Help identify Craftsman lawn tractor

[bkenobi]

Thanks for the manual. I found that one but wasn't sure that it was correct since it shows 310 not 314. I did see 166768 in there so was hoping it was right and you've confirmed that.

I sprayed some penetrating oil on the plug last night even though it looked clean so that I would hopefully not have an issue when I break it loose this weekend. You are saying that when I drain the existing oil the bypass should be disengaged (in the driving position) when I top things off. I'll check the depth before but I'm pretty confident it has to be low since on a downhill angle it was way worse meaning (I hope) that the fluid was running away from the components. Topping it off would probably be sufficient but it seems like new lubricant every 23 years is reasonable. Also gives me a chance to see if there's any crud I should be concerned with.

 

[bkenobi]

Reading the fluid change procedure it should be pretty simple. Just change the drain by tipping to drain by pumping cause I don't want to flip the mower over.

 

[bkenobi]

Does the axle need to turn when doing the purge operation? I would assume so or else things wouldn't be moved around. If so, then that means that I either need to have a way to sit on the tractor to drive it forward/back to purge or jack it up and level. I don't have a lift so if the axle must rotate I'll have to get more jack stands out and lift it up. I suppose since nobody would be under it I could just use a jacks rather than stands.

 

[Farmer495]

I've had several AYP/Craftsman lawn tractors with 42" decks since the early 90s. The spindles are all the same. Main difference has been later ones were "12 gauge" and the mounting brackets on the top and PTO engagement rod versus cable. Yours looks to have electric clutch.

 

[bkenobi]

I've had my 1st AYP for 12 years and despite typical issues (head gasket, grenaded spindles) it keeps plugging along. This new one was intended as a project to replace that one bit if it doesn't work out I'll sell after fixed.

My old one has a linkage but it looks near identical to the electric clutch model. Is it possible that if i had the right length belt i could use the old deck on the new mower?

 

[bkenobi]

I removed the fill plug which was no issue. The fluid was basically at the top of the plug and although it's warmer than usual it certainly isn't hot weather (maybe 70F in the shop) and I haven't run the tractor in over a week. I pumped the fluid out and a little less than half a gallon in my gallon milk jug. The manual says it takes around 2.5 quarts so it seems there must be some residual that won't pump. The fluid was pretty thick and black though I didn't see any particulate, that doesn't surprise me. I'll try to find a filter cloth of some kind to see if there's any metal in the fluid. I also pulled the expansion tank since that's recommended by the service manual. Very little fluid in there though.

I ran into a little issue with the tiny torx screw on the expansion tank fastener. As expected of an 23 year old self tapping screw, it snapped off at the head. Guess I get to drill and tap it and put a real bolt in instead.

 

[tomplum]

You did pretty good actually with your evac. I don't remember how the tank is sealed into the housing. A normal o-ring? But yes full to the top and a good layer in the plastic tank. 1/2" or whatever keeps the housing full and provides room for expansion.

Your deck is the same between the e clutch and manual , sans the brake arms. You could in theory use the same belt on an e clutch model if you removed the brakes. Electric decks used a heavier belt 174883. Tension is from a spring from the idler cam bolt to the cable holder. Mandrels on 42" inch stamped decks have only two styles, a 3 or 4 hole mount.

 

[bkenobi]

The thing that makes me a bit apprehensive is that the fluid level seems ok but i had issues with lower speeds. Is it possible that thick oil viscosity could cause that?

 

[scaredychicken]

my guess is this one ... 2012 model

TractorData.com Craftsman 107.25004 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

CTX 9000 Series

 

[bkenobi]

That's a nice tractor but much newer than what I have. It looks nearly identical to the 917.272201. The local shop/bone yard has 2 on their lot that I believe are being worked on. The primary difference appears to be that one has the 25HP V-twin Kohler and a 46" deck where mine is the 20HP opposing twin Briggs and 42" deck. Mine could have a swapped deck making it the same with a different motor. Seems like that should make it easier to identify but model numbers don't seem to work that way.

FWIW, the two at the shop had mfg dates (based on S/N) of 13 June 2000 and 31 July 2000 whereas mine appears to be 21 August 2000. Not that it really matters (I don't think) but mine has a single bar code at the bottom which matches one of these two. The second one at the shop has two rows of bar codes. I have no idea what that means, just an observation.