Need help identifying this "mystery" RJ

[Sailman 1,291]

Have a possible shot at purchasing this "mystery" RJ but confused on the actual year. Looks like some mixed parts. Any suggestions from you RJ experts would be appreciated and $$ value as it sits.

1. It has the "original" Briggs 2.5 HP engine but pull starter parts needs replacing. Also the "coil" is broken and needs repair or replace.

He claimed it ran fine.....?

2. I don't see a motion control lever on the right hand side. But it looks like it has a gear box with the shifter missing. He used a long screw driver to engage the gears....??? He has no idea if it has a gear pattern. Didn't think early RJ had a gear box.

3. Doesn't look like it has a lift mechanism which is no big deal for me. Don't need it.

4. It does have the wheelhorse stamped in the hood and appears to have gas cap on top of hood.

5. I don't see any throttle or kill button.

6. Tires are dry rotted.

7. Looks like a brush paint job.

I am not interested in a perfect year accurate. Just something I can get running for the grand kids.

Looks like a mishmash of year parts. Whats it worth?

May go by to see it tomorrow.

THANKS!

 

[wallfish 17,011]

It's an RJ58

There's a gear box trans with the shifter missing

That 2.5 briggs isn't original. That would an RJ25 so he probably got his info wrong.

K90 K91 or Clinton B1290 is original

He's got an extra pulley added under the engine for some reason ?

Missing the belt guard.

These aren't the greatest tractor for young kids. Too easy to burn themselves on the engine. Plus they can pop up pretty good in third gear. A teenager - maybe

 

[Pullstart 62,905]

51 minutes ago, wallfish said:

These aren't the greatest tractor for young kids. Too easy to burn themselves on the engine

Yup.

 

Some of ‘em are tough enough that they don’t complain… they still wanna ride Uncle Jim’s tractor anyway.

 

 

 

[953 nut 55,290]

         Go ahead and buy the RJ for yourself and then find a Lawn Ranger for the grandkids. Put a wanted ad in the classifieds for a "Grandkids Special" and you'll probably find a good candidate.

11 hours ago, Sailman said:

He claimed it ran fine.

          Now there is an oldie but goodie line.    I have had lots of sellers try to convince me that "it just needs a little tuning"!     

 

With the gear box being open like that it is bound to have water and dirt inside, gear box rebuild

Engine is not correct and probably would be best to replace it in the long run

Replacement tires ain't cheap

Probably looking at $ 500 or more depending on your skill level to make it operable.

The hood,  fenders and seat look good in the pictures, Just depends on how much you want a project.