Jay4200
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2005
- Messages
- 2,053
- Location
- Hudson/Weare, NH
- Tractor
- L4200GST w/ LA680 & BX2200D w/ LA211
I just picked up a well-used Ariens YT1138 yesterday ($75).
The front end is really loose - I can point the front wheels about 30 degrees away from each other (tow out). I think the control arm connection points are egged-out and plan on fixing the plate - haven't really looked inside yet. Actually, I haven't really seen much other than what can be viewed in the pics (below - don't think I'd forget the pics, do ya?).
I've only driven it down my drive from the truck into the garage - the tractor was jerky for a bit when I drove it down my drive in 1st, but smoothed out. I don't know whether there is some kind of tranny lash going on - I'm hoping it was just the drive belt going slack from being overdriven going downhill in too low a gear.
The 11HP briggs seems to run pretty good, but appears to seep a little oil from the bottom of the fill tube while it is running. The tube is somewhat loose (moves up and down easily), so I'm guessing there is supposed to be an o-ring that isn't there any more.
Are you supposed to put the tractor in the gear of choice while stopped then take off, like an old gear farm tractor? The PO said that it was up-shifted while moving, like a car. I think he owned it since new, replaced the motor and serviced and re-packed the tranny (it's really packed solid with grease?) about 10 years ago. I haven't tried either method of shifting, but I'm mildly concerned that it may have been operated incorrectly for 30 years.
It definitely needs a good going through, but hopefully will be adequate to take over the mowing job at my camp property. I've made all of one trip hauling my Snapper back and forth, and I'm already tired of it.
Any answers, suggestions, or advice is welcome.
thanks - JayC
The front end is really loose - I can point the front wheels about 30 degrees away from each other (tow out). I think the control arm connection points are egged-out and plan on fixing the plate - haven't really looked inside yet. Actually, I haven't really seen much other than what can be viewed in the pics (below - don't think I'd forget the pics, do ya?).
I've only driven it down my drive from the truck into the garage - the tractor was jerky for a bit when I drove it down my drive in 1st, but smoothed out. I don't know whether there is some kind of tranny lash going on - I'm hoping it was just the drive belt going slack from being overdriven going downhill in too low a gear.
The 11HP briggs seems to run pretty good, but appears to seep a little oil from the bottom of the fill tube while it is running. The tube is somewhat loose (moves up and down easily), so I'm guessing there is supposed to be an o-ring that isn't there any more.
Are you supposed to put the tractor in the gear of choice while stopped then take off, like an old gear farm tractor? The PO said that it was up-shifted while moving, like a car. I think he owned it since new, replaced the motor and serviced and re-packed the tranny (it's really packed solid with grease?) about 10 years ago. I haven't tried either method of shifting, but I'm mildly concerned that it may have been operated incorrectly for 30 years.
It definitely needs a good going through, but hopefully will be adequate to take over the mowing job at my camp property. I've made all of one trip hauling my Snapper back and forth, and I'm already tired of it.
Any answers, suggestions, or advice is welcome.
thanks - JayC
