rick 233 #1 Posted March 24, 2012 Got a new money pit, but I needed a new challenge! Aidan Lee is as hung up on John Deere green as his grandad is on WH red, so when this lawn tractor was offered to me I accepted it on his behalf. 1990 build with a 46" deck.Kawasaki FC540V 17 horse runs well, no smoke but has internal governor issues. I already wrestled the locked up electric PTO off the crankshaft so I could start the engine. The belt pulley above the PTO was free so other than pulling the engine it will be no big deal to remove the engine and open it up. I will TRY to post a few pics later.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,968 #2 Posted March 25, 2012 I like stories that begin like this one. How old is your grandson? Has he seen the 185 yet or is it a surprise for him? Van Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick 233 #3 Posted March 25, 2012 Hi Van- Aidan Lee is 5 years old, and has seen the 185. In fact, it was still on the trailer when he climbed on and proclaimed-"This is MY lawnmower!" My plans are to do a mechanical restoration, but leave the deck non-functional for a while. The boy is 110% testosterone and still learning his limits. He rode with me yesterday to the John Deere store to pick up parts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,300 #4 Posted March 25, 2012 Ah yes...I remember those days well. My son recieved for his 6th or 7th birthday a C-120 with a Briggs 5hp yank start. He rode that sucker everywhere till he was ready for something bigger then the Briggs came out and a Kohler 8hp electric start took its place so he could have a 42" snowplow. He's 17 now and drives a Chevy ! Mike.......... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,968 #5 Posted March 26, 2012 Hi Van- Aidan Lee is 5 years old, and has seen the 185. In fact, it was still on the trailer when he climbed on and proclaimed-"This is MY lawnmower!" My plans are to do a mechanical restoration, but leave the deck non-functional for a while. The boy is 110% testosterone and still learning his limits. He rode with me yesterday to the John Deere store to pick up parts. Thats great Rick. Already a Gearhead at the age of Five. There is hope for this younger generation yet! That does my heart good. My grandson Isaac is 11. ( I started young ). He has already laid claim to my 1965 Ford short wheelbase stepside. He found out I was thinking of selling it and told me in no uncertain terms that truck was HIS! I know you love it that your grandson is 110% testerone. Way too many boys these days are not that way, and are discouraged from it, and unfortunatly I'm afraid its going to get worse. Thank you for doing what you do with him. You will be rewarded for that one day. Keep up the good worK Van Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #6 Posted March 26, 2012 Sounds like a great project Rick. I dont have any grandkids yet, but my youngest is only 7. I am in the process of restoring my 1952 Bantam 3000 to give to him on his birthday. Danny is just like I was as a kid, a gearhead through and through. Tractors are about all he ever wants to talk about, a real chip off the old block! Projects like these for our kids are the best kind, and worth every penny! Good Luck, and one more thing Matt :flags-texas: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick 233 #7 Posted March 27, 2012 Thanks all- He is going to ride the wheels off this machine when we get it finished! Pics will be posted! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick 233 #8 Posted July 8, 2012 Got it done! Will HAVE to learn how to post pics! He does well driving it, but can't contort his body enough to push the clutch pedal down to start it. And that is the way I want it for now! No deck on it yet, either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #9 Posted July 8, 2012 That's great! If you have any problems posting pics, just ask questions, we'll help, because I want to see it! Since I talked to you last, I finished the little Bantam for my son, and he rides it all the time. There is a video in the thread "Standard Tractor", but here is a pic. Glad to here you got your grandsons machine going! Matt :flags-texas: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
