New Project - Mower Rebuild

[BetterDays]

I was given this old riding mower by a friend. Needs a battery, fluid flushed, and some repair as to why it won't roll easily. When in the air, the wheels turn freely (in opposite directions), but on the ground it will act as if it is locked in place. It sat for a while so I can only imagine what I may find....

Once repaired, I plan to sell it to purchase a lawn aerator. I only have a 1/4 acre so I can't justify a riding mower and could really use a lawn aerator.

Anyone have some information on this thing? Age, HP, where to get manual's if needed? Any advice on where to start?

 

[ckal704]

The code # on the engine will tell you exactly when the engine was built. Assuming the engine has not been replaced, that will give you a good age for the machine. From the picture it looks like the engine was mad in '73, but can't really tell what pat of the code number I am seeing. But the entire unit appears to be late 80's/ very early 90's vintage.
YYMMDDXXX (***=plant/line code)
I'd start by making sure the engine is sound. That is probably the most expensive part followed by the transmission. After that, it is nickel and dime stuff, but that too can add up.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Unles you are wanting a project, or are a glutton for punishment, why not run an ad on craigslist to trade it as is for an areator?

 

[spongerich]

Hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like it's got a hydrostatic transmission.

I have an MTD like that and you can't push it unless you release the pressure. There's a little lever you slide, then roll it backwards a few inches and you should be able to move it.

 

[BetterDays]

Hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like it's got a hydrostatic transmission.

I have an MTD like that and you can't push it unless you release the pressure. There's a little lever you slide, then roll it backwards a few inches and you should be able to move it.

Can you advise where this lever is? I may need to find it and solve mystery #1

 

[BetterDays]

Unles you are wanting a project, or are a glutton for punishment, why not run an ad on craigslist to trade it as is for an areator?

I think it would be better to have it running than "not running, won't move, etc." ad on CL.

Aerators that I am looking at are around $400-$600. I know I will need to add to it, but I routinely see these units going for $250+ depending on condition.

 

[Stuart in MN]

There must be a model number / serial number plate somewhere on the mower (not the engine number.) Find it and then go here to get a manual: https://lookup3.toro.com/request/request.cfm

 

[spongerich]

Can you advise where this lever is? I may need to find it and solve mystery #1

Look for a rod/lever that connects to the transmission... If you can post some close ups of the controls, we might be able to figure out which one it might be.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like it's got a hydrostatic transmission.

I have an MTD like that and you can't push it unless you release the pressure. There's a little lever you slide, then roll it backwards a few inches and you should be able to move it.

I think that would only be if it was hydrostatic. That Toro hydrostatic kevin?

 

[BetterDays]

Not sure on the trans yet.

But, the brake was locked up. After removing the deck and searching around, found out that that the brake was not returning to its normal position (presumably due to being stretched out for a few years).

Planning to see if I can replace that spring tomorrow with something decent, washing her off (it was CAKED in grease and God knows what), changing the oil, buying a battery and seeing if she we will start and run...

Model #: 56127
Ser: 80062100

Amazing what happens when you spray two cans of BrakLeen at the beast....

 

[PurdueSD]

Hah! we owned one of those groing up. Be careful on steep hills, the transmission will jump to neutral and take you for a quick ride. They ride like a brick with wheels, but cut grass just fine.

Oh fwiw. its a 5 speed manual with reverse. The lever is under the seat on the right.

 

[ckal704]

It is not a hydrostatic transmission, based on the foot controls I see.
Manufacturing costs of hydro have only come down low enough in the past several years to start appearing on the lighter homeowner equipment.

 

[logical]

It is not a hydrostatic transmission, based on the foot controls I see.
Manufacturing costs of hydro have only come down low enough in the past several years to start appearing on the lighter homeowner equipment.

Based on what I see the OP's Toro is not hydrostatic....but I was using a more conventional Toro lawn tractor to cut grass in Junior High School that was hydrostatic drive....and I'm 48.....so it is more than the past several years.

 

[BetterDays]

Model Number: 56127
Serial Number: 8006200
Product Name: 7-25 Rear Engine Rider

Hukd awn Fonikks didd know werk fer meye bruthah

 

[BetterDays]

There must be a model number / serial number plate somewhere on the mower (not the engine number.) Find it and then go here to get a manual: https://lookup3.toro.com/request/request.cfm

No manual available.

But the link did help me identify that it is from 1988...

 

[BetterDays]

Hah! we owned one of those groing up. Be careful on steep hills, the transmission will jump to neutral and take you for a quick ride. They ride like a brick with wheels, but cut grass just fine.

Oh fwiw. its a 5 speed manual with reverse. The lever is under the seat on the right.

I knew about the transmission lever. No matter where I moved the transmission lever, it wouldn't move...

 

[ratdoggy]

Why not get it running and buy a tow behind aerator? I've seen them on the Northern site.
Once you use a ride-on you'll wonder why you didn't earlier. Of course your lawn has to be set up to use the ride-on. No low branches and not a lot of turns. I have an acre and I still need a push mower to get some areas.

 

[TheGrooveking]

This may seem stupid, but does the ****** have a neutral? Otherwise it'll only free wheel with the clutch in.

TheGrooveking

 

[logical]

You definately want to go here if you haven't already:

http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=toro_consumer&mn=56127%2C+7-25+Rear+Engine+Rider%2C+1988+%28SN+8000001-8999999%29

They sell most parts you'll want and have lots of diagrams like this of the trans.

 

[BetterDays]

This may seem stupid, but does the ****** have a neutral? Otherwise it'll only free wheel with the clutch in.

TheGrooveking

It has a neutral...

The brake locks up the chain sprocket for the chain drive which is why it could not move. I could lift the rear and spin the tires, but not move the chain.

 

[BetterDays]

Why not get it running and buy a tow behind aerator? I've seen them on the Northern site.
Once you use a ride-on you'll wonder why you didn't earlier. Of course your lawn has to be set up to use the ride-on. No low branches and not a lot of turns. I have an acre and I still need a push mower to get some areas.

Because my lot is only 88W x 144D.
It would take me longer with the tow behind than it would with the walk behind.
Not to mention, storage of the rider/attachment compared to a walk behind.

Oh, and I need the exercise.

 

[BetterDays]

You definately want to go here if you haven't already:

http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=toro_consumer&mn=56127%2C+7-25+Rear+Engine+Rider%2C+1988+%28SN+8000001-8999999%29

They sell most parts you'll want and have lots of diagrams like this of the trans.

Found that site last night while on google.

Definitely bookmarked immediately.