Lawn Mowers Service Manuals?

[YoshiMoshi3]

I'm looking at getting a ride-on lawn mower. I'd like to get one that has service information. Where can I find service information for lawn mowers? I've checked ShopKey for example and there's nothing.

 

[PCustoms]

I'm looking at getting a ride-on lawn mower. I'd like to get one that has service information. Where can I find service information for lawn mowers? I've checked ShopKey for example and there's nothing.

Have you tried googling "lawnmower PN service manual" ?

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Every piece of equipment I have I've googled "[equipment name] service manual pdf download". Worked for everything including our vehicles, except my tractor which I had to buy the service manual.

 

[reader2580]

Toro has manuals and parts diagrams on toro.com under support for just about any Toro model ever made. Unfortunately, I only found one current homeowner zero turn from Toro that has a service manual.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you get a riding mower, I hope it's a zero turn and not one of those geeky big box store lawn tractors.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Do people with ride on lawn mowers, who bring their lawn mower to a service center, does the service center keep maintenance records when they service the lawn mower?

I see for example that John Deere keeps detailed service information in "technical manuals" that they keep close to their chest, similar to "service information" that is shop key for automobiles? I see basic service information like on how to change oil is in "Service Manuals" for lawn mowers, similar to "owner's manuals" in automobiles.

 

[R07AG]

Do people with ride on lawn mowers, who bring their lawn mower to a service center, does the service center keep maintenance records when they service the lawn mower?

I see for example that John Deere keeps detailed service information in "technical manuals" that they keep close to their chest, similar to "service information" that is shop key for automobiles? I see basic service information like on how to change oil is in "Service Manuals" for lawn mowers, similar to "owner's manuals" in automobiles.

Can't speak to what records are kept, but your correct on the manuals. For John Deere, a technical manual is a detailed service manual. The operators manual will have the basics.

Deere has the operators manuals publicly available on their site. Technical manuals you have to pay for - unless you can get lucky and find a pdf. I found one for my tractor on a facebook group.

 

[JeepYJ]

I see for example that John Deere keeps detailed service information in "technical manuals" that they keep close to their chest, similar to "service information" that is shop key for automobiles? I see basic service information like on how to change oil is in "Service Manuals" for lawn mowers, similar to "owner's manuals" in automobiles.

Technical Manuals from Deere are very detailed and explain troubleshooting and repairs of every component on your machine. They’re available in different formats for a fee from Deere.
The operators manuals will have basic service intervals and explain how to do typical routine maintenance. They’re available for free from Deere at techpubs.deere.com.

 

[PCustoms]

Ah ****, forgot who the OP was....

This thread is ridiculous. Mowers are very simple to maintain.

 

[JeepYJ]

Ah ****, forgot who the OP was....

This thread is ridiculous. Mowers are very simple to maintain.

Most of the components can be found on the OEM suppliers websites such as Kawasaki or TorqTuff or whoever.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Ah ok thanks. How do I purchase them from John Deere, like what website? If that's the case, I'd be more likely to get a used one. If there's catastrophic failure, at least in theory I "could" repair it maybe lol.

I agree they are very simple to maintain. I don't mind buying used. But is it like buying a used car were there is some service records if people have it serviced at a shop? If I got a top end one that is like 10 years old at a affordable price, not sure if that's a good idea if there's no service records. I don't know how it works for lawn mowers.

I wouldn't buy a 10 year old car I want to daily drive with zero maintenance records, what about a lawn mower in this situation though?

 

[JeepYJ]

Ah ok thanks. How do I purchase them from John Deere, like what website? If that's the case, I'd be more likely to get a used one. If there's catastrophic failure, at least in theory I "could" repair it maybe lol.

No need to buy it until you need it. They’re usually at least a couple hundred dollars and up. Get the operators manual from the website I listed above for free. These are pretty simple machines unless you’re repairing the transaxle or doing an engine rebuild.

 

[mikedodge]

These days for normal maintenence stuff you don't even need the manual you can ususlly find something on YouTube that explains it a lot better.

Are you looking at new or used? Depending on age like the first couple replies said you can ususlly find the manuals for free online.

 

[rust in the eye]

I agree they are very simple to maintain. I don't mind buying used. But is it like buying a used car were there is some service records if people have it serviced at a shop? If I got a top end one that is like 10 years old at a affordable price, not sure if that's a good idea if there's no service records. I don't know how it works for lawn mowers.

I wouldn't buy a 10 year old car I want to daily drive with zero maintenance records, what about a lawn mower in this situation though?

Here is the important question to ask when buying a used mower; Does it cut grass?

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

I don't mind getting used. But is it like a car where there's maintenance records, or for most ride on lawn mowers, it is typical to have no maintenance records at all?

I don't think most people would buy a 10 year old daily driver vehicle with no maintenance records, but is a ride on lawn mower a different story?

 

[PCustoms]

...but is a ride on lawn mower a different story?

Yes.

Most people don't have 10yrs of records on a used car (I don't).

Is a lawn mower. The oil gets changed annually and maybe blades sharpened, if that. What do you expect, a mowerfax report?

 

[mike93lx]

I don't think most people would buy a 10 year old daily driver vehicle with no maintenance records

 

[MrPink]

Yes.

Most people don't have 10yrs of records on a used car (I don't).

Is a lawn mower. The oil gets changed annually and maybe blades sharpened, if that. What do you expect, a mowerfax report?

I know my zero turn is 13yrs old with 0 service records lmao. but i have the manuals for it.

I only have the records for the 3 of my cars because i had the ability to get those from various channels

 

[PCustoms]

I know my zero turn is 13yrs old with 0 service records lmao. but i have the manuals for it.

IIRC my GT was 4 years old when I bought it. The oil was fresh and it had new blades.

Since then, The starter broke and I replaced it. Probably should do oil this spring

I only have the records for the 3 of my cars because i had the ability to get those from various channels

Truck will show a couple dealer things, but oil, brakes, etc are all off the record. Same as last truck, which sold in 2 days for 1/3 what I originally paid for it 10+ years later.

OP is out of touch.

 

[R07AG]

Ah ok thanks. How do I purchase them from John Deere, like what website? If that's the case, I'd be more likely to get a used one. If there's catastrophic failure, at least in theory I "could" repair it maybe lol.

Search for Equipment Publications - Technical Information Store

techpubs.deere.com

Search for your model number, then you can look for it in the list, click on it and it will drop down and let you choose if you want an operators manual, parts catalog, or the technical manual. Click on the TM and you can pick what format you want.

I don't mind getting used. But is it like a car where there's maintenance records, or for most ride on lawn mowers, it is typical to have no maintenance records at all?

I don't think most people would buy a 10 year old daily driver vehicle with no maintenance records, but is a ride on lawn mower a different story?

Having maintenance records for a riding lawn mower is uncommon.

 

[5ubtle]

@YoshiMoshi3

I am the 1 out of 100 who keeps service records for my mower. I've recorded every oil change since new in 1997. Unfortunately (for you) I will keep it until I die, and then my son will scrap it.

 

[Codyboy]

Lawn mower maintenance records? Lol

As far as a technical manual I just look stuff up as needed for part numbers or whatever.
If you're just a little mechanically inclined you don't need a manual.

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

So say I get a used 10 year old lawn mower with no service records. Catastrophic failure occurs and I need an engine rebuild. Is something I can easily DIY, or are the cost of parts not with it or what? Small engines, that you can just unbolt from the mower and pick up or are they really heavy?

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't buy a 10 year old car I want to daily drive for another 10 years plus without any maintenance records at all. Catastrophic failure can be very expensive, parts and labor if you don't DIY. But if I have catastrophic failure on a ride on lawn mower, it's not as devastating and can easily DIY an engine rebuild?

 

[finn]

Lawn mower maintenance records? Lol

As far as a technical manual I just look stuff up as needed for part numbers or whatever.
If you're just a little mechanically inclined you don't need a manual.

Lawn equipment maintenance consists of changing the oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plug and fuel filter every five years or so, and sharpening the blade once in a while. If it has zerks, hit them with fresh grease occasionally p, and keep a set of spare belts on hand, and, for me, an extra spindle and set of blades. None of that requires a service manual.

 

[mike93lx]

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't buy a 10 year old car I want to daily drive for another 10 years plus without any maintenance records at all.

We get that. And that is fine.

But most cars don't have maintenance records and most people don't check for them. You are limiting your choices in the market, and on a metric that is not a guarantee of anything, but that's your perogative.

Expecting those records on a lawn mower is also fine, but is going to make it very hard to find one. I think it's a waste of time, but you dont have to agree.

 

[seber]

Do people with ride on lawn mowers, who bring their lawn mower to a service center, does the service center keep maintenance records when they service the lawn mower?

I see for example that John Deere keeps detailed service information in "technical manuals" that they keep close to their chest, similar to "service information" that is shop key for automobiles? I see basic service information like on how to change oil is in "Service Manuals" for lawn mowers, similar to "owner's manuals" in automobiles.

I buy used John Deere mowers and rebuild them. I have never had any trouble finding free complete service manuals for any model I have worked on. Just Google it.

 

[MiteyF]

If you get a riding mower, I hope it's a zero turn and not one of those geeky big box store lawn tractors.

Funny, I just bought this 11 year old Craftsman "lawn tractor" for a staggering $500 a few weeks ago (plus $100 worth of needed deck parts)

The last couple days I used it to mow about an acre of 3' tall blackberries, mole hills, and grass that hasn't seen a mower in years.

That old girl didn't flinch

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

I went to my local Lowes and looked at mowers. Some of the new ones were already paint chipped, and rusty from where it was scratched. Some had scratches from apparently rubbing up against other mowers. So, there was orange paint left on John Deere green. It seems like they come delivered on a crate, and some people assemble them in the back at the store. They get moved around a lot, bumped, scratched, and already rusty even though they are new with zero hours of run time.

Are dealers better than Lowes or HomeDepot, as far as your more likely to get a model that isn't "banged up" when you purchase it new.

I know it's a mower. I'm likely to scratch it, and ding it up myself after one season of use, resulting in rust etc.. But is it unreasonable to expect it to not be rusty or have scratches in it when I buy it new?

Looking at reviews from Lowes and HomeDepot, it seems lots of people get mowers that are already beat up when they get them new.

It also seems like lots of ride on lawn mowers have some sort of custom-made engine. It's not like a John Deere designed and engineered engine or gear box on the mowers or tractors, but something that they likely farm out to someone. Specs for mowers list the engine model number. Looking online I can find the manufacturer, but I cannot just like buy a brand-new engine off the internet from the actual manufacturer of the engine, if I go the used route and get unlucky? Kinda seems like so that way you have to go through John Deere or whoever to get replacement parts.

 

[zendriver]

Back in the old days, owners changed the oil and oiled/greased anything that looked like it would benefit from being oiled/greased.

My sister had some crappy MTD built unit (Husky?) that Tractor Supply sold, mowed a big yard for 18 years until the cheap front axles wore completely out. . She Just changed oil. And maybe replaced a belt. During that time.

 

[mike93lx]

I went to my local Lowes and looked at mowers. Some of the new ones were already paint chipped, and rusty from where it was scratched. Some had scratches from apparently rubbing up against other mowers. So, there was orange paint left on John Deere green. It seems like they come delivered on a crate, and some people assemble them in the back at the store. They get moved around a lot, bumped, scratched, and already rusty even though they are new with zero hours of run time.

Are dealers better than Lowes or HomeDepot, as far as your more likely to get a model that isn't "banged up" when you purchase it new.

I know it's a mower. I'm likely to scratch it, and ding it up myself after one season of use, resulting in rust etc.. But is it unreasonable to expect it to not be rusty or have scratches in it when I buy it new?

Looking at reviews from Lowes and HomeDepot, it seems lots of people get mowers that are already beat up when they get them new.

It also seems like lots of ride on lawn mowers have some sort of custom-made engine. It's not like a John Deere designed and engineered engine or gear box on the mowers or tractors, but something that they likely farm out to someone. Specs for mowers list the engine model number. Looking online I can find the manufacturer, but I cannot just like buy a brand-new engine off the internet from the actual manufacturer of the engine, if I go the used route and get unlucky? Kinda seems like so that way you have to go through John Deere or whoever to get replacement parts.

Wait til you find out the skill level of the guy doing the assembly...

Likely none of those companies make their own small engines. They're mainly coming out of Chinese factories to a given spec. If you want a higher quality engine, with real spare parts, you need to step it up a big notch in price.

 

[AEAdam]

So say I get a used 10 year old lawn mower with no service records. Catastrophic failure occurs and I need an engine rebuild. Is something I can easily DIY, or are the cost of parts not with it or what? Small engines, that you can just unbolt from the mower and pick up or are they really heavy?

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't buy a 10 year old car I want to daily drive for another 10 years plus without any maintenance records at all. Catastrophic failure can be very expensive, parts and labor if you don't DIY. But if I have catastrophic failure on a ride on lawn mower, it's not as devastating and can easily DIY an engine rebuild?

I bought a 8yr old commercial mower with a known bad engine.

I suspect, generally, mower engines are rebuildable, but the failure modes, like in my case, where the block was cracked, make total replacement better and cheaper. You can check out places like https://www.jackssmallengines.com/ that sell parts for specific mowers.

Manuals, service records, in my opinion are all wastes of your time. To answer your question, these are not like used cars. If you buy a new Exmark, like mine, and you pay $12,000 for it, you are probably having it serviced yearly. But it’s really not as simple as fluid replacements. These things get beat up. They shake and rattle and run into things and hit rocks. So there’s always more to do, things to torque, damage etc. I think these are more like used race cars. They are operated at the edges of their performance envelope.

In my particular case, I bought my mower for $1500. I’m pretty sure just about every part was broken. I stripped it down to the frame, sent that out for powder coating. The deck was cracked, sent that out to be welded. Bought a new engine, new rear wheels, new seat, new clutch, new pulleys and spindles and rebuilt the hydros. I think I put $3500 into it.

I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Check out this link for some details & pics.

 

[zendriver]

I went to my local Lowes and looked at mowers. Some of the new ones were already paint chipped, and rusty from where it was scratched. Some had scratches from apparently rubbing up against other mowers. So, there was orange paint left on John Deere green. It seems like they come delivered on a crate, and some people assemble them in the back at the store. They get moved around a lot, bumped, scratched, and already rusty even though they are new with zero hours of run time.

Any scratch deep enough to hit bare metal will rust.

Are dealers better than Lowes or HomeDepot, as far as your more likely to get a model that isn't "banged up" when you purchase it new.

I know it's a mower. I'm likely to scratch it, and ding it up myself after one season of use, resulting in rust etc.. But is it unreasonable to expect it to not be rusty or have scratches in it when I buy it new?

Now day? Besdes, it's a "big box store" they don't really give a ****.

Looking at reviews from Lowes and HomeDepot, it seems lots of people get mowers that are already beat up when they get them new.

See above "you get what you pay for"

It also seems like lots of ride on lawn mowers have some sort of custom-made engine. It's not like a John Deere designed and engineered engine or gear box on the mowers or tractors, but something that they likely farm out to someone. Specs for mowers list the engine model number. Looking online I can find the manufacturer, but I cannot just like buy a brand-new engine off the internet from the actual manufacturer of the engine, if I go the used route and get unlucky? Kinda seems like so that way you have to go through John Deere or whoever to get replacement parts.

Almost none of them manufacture their own engines for garden/lawn tractors. Never did.

Most are more-or-less "off the shelf" from engine manufacturers. A lot of time if a replacement engine is not available elsewhere is because it is obsolete.

 

[Lassen Forge]

When I was a kid and found out with access to dad's tools, some old Tecumseh and Briggs manuals and common sense, and broken mowers in the neighborhood, I could make some $$$ making them run and cut again. Those who actually trusted this kid to work on their stuff made me some pocket change.. and taught me a skillset I've used over the ensuing 55 years. I;d buy old mowers, fix them, and turn them around (at one time my folks place looked like a small engine wrecking yard), but it was an experience I'd wish on any kid growing up today.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I don’t keep service records on the two mowers I have but I do record the part number of any piece I buy for them in the reminders on my phone. It makes it simpler when that belt or such is needed again. Since the units have hour meters I place a small label on the unit to indicate when to do the next oil change. On all the cars I maintain I do create a service record for each with what was done, mileage, and dates. All VINs are also recorded in case I need it for parts when I am away from the vehicle.