with the owner for years!!

About those old bricktops... they are collectible. I would not delay in buying that mower -- if at all possible. If it's selling at a good price (which you didn't mention), it could get snapped up at any moment.

Aug 22, 2012#120

T

twinfords

Busy week already, i sold two mowers I delivered both. Poulan Pro and Craftsman. self propels. I worked on a Kawasaki Ninja 250R (adjusted carbs etc) . i am racing against the fall coming quickly, need to sell mowers etc and start working on leaf blowers/snow blowers for the up coming season.

Aug 27, 2012#121

T

twinfords

Let it RAIN!!, we got huge rain over the weekend, will spark mower sales for sure, I sold two riders (Husqvarna and Montgomery Wards) i sold one Southern States push mower, i fixed a customers Craftsman walk behind (new blade, new drive wheels, oil change and new filter, also performed an all over visual inspection to tidy up anything else. $90.00 (they sent an e-mail after and said cuts like a brand new mower.

) I picked up a lot of equipment to fix over the weekend (11 walk behind mowers, Stihl Hedger, Echo Hedger, Poulan S25D, Homelite blower, Troy-bilt trimmer, Weed Eater trimmer, Ryobi trimmer, Southern States rider (blown engine) getting a Stihl 011 AVT and a John deere 68 tonight hopefully.

Aug 27, 2012#122

T

twinfords

Tru-Cut push mower commercial duty score today
picked this up today when i delivered a mower to a customer, actually traded self propel for John deere RER 68 and the nice gentleman gave me the Tru-cut as well. bad ***** mower.

also got the Stihl 011 for $40.00, keep in mind that i have already performed my break down and clean to everything.

Aug 28, 2012#123

hanyoukimura

Question for you guys, what do you normally take off for trades? Is it a flat rate, or do you vary it based on what the trade is? What sort of value range do you have?

Just curious.

Aug 28, 2012#124

T

twinfords

hanyoukimura said:
Question for you guys, what do you normally take off for trades? Is it a flat rate, or do you vary it based on what the trade is? What sort of value range do you have?

Just curious.

i take deck quality and if engine crank is true, if so i will give $30-$50 if it includes the bag, mulch plug etc. bent crank $0-$10 if bag etc.

I first try to fix their mower, most i can for way cheaper than selling them a new one.

Aug 28, 2012#125

hanyoukimura

twinfords said:
i take deck quality and if engine crank is true, if so i will give $30-$50 if it includes the bag, mulch plug etc. bent crank $0-$10 if bag etc.

I first try to fix their mower, most i can for way cheaper than selling them a new one.

Hmm, I usually do $10-25, but then a lot of the mowers I sell are usually less expensive, and the ones I usually get are nothing special, and some of them pretty scarey. I've offered to repair their mowers, but most people who are looking for one just want one right then and there, usually because they live a bit away, since all of my ads of on Craigslist and I rarely put them outside for sale.

Good to know though, I'll keep that in mind.

Aug 28, 2012#126

C

chance123

This is most of my bread & butter in the long daylight season. As a kid I turned an old homemade reel self propelled mower into a rider (sulkey) Then it was go karts. I made a differential with forward & reverse from a wringer type washing machine. Then in high school till now it was motorcycles. I went to the Harley school in Milwakee. I was and still am a musician and toured the world with my band. All this time when not playing music, I was wrenching. In the 80's I designed and built an exotic gull wing door sports car and Taylor Offenhauser built the engine for it. Today, by day I am at "TMW repair" and by night I am in my studio "The Musicians Workshop" http://www.the-musicians-workshop.com. At 70, I can't imagine slowing down LOL Life is great!!

Aug 28, 2012#127

T

twinfords

Chance, thank you so much for sharing. great life story.

Aug 29, 2012#128

T

twinfords

Hello all, i hope all is well! i picked up a Statesman rider for $100.00, came with new blades and belts still in the box. I also fixed 5 more walk behinds and are ready for sale. I do not talk much about what i do to the mowers but most of the time it is this (new blade, new air filter, new plug,new oil, rebuilt carburetor, check belts, drive wheels, cables etc and change if neccasary. basically everything i can do. Here are some pics.

Aug 31, 2012#129

T

twinfords

Busy day, took off from work today to use some vacation time, sold push mower and the guy gave me his old mower, good engine, trashed deck. Guy brought two of his mowers to me and wanted to buy one but i fixed both of hos while he waited. He gave me the push mower plus $45.00 for fixing his. I also got 2 more mowers ready to sell. i have 15 mowers for sale right now and 3 riders. it is way out of hand. :laughing::biggrin:

Sep 1, 2012#130

T

twinfords

Sold a Leaf Vacuum amd brought back to life several mowers today, A Toro, Murray, and a Yard Man, i cleaned up my driveway (i little out of hand with equipment. I scrapped 6 mowers and 9 engines.

Sep 2, 2012#131

T

twinfords

sold three mowers today, i picked up another JD 14SB and a Toro key start 20041 Personal Pace. pics tomorrow. played on my Ford 1210 as well.

Sep 3, 2012#132

T

twinfords

here is what i did today, sold one mower Craftsman self propel. i fixed or tried to fix all of the equipment below, also a pic of my new JD14SB

Sep 5, 2012#133

T

twinfords

i got these two ready to go today, hopefully i will have some folks wanting to buy mowers

this week.

Sep 8, 2012#134

T

twinfords

well i sold the Husqvarna tractor (for the second time) the 1st guy who wanted it never came through with the $$, i sold the Yard Man with the caster wheels, had a customer pick up his chainsaws, he dropped off a snow blower. Had a looker stop by (baught nothing) i fixed a mower that has a slight bent shaft, fixed a mower with the valve seat popped out. picked up two Toros (one is a 1983 18" and 20016)and a 12.5 engine and a pressure washer. fixed the two Toros already.

Sep 9, 2012#135

T

twinfords

well the one Toro 20016 is fixed, the other older Toro has a leaking main seal, but now runs. i fixed a snow blower, rebuilt carb and reinstalled the starter motor, replaced engine on a push mower as well as a Statesmen rider tractor.

Sep 10, 2012#136

T

theoldwizard1

I have been retired for 5+ years and got into small engine repair because I am a cheap S.O.B. !!

I have a tiny garden (10x20) but always wanted a tiller. Found an old one that didn't and bought it for $20. 5hp B&S horizontal. Replace the rewind one-way clutch mechanism. Disassembled the carb. That is when I discover ChemDip ! I figured the points were shot and then I discovered there was a cheap electronic ignition "upgrade" kit. When I pulled the flywheel I found the "root cause". Sheared crank key ! After fixing all of these issues it ran like a champ !

A month or so later, I bought another tiller. This one was a Wards/Gilson. Much better than the other one and probably only 40 years old instead of 50 ! :laughing: Cleaned the carb, install the Magnetron electronic ignition and even spray painted the engine. Runs great.

I do basic maintenance on 3 mowers in the family (son-in-law barely knows the right end of a screw driver).

I inherited a Toro S200. I can't get the needle to seat so I'm just going to get a rebuilt carb off of eBay. Currently fighting with a Kohler Courage XT7. I have read here that the needle/seat is bad design and I need to buy a replacement carb.

Sep 13, 2012#137

T

twinfords

theoldwizard1 said:
I have been retired for 5+ years and got into small engine repair because I am a cheap S.O.B. !!

I have a tiny garden (10x20) but always wanted a tiller. Found an old one that didn't and bought it for $20. 5hp B&S horizontal. Replace the rewind one-way clutch mechanism. Disassembled the carb. That is when I discover ChemDip ! I figured the points were shot and then I discovered there was a cheap electronic ignition "upgrade" kit. When I pulled the flywheel I found the "root cause". Sheared crank key ! After fixing all of these issues it ran like a champ !

A month or so later, I bought another tiller. This one was a Wards/Gilson. Much better than the other one and probably only 40 years old instead of 50 ! :laughing: Cleaned the carb, install the Magnetron electronic ignition and even spray painted the engine. Runs great.

I do basic maintenance on 3 mowers in the family (son-in-law barely knows the right end of a screw driver).

I inherited a Toro S200. I can't get the needle to seat so I'm just going to get a rebuilt carb off of eBay. Currently fighting with a Kohler Courage XT7. I have read here that the needle/seat is bad design and I need to buy a replacement carb.

great story Wizard, i to love my Garden and yard, also cutting fire wood, standing dead or fallen trees only, Yes those old Montgomery Wards/Gilson tillers are beasts. i have one also with the 4 tilling settings. soil buster etc. i also changed ober to electronic ignition. what a beast of a tiller.

Sep 14, 2012#138

T

twinfords

well i sold Poulan push mower and sold the Stihl 034 & Stihl MS 260 Pro (never had a chance to put in wood) yesterday. fixed homelite back pack blower, picked up Husqvarna self propel mower and Stihl MS170 to fix. i have lots of work to do/

Sep 15, 2012#139

T

twinfords

Well I sold three mowers today but got two more in return, one is the Lawnboy and one I sold in May and bought back from the guy, he is moving to Ca. It is a Craftsman Honda. I also listed the Statesman tractor today. Fixed a chainsaw and Husqvarna mower and built a Toro 20016 out of two mowers.

Sep 15, 2012#140

T

twinfords

here are a few pics of the Statesman and Lawnboy of course after a good cleaning etc.

Sep 15, 2012#141

L

Lawnranger

Good deal. Nice to have a decent supply of mowers to "turn".

Sep 16, 2012#142

T

twinfords

i sold a Craftsman self propel with 7 HP briggs and the John Deere Rider. also got in a DML rear self propel Craftsman and a Green Weed Eater mower. Customer picked up a leaf Blower as well, I got a 10 HP Briggs running today for a power Washer and working on the 2nd Statesman tractor. not a bad weekend at all. Also cleaned up a bit and have a small scrap yard pile ready.

Sep 17, 2012#143

T

twinfords

here is a pic of the Statesman i started to work on and a few walk behinds.

Sep 17, 2012#144

C

chance123

twinfords said:
here is a pic of the Statesman i started to work on and a few walk behinds.

View attachment 8709 View attachment 8710

That green machine with the 4 spoked wheels. Is that a Ransomes vac? Maybe a Billy Goat?

Sep 17, 2012#145

T

twinfords

chance123 said:
That green machine with the 4 spoked wheels. Is that a Ransomes vac? Maybe a Billy Goat?

it is a Billy Goat

Sep 17, 2012#146

T

twinfords

here is the Toro 18", sadly to say it has a cracked block near the crankshaft.

Sep 18, 2012#147

T

twinfords

very bad storms here today, i put new tires and tubes on the white Statesman and new blades, new belts, cleaned and painted the deck (Chrysler blue) it seems to be operating very well. I washed it also. it will be for sale tomorrow. i fixed the AV bushing on the MS170 Stihl as well. pain in the ***.

Sep 19, 2012#148

S

stampy

Hi yes i have website dedicated to it at Repairing Lawn Mowers For Profit

Sep 19, 2012#149

T

twinfords

stampy said:
Hi yes i have website dedicated to it at Repairing Lawn Mowers For Profit

Stampy, that is a lot of good info you have there, i hope you do well with your info DVD's

Sep 19, 2012#150

T

twinfords

Here are a few pics of the Statesman 16.5 that i am working on. Reason why i do not do riders more often is Size, (storage issues) but mostly here is the example. Paid $100.00 for it, i have installed new rear tires with tubes, new blades, new belts, new air filter and 4 hours of my time @ $40.00hr. = over the $400.00 i am asking for the tractor. i am actually loosing money, go figure.

Sep 20, 2012#151

T

twinfords

crazy day today, sold the Green Statesman and have someone coming to get the white/blue Statesman tomorrow along with Stihl FS80 trimmer, also got 4 new mowers in Toro's and older hechingers. I now have a new engine for the 18" Toro as well

Sep 21, 2012#152

T

twinfords

Hello all, sale for the Statesman 16.5 fell through, guy did not even buy the Stihl FS80r. I got a Weed Eater mower ready for sale. I counted my mowers today and have 22 mowers inside ready for sale or in my collection. i have 11 more outside under a tarp (some Hondas and Toro Personal pace) the season is coming to a end!! I quess i will be ready fo the Spring :smile:

Sep 23, 2012#153

T

twinfords

Hello all, sold the Statesman yesterday, good deal, that makes all 6 of the riders i had sold. I siold a Toro 20016 today and customer dropped off a Troy-bilt snow blower. Trans clutch plate was locked up and drive wheel rubber donut was off. i was able to unfreeze everything and adjust belt. i cleaned the carburetor as well. good weekend for me.

Sep 25, 2012#154

T

twinfords

it is funny how waves of the same mower come in for service or i acquire, i have not seen a Toro Perssonal Pace for weeks and now i have serviced 2 and have 4 myself for sale as well as 4 other Toros. I sold one 20016 Sunday.

Sep 27, 2012#155

T

twinfords

hello all, sold one of the Craftsman self propels, 7.0 Briggs, a customer dropped off two more Toros, 20018 and 20331. i need to overhaul both of them. i fixed the Snow king snow blower and it is ready for pick up, i also bought another chainsaw.

Sep 30, 2012#156

T

twinfords

hello all, i fixed, Ryobi push mower, rebuilt carb and cleaned gas tank and new fuel lines, fixed 3 Craftsman rear drive mowers, head work, re installed valve guide that fell out and lapped back in, cleaned carbon build up on valves and pisten etc and got 2 of them running, the other needed a shear pin, new blade, oil change for all of them, cleaned carb, tank etc. they all run good, replaced a front drive wheel assembley on a Craftsman self propel also fixed 2 Toro's that needed various springs, flywheel keys and filters oil changes etc. i also sold weed eater mower and worked on a Husqvarna saw (240?) small 16" bar, fixed recoil spring, cleaned air filter, fuel filter and line. fixed sticking blade brake as well. i also fixed a Little Wonder walk behind leaf blower. i picked up 33 trimmers as well.

Oct 4, 2012#157

T

twinfords

it has been fairly slow the last few days, lots of rain, sold two Weed Eater green push mowers with bags, nothing else. i did un load the 33 trimmers and 5 blowers finally, had to change gas tank and carb on the weed Eater mowers due to ethonal left in them. this gas really does suck.

Oct 6, 2012#158

T

twinfords

fixed two of the trimmers today, sold the new Toro Personal Pace and picked up a customers Bob Vila Special Craftsman rider to service. cut my own grass as well with my 48" craftsman.

Oct 6, 2012#159

lawn mower fanatic

twinfords said:
i picked up 33 trimmers as well.View attachment 8981

That is a TON of trimmers!!!!!!!

Are you planning on fixing and selling them all??

Oct 6, 2012#160

9

91c1500

How do y'all get into this as a hobby? I've looked on craigslist with no luck. I work as a mechanic in a shop but i'm wanting to do this out of my house too. Not necessarily buying, fixing, and selling but more like a shop. I'm not totally against buying and selling though. As you can see, i have a slight addiction to fixing small engines.

Sorry for slight derail, i just figured that this thread was relavant and didn't want to create a useless thread that'd get a few posts.

Oct 6, 2012#161

N

natenkiki2004

I'm getting into it as a hobby myself. I've found that a lot of people just want to be rid of non-working lawnmowers & other equipment. They don't want money out of it, they just want the garage space back. Most of the time they're simple fixes too. Post an advertisement on Craigslist saying that you want free/cheap fixer-uppers and that you'll pick them up. I've gotten several free & cheap deals that way. Best time is in the spring, right when everybody is preparing to get their lawn equipment ready and they find out that it won't start or runs poorly. Right now, people will be starting to prepare snowblowers so you could get in on that OR find people that want to be rid of their old mower that barely made it through this season.

I think Craigslist is a great starting point. Post an advertisement at various places, ask around, talk to the guys at NAPA and whatnot. Once the word gets out that you fix mowers and whatnot, you'll have people dropping things off in your yard like twinfords does

Oct 6, 2012#162

9

91c1500

Many thanks for the reply, i'll try that. I'm going to get some tools Friday if this paycheck allows since mine have been 'lost'... I needed new ones any way haha. Enough rambling, thanks again.

Oh yeah another slight derail, do you (or anyone else here) know of a site like alldata.com for mowers, lawn tractors, weed eaters, etc? I ask because, while i did go to school for small engines, i never claim to know everything and sometimes all i can do is look at something and scratch my head trying to figure out the problem.

Oct 7, 2012#163

N

natenkiki2004

I didn't go to school for any of this. I bought a mower somewhere around 1.5-2 years ago because trying to use an electric weedeater on 6 acres is a pointless battle

Before then, I had maybe 15 minutes experience of running small engines and absolutely no experience working on them. Now, I feel I know a couple things and have troubleshooted & tuned up engines with information I've only gotten from the Internet. Do Google searches with the model number and you'll find other people asking questions about your specific unit. Check out PartsTree.com, they pretty much have all the diagrams for anything. I've found that MTD (who owns a ton of sub-companies; Cub Cadet, Yard-Man, Bolens... on and on...) is very receptive to online inquiries about diagrams & parts. Briggs & Stratton is the same way, they have diagrams and owners manuals online for pretty much any engine, you just have to plug in the numbers which are usually on the top of the blower housing.

The Internet is a mighty tool if you know how to use it correctly

Oct 7, 2012#164

T-LeDoux

Hi I am new here and am retired so I started tinkering with small engines to pass the time. My son works at a scrap yard so he keeps me busy working on Mowers and small engines, Plus I have access to free parts

Most of my work is for friends so I don't make a lot of money at it. Just out of curiosity what should I charge for repairs seeing how I am not a licensed mechanic?

Oct 7, 2012#165

reynoldston

T-LeDoux said:
Hi I am new here and am retired so I started tinkering with small engines to pass the time. My son works at a scrap yard so he keeps me busy working on Mowers and small engines, Plus I have access to free parts Most of my work is for friends so I don't make a lot of money at it. Just out of curiosity what should I charge for repairs seeing how I am not a licensed mechanic?

I am a retired machanic but just for something to do repair anything small like mowers, motorcycles, etc, I just charge 10 dollars a hour plus parts. Don't make much money at it but by the end of the year I end up with 3 to 4 thousand in the bank. Nice for a small trip for my wife and me. Free parts has to even be better because that is my main expence.

Oct 7, 2012#166

T

twinfords

Yup, like a said in my first post, I just stumbled onto repaireing small engine equipment. fixed family members stuff, best friends stuff and from there it just grew into fixing everything with an engine and more, i charge $40.00 an hr plus parts, i pick up and deliver as well, sometimes do stuff for free or barter. yes 33 trimmers some are beyond fixing some are fixable. newspaper ads are good as well. lots of older folks still read the paper and have older (nicer equipment they would part with).

Oct 8, 2012#167

P

picked192

What was a hobby by souping up mopeds in my early years and taking a liking to chainsaw tuning has turned in to a very serious business for 27 years now.
The business has evolved from very busy with saws and mowers to sleds and quads and an upswing again to trimmers and mowers.
Still enjoy tuning a good two stroke,but looking to slow down and retire.:drink:

Oct 11, 2012#168

T-LeDoux

I have just started repairing small engines as a pass time. What do most of you pay for your chain saws, weed whackers and mowers ? Does it depend on the make or do you just have a set price you pay for used equipment ? Thank You :smile:

Oct 11, 2012#169

T

twinfords

T-LeDoux said:
I have just started repairing small engines as a pass time. What do most of you pay for your chain saws, weed whackers and mowers ? Does it depend on the make or do you just have a set price you pay for used equipment ? Thank You :smile:

i usually get everything for free / trade in. i never pay more than $50.00 for a walk behind mower, trimmers (free) they are not worth fixing. disposable society. chainsaws can get ugly with scored P/C's i usually pay $20 - $25 for saws.

Oct 11, 2012#170

T

twinfords

i actually try and stay away from riders, by the time you just do a full tuneup etc it could cost you $250- $300 in parts and labor, then you have to sell it. if i get it for free then i have some room to work on it.

Oct 17, 2012#171

T

twinfords

hello all, not to busy but i did clean up 8 mowers, strip them down and have them ready for the scrap man. i fixed several trimmers, Ryobi, Craftsman etc, fixed a Toro personal pace with bad shear pin and tuned it up, also fixed Murray ready for sale and a Craftsman with Honda engine. I have som many engines, i need to get rid of some of them< Honda, Briggs, Tecumseh etc 4HP -10HP/

Oct 18, 2012#172

T

twinfords

i sold three mowers today, Toro commercial, Craftsman front drive and Craftsman rear drive, finally making room for the winter storage. I also cut a few fallen trees up with a Stihl 170 and a Husqvarna 359. not a bad day. sat in a tree this morning and saw 11 deer.

Oct 26, 2012#173

T

twinfords

it has been fairly slow this week, a few calls for mowers, generator repair, chainsaw repair. the big storm is coming so we will see what happens with that. everyone play it safe out there if in its path.

Nov 5, 2012#174

T

twinfords

lost two trees on the road from Sandi, one nice Locust i cut up for firewood with my MS170 (plastic junk) and my Huaqvarna 359 (beast of a saw).

I fixed 3 saws, fuel lines adjutments/good cleanings and sharpened chains. Husqvarna 240, Poulan Pro 375, and Homelite XL Auto/

blew and raked tons of leaves also, split a 1/4 cord as well.

Nov 7, 2012#175

BustedKnuckles

I too have fallen (luckily) into repairing mowers as a hobby. I grew up helping my dad work on stuff at home and have always had a knack for fixing things and figuring things out pretty quickly.

It started for me about a year ago when I bought a go kart frame and built it as a Christmas present to my kids. I then proceeded to buy several go kart frames; I built a few but they turned out to be tons of work and not profitable.

Earlier this year, I bought a Snapper rear engine rider locally off of Craigslist for personal use. As soon as I unloaded it and put it into reverse, it had problems with the drive disc hitting the chain case. So, I studied it for a bit, and then proceeded to pull the engine making a quick and easy adjustment.

Let the snowball begin.

Since then, I'm scouring Craigslist every day, posting ads and use an Android app on my phone to advise of newly posted ads. I haven't kept a count of how many mowers I've flipped but I'm having a blast and making extra dough at the same time. I've even created a Facebook blog which is in my signature below.

Great topic!

Nov 13, 2012#176

T

twinfords

BustedKnuckles said:
I too have fallen (luckily) into repairing mowers as a hobby. I grew up helping my dad work on stuff at home and have always had a knack for fixing things and figuring things out pretty quickly.

It started for me about a year ago when I bought a go kart frame and built it as a Christmas present to my kids. I then proceeded to buy several go kart frames; I built a few but they turned out to be tons of work and not profitable.

Earlier this year, I bought a Snapper rear engine rider locally off of Craigslist for personal use. As soon as I unloaded it and put it into reverse, it had problems with the drive disc hitting the chain case. So, I studied it for a bit, and then proceeded to pull the engine making a quick and easy adjustment.

Let the snowball begin.

Since then, I'm scouring Craigslist every day, posting ads and use an Android app on my phone to advise of newly posted ads. I haven't kept a count of how many mowers I've flipped but I'm having a blast and making extra dough at the same time. I've even created a Facebook blog which is in my signature below.

Great topic!

Jeff, great story, it is fun getting the equipment up and running, i like the idea of keeping it out of the landfills and salvaging the parts if possible. it can get out of hand with all of the equipment and storage is limited for me. i plan on getting everything i have that can be fixed done over the winter.

Nov 13, 2012#177

T

twinfords

i sold a mower over the weekend, i used the Homelite XL auto and tuned the PP375. both are running great. i rebuilt a carb for a Honda GVC160 last night and have it ready to install on something.

Nov 13, 2012#178

BustedKnuckles

twinfords said:
Jeff, great story, it is fun getting the equipment up and running, i like the idea of keeping it out of the landfills and salvaging the parts if possible. it can get out of hand with all of the equipment and storage is limited for me. i plan on getting everything i have that can be fixed done over the winter.

I hear you on the storage space! I have a small shed and a 1 car garage but they both stay pretty busy. I even added a "loft" to my shed so I could make more mower room. See photo.

Nov 13, 2012#179

T

twinfords

BustedKnuckles said:
I hear you on the storage space! I have a small shed and a 1 car garage but they both stay pretty busy. I even added a "loft" to my shed so I could make more mower room. See photo.

the loft is cool, i have a 16X20 shed and a 30 X36 two story garage. i do keep 4 cars in the garage but still manage to have it packed with mowers, chainsaw, power washers, trimmers, blowers etc. i have a car lift and a mowjack as well.and still have a good portion outside covered up with tarps.

Nov 15, 2012#180

S

snapsstorer

going to be a busy little beaver this winter i am, got 14 push mowers(wight's, mtd's, and lawnboy's) to repair. along with that have 16 riders that may get done in the process( murray, mtd, jc penny, snapper's, allis chalmers, and 2 JD-86's w/baggers). been looking for yard tractor snow blower attachment's to repair. :drool: i have had people asking me about thing's that may be wrong with their mower's, i keep telling them if they want me to look at it i might be able to tell them a bit better what it may be.

Nov 16, 2012#181

T

twinfords

snapsstorer said:
going to be a busy little beaver this winter i am, got 14 push mowers(wight's, mtd's, and lawnboy's) to repair. along with that have 16 riders that may get done in the process( murray, mtd, jc penny, snapper's, allis chalmers, and 2 JD-86's w/baggers). been looking for yard tractor snow blower attachment's to repair. :drool: i have had people asking me about thing's that may be wrong with their mower's, i keep telling them if they want me to look at it i might be able to tell them a bit better what it may be.

That is a boat load of equipment you have there, i do not have that kind of room. good luck and have fun over the winter.

Nov 23, 2012#182

G

garnder

i have saved a many of lawn tractors such has case; cadets & many others from being melted steel. i love to restore these old classic tractors they are such a work horse in comparision to todays lawn tractors

Nov 27, 2012#183

T

twinfords

i fixed an older Poulan Pro push mower tonight (Tecumseh engine) the shear pin was broke and turned half way around the flywheel , also the blade was on upside down., wierd thing is was after i fixed it it still yanked the chord out of my hands several times, than it started and ran fine for 5 or so off and ons. it is a OHV engine, i am picking up a few mowers as well on the cheap for winter repair. I need to get my snow blowers out this weekend as well.

Dec 1, 2012#184

T

twinfords

what a crazy day today, harvested a 10 point buck @ 7:00AM, had 3 people drop of equipment to be repaired, got a lot of saws ready for sale, go kart, mowers, snow blowers etc. cleaned carbs, new pull cords etc. lubed up blowers.

Dec 1, 2012#185

lawn mower fanatic

twinfords said:
what a crazy day today, harvested a 10 point buck @ 7:00AM, had 3 people drop of equipment to be repaired, got a lot of saws ready for sale, go kart, mowers, snow blowers etc. cleaned carbs, new pull cords etc. lubed up blowers. View attachment 10023 View attachment 10024 View attachment 10025 View attachment 10026 View attachment 10027 View attachment 10028 View attachment 10029 View attachment 10030

Wow....busy day! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Dec 3, 2012#186

T

twinfords

another busy day, sold the go cart, sold a like brand new snow blower, fixed 3 other snow blowers, fixed 2 lawnboy's and now ready for sale, hope to sell the Billy Goat today. cut up a few logs and split them.

Dec 3, 2012#187

lawn mower fanatic

twinfords said:
another busy day, sold the go cart, sold a like brand new snow blower, fixed 3 other snow blowers, fixed 2 lawnboy's and now ready for sale, hope to sell the Billy Goat today. cut up a few logs and split them.View attachment 10039 View attachment 10040 View attachment 10041 View attachment 10042 View attachment 10043 View attachment 10044

What year is that Billy Goat Leaf Vacuum?

Dec 3, 2012#188

T

twinfords

lawn mower fanatic said:
What year is that Billy Goat Leaf Vacuum?

i think it is a 1995 and it is now sold!! gone

Dec 3, 2012#189

lawn mower fanatic

twinfords said:
i think it is a 1995 and it is now sold!! gone

Wow...that was quick!! :thumbsup:

Dec 31, 2012#190

T

twinfords

Hello everyone and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, i have been busy with the family etc, working on a few things, mowers, ATV's etc but mostly chainsaw, here are a few that i have been working on. PP455, Pioneer P41.[

Dec 31, 2012#191

lawn mower fanatic

twinfords said:
Hello everyone and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, i have been busy with the family etc, working on a few things, mowers, ATV's etc but mostly chainsaw, here are a few that i have been working on. PP455, Pioneer P41.[

Looks good! :thumbsup:
Happy New Year to you, too! :smile:

Dec 31, 2012#192

D

DaveTN

twinfords said:
another busy day, sold the go cart, sold a like brand new snow blower, fixed 3 other snow blowers, fixed 2 lawnboy's and now ready for sale, hope to sell the Billy Goat today. cut up a few logs and split them.View attachment 10039 View attachment 10040 View attachment 10041 View attachment 10042 View attachment 10043 View attachment 10044

GOOD LORD!! You people wear me OUT just reading about your working day! I haven't done that many engines all year. Glad I don't have people dropping off things like that. Still, if you love it, you gotta do it. It's too cold for me to be out in the driveway working on mowers. I'll work on one if it's warm and if I'm in the mood. A lot of "IF's" I grant you, but hey..I'm retired and answer to no higher authority(wife). hehehe

Jan 7, 2013#193

T

twinfords

fixed a snow blower Ariens and ran the pp455

hello all, had a productive weekend, fixed a Ariens snow blower and ran the pp455 saw. cut down a standing dead oak and bucked it up. ran ok. i have been working on K700 concrete saw, pp455 and i picked up a p50 also.

Jan 7, 2013#194

lawn mower fanatic

Re: fixed a snow blower Ariens and ran the pp455

twinfords said:
hello all, had a productive weekend, fixed a Ariens snow blower and ran the pp455 saw. cut down a standing dead oak and bucked it up. ran ok. i have been working on K700 concrete saw, pp455 and i picked up a p50 also.View attachment 10912 View attachment 10913 View attachment 10914

WOW! You stay busy! I like the Poulan Pro saw! :thumbsup:

Jan 9, 2013#195

Kodie's Lawn Service

Meeeeee :thumbsup:

Jan 10, 2013#196

J

johndwiller

I started picking up free mowers last fall, dead mowers to fix and sell, so far i've caused more damage to them as part of the learning curve. i would definately take any tips on how to make this more profitable and less of a hobby.

Jan 12, 2013#197

T

tom.

Hi,
I started doing it as a hobby but it's sort a of a little bussiness now, I make a bit of money to pay for something else that I can tinker with which is great fun for me!
At the moment I have a wide variety but my favourite is my wheel horse c161!

Tom.

Jan 12, 2013#198

Flintmotorsports

Got a sweet deal today i got 3 pushmower 1 generator and 1 chain saw and a case for 50 bucks
the push mower were 2 weed eaters and 1 toro. the generator is a coleman and the saw is a poulan
so far the generator will run and the saw runs great but dont know about the mower until spring.

Jan 12, 2013#199

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
Got a sweet deal today i got 3 pushmower 1 generator and 1 chain saw and a case for 50 bucks
the push mower were 2 weed eaters and 1 toro. the generator is a coleman and the saw is a poulan
so far the generator will run and the saw runs great but dont know about the mower until spring.

Nice deal! :thumbsup:

Jan 12, 2013#200

Flintmotorsports

ok will have some tomarrow

Jan 12, 2013#201

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
ok will have some tomarrow

:smile:

Jan 13, 2013#202

Flintmotorsports

here is the case i got i will post more later

Jan 13, 2013#203

Flintmotorsports

sorry here is the case

Jan 13, 2013#204

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
sorry here is the case

Nice case! :thumbsup:

Jan 13, 2013#205

Flintmotorsports

lawn mower fanatic said:
Nice case! :thumbsup:

yeah it is i dont need it so it is for sale on craigs list

Jan 13, 2013#206

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
yeah it is i dont need it so it is for sale on craigs list

Yeah, that's always a good place to sell stuff you don't need! :tongue:

Jan 13, 2013#207

themowerking20

I repair small engines in a professional setting. I also repair them at home such as trash picked units to sell for profit and even family and friends with a new customer every now and then.

Jan 13, 2013#208

lawn mower fanatic

themowerking20 said:
I repair small engines in a professional setting. I also repair them at home such as trash picked units to sell for profit and even family and friends with a new customer every now and then.

Nice! Welcome to LawnMowerForum! :smile:

Jan 14, 2013#209

T

twinfords

hello all, i had a great weekend, fixed a Partner K700 concrete saw, put a P/C in a 455 Poulan Pro (now has 155? psi, got the Ariens Snow blower done (installed kill switch wire and new throttle cable. Fixed a Honda power washer, sold a Toro Personal Pace mower (yup in the dead of winter) i have two packages coming this week as well. Will post pics later.

Jan 15, 2013#210

Flintmotorsports

Here a some pice the coleman runs great but dont put out no power and the poulan wild thing runs great but both are for sale on craigs list you dont make money by holding on to stuff

Jan 15, 2013#211

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
Here a some pice the coleman runs great but dont put out no power and the poulan wild thing runs great but both are for sale on craigs list you dont make money by holding on to stuff

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Jan 15, 2013#212

Flintmotorsports

Got a hit on the generator the guy is comeing tomarrow to look at it. it was on C L for 3 hours did not take very long at all for someone to want it

Jan 15, 2013#213

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
Got a hit on the generator the guy is comeing tomarrow to look at it. it was on C L for 3 hours did not take very long at all for someone to want it

WOW! Things can really sell fast on Craigslist! :thumbsup:

Jan 15, 2013#214

Flintmotorsports

lawn mower fanatic said:
WOW! Things can really sell fast on Craigslist! :thumbsup:

yeah it can sell fast but the case and the saw are not sold yeat. This fall i had some more stuff on there and alot of it sold fast. sale slowed down around christmas time but they are picking up again.
i put stuff on C.L just to clean out the shop and make some extra money.

Jan 17, 2013#215

T

twinfords

here are a few photos of the saws i have been getting ready

Jan 18, 2013#216

lawn mower fanatic

Re: here are a few photos of the saws i have been getting ready

twinfords said:
View attachment 11275 View attachment 11276 View attachment 11277 View attachment 11278

Looks good! The chainsaw in the first picture has a really big bar! :thumbsup:

Jan 22, 2013#217

T

twinfords

here are a few pics of what i fixed the past few weeks

an Partner K700, an Areins snow blower, my big Pioneers

Jan 22, 2013#218

lawn mower fanatic

Re: here are a few pics of what i fixed the past few weeks

twinfords said:
an Partner K700, an Areins snow blower, my big Pioneers

View attachment 11470 View attachment 11471 View attachment 11472 View attachment 11473

I like the snowblower.....I can tell things were built better "back in the day"! Just look at the snowblower; half of the parts that are metal on there are plastic on today's snowblowers.

Feb 3, 2013#219

T

twinfords

hello all, i fixed a Bill Goat leaf vac today, had to remove head and valves, filed down intake valve and lapped in. i went ahead and cleaned coil and flywheel, carburetor etc etc. runs well now. also rewired a trailer.

Feb 3, 2013#220

lawn mower fanatic

twinfords said:
hello all, i fixed a Bill Goat leaf vac today, had to remove head and valves, filed down intake valve and lapped in. i went ahead and cleaned coil and flywheel, carburetor etc etc. runs well now. also rewired a trailer.

Nice! You sure keep busy! :thumbsup:

Feb 6, 2013#221

Flintmotorsports

have not been on here in a couple of weeks so i sold the coleman generator and the poulan wildthing and i also sold a macuulloch saw that
i had for about a year now i am waiting for a guy to come pick up a toro snowblower and a tecumseh engine. i also have alot of stuff on CL
that has not sold yeat but ths time will come.

Feb 6, 2013#222

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
......i had for about a year now i am waiting for a guy to come pick up a toro snowblower.....

The guy might need his snowblower soon! I heard there is going to be a big snowstorm up in New England Friday (we are getting a mix here). Are you getting any of that snow?

Feb 6, 2013#223

Flintmotorsports

Yeah they are calling for 2 feet where we live

Feb 6, 2013#224

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
Yeah they are calling for 2 feet where we live

WOW!! :shocked:

Feb 7, 2013#225

Flintmotorsports

the quy called about the snowblower and he is comeing tonight to get it just in time for all the snow to come
and cove up all the stuff i got around the yard.

Feb 7, 2013#226

lawn mower fanatic

Flintmotorsports said:
the quy called about the snowblower and he is comeing tonight to get it just in time for all the snow to come
and cove up all the stuff i got around the yard.

Cool! :wink:

Feb 11, 2013#227

Flintmotorsports

So the guy who bought the snowblower is very happy with it and i traded a 5 hp snowblower engine
for a troy bilt tuff cut brush hog now that is a up trade the motor is worth 75 and the brush hog is worth 200
i need to trade like this more often.

Feb 11, 2013#228

T

twinfords

it is always a good feeling to help folks out as well as make a couple extra $$. I actually fixed 4 push mowers last week, one i did everything maintenance wise i could Briggs( clean carburetor, gas tank, , oil,filter, clean coil, magnets, re gap, clean plug, lube everything, sharpen blade etc. the other Murray Tecumseh,(cleaned tank, cleaned/ rebuilt carburetor, new float bowl, gasket etc cleaned plug, 3rd briggs (cleaned tank, cleaned carburetor, did mild valve job and cleaned head, piston, lapped valves, new head gasket, new valve cover gasket , sharpened blade) 4th old Briggs (valve job, cleaned head, Piston, new gasket ) all run great and customer picked up, i fixed my sons (he will be 5 in April) Baja 90 4x4 (rebuilt the Mikuni carburetor) runs great now. i fixed my Lawnboy 4570 (pics on this site) and fixed a generator that i did everything twice on trying to fix it and it ended up being the gas cap not venting. i also worked on my Father in Laws Kubuta tractor (changed oil and filter) and did so many other things you guys would not believe me if i told you so i will stop now.

Feb 11, 2013#229

Flintmotorsports

twinfords said:
it is always a good feeling to help folks out as well as make a couple extra $$. I actually fixed 4 push mowers last week, one i did everything maintenance wise i could Briggs( clean carburetor, gas tank, , oil,filter, clean coil, magnets, re gap, clean plug, lube everything, sharpen blade etc. the other Murray Tecumseh,(cleaned tank, cleaned/ rebuilt carburetor, new float bowl, gasket etc cleaned plug, 3rd briggs (cleaned tank, cleaned carburetor, did mild valve job and cleaned head, piston, lapped valves, new head gasket, new valve cover gasket , sharpened blade) 4th old Briggs (valve job, cleaned head, Piston, new gasket ) all run great and customer picked up, i fixed my sons (he will be 5 in April) Baja 90 4x4 (rebuilt the Mikuni carburetor) runs great now. i fixed my Lawnboy 4570 (pics on this site) and fixed a generator that i did everything twice on trying to fix it and it ended up being the gas cap not venting. i also worked on my Father in Laws Kubuta tractor (changed oil and filter) and did so many other things you guys would not believe me if i told you so i will stop now.

there is a big demand for fixing lawnmower and such. i would try doing it on the side for now and get
people to learn about you and then make the big step and open for buisness. hope this helps

Feb 19, 2013#230

T

twinfords

chainsaws chainsaw chainsaws

i picked up 6 saws the other day and then a very good shop owner friend of mine gave me 8 more and then another friend of mine gave me 7 more. most of the ones i picked up ran or i have running already, i fixed 3 of the ones from my other friend and am working on a few that the shop owner gave me.

Feb 27, 2013#231

T

twinfords

and more chainsaws

worked on some bic cc chainsaws last weekend and put up a few new shelves in the garage. also mower season is just around the corner for a few of my landscape customers. always good to send out a tune up reminder so they are not caught off guard on their first week back on the lawns. I have a customer dropping off 4 mowers this week.

Mar 7, 2013#232

T

twinfords

hello all, well did not get a drop of snow from the big storm!!! i did however fix two mowers and a trimmer for customers.

Mar 7, 2013#233

wjjones

I do, and have for years but this past year was the first time I had to split one open to work on the internal parts. I have to say it wasnt as complicated as I thought it would be.

Mar 7, 2013#234

lawn mower fanatic

twinfords said:
hello all, well did not get a drop of snow from the big storm!!!

Yeah I know! We were supposed to get 6-9 inches but we got RAIN! And all of the schools in the area were closed!!

Mar 7, 2013#235

LawnBoy97

We had no school either. We only got like 2 or 3 inches, but it was really wet and heavy. Only shoveled five driveways, too.

Mar 10, 2013#236

T

twinfords

yea the media hype makes everyone panic. crazy!!

i fixed a snow blower and a tiller today, been working on a Partner R12 chainsaw but need to rebuild the carb and get a fuel tank nipple. Also got this gem and she is a runner. i did tear it down and clean it and put it back together.

Mar 13, 2013#237

D

DaveTN

wjjones said:
I do, and have for years but this past year was the first time I had to split one open to work on the internal parts. I have to say it wasnt as complicated as I thought it would be.

That looks like Rock City down in Chattanooga. Where are you from in TN? I'm from the Knox area and used to work at Sears as a small engine mechanic, before that at Suzuki cycles. I've tinkered around for years with small engines and finally getting tired of it. Going to fix up what I've got, sell them and stop taking in more. Got about 20 weedeaters in various states of disrepair, mostly a bone yard for parts. Been doing some serious thinking about getting out of the small engine repairs as it would free up a lot of time to do other things. Good Luck in your work. David

Mar 20, 2013#238

T

twinfords

back at it again, mowers and saws

hey guys, folks getting the spring itch, work on a Cub Cadet 33" walk behind with the crappy Briggs carburetor with the wierd float and o ring gasket, these are known to be faulty and the float sticks, filling the crankcase up with fuel, install a shut off valve for sure, also scored on some more saws.
This user does not have permission to use the HTML BB code.

Apr 1, 2013#239

T

twinfords

Re: back at it again, mowers and saws

twinfords said:
hey guys, folks getting the spring itch, work on a Cub Cadet 33" walk behind with the crappy Briggs carburetor with the wierd float and o ring gasket, these are known to be faulty and the float sticks, filling the crankcase up with fuel, install a shut off valve for sure, also scored on some more saws.
This user does not have permission to use the HTML BB code.

well i fixed 6 of the 9 saws i picked up a few weeks ago, cleaned all of the bars up and got a few new chains/parts for them. here are a feww pics of them.

Apr 1, 2013#240

T

twinfords

fixed a few more mowers and working on a power washer

i fixed a troybilt with broken cables and trans tension spring, also fixed Craftsman with broken cable and missing control bracket, installed a used wheel also.

Hope to have the power washer done int he next few days.

Apr 12, 2013#241

T

twinfords

i do not have enough mowers, busy busy busy

Well, all i can say is it must be spring time, i have sold every mower i had ready for the spring time. 8-10 and fixed 10 or more as well. i need to find and fix more to meet my customers needs.

Apr 12, 2013#242

hanyoukimura

I admit, I didn't do much over the winter. Unlike the previous winter, it was very cold and we got a lot of snow. I just didn't have the motivation. However, I do have a few leftover from last year ready to go.

The Craftsman is already pending sale tomorrow. The Poulan I have yet to list because I'm not sure what to list it for yet. It runs great and is in good shape, but does smoke some.

I have the Toro to finish up and that will be ready, and there's a basic Craftsman push mower I need to weld a crack in the deck so I can reassemble it. Monday I plan to go pick up some mowers from a guy who sells them for $5 each. Time to get busy.

Apr 13, 2013#243

D

DaveTN

Re: How many of you repair small engines as a hobby? $$

As much as I "intended" to cut back on small engine repairs this year, it has not worked out very well. "The Road To Small Engine Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions" as we all know. Last weekend my cousin called and couldn't get her Lowe's riding mower started. Went over and checked it, bad battery. Showed her how to jump it off on the car battery. Got home and had a message on my phone from a neighbor who couldn't get her Snapper rider to cut. Went over about a week later and found a bent blade after she told me she ran over a piece of cinder block. Still have to put on the new blade. Then there's that poor middle aged woman who can spend money on cigarettes and wants FREE lawnmower service but only remembers my name once a year, maybe 2 or 3 times when her mower goes out. Otherwise she has some form of AMNESIA!

Was having dinner last night in my favorite Mexican restaurant and the waiter heard somewhere that I worked on mowers and wanted me to go around back and look at his old Sears front-tine, vertical-shaft tiller that he couldn't get started. Told me right off that it wouldn't get fire. I said that if it was a cheap fix, just points and labor. But if it was the coil, that's another $40-$60 depending on where I got it. Some other mechanic had priced the fix at $75. Too much for him to pay for such a clunker tiller. Or if I had an old one laying around on a clunker in the bone yard I'd sell it for $15. As usual, it's worse-case scenario in most small engine repairs with me. Coil out~~:thumbdown: I'll have to search the bone yard soon! And these are the people who looked for ME, I wasn't looking for them. It's like something from the movie: "The Lawnmower Dead! Walking the Earth, Looking For A Mechanic!" :laughing:

Apr 16, 2013#244

T

twinfords

Re: How many of you repair small engines as a hobby? $$

DaveTN said:
As much as I "intended" to cut back on small engine repairs this year, it has not worked out very well. "The Road To Small Engine Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions" as we all know. Last weekend my cousin called and couldn't get her Lowe's riding mower started. Went over and checked it, bad battery. Showed her how to jump it off on the car battery. Got home and had a message on my phone from a neighbor who couldn't get her Snapper rider to cut. Went over about a week later and found a bent blade after she told me she ran over a piece of cinder block. Still have to put on the new blade. Then there's that poor middle aged woman who can spend money on cigarettes and wants FREE lawnmower service but only remembers my name once a year, maybe 2 or 3 times when her mower goes out. Otherwise she has some form of AMNESIA! Was having dinner last night in my favorite Mexican restaurant and the waiter heard somewhere that I worked on mowers and wanted me to go around back and look at his old Sears front-tine, vertical-shaft tiller that he couldn't get started. Told me right off that it wouldn't get fire. I said that if it was a cheap fix, just points and labor. But if it was the coil, that's another $40-$60 depending on where I got it. Some other mechanic had priced the fix at $75. Too much for him to pay for such a clunker tiller. Or if I had an old one laying around on a clunker in the bone yard I'd sell it for $15. As usual, it's worse-case scenario in most small engine repairs with me. Coil out~~:thumbdown: I'll have to search the bone yard soon! And these are the people who looked for ME, I wasn't looking for them. It's like something from the movie: "The Lawnmower Dead! Walking the Earth, Looking For A Mechanic!" :laughing:

Yes i agree, my phone never stops ringing in the spring, summer and fall. got to love it.

Apr 16, 2013#245

T

twinfords

well, i sold a craftsman, two lawnboys and a troybilt, fixed a leaf blower and picked up two more lawnboys tonight, a 8674 and a 10323 i believe. i have about 10 to fix as well.

Apr 17, 2013#246

C

Copeland

I grew up in an automotive repair and machine shop. Then I spent 15 years as a mobility technition. Now I work for another company that doesn't have any technical work to feed my need to fix stuff. So a few weeks ago I started repairing lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws, etc. Just on the weekends in the shed in my back yard. Holy crap! I put the word out that I'm looking for free non-working lawn equipment and it just started flowing in. I'm also getting repair jobs. I put the word out on facebook garage sale sites which are HUGE in North Texas and on Craigslist. I find that most repairs have to do with fuel delivery so I bought bulk rolls of fuel line along with primer bulbs and other small parts and it's going great.
Something I learned in my automotive days was to MAKE YOUR OWN GASGETS. Just keep a roll of gasget material and a set of hole punches and cut out your own gasgets when you need them. One thing I do need is a good chain sharpener. I'm looking at the Maxx Pro. It looks like a really sweet machine.

Apr 17, 2013#247

T

twinfords

Copeland said:
I grew up in an automotive repair and machine shop. Then I spent 15 years as a mobility technition. Now I work for another company that doesn't have any technical work to feed my need to fix stuff. So a few weeks ago I started repairing lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws, etc. Just on the weekends in the shed in my back yard. Holy crap! I put the word out that I'm looking for free non-working lawn equipment and it just started flowing in. I'm also getting repair jobs. I put the word out on facebook garage sale sites which are HUGE in North Texas and on Craigslist. I find that most repairs have to do with fuel delivery so I bought bulk rolls of fuel line along with primer bulbs and other small parts and it's going great.
Something I learned in my automotive days was to MAKE YOUR OWN GASGETS. Just keep a roll of gasget material and a set of hole punches and cut out your own gasgets when you need them. One thing I do need is a good chain sharpener. I'm looking at the Maxx Pro. It looks like a really sweet machine.

it looks like you are well on your way to a productive hobby, yes i come home to equipment in my driveway on a daily bases. The fuel we have today sucks and is killing machines every day. good luck and happy fixing.

Apr 17, 2013#248

mistermowerman

pugaltitude said:
Not a hobby but my main business.
Repair everything from small electric to golf course equipment.
Specialise in cylinder grinding and everthing Briggs.
Busy period now its start of the season so usually 15 hour days.
Hobby, i wish :laughing:

How is it that customers believe a mower that would not start in the autumn will start in the spring with nothing done to it .Gary:confused2:

Apr 17, 2013#249

C

Copeland

They believe that the mower is in a better mood because of the better weather. lol Who knows. Some of the repairs I've done were the most obvious things. If they would just look at the thing for more than a minute they probably could have fixed it themselves. I guess I'm glad they didn't. Kinked fuel lines is one thing I've seen several times.

Apr 22, 2013#250

T

twinfords

we live in a dispossable society

People either don't care are about fixing the mowers or the service center quoted a price that was almost as much as a new mower. I see it all of the time. They bring me their old mower, i either fix it or they trade it in on one that is working that i fixed already.

Apr 22, 2013#251

T

twinfords

let's see here!! i fixed 7 mowers maybe more, Craftsman self propel, Craftsman self propel, Toro front wheel drive, Toro Commercial rear drive, John Deere (installed Honda engine on it), Scotts Big Orange, Craftsman rear drive, fixed a Wild Thing chainsaw, fixed a few trimmers. Planted some of my garden, cleaned the shop up a little. everything from flywheel keys to carb rebuilds, also the new automatic

I sold, Toro, Troybilt, Ryobi trimmer as well. a baby Yard Machine 20" also

Apr 23, 2013#252

hanyoukimura

Just finished fixing a coworker's Lawn Boy 7229 and a Toro Recycler 20511 that I got for $5

Nifty trick if anyone's interested: A quick and easy way to make the black plastic parts look nice is to use some tire shine. Works like a charm.

Tomorrow before work I'm going to try and clean up a Black & Decker before I put it for sale. After that I'm going to tackle this Craftsman:

Apr 25, 2013#253

Flintmotorsports

I fix lawnmower/atv's/boats for a liveing and my shop is about a week behind and stuff is still rolling in like crazy
This is a very good thing i have been open for three years and i have never been this busy befor this is going
to be a good season i hope the grass grows like crazy this year i need to work.

Aug 8, 2013#254

M

mmanter

I just started to get in to them. What started out as trying to get a mower pieced together so I can cut my grass has turned in to a hobby. I plan to frequent here more, gaining information to fix the ones I have, as well as the ones I pick up to repair. Saw hanyoukimura's 29 page posting & it got me inspired to try to do the same thing. Currently have 4 mowers & one runs. My goal is to keep the old beat up craftsman for a "beater mower", fix the rest & keep one of the 6.75 HP self propelled mowers I got. Figured what the heck. I like to tinker anyways.

Jul 23, 2014#255

T

twinfords

Hello Ladies & gentlemen, I am back, I have been away for over a year, I see everyone is doing ok for the most part. I have been fixing mowers still and finding them has been up & down. This year it has been tough to find mowers except for my landscape customers continue to bring them to me.

I will follow up with pics etc of projects. I am working on a Husqvarna Royal 53S (fiberglass deck) with a open grate system on the deck. I switched the manual choke set up to a automatic choke set up (muffler, carb springs etc) works great.

Jul 23, 2014#256

T

twinfords

here are some of the things I have been working on lately, enjoy

Jul 23, 2014#257

T

twinfords

a few more

Jul 23, 2014#258

exotion

Nice looks like fun

Jul 24, 2014#259

Vervepipes

I've probably repaired around 30 this year as a hobby, it's nice to have a little extra cash for weekend family trips or small home renos. I started out with one mower that I got running to replace an electric mower, and it took off from there. In the process I now have a small collection of "keepers", an old Sunbeam Lawn Champ with twin blades, a '73 Lawn Boy that isn't running yet, and an 80's Honda that looks only a couple of years old. I don't advertise that I repair mowers, but word of mouth on the base has kept me pretty busy with repairs, advice and sales.

Jul 25, 2014#260

T

twinfords

return customers due to running their mowers intot the ground.

I have several customers that run their mowers very hard, to the point that they lock up both engine and transmissions due to heat or dirt etc. I have unfroze several engines and transmissions for these guys and out for more they go. It is amazing some of these mowers continue to run. Some are so caked with dirt/grass etc I have to remove all shields etc and blow it off just to work on it.

Jul 31, 2014#261

T

twinfords

I replaced an engine on a Craftsman 7.0 walk behind with a 5.0. Mower is back in action, replaced flywheel key in several mowers this week and rebuilt a Poulan 245A. Fixed a Craftsman 33" 8 HP as well. Sold a Murray push mower for $50.00

Aug 7, 2014#262

T

twinfords

worked on a Husqvarna Royal 48 last weekend, the guy saw my ad for the Royal 53S and gave me a call, Job well done, he is happy. I took a quick pic of the two mowers together (fiberglass decks), I am working on a Poulan 5200 and 245A saws currently.

Dec 11, 2014#263

Grassbandit

Re: return customers due to running their mowers intot the ground.

twinfords said:
I have several customers that run their mowers very hard, to the point that they lock up both engine and transmissions due to heat or dirt etc. I have unfroze several engines and transmissions for these guys and out for more they go. It is amazing some of these mowers continue to run. Some are so caked with dirt/grass etc I have to remove all shields etc and blow it off just to work on it.

I know exactly what you mean. The customers are their own worst enemy if you know what I mean. Here's one I just dealt with.....and the other is a brand new craftsman trimmer with a bad clutch. Replaced the springs and its good to go again.

Dec 12, 2014#264

B

bertsmobile1

Carscw said:
Glad to see so many pros here. I do not really even like to work on mowers but I do not want to pay $65 for a filter and oil change. I ask this a few months back and only got one answer and it was wrong. I have a 20hp Briggs twin would not start so took plug out and grounded it at the plug hole and the engine started put plug back in and no start. I have had this happen on a Briggs 5hp a few years ago. And please don't say the valves every starting problem on here some one says it's your valves

Sent from my iPhone using LMF

People say that because there is a little pimple on the cam that allows the engine to decompress just enough to let the motor start.
Too much clearence and the pimple will not open the valve at all while not enough clearance allows too much compression to escape.
There is a critical range of speeds over which your engine will fire, too fast or too slow and it will not start, may fire a few times but just won't run.

If all you get for $65 is a filter & oil change, you are gong to the wrong shop.
I used to do mowers as a side line & now it is my full time business.
The usual service for a known customer takes a bit over 2 hours becaue I go all over the mower and there are always loose/ missing fasteners, cables need to be lubed & blades need to be sharpened / replaced.
Wheels need to come off and have a few drops of lube ( even nylon bushed ones ) poped on then as does the height adjusters. Handle bar bolts oft need a slightly thicker washer under them , a touch of the wire brush and a smear of grease if not a little rub over with a die nut. Cowels have to come off to clean out the cooling fins & the brakes alway need a lube if not an adjustment. Petrol tanks come off & get drained properly and filters back flushed. Then there is the big clean up, degrease and wash so it goes back to the customer looking and more importantly working like new. For this I charge a flat $ 65 labour + parts ( note not sundry items , just parts ).

As for your plug, increased cylinder pressure will eventually extinguish the spark due to incresing resistance across the gap.
Back in the old days we had plug testers which were simply a chamber with a window in it, a trembler coil connected to a viriac to generate a spark and an air pump to presurize the cylinder.
A plug looked like a light globe at 20 psi but by 180 psi very few could manage a spark more than 20% of the time.
I always keep the old plug because there are always smart arses who tell me their plug was fine and even better are the twits that mark their old plug. Funny enough most end up leaving with my new plug in their engines , their old plug in the bin and their mower running like a clock.

Repairs for customers who do not get their equipment serviced get charge out at actual hours so if it takes me 4 hours to find a problem they get a $ 240 bill + parts.

I once got so fed up with a customer I pulled out a C note & bet him $ 100 the trouble was his "almost new" plug.
It was an oldish engine & I had been running 2 grades hotter plugs ( +1 for ULP + another 1 for worn rings & carb ). The idiot owner had looked up the manual, fitted the correct grade plug for old real petrol & f course it worked beautifully , for around 20 hrs then would not start.
So his "correct plug" went into the vice and got cooked with th oxy torch till the crud built up inside finally ignited.
Turned off the heat & it burned for better than 10 minutes. Popped it back into the engine & it started first pull, He left $ 100 lighter but I did throw in two plugs, two grades hotter.

Feb 11, 2015#265

Grassbandit

Solo backpack blower/sprayer.....agricultural use. Would start but not stay running. Cleaned carb and its good to go.

Feb 12, 2015#266

N

natenkiki2004

After a 2 year hiatus, I am starting to get back into small engine repair, for flipping. I've got a good stash of a dozen or so mowers and few other things as I can't resist picking them up but haven't gotten up the nerve to work on them or find time between my own projects. But now, I could use a few extra bucks and I'm getting the itch to do it and it feels good. Plus, this thread is incredibly inspiring and that helps. So here's my first contribution, hopefully with more to follow.

It's a 1992 Craftsman 5.0HP 22" Eager 1 mower. Hardly any use on it, had the original spark plug and blade which had never been sharpened and didn't really have any chips in it. Just needed a good carb cleaning, minor valve adjusting and cleaned out the carbon from the head. New fuel line, new drive belt, new air filter & spark plug, cleaned & lubed the wheels. Runs and idles fantastically. I haven't had a chance to pretty it up with some Armor-All or anything, just took pictures of it all reassembled so I can list it.

Feb 27, 2015#267

grumpygrizzly

I ran it pretty hard as a hobby for about 7 months last year, enjoyed every minute of it. Plug my Kindle Fire in and play my Pandora app to whatever stations I've created for music. I have a 'Bread Van' I'm been slowly converting into a mobile Small Engine Rescue van so I can go to a clients house and it'll be my shop on wheels. Trying to make sure I have all the tools in there that I also have in my home shop.

The wife isn't a big supporter of it as I've got over 30 years of engineering experience and she likes that big pay check. I can't stand working in a cubicle, looking at a pair of monitors, and taking orders from some kid that went to college and now thinks he knows everything I learned over the years.

I post ads on CL and below is what I'll put out there when I'm looking for more units to work on:

Looking For Small Engines

I'm looking for those weedeaters, leaf blowers, portable generators, chain saws, anything small engine that needs help to get back to it's glory days of yard work. No electric or battery powered. Gas, 2 stroke or four stroke..

You know the ones.. "It started fine last year..." or the "I haven't used it in 5 years but, it should fire right up..". Guess what, most of them won't and you'll end up tossing them into a metal recycle bin and hoping some of it makes it to a recycle center.

I've got books, tools, and a shop in my yard and actually enjoy the challenge of getting them back to running like a well oiled machine. If you take them to a Lawn Mower Repair shop, most of them will tell you they're made to be thrown away when they quit running. It'll cost you more than it's worth to fix it... etc.. etc..

I want to fix them. Once I get them going again, I'll sell them to get them back out there and if I make any money, it'll be to pay for small engine repair schools online (That's like an $800 bill all day long). I'm also working on putting a mobile small engine repair van together and getting things I need for it.

I can come by and pick them up, maybe even offer you a little cash but, if you're looking to get rich off what's in the back of your shed, I'm not your guy.

This is a hobby for me and maybe some day I'll be able to make it my own business to get out of this rat race of the corporate world.

Drop me an email with what you have, if you want anything for it, anything else you can tell me about it (name, engine size, last time it ran, etc..) and how you want me to contact you. I can meet you somewhere of your choosing or you can come by my place or I'll come by your place. Any of these options are fine with me so whatever makes you comfortable..

To the spammers, I'm not selling anything here so if you want to buy something, perhaps I can send you a box full of parts I can't repair picked randomly from boxes in my shop. Send your shipper out with cash and I'll fill his truck up.

OK, so reply to this message if you have anything I'm looking for or even think it might be something I'm looking for. I'll also take your small equipment in on trade for some of the stuff I have running. I've got a few ads up and running right now but, I was pretty slammed over the last week so I'm looking for more projects.

Preferably 2 stroke small engines, 4 stroke is ok as well. Doesn't hurt to ask.

NO TEXT MESSAGES PLEASE, I won't answer them. Too many spammers use them on here.

If you call and I don't answer, PLEASE leave a message. I won't return a call unless there's a message due to the spammers out there.

Tecumseh, briggs and stratton, homelite, poulan, stihl, ryobi, craftsman, leaf blower, weed eater, edger, trimmer, chainsaw, generator,

It's a little long but, it gets noticed.

When I go to sell something back on CL, I'll put up an add like this:

I've got a Yard Machines 5hp mower for sale. Great shape, easy starting, sharpened blade. This one has the larger wheels in the back which make it a lot easier to turn than the models that have the same sized wheels all around. Makes moving the yard a LOT easier. So easy, my wife actually has been known to cut the yard on occasion.

There's no bag with it but, I might be able to come up with one out of a pile that I have.

I buy these units all over the place and go through them, fix what needs fixing, drain that old gas that's been in there who knows how long, and get them running in the best condition I can.

My goal is to make a little profit on these so I can afford to pay for a small engine repair course. I've been doing engineering work for 30 years and I can't tolerate the cubicle world anymore.

Give me a call by clicking on the contact information above and let me know if you're interested. I have several other pieces of equipment for sale from push mowers to weed eaters if you're interested.

I love to barter so if you have any small engine yard equipment that's not working, I can take it as partial trade.

NO TEXT MESSAGES!! I just won't reply. Too many spammers.

PLEASE leave a detailed message. A lot of times I'm either driving or my hands are covered with gas and I won't answer my phone. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Show me an Active or Retired Military ID Card, and I'll knock 10% off the price. I'm retired military as well and believe in helping others out.

Even after those ads post, I still get text messages. I can live without that business so I just ignore them.

Usually whenever I sell something, they bring something else in to trade and I usually knock $10 off the price.

It's always amazing when I pick something up from a yard sale, I can get it for $10-20, take it home, dump the gas, clean the plug and it fires right up.. Some cleaning, sharpening here and there, maybe $.50 in new gas line and it's ready to go again.

I've got a few Stihl pieces and those are like taking bananas from monkeys. Folks don't like to sell them.

As for you guys doing it out of your house, be careful with the tax man.. Also lawyers. If you repair someones mower or whatever and it causes them any damage or they think they've been ripped off, they might try to sue you. If the tax man comes around or a neighbor complains about traffic, you're in for another jam.

That's why I'm trying to go mobile. Sure I'll still work on things in my garage but, I'll go and pick up the units or work on them at the customers place.

If one of the local lawn mower shops figure out what you're up to, they'll definitely make waves as you're cutting into thier business... unless you're licensed and insured.

One more thing.. I always carry a small 'GO' toolbag in my truck to help me take a look at a unit when I'm out garage or yard saling. I've even been paid by folks just for helping them get their mower or whatever running.. Usually on a barter system though..

I don't take anything in for repairs unless they're a regular customer and I don't have a lot of them.

Apr 16, 2015#268

Gerald007

Hi All. I know this is a little late but this is an awesome thread. I have recently began doing this as a hobby myself. I was interested to learn the inner workings of a gas engine and understand how they operate. Garden/Yard equipment is a very affordable way to learn and each project will pay for itself. I took a basic small engine repair course and learned quite a bit and gained confidence i could take a dead mower and make it run again. I've really began to enjoy it a lot lately and has been more aggressive in pursuing projects. I've done about half a dozen lawn mowers and a few grass trimmers since i started at the very end of last season .

I sold my first item of the year today. It was a homelite grass trimmer. HLT-16 classic. got it for free and used parts i had left over from other jobs. Got $35 for it. Tonight i freshened up a mower i completed over the winter. I did an engine swap and took an eager 1 engine of a rotted craftsman deck and put it on a weed eater deck that i removed the blown engine from. will be sharpening the blade. It has fresh oil and i will be painting the handlebar, engine cover, and discharge shoot. I will probably get about $75 for it. If also got a couple of free grass trimmers that i will be combining to make one functional unit. I will probably package it together with a murray mower that i have for $100.00.

I'm considering taking trade-ins from people for a discount from the price of their purchase. I'm wondering if people will be less likely to buy from me if they know that i'm flipping them? I don't sell anything that i can't get running well. If its questionable i'll use parts and not sell it.

Sorry to ramble on. I've really enjoyed the thread. some of you guys really know your stuff and how to manage this whole hobby thing. Thanks for sharing everyone hopefully there will be more posts to come.

Apr 21, 2015#269

Gerald007

Hi All,

Good day today. I sold a murray mower; and picked up my next fixer upper. It's a 21" MTD missing the bag. Has good compression just doesn't fire. The guy i got it from said it ran when he dumped some gas in the carb. should hopefully be able to get that one going, if i do i will try and find a bag for it. Picking up another tomorrow. Its also a 21" MTD.

Tomorrow night i get to play in the garage all night. nothing else planned. Can't wait it will be hard to sleep tonight. Lol.

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