Exmark Lazer Z project machines..Anyone else refurbishing commercial mowers?

[Mikefromcny]

Hi guys, I'm a new homeowner and thought I'd share my answer to mowing 2 acres faster then an hour and 45 mins that it took with my B7100 kubota.

I bought an older Lazer Z 60" that ran and moved, but needed lots of attention. The lift on the blades was worn off, no deck wheels whatsoever, worn controls, grease fittings wont take grease etc. Approx. $300 later I have a pretty good machine. I hope to sell it for a small profit since I bought another.

Last night, a 2004 Lazer Z 60" followed me home. Engine cranks over, (engine is also covered in oil) Low compression on 1 cylinder. Leaky drive motor seal. Has around 1000 hours on it. Drives are supposedly strong and motor did run, although not very well.

Any advice on best place to buy Kohler OEM parts? Its a CH23. I'm somewhat convinced the head gaskets are blown. Crosshatch is still visible in the cylinder wall. Main concern is finding the "updated" head gasket "kit" with new head bolts.

Any advice on replacing the drive motor seal would be great as well.

The motivating factor for doing this is lack of funds for a $3500 mower and I like to refurbish machines.

Comments welcome. Thanks for reading.

 

[murphy1244]

That does look rough, good luck.

 

[ASTROENG2011]

I have had good luck with Tulsa Engine Warehouse. Good parts selection for specific engines and quick delivery. I have also used Partstree.com. Living in Texas, parts shipping was quicker and sometimes cheaper. If you have a good repair shop locally, you might want to stop by there. Sometimes they can get parts just as well with no shipping coming to their business. Always helps to have a local source for more than parts-- experience and advice come in handy in a pinch. Good luck!