New sneakers and full maintenance for the garden tractor

[LS Tractor Owner]

The Craftsman garden tractor was acting up this past season after 14 years of hard abuse. So, she got a new carburetor, fuel pump, and transmission service. Yes... the K66 trans on this model CAN be serviced. The hard part was getting access to it. After changing the oil in the trans, it was performing like it was new! With the new carb and pump the engine was purring like a kitten.




So I finally got tired of filling all 4 tires on the garden tractor every time I needed to use it. The old tires were original and 14 years old. I spent almost $80 in Slime last year, which was now oozing out cracks in the sidewall. Found some tires on sale on Ebay, got them mounted up today.



I think I will get a few more years out of her. I was thinking I was going to have to get a new one. I spent a total of $275 fixing her up!

 

[kf4uda]

Those new shoes look good. You couldn’t pay the tax on a new one for $275. Hopefully it will serve you well for several more years.

 

[Thomas]

Like the tread design. :thumbsup:

 

[Alan W.]

LS, I have one just like it. Also replaced the rear tires with atv tires. Need to replace the fronts and liked what you had on yours. What size and brand are they.
Curious how many hours on the machine.

To facilitate differential fluid changes I drilled an access hole in the rear frame and added a vent hose.
I drain the fluid, pull the remaining fluid from the tank with a hand operated vacuum pump.
I then refill the tank with the vacuum pump on the vent. When fluid appears in the vent its full.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I originally thought about making an access point in the rear plate, but after taking it apart the first time, I didn't think it was all that bad. I figure it will be another 5 years or so before it will need to be changed, so will probably hold off on cutting one in the "frame". There is 235 hours on it.

I am very happy with the tires, far better traction. The fronts have really helped with the steering. I felt from day one like the fronts would slip when turning. Not now.... I found them on Ebay, they were the best price, got them in 4 days, free shipping. Her is a link:

Pair of 19x7-8 ATV Tires Quad UTV Tubeless Tire 4 PLY 19x7x8 Go Kart Tire | eBay

When I did the rears, they are 2" taller, the fronts are 3" taller. I just adjusted the deck to be level by adjusting the front mower rod. The deck works better up and down than it has ever done before!

 

[shooterdon]

Very nicely done!!!

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Thanks. I just hope she lasts for a good while!

 

[Alan W.]

Thanks for the link.
I put 25s on the rear of mine. As you know deck height on these is not that good. And have been thinking about higher fronts.
Do they rub anywhere while turning.
Mine has 1115 hrs on it as of this evening.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Nope... no rubbing anywhere, full lock to lock, deck up or down. I think it rides smoother too... might just be my imagination....

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I have 25's on the rear of mine too. With the larger tires on the front, the deck was about a half inch higher in the front. Easily adjusted down with the rod in the front.