ssrfenton
Member
We purchased Winter 2013 and have used this machine for 3 solid seasons excluding winter for total Hrs 145. So what can we learn about these "Value" machines that may help your next purchase.
Parts Replacement
70Hrs Anti Skid Deck Rollers replaced - Used the deck too many times as a leaf blower on the asphalt drive
100 Hrs New Battery needed.
130 Hrs New front Wheel bearings installed (replaced worn bushings)...Noted steering getting stiff
135 Hrs Engine Oil change, Fuel filter, Oil Filter, Spark Plugs. All OEM Craftsman Products..+ new oil engine plug.
140 Hrs Pulled 54inch deck and power washed clean...Some paint removed and surface rust with some dried grass. Spray painted underside of deck with canned product to clean up any potential surface issues. All necessary spindles greased..
145Hrs Tractor starts but will not move....Found V Belt transmission Idle Pulley "Melted" in half??? Ordered replacement. Transmission oil changed, new OEM filter Installed. New Anti Skid Deck Rollers ordered as others are looking flat..
Comments
The steering stiffness was due to worn bushings and lack of grease on steering components including steering shaft and plate. Once maintained the tractor has never turned easier...Need to look at these components annually.
The engine oil drained black and the motor used to smoke a little on start. Also, Used a little oil BUT found out it was the Oil Drain valve that was loose with oil very slowly leaking. Here is the kicker...You cannot get a socket on this valve as it sits on the frame. So I unscrewed by hand (that's how loose) and replaced it with a standard square head plug for $0.89. With new oil etc...Engine runs great, no smoke.
Transmission was a concern because I tow my 1,200 Lbs (Utility trailer loaded) of landscape material all over the property and thought the oil would burn up, so I purchased 20W50 mobile 1 and replaced that today. What I found was that the drained oil was very clean indicating the transmission is not as stressed as I thought. So Hydro Gear G730 is working great. I can say the OEM transmission filter would not twist off without me having to drill right through it and turn it via a extension drive. The OEM replacement has indentations so a filter socket will easily remove it when needed.
Transmission drive belt tension pulleys seems to the weak link but the part is readily available just a pig to replace in that tight spot. The brake lever was disconnected so the plate could be removed...Can't wait to receive new pulley and get back to work hauling dirt
Conclusion
I know many do not maintain these units but I feel that for years of service these price point tractors require a more annual attention than I originally thought. Still, I am very pleased with the performance, mows great but I do not use to push snow in Michigan winter...
Parts Replacement
70Hrs Anti Skid Deck Rollers replaced - Used the deck too many times as a leaf blower on the asphalt drive
100 Hrs New Battery needed.
130 Hrs New front Wheel bearings installed (replaced worn bushings)...Noted steering getting stiff
135 Hrs Engine Oil change, Fuel filter, Oil Filter, Spark Plugs. All OEM Craftsman Products..+ new oil engine plug.
140 Hrs Pulled 54inch deck and power washed clean...Some paint removed and surface rust with some dried grass. Spray painted underside of deck with canned product to clean up any potential surface issues. All necessary spindles greased..
145Hrs Tractor starts but will not move....Found V Belt transmission Idle Pulley "Melted" in half??? Ordered replacement. Transmission oil changed, new OEM filter Installed. New Anti Skid Deck Rollers ordered as others are looking flat..
Comments
The steering stiffness was due to worn bushings and lack of grease on steering components including steering shaft and plate. Once maintained the tractor has never turned easier...Need to look at these components annually.
The engine oil drained black and the motor used to smoke a little on start. Also, Used a little oil BUT found out it was the Oil Drain valve that was loose with oil very slowly leaking. Here is the kicker...You cannot get a socket on this valve as it sits on the frame. So I unscrewed by hand (that's how loose) and replaced it with a standard square head plug for $0.89. With new oil etc...Engine runs great, no smoke.
Transmission was a concern because I tow my 1,200 Lbs (Utility trailer loaded) of landscape material all over the property and thought the oil would burn up, so I purchased 20W50 mobile 1 and replaced that today. What I found was that the drained oil was very clean indicating the transmission is not as stressed as I thought. So Hydro Gear G730 is working great. I can say the OEM transmission filter would not twist off without me having to drill right through it and turn it via a extension drive. The OEM replacement has indentations so a filter socket will easily remove it when needed.
Transmission drive belt tension pulleys seems to the weak link but the part is readily available just a pig to replace in that tight spot. The brake lever was disconnected so the plate could be removed...Can't wait to receive new pulley and get back to work hauling dirt
Conclusion
I know many do not maintain these units but I feel that for years of service these price point tractors require a more annual attention than I originally thought. Still, I am very pleased with the performance, mows great but I do not use to push snow in Michigan winter...