Value of 430?

[Richard]

As I understand the story....the seller had one of these. His father used it and really liked it so he also bought one. His father has passed away and this was his (fathers) mower.

I might add that I cut the front yard for the first time this year. Did a nice job. Not so sure I'm sold on the hand control yet... my reactions still take me to my feet (50 years of training is hard to unlearn in 10 minutes)

Also, I was a bit surprised that I have the same problem with this mower that I've had with ALL mowers.... I live on a slope and the upper side tire begins to slip as the weight shifts to the lower side tire. I really thought with the extra weight that wouldn't be an issue. Given that this has a hand control, I have to keep a hand on the control instead of the steering wheel, as I try to lean to the high side.

I'll figure it out in time....but yesterday was a bit comical watching me going TOO fast....then TOO slow....then leaning and lurching.... reaching out for the (non-existent) clutch on the left... You'd think I was Bill Murray in a "D-grade" (which is WAY WAY below a cheap B grade!!) movie... acting stupid on the machine when in fact, I was flailing about for real. (ok, that might be a bit over-dramatic but I decided I don't need to have the engine pegged like the seller suggested.... slower engine speed gives me better control of machine while on the hill. Now, if I use it to cut part of the (finished cut) field.... then watch out cause I'll be moving on!

Question: The High/Low range lever is a freaking BIT** to move to high/low.... should it be THAT difficult? I'm talking grab with one arm, get behind machine, use OTHER hand to help pull FIRST hand to get it done and even THAT isn't a guarantee that it will "click over".

I DID get it to move but GEEZ, it's so hard I figure I'll probably never use it.

 

[Amvcane]

Congrats on the new to you 430.
Looks like a well kept tractor. Grill is in excellent shape and a delux suspension seat.
If one wheel is slipping you can use the steering brakes to stop it and send the power to the other wheel or use the diff lock.

 

[bg71361]

Question: The High/Low range lever is a freaking BIT** to move to high/low.... should it be THAT difficult? I'm talking grab with one arm, get behind machine, use OTHER hand to help pull FIRST hand to get it done and even THAT isn't a guarantee that it will "click over".

I DID get it to move but GEEZ, it's so hard I figure I'll probably never use it.

Try pushing down on it while moving the lever/button.

 

[beenthere]

It won't look that good for long sitting out in the junk yard.. looks to have been under cover for most of its hours.
What's the plan?

 

[Kish318420]

You have to pull/push it to the rear of the tractor then move it left or right for to L/N/H. If it doesn't then the linkages will need some PB blaster to free up.

 

[Richard]

If it doesn't then the linkages will need some PB blaster to free up.

You will never guess what I bought just about an hour ago!!

:thumbsup:

 

[Richard]

Don't really mean to bump this back up but, figured I'd do it rather than start another thread.

Just wanted to say.... I cut the yard a while ago. Grass isn't too tall so it wasn't much of a test. It cut it fine. I AM on a slope so I learned that I still have one wheel spin like I did on my old, much lighter JD. Still.... I am accustomed to it so no big deal.


Yesterday, I wanted to trim out in the field (field that is usually cut with 72" finish mower behind larger IH tractor) Anyway, my 15' flexwing is sitting in middle of field as I finish up the big tractor for it.... wanted to trim around it so when I go out there the grass isn't up to my knees.

THEN, I thought why not take a couple swipes up/down the field and see what this little yard-buggy will do.

Some of the grass has reached knee height in patches.

This thing just roared through it.... it didn't bog down, didn't flinch didn't do anything but take knee height grass and whacked it down to ankle height grass.

Really did a nice job, much nicer than my old rider. I think I'm already liking this engine!!!!!

 

[atsah]

Nice little tank..

 

[Richard]

Does the deck on this mower have a float position where it will ride the ground instead of being pulled up & pushed down depending on the terrain?

(I'm guessing not, just want to make sure I'm not missing something)

 

[beenthere]

Likely the deck is designed to hang off the tractor in the position that you want to mow. The mower is not designed to ride on the mower deck wheels, as they are just to prevent scalping.
But it is a model and year just ahead ( older) than those I am familiar with. Others may know for sure about that.

Do you by chance have the operators manual?

 

[Kish318420]

Yes, the deck hangs off the tractor. Cutting height can be set from 2"-6" (Set by the depth stop adjuster on rear of the tractor by rockshaft). Wheels are to be 1/4" above the ground when at cutting height & level (pages 12-15 of the Owners Manual OM-M88418 K5).

 

[Richard]

Don't have the manual, haven't even changed oil or put new blades on... (been fixing bigger tractor to cut rest of farm with)

I would have thought it rode the ground like my rear finish mower so that's my ignorance. The wheels dig in every now & then and I've been scratching my head as to why..... I guess I now know why!

 

[beenthere]

Richard
The routine to level the deck should go like this...
1. Air the tires about 8-10 psi rear and 15-16 psi front.
2. Raise all four deck wheels to highest setting temporarily.
3. Set a height level to 2-1/2 inches (for leveling purposes)
4. On a flat surface and a block 2-1/2 inches depth, adjust right and left blade tips to just touch that block, and turn the turn-buckles to accomplish this setting. (be sure blades are not bent).
5. Check front to rear settings with your 2-1/2" block, and by adjusting the front bail, make the center blade front tip 1/4" lower than the rear tip of that blade.
6. Now drop the four deck wheels to where they are about 1/4" to 1/2 " clearance from your flat surface for whatever height setting you want to mow.

Should give you a very even and flat mown lawn now.

 

[Richard]

Very nice, thank you! Going to copy/save that in a folder.