Power King questions

[RetroMower 349]

Just saw this pop up on the old marketplace and I know very little about these. It's a 78 with a 12 hp kohler and a 50 inch deck. It looks to be in great shape and the brief description says it runs and mows well. Its listed for $1000. Now that seems like someone 😏 could pick it up, clean it up and flip it. Any insight on its value and opinions on these will be greatly appreciated 

Edited May 8, 2022 by RetroMower

[roadapples 6,983]

@squonk?

[RetroMower 349]

12 minutes ago, roadapples said:

@squonk?

Is he the resident PK guru? 

[squonk 41,104]

Looks like single transmission and no hydraulic lift. Overall in good shape. 12 HP. With today's prices for junk box store mowers. $12-$1400.

[RetroMower 349]

4 hours ago, squonk said:

Looks like single transmission and no hydraulic lift. Overall in good shape. 12 HP. With today's prices for junk box store mowers. $12-$1400.

After posting my question I did a little digging and discovered this is a base model and not suprised it's only expected to bring $1200 which to me is a fair price if I were to keep it. It must have a clever mechanism to manually lift a 50" deck. Thanks sqonk 👍

[squonk 41,104]

Real HD units. Kohler K series coupled to a Crosley t-92 trans with automotive style clutch. Dana Rear axle. you can see the manual lift lever in this pic of an earlier model.

 

[c-series don 8,707]

I have the smaller version of that, it’s called a Jim Dandy. I believe it’s mid to late 60’s. I bought it in 1984 used it very little, mostly to cruise around the neighborhood because I didn’t have a drivers license yet. I was 14 !! If I remember correctly it’s much faster than a Wheel Horse. It’s been in my basement for twenty six years now and I’m coming to the realization that I’m probably not going to use it or restore it. I really wanted to make it look better than new, and it would be an easy restoration because it’s a simple machine. However every time I look at it now I think I should just sell it!! 

[slim67 2,735]

13 minutes ago, c-series don said:

I have the smaller version of that, it’s called a Jim Dandy. I believe it’s mid to late 60’s. I bought it in 1984 used it very little, mostly to cruise around the neighborhood because I didn’t have a drivers license yet. I was 14 !! If I remember correctly it’s much faster than a Wheel Horse. It’s been in my basement for twenty six years now and I’m coming to the realization that I’m probably not going to use it or restore it. I really wanted to make it look better than new, and it would be an easy restoration because it’s a simple machine. However every time I look at it now I think I should just sell it!! 

Keep and clean it up. I don't see those that often anymore. A real garden tractor built to last.

[squonk 41,104]

Jim Dandy's Haul Butt! A friend had one and lived out in the middle of nowhere. On nice days if he had to go into town he's drive that instead of his truck! 

[Inspectorjoe 471]

With a Power King, you have more legroom and a much higher seating position than with a Wheel Horse – especially a Lawn Ranger!

[squonk 41,104]

Some of the cool things about Power Kings:

Is the fact all of the bolts that hold it together are fine thread. it ain't gonna fall apart! 

Naming the tractor Elvis. 

 

 Using a WH blade on the bucket! 

 

Edited May 9, 2022 by squonk

[Inspectorjoe 471]

Chomping at the bit.

[squonk 41,104]

Before the loader and repaint:

 

[RetroMower 349]

I think I may have found a better candidate for a lil fixer upper. I'll probably end up keeping it  its either this or a copar panzer for $600

Edited May 10, 2022 by RetroMower

[Inspectorjoe 471]

16 hours ago, RetroMower said:

I think I may have found a better candidate for a lil fixer upper. I'll probably end up keeping it  its either this or a copar panzer for $600

 

If there are no huge problems with it, that PK is an absolute steal. I wouldn't take long to think about it, or it will be gone.