Montgomery Ward TMO 33551A F264D

[QueBota]

Fellow down the road from me is trying to sell this garden tractor. Says he bought it from Montgomery Ward back in the early to mid 1980's. Condition is about average for its age. It has a 18hp Brigs with a two blade 44" deck, rear discharge. It has a four speed transmission with the PTO lever to engage the blades. Anyone know who made the tractor for Montgomery Wards?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Fordlords]

Probably Roper which is now AYP (American Yard Products, they make currrent Craftsman and some Husqvarna tractors among others.) Roper made a lot of the department store jobs in the late 1970's and 1980's. Many of the 1960's through mid 70's Monkey Wards tractors were made by a company called Gilson.

-Fordlords-

 

[Gatorboy]

Fellow down the road from me is trying to sell this garden tractor. Says he bought it from Montgomery Ward back in the early to mid 1980's.

Sell you? He should pay you to take it off his hands.

 

[psj12]

Current Craftsman, Husky and Poulan mowers are made by Electrolux.

 

[Fordlords]

Yes, I forgot the chain: Roper became AYP, then Electrolux in 1997. In yet another name change for the Craftsmans/Huskys/Poulans LOL, Electrolux Outdoor Products changed its name to Husqvarna Home Products in June, 2006. Hard to keep track of all of this Unless it's an old Gilson M/W which isn't likely, I'm apt to take the Gatorboy stand on this job the neighbor is selling.

-Fordlords-

 

[QueBota]

A quick update: Turns out it was manufactured my MTD for Montgomery Wards. MTD picked up the garden tractor contract with Montgomery Wards sometime in the early 1980's.

I contacted MTD technical department, gave them the TMO number and they actually researched the tractor and got back to me with the info on the same day. Tractor is too old to be in their computer system. Guy had to go to the old paper files and pull the info. Nice to receive customer service these days.

I gave the guy $250.00 for the tractor, it starts and runs fine, no smoke or engine noise. The belts are in good shape, front (16 x 6.5) and rear (23 x 9.5) tires are at least 60%. The deck is very solid, much heavier gauge than current models and the spindles should be good for at least a few years. PTO engages smoothly and the deck has very little vibration. Blades need sharpened but otherwise look pretty good.

Only problem areas are some staining from a leaking battery when the tractor sat for a while and a hairline crack above the front axle beam on one of the frame rails. I am going to weld a small reenforcement section over the front axle on both frame rails. The tractor will lift the front end if you release the clutch too quickly in 3rd or 4th gear and it comes down pretty hard. That is probably what caused the crack.

All in all it seems like a good little garden tractor. It will fit right between my lawn tractor and Kubota 2910. I probably could have paid less for it but the seller is a nice old retired fellow. I see him several times a week driving down the road or at the local feed store. I'm sure the $250.00 will help him out quite a bit.

Will try to take and post a few pics when it quits raining.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Fordlords]

Thanks for the update. That is very odd, for at that time in the early 1980's (1981 to be exact) is when MTD bought out Cub Cadet from International Harvester. It is right when they started their growth and takeover rampage that has continued to this day, although it is the humble opinion of many, if not most, that MTD in many cases ruins the names and reputations of what used to be great machines. But such is the world of cheapness today....

After some VERY lack-luster lawn and garden tractors MTD made with the Cub Cadet name on them in the mid to late 80's, MTD I believe has come to realize that they have to keep the quality and build level of Cub Cadets above that of their lesser priced machines. Hense the removal of the little MTD grass logo from the Cub Cadet line so CC's will get some distinction from MTD's typical standard of cheapness assocation.

On the positive end, MTD has been extremely supportive to most machines they have built, even still supplying most parts for the old International built Cubs, when the truth to the matter is they have been making Cubs now much longer than International ever did. I still think the Cub Cadet 2500 and 3000's are some of the best GT's out there regardless of price, if MTD can get the quality control levels up a little bit, they would be unbeatable machines. What I have seen though is typical of American industry there, trying to pump out too many machines too fast with not enough personnel to properly inspect them.

Just a little MTD tangent Have fun with your old MTD/Monkey Ward!

-Fordlords-