Since neither time nor money are plentiful around here, I need some advice. I have about 2/3 acre to mow, and somehow the idea of doing that with a walk behind just doesn't appeal to me. Not that it can't be done, but....
So I came across a steal of a deal. I think. A used, and inoperative, Murray with a 12.5 horse engine and a 36" deck. The previous owners found it sitting in their yard when they bought a house, and it was not working then. They scavanged the front wheels for a garden cart, and I got the rest for free.
It doesn't have any OBVIOUS problems except the lack of front wheels and one flat rear tire. (Big nail in the middle of the tread.)
I'm mechanically inclined but have never worked on a riding mower before, or any other small engines.
It could be anything from JUST the flat tire to a completely seized engine for all I know.
So, where to start? Buy some wheels and fix the flat and go from there? Sell it for parts and buy a new/used one that runs?
Any suggestions?
So I came across a steal of a deal. I think. A used, and inoperative, Murray with a 12.5 horse engine and a 36" deck. The previous owners found it sitting in their yard when they bought a house, and it was not working then. They scavanged the front wheels for a garden cart, and I got the rest for free.
It doesn't have any OBVIOUS problems except the lack of front wheels and one flat rear tire. (Big nail in the middle of the tread.)
I'm mechanically inclined but have never worked on a riding mower before, or any other small engines.
It could be anything from JUST the flat tire to a completely seized engine for all I know.
So, where to start? Buy some wheels and fix the flat and go from there? Sell it for parts and buy a new/used one that runs?
Any suggestions?