Lawn ranger questions

[82Caddy 851]

So in my hunt for a winter project (not that I need more)I have stumbled upon a lawn ranger. Purpose would be a mower only next summer. 

 

How well do these mow? My yard isn't huge but too big for a push mower and I'd like to ditch the current mower (non wheel horse simplicity 15hp vertical shaft). Takes 15-18 minutes with a 36in deck now. Yard is completely flat, no hills or slopes to be mowed. 

 

Engine runs but needs carb tuned. New tune up parts installed. 

 

Has a snowblower. Wouldn't need that as I have several other tractors for snow relocation but included. 

 

Is 450$ a fair price? Seems a steep to me but then again I'm a tightwad. 

 

[SPINJIM 1,981]

$450 is high, especially considering the condition.  The snow blower is probably worth $100 if it's complete, but still I'd hesitate.  Part of belt guard has been cut away, and looks like wrong belt size.  Seat is not correct, and has you sitting too high up to reach the steering wheel comfortably.  Might be hard on your back, and on your butt since it looks like it's not padded.  Biggest problem with Lawn Rangers are the Tecumseh engines.   The carburetors are a frequent problem, and require more frequent overhaul or replacement.   I'm replacing the Tecy on my Lawn Ranger with a Honda GX160 engine.   If a Lawn Ranger is running well well, it does a decent job of cutting grass, but it looks like that one is a 'project' and not ready to go.  

   Good luck,  Jim

 

PS: I think you'd be better off with a short frame tractor w.a belt-drive deck and an 8 hp Kohler;  like a Commando 8 or an 85* series.   They have good turning radius for a smaller lawn, and a Kohler 8hp is dependable.

Edited September 30, 2016 by SPINJIM

[Shynon 7,456]

Yes it seems high to me. I see a few things not correct, and as Jim said a Tecumseh is always in need of attention. I have a lawn ranger I installed a 8hp kohler on it and it was a great mod. Still it does not cut very well, that may not be the case for all lawn rangers.

[pfrederi 17,557]

My L107 spent its first 18 years mowing 1.5 acres.  It is a rear discharge deck and if you let the grass get high it leaves a trail (never bothered my father).  I used it later on a small suburban yard for 8 more years and while not perfect beat chasing a walk behind mower.  She is retired from mowing duties now.

 

The seat would be terrible for comfort and position.  If you have any trees in the yard that stack will find the branches and break off a corner of the engine block. You could sell the blower and the ag tires are worth some$$$.

 

I do not think the deck belt guard is cut away and belt looks to be about right. 

 

I know Techys get a bad rap here but that is not my experience. My L107 is 49 years old and has been in continuous use.  The original H60 was replaced with an HH70 simply to get ACR and make it easier for my father to pull the starter rope.  When Techies act up it is usually the carb.  From some comments here the cheap Chinese replacements work well if you don't want to mess with the original.

 

Things to check on the deck.

 

Blades   They are expensive.

 

Deck Hangers.  Over the years the hanger bolts wallow out the holes in both the hanger itself and the tractor frame. I had to weld up and re drill the hangers and drill out the frame holes and put in bushings.  if there is a lot of slop it will not mow well.

 

Deck Gears.  Same gears used on other gear drive decks if they were not well lubed they may be sloppy.

 

Cross shaft  Is NLA  Make sure the drive pulley and the bevel gears on the ends are snug.  They may have loosened and wallowed out the woodruff key slot in the shaft.

 

Deck Wheels  The Wheel bolts go into the deck directly and the nuts welded on the inside may be shot stripped or missing.

 

 

[SPINJIM 1,981]

Sorry.   pfrederi is right.  The main belt guard is not cut.  I looked too fast at the belt guard for the deck.  My LR doesn't have that. 

[305 380]

i mow with my `68 Lawn Ranger all the time , or my `68 Commando 6 .... takes me about 35-40 minutes since i do not have a big yard too.  the Tecumsehs have a bad reputation , but mine run fine with Chinese carburetors

 

i agree that price is way too high

[pfrederi 17,557]

I knew blades were expensive but the pair (WH#8777) is $100.79  Ouch!!!

[RedRanger 1,468]

Assuming it runs good and the deck gears/bearings are in good shape.....

$400 value.

$300 tractor

Blower is worth $100

New Rear tires would cost $100+

 

Yes it needs a seat and maybe a steering wheel, but most Lawn Rangers do.  

 

Cool tractors that are a step above push mowing.

 

5 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

I knew blades were expensive but the pair (WH#8777) is $100.79  Ouch!!!

Yup.

 

Discontinued.  I found a NOS pair on-line for about $80 for my L106.  Hard to find.

[82Caddy 851]

I'm going to pass on the lawn ranger unless the price becomes less then half the asking price. 

 

I really want a short frame square hood but can't seem to locate one anywhere near me. Sitting under a bench I have a 8&12hp Kohler along with an 8 speed just waiting for the right tractor. 

Edited October 1, 2016 by 82Caddy

[Uncle Buck 246]

They all summed it up very well. Sadly, they do produce a bit less than excellent results cutting grass, especially tall grass. Cut short and frequently and it is not so bad. All that said in spite of the incorrect seat and other deficiencies listed I would say less than half of the asked price would be something less than $225.00 which is a bit too low. If it was say $250 then you would have a deal, or pay him $300 and sell the blower for $100.

 

All in all those are not a bad little riding mower,

[82Caddy 851]

Being that I don't have to have this tractor, have no personal attachment to that mode and do not have a use for the snowblower, it's still more then I'm willing to pay for a tractor I want to be a dedicated mower. It's just not worth that much to me. If it were a deal yeah I'd make it work but it's not so the hunt continues. 

 

Thats what I told the seller and if the price changed to keep me in mind. 

[82Caddy 851]

Looks like the price has changed on this...so going to ask a possibly stupid question.  Is it possible to put a deck on this from a say raider 12 with attachments like this (stolen image from google) using an electric pto?

 

 

I have a deck and all of the pullies from a part out tractor (frame was broken beyond repair).

 

I don't think it'll work but never hurts to have more options.

[RedRanger 1,468]

You want to put a 42inch + deck from a Raider 12 on a Lawn Ranger?  No.

 

1.  Don't think it will physically fit beneath the Lawn Ranger tractor as the Raiders are long frame big block tractors.

2.  The engine pulley drive system is different diameter that will change your blade speed.

3.  The Lawn Ranger engine would be way underpowered by at least half of what is needed.

 

Lawn Rangers had light weight 32" decks on them.

[pfrederi 17,557]

 

You might be able to use a RM366 deck form a late 60s horse. Would have to change teh hangers.

Edited October 7, 2016 by pfrederi

[82Caddy 851]

Want to, not necessarily, more curious what other things cross over to a lawn ranger.  I have a pile of parts/things and was looking to see what could be used with it.  Trying to use what I already have around.