Recommendations - lawn mowers

[PrchJrkr]

I just bought a 4cycle weed whacker........... somebitch is heavy. Quiet but heavy!

I bought one back in 2003 or 2004 and I mothballed the Homelite smoke machine. It didn't have the pure brute force of the 32cc machine, but it had torque. Something I wasn't used to at in a weed whacker. I was so impressed I bought the "tiller" attachment. Unfortunately, I didn't take proper care of it and the engine seized.

Fast forward to 2016, when I first started at Ace, I bought another that we couldn't get to run straight out of the box. We got credit for it from Crapsman and it sat around for parts. One day we were cleaning up and it was offered to me. I brought it home, bought a replacement carburetor, and I was still fought to keep it running. I found out that the valves were out of adjustment from the factory in addition to the carb being crap.

I initially used the 4-stroke to keep the growth down on my neighbor's waterfront riprap, but discovered the boom on the Homelite was longer and machine was better balanced , so it caused less back fatigue. If you use good fuel and stabilizer in your 4-stroke, and one day it just won't start no matter what, check the valve clearance. Factory specs are .002" and .004" and that doesn't leave much room for error. They're slightly forgiving, but they need to be at least close. My Crapsman wasn't.

While finding this video, I also ran across one for "non-adjustable" jets on the carburetors these 4-strokes use. The guy is a bit of a jerk, but who isn't? I'll post an update here after I personally test this theory.

 

[PrchJrkr]

I have a 1990-something Craftsman riding mower that still runs like new. Also have the 80v push mower from Kobalt which I have abused for two seasons (bush hogging, running over pinecones, sticks, etc.) and other than needing the blade sharpened is basically in perfect condition.

Pretty happy with both. Wouldn't go back to a crappy gas powered push motor that I have to clean the carb every damn year.

I have a regular customer that followed me from my stint at Ace. He has an early 90's Craftsman with a Honda OHC engine that runs so smooth it will pass the Bic™ lighter test. If you're lucky enough to have one of those beauties, hang on to it for dear life. His has all the std replacement consumable parts which make them cheap to maintain/repair, but it has a 12 gauge deck and thicker frame with the cast iron front axle. It was built before disastrous trade policies forced even well known companies to start cutting corners to provide lower consumer costs. Hence, why I call then Crapsman now.

For all the Troy-Bilt fans, the new line of Crapsman are TB's ugly step-sister. They share the same variable speed transmission (sliding pulleys) and down-to-the-basics hardware and design. They are a major pain to even change a drive belt. Unfortunately, the ones I've seen also have the B&S single cylinder power plant which have adjustable valves (which always seem to need adjusting) and a compression release on the cam that fails at a remarkable rate, making people believe they need a new battery/starter. My dad always said, "You get what you pay for", and he was spot on with lawn equipment.

 

[glhs837]

I'm thinking of this, were I actually needing to mow a lawn anymore.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-80-...tric-Lawn-Mower-Batteries-Included/1000421095

One thing in favor is that it opens up the whole line of 80v tools.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

FYI there are battery rebuild services that will open you dead batteries and install new cells into them.

Back in the 90s I would rebuild NiCad packs for people, I even used better grade cells than the tool grade ones they came with. Nice chunk of change for a college student that was good with a soldering iron and had a pretty good knowledge of batteries.

 

[WingsOfGold]

I bought one back in 2003 or 2004 and I mothballed the Homelite smoke machine. It didn't have the pure brute force of the 32cc machine, but it had torque. Something I wasn't used to at in a weed whacker. I was so impressed I bought the "tiller" attachment. Unfortunately, I didn't take proper care of it and the engine seized.

Fast forward to 2016, when I first started at Ace, I bought another that we couldn't get to run straight out of the box. We got credit for it from Crapsman and it sat around for parts. One day we were cleaning up and it was offered to me. I brought it home, bought a replacement carburetor, and I was still fought to keep it running. I found out that the valves were out of adjustment from the factory in addition to the carb being crap.

I initially used the 4-stroke to keep the growth down on my neighbor's waterfront riprap, but discovered the boom on the Homelite was longer and machine was better balanced , so it caused less back fatigue. If you use good fuel and stabilizer in your 4-stroke, and one day it just won't start no matter what, check the valve clearance. Factory specs are .002" and .004" and that doesn't leave much room for error. They're slightly forgiving, but they need to be at least close. My Crapsman wasn't.

While finding this video, I also ran across one for "non-adjustable" jets on the carburetors these 4-strokes use. The guy is a bit of a jerk, but who isn't? I'll post an update here after I personally test this theory.

The one I got was a Troy Built, free delivery Home Depot 98 bucks. Can't expect much for that but I'm in progress of making a shoulder strap. Worked so so not overly impressed, could use more rpm imo. Has the electric start option which the coupler was not included. I'll buy that once I go out somewhere.

 

[PrchJrkr]

The one I got was a Troy Built, free delivery Home Depot 98 bucks. Can't expect much for that but I'm in progress of making a shoulder strap. Worked so so not overly impressed, could use more rpm imo. Has the electric start option which the coupler was not included. I'll buy that once I go out somewhere.

I believe TB and Crapsman come from the same factory, but it's been a while since I worked on either.

I forgot to mention the starter option. Very nice to have when you're worn out at the end of the day a have just that one last little chore to finish up. I always have a cordless drill handy.

 

[WingsOfGold]

I believe TB and Crapsman come from the same factory, but it's been a while since I worked on either.

I forgot to motion the starter option. Very nice to have when you're worn out at the end of the day a have just that one last little chore to finish up. I always have a cordless drill handy.

Long ago Troy Built was ultra high end machines, in the 80's they only thing they made were roto tillers that pulverized the soil and they were expensive. I imagine someone bought them out and now they're a also ran part of a larger company.

 

[spr1975wshs]

Long ago Troy Built was ultra high end machines, in the 80's they only thing they made were roto tillers that pulverized the soil and they were expensive. I imagine someone bought them out and now they're a also ran part of a larger company.

MTD bought them about the turn of the century.

 

[WingsOfGold]

MTD bought them about the turn of the century.

Modern Tool and Die Co out of Cleveland. Sold a million Yardman and Signature tractors many moons ago. They were ok, cheap stamped front ends but good bang for the buck.

 

[FED_UP]

If I could go back in time 35 years, would buy that $100 Murray with the Tecumsah engine again, got 12 years out of it, with poor maintenance habits.

Tecumsah 14 year and still ticking.

 

[GWguy]

I've had nothing but problems for every Tecumseh motor I've ever had. I'll never consider another.

 

[spr1975wshs]

I've had nothing but problems for every Tecumseh motor I've ever had. I'll never consider another.

Why did you buy more than one?
Problems with the first would seem to preclude a repeat?

 

[PrchJrkr]

I've had nothing but problems for every Tecumseh motor I've ever had. I'll never consider another.

Br
Every...single...one... I had a buddy that had one of the old pre-emission 6hp Tecumseh motors that ran forever. I had several that I couldn't keep going for more than a day at a time with a week of busted knuckles in between those "good" days.

 

[PrchJrkr]

Why did you buy more than one?
Problems with the first would seem to preclude a repeat?

I can't speak for GW, but when I was a kid and minibikes were the craze, on a trade you could get 2-3 Tecumseh motors for one running B&S. That's the only reason I owned any. I learned my lesson very quickly. I still have 2 horizontal shaft Tecumseh motors in the 2.5-3.5hp range in an out building that you can have if you need to practice up on your swearing.

I hung on to them thinking that some day I'd have kids and I'll build them go karts. Once Chinese ATVs came on the scene, those plans were quickly discarded. They're the old point style ignition, so you learn to string the curse words together like poetry while cranking and cranking and cranking... They're great for a cardio workout.

 

[GWguy]

Why did you buy more than one?
Problems with the first would seem to preclude a repeat?

I never really bought any, they just seemed to show up. I 'inherited' a Toro multi-system when I got married. Tools were great, motor stunk. The horizontal shaft motors were the worst, hard starting, carbs always going out of tuning, points/spark always failing.... I'd spend a half day just getting something to run for an hours chore.

 

[kom526]

I have a regular customer that followed me from my stint at Ace. </clip>.

You do side work outside the shop? I have a 'no rush' weed eater that I'd like to get running again.

 

[phreddyp]

About 3 years ago I bought a set of 60V lithium-ion battery powered yard equipment. They all share the same battery packs. Mower, blower, weed eater, and chainsaw.

I'd never go back to gasoline. Since getting them, I haven't needed to pull start anything and they start instantly with no effort; all my equipment is far quieter than gas-powered; they don't smell bad or pollute my yard with oil smoke; I don't have to store gasoline; I don't have to worry about winterizing the units due to ethanol; they have extremely few moving parts so the reliability is very high.

The bigger 4AH battery will easily cut my 1/4 acre of lawn in one charge, and the 2-1/2AH pack will even get it done. I have several packs that give added runtime, because each unit came with its own battery. Only the chainsaw is an issue; it sucks power and runs out on big jobs, but it's really meant for small jobs anyway.

I'm sure the exact model I bought is not available any more, but what I got was the Snapper brand.

Sucker born every minute !

 

[phreddyp]

Long ago Troy Built was ultra high end machines, in the 80's they only thing they made were roto tillers that pulverized the soil and they were expensive. I imagine someone bought them out and now they're a also ran part of a larger company.

Garden way went bankrupt in the early 2000 another company bought the name and some parts then immediately started to dismantle the products reputation .

 

[Goldenhawk]

Sucker born every minute !

Would you care to clarify that snark?

 

[phreddyp]

Would you care to clarify that snark?

Been using portable tools my whole life ( construction contractor 39 years ) I have seen very few decent battery powered tools. They all are great coming out of the box and work great . Then the batteries start to die slowly makes no difference if they are nicad or lithium the result is the same Harryhomeowner thinks they are great for awhile and then the decline starts. They may be great for a 1/4 acre lot but you will see shortly that you were suckered in . As for your statement batteries will only get cheaper I will let you in on a secret . The manufacturers change their battery configurations on a regular basis which means when you need to purchase a new battery for your equipment the configuration of the battery will be obsolete and the cost usually doubles. Sorry to burst your bubble. Like I said EVERY MINUTE .