Been a member here since 2012. Haven't been around for a good long time.
Fast forward to last Wednesday. I was working on a forklift at a customer who was downsizing.
They were selling their second warehouse to someone, because they don't need it anymore.
As a result, they don't need a lawn mower anymore.
The owner had a 1997 (according to the date code on the B&S 12HP flathead) Murray 12hp 30" RER.
Bagging attachment is long gone. Water ballast tank is gone (hangers for it are still there).
Drive belt is cracked and broken. Deck belt is probably cracked. Battery is missing.
Gas tank is dry as a bone and no varnish is visible. What vapors are still present in the tank smell like good gas.
They were going to put it in the scrap metal dumpster, along with a bunch of other stuff.
Honestly, I can't believe it fit in the back of my short wheelbase service van (Nissan NV).
I haven't found a model number on the seat or back of the mower yet. Looks like a data tag was once on the back of the mower, but has been obliterated.
The mower was always stored indoors, hence, I thought it was a lot newer than it was when I first saw it.
I've named it Mike Wazowski, since it's green and has a cyclops headlight.
I don't know what all the mower needs. I don't know if it was well cared for by whoever operated it.
I don't know if they thought they were Evel Knievel. Right rear tire won't hold air and looks to have a long cut or crack in the sidewall.
Other three tires hold air just fine.
The foam air pre-filter is clogged with GA red clay. I know it needs filter and pre-filter, and battery replaced before trying to start it.
The oil level is halfway between full and low, and does NOT smell like gasoline.
Perhaps it was well cared for? Guess we'll find out.
No pics yet. Will try to get some.
Before I start putting a bunch of money into it, I have to find out:1) Does it run? 2)Does it run well?
3) Does the transaxle work correctly? 4) Does the deck work correctly?
I'll clean the prefilter, hook up a battery of some sort, give it a little fuel, and see if it's a runner before anything else.
Once I learn more, I'll check other items and spend money and time on it as needed.
Yay. Another project.