Would you work on this?

[Fuddyduddy1952]

About 15 miles away at my homeplace is this Yazoo mower my Grandfather bought new in 1970. It's been sitting in a shed 30 years. I have 5 mowers and don't need it, but sort of sentimental. From memory it has a Kohler K321 14hp motor.
When Dad inherited it, he used it some but I'd have to "un-rig" everything he did. It needs tires, seat, probably sand blast, deck repair, battery, probably carb, magneto, blades, belts.
I can picture everything I'd do, disassemble, paint, decals, etc. Question is...is it worth it?

 

[D&D]

Worth it? Resale value vs parts expense, absolutely not.

 

[Topzide]

Only for the memories. You'd probably have to fab most replacement parts. (I know that's not a problem with your shop setup) You'd have to research the deals and have someone remake for you. Don't think that Yazoo will have mick stuff left for replacement parts. If you have someone younger in the family that would be worth giving the project to, and oversee their work. That would be worth it!

 

[alexpops]

As D&D said ... if the goal is to refurb & sell? NO. Only you can answer what the sentiment is worth. If you think it would make your Grandad smile ... sure. As long as you don't wind up cursing out your Dad for all the stuff you have to unrig.

 

[RandyT]

Those are fun to drive and can get kind of crazy if trying to mower too fast. The fun ends the first time you decide to straddle that hole in the yard the dog dug and then you realize too late what is coming when the single rear wheel that you are basically sitting on drops into that hole.

 

[mllud]

I think you will for memories but consider your workload. I liked those back in the day.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Love all replies & so true.
Yes it's front drive and wheel under seat has a chain drive to steering wheel. It's a 2 speed. I remember like yesterday we were having noon dinner when Grandad goes flying past dining room cutting grass...we all said "what 'tha"???
He thought it was amazing thinking it did a good job cutting before wheels ran over grass and first zero turn we've seen.
Years ago we stopped in Yazoo, Mississippi and I asked a lady there about the mowers. She said she worked at the factory as she pointed to an empty field.

 

[mllud]

A tornado significantly impacted the Yazoo City area, including the Yazoo Lawn Mower factory, in 2010, though it's unclear if the factory was completely destroyed.

Yazoo/Kees Brand Discontinuation: The Yazoo/Kees brand was discontinued as part of a brand rationalization strategy within the Husqvarna Group, with Husqvarna continuing to produce similar products under the Dixon and Husqvarna brand

I think Napa still supports Yazoo/Kees brand

 

[Thomas]

Make good winter project.

 

[5030]

If it was mine, I'd restore it. Take your time and fab what you need and if you require machining of anything, PM me.

far as the engine is concerned, it's a K series Kohler single and all the parts are available for them readily. I consider the K series Kohler engines to be the best singles they ever built and they sound oh so sweet when idling. If you need a shop manual for it, I can send you a PDF for the entire K series of Kohlers. K series have adjustable valves (no grinding the valve stems to set the clearance and with proper care, it will outlive you....