Upgrade "68" Lawn Ranger to Electric Start

[MSBiker 46]

I'm curious, can my 1968 pull start model Lawn Ranger be converted to electric start? If so, can I, and where can I find the parts for this swap? It would be a little easier on my 70 year old body.

[ri702bill 8,387]

You may be better off to find a similar year donor tractor, perhaps a 856 vintage - engine with charging system, battery, keyswitch, wiring, odds & ends - all add up to big money if sourced individually.

OR - just get your present Horse a stable mate that has all the toys you want on it....

 

[MSBiker 46]

That's what I thought. No big deal, just a passing thought. Installed a new carb on the tractor today and raised blisters pulling the cord trying to get it to start and run. No joy yet.

[pfrederi 17,743]

Father bought my L107 new in 1967 he was way too frugal for electric start.  As he got older it got harder for him to yank the rope (No ACR) so we put in an HH70 with ACR but still pull start.  After I inherited the tractor I wanted electric start.  Since the HH70 had a ring gear I bought a used Techy starter for $15 out it on wired a cheap solenoid and momentary switch. Been using it for 20 years now.  no charging systerm but the battery will start her for 3+ months and I use her a lot.  Then put it on a charger  See if you can pickup the Flywheel for a H60 or HH60  that had electric start. You need the ring gear. 

Edited January 1 by pfrederi

[MSBiker 46]

Thanks, that is good info.

[kpinnc 12,175]

As has been done many times- a Kohler K161/181 works well on these tractors. You'll have to use a smaller ATV style battery if using a bendix starter, but it's a solid fix. Arguably an upgrade, since you would gain not only electric start, but also the dependability of a Kohler and another couple horses under the hood.