1962 Lawn Ranger (Updated Thread)

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Looking at a Lawn Ranger (at least I think it is), but some things in the pics are throwing flags for me.

 

The color of the hood doesnt match the frame, and the front bottom of the hood doesnt look like it's quite mounting properly.

 

Looks like all the guards are there, and looks pretty complete. Not sure if the engine is correct or not. Claims it runs.

 

I was looking at another Lawn Ranger (newer model with a seat pan, not fenders), with no motor, but I like the styling of this one better, even though this one is a little rougher.

 

What do you guys think?

 

 

 

 

Edited July 17, 2020 by 71_Bronco

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,204]

Looks to be a 1962 lawn ranger.   Engine is a replacement as it would have had a 5.5 hp Tecumseh h55 model.  Also Front plow is not correct for the lawn ranger.   Check the serial # located in front of the shift lever below the dash to verify the year.   
 

I personally like the 62 -64 models with the rear clamshell fenders.

[SylvanLakeWH 27,583]

No idea of value, but they are cute little buggers! 

 

Gonna be a rough ride with those solid front wheels!

[71_Bronco 1,072]

What gauge would be in that center hole in the dash?

 

Also, I found another thread on these older Lawn Rangers, and someone mentioned the first "generation" had solid tires. If this is correct, and if these are the original tires, that would put this as an early model.

Edited July 14, 2020 by 71_Bronco

[71_Bronco 1,072]

For some reason, I cant stop thinking about this tractor. I love the looks of the old RJ's, and think they are super cute cause of how small they are. These older fender-style lawn rangers just aren't as common (as far as I can tell) and are kind of a blend of the newer round-hoods with the older RJ size.

 

He originally threw out a number of $200, for just the tractor only (I dont need / want the plow). I countered with $150, and he said he would let me know. I don't need another project, but I feel like I will regret not picking this one up and saving it.

 

Am I being too cheap? Should I offer $175 to swing it my way?

[Pullstart 64,593]

You do what makes you feel right, but I’ve given more than that for various rollers in the past... 

[oldiron613 584]

I believe the solid front wheels were only on the 1962, first year Lawn Rangers. They are tough to find and at $200, I wouldn't hesitate. 

[D_Mac 9,155]

Tell him 250 with the plow, then sell the plow for 100 - 150.

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,204]

18 hours ago, 71_Bronco said:

What gauge would be in that center hole in the dash?

electric start model would have had an Ammeter with a -15 to +15 range...Manual/pull start only model would have had an on/off switch in the place of the ammeter gauge.

[71_Bronco 1,072]

2 hours ago, D_Mac said:

Tell him 250 with the plow, then sell the plow for 100 - 150.

 

I was thinking about that, but the plow looks like it is missing the springs. Or did the older models not have springs like the newer plows?

[71_Bronco 1,072]

I also just noticed there's no lug nuts / lug bolts on the rear wheels. Are they keyed directly to the axles?

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,204]

Just now, 71_Bronco said:

I also just noticed there's no lug nuts / lug bolts on the rear wheels. Are they keyed directly to the axles?

yes

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Looks like I'm going to pick it up tomorrow after work.

 

Where is the model / serial tag located on this? On the frame? Or on the dash riser?

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,204]

1 hour ago, 71_Bronco said:

Looks like I'm going to pick it up tomorrow after work.

 

Where is the model / serial tag located on this? On the frame? Or on the dash riser?

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Thanks Terry, I wasnt sure if that had a model / serial or if that was just a shift-pattern sticker.

 

If the front tires are original (and solid), that would make it a 32. I dont see a battery tray, which would make me guess an "R".

 

We'll see what the sticker says

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Teaser shot 

 

No model number on the tag, but the serial is 62-17234

[71_Bronco 1,072]

So as you can tell, I went and picked up the Lawn Ranger. Based on the serial, I'm guessing it is a 1962, first year. This would also confirm that the solid front tires are in fact, original.

 

I ended up with the Lawn Ranger, the plow, and they had the original 32" deck for it 

 

The plow was attached with bolts and angle iron on the rear-end. I did not find any tag on the plow, but all the linkages work well, and nothing is seized on it. It has a newer cutting-edge on it, and the plow / frame are all solid, and actually in nice shape, just with 58 years worth of patina lol. I also dont know if the solid links are correct on the blade (where the tip-springs usually go). Since I dont have a model tag on the plow, I cant look at a parts list.

 

The deck is going to need some work, the shell has some holes / rust, but nothing too bad. I wasn't planning on mowing with this, so that was just a little bonus.

 

I got it home and tried to pull-start it (no battery or electric start). It felt like it was pulling over good (compression, and not locked up). I saw there was gas in the little glass sediment bowl, so I figured there was some old gas in it. After pulling for 5 minutes and no-go, I finally checked the tank. Bone dry, and very clean inside. Didn't have a lot of time, so I tucked it away for the night. This is a low-priority project, and I need to finish my Commando 8-8 first.

 

Took some pictures. Overall, she looks good and complete. The hood is not the original. The guys I bought it from said they got it from Long Island, and that it had no hood. They claim to have tracked down the correct one (which explains the different color). Not sure how to verify this one is correct. The hood does not fit with the current motor, and luckily they did not cut the hood to fit.

 

The transmission seems to work fine, shifts into all the gears and rolls okay. It's a little noisy when pushed, but I am not sure what (if any) oil it has in it.

 

There are some issues that I will need to address, but I can't complain for the price and what it is. Issues that I spotted off the bat are:

- Cracks / bent seat

- Front tires wobble on spindles

- Steering wheel issue

- Hood / motor adjustment (if I keep this motor, not sure if it runs)

- Minor bend on left fender

- Need new shift boot

- Throttle / Choke Cable area on dash / tower

 

Anyways, here's the pics. Again, I am super happy with it, I love the size of it. I have an original 32R / 32E manual / parts list on its way, as there is not one in the manual section.

[D_Mac 9,155]

Great find, Glad you got it. I woulda jumped on that. Cant wait to see it up and running again. Get Busy on it !

[305 380]

you need a place to put your feet

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,204]

6 hours ago, 305 said:

you need a place to put your feet

Foot pegs (or what ever you call those)are complete on this tractor.   Those foot pads didn’t come on a ranger until the 64 models.

[Pullstart 64,593]

Nice score!  You mentioned that you don’t plan to use the mower deck, but I figured I’d point out the 90 degree gears from the shaft to the spindles are keyed to the shafts and the blades should be 90 degrees offset from each other at all times.  Likely if you grab both blades, on will be free from the shaft somewhere in the drivetrain.

[71_Bronco 1,072]

24 minutes ago, pullstart said:

Nice score!  You mentioned that you don’t plan to use the mower deck, but I figured I’d point out the 90 degree gears from the shaft to the spindles are keyed to the shafts and the blades should be 90 degrees offset from each other at all times.  Likely if you grab both blades, on will be free from the shaft somewhere in the drivetrain.

 

I have a 36" gear drive deck for my Commando 8-8, and am all too familiar with them (currently rebuilding one with all new bearings).

 

The blades on this one are not exactly 90 degrees apart, and they have a lot of play in the gear-drive. Not sure what's going on under the covers.

 

I may throw it on for show sometimes, but that would mean I sacrifice the right-side foot rest, as the manual states you cannot use the rest when using the deck. Not sure if there is some kind of interference when everything is mounted.

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Well, I guess this explains my sloppy steering...

 

In looking at the wheel, there hub has 2 solid metal "bushings" in it, no bearings.

 

 

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Just got off the phone with A-Z tractor. They just got in a big shipment of parts, and there just so happen to be some NOS 4901 spindles. I cant believe my luck.

 

I think I may try to pop the steel sleeves out of the wheels and replace them with bronze bushings, so the spindles wont wear again. Or I can find new wheels with bearings, but will loose the authentic WH solid wheels which make this year / tractor unique.

[305 380]

On 7/15/2020 at 1:51 PM, Terry M said:

yes

 

On 7/15/2020 at 1:50 PM, 71_Bronco said:

I also just noticed there's no lug nuts / lug bolts on the rear wheels. Are they keyed directly to the axles?

not to hijack this thread.....but would it be possible to use the 3 bolt axle flange from a later Lawn Ranger on these axles?