Yard Man 20HP Garden tractor

ZJ_HR · Oct 23, 2015

Does anybody have experience about Yard Man B&S powered 20HP garden tractor?
I'm loking to buy one.It's 13y old, and asked price is about 1200$ (price is on chep side here, whether new one was paid about 4500$). This is pretty rare model here.
Engine is B&S V2 20HP, 40 or 44cu in (don't know exactly).
Clock shows 210 operating hrs only.

It has 12" rear turf tires and 8" front weels with cast iron axle and ball bearing hubs.
Transaxle has halfshafts of 1" dia. Gearbox is has 2 speeds forward and one reverse (Hi-Lo+R) with belt variator. Is this belt variator problem (except expensive belts)? Does it slip or drive is OK?
I can't find hydrostatic drive, but this one is simplier and cheaper to repair.
Mowing deck is 44 or 46", with 3 hubs and blades, not worn too much. PTO engage is by electromagnetic clutch with brake. Is it reliable? It make squeaking sound during braking.

Problems:
- engine generates white smoke (not a vapour). When was cold started, it was not working smooth, make brm...brm...with lot of smoke.
- strange sound on gearbox during drive (can't compare it with other machine)
- warn belts, burt still useable
- rusty, but not too much

Does anybody have operator manual and spare parts list for mentioned tractor?
Model is: 14AU804H643, as it's not available to download here: PDF Manual Web Archive

Here are few pictures:

Thank you!

MitchellB · Oct 23, 2015

$1200 for a 13 year old MTD mower with problems is way too rich for me. That is about what we paid for a new MTD 18HP/46" cut Industrial/Commercial Twin Lawn & Garden tractor with a triple bagger & high/low range transmission back in 1992 that we finally sold about 2 years ago for $300 still running strong and mowing grass, but in need of new drive belts. I don't know that I'd pay much over $600 for the one pictured and that is if it ran good and mowed good.

Walt 2002 · Oct 23, 2015

I am sorry I don't want to insult anyone but MTD Yardman is a bottom rung box store mower in my opinion. Unfortunately MTD has taken over and ruined many brand names. B&S Intek engine, stamped steel deck, 13 years old = $300 - $400.

Walt Conner

ZJ_HR · Oct 23, 2015

Well, unfortunately, I'm not in US.
In Europe ching are much more expensive, especially in my country..
New 12...17hp cost about 1800...2300$.
Asked price for that one is cheap here. Probably the cheapest one, compared to that tinny new ones.
This one is twice heavier than new single cilinder mower.
I'm concerned about quality. I know that MTD is on low end, but we can choose only between Husqvarna, Viking kStihl brand) and MTD brands.

Does anybody have some documentation: user/service/parts manual?

4570Man · Oct 23, 2015

I would pay like $100 for it. It does look better than the average MTD.

Sawyer Rob · Oct 23, 2015

ZJ,

The Husqvarna models have a better reputation over here... Maybe cost a little more NOW, instead of a lot, LATER...

SR

ZJ_HR · Oct 23, 2015

I know, but...
This is a garden tractor, not a lawn tractor. That means heavylly built.
Usual lawn tractors, either MTD or Husqvarna, are about 180kg (400lbs) heavy, and this garden tractor is 380kg (850lbs) heavy.
So, I'm expect that heavier built must last longer, used in light jobs, koje a lawn tractor.
You have to understand that here we don't have much choice, especially with used machines. And used machines are expensive too.
90% of them are MTD, which is built in Germany, from American engines and transaxles.

Sales tax here is 25%!!! , that's why I'm looking for a old one.
I didn't make decision yet, and I'm waiting for somebody there who have/had machine like that to share experience.
I'm good with mechanics, hydraulics and electric, so repairs are not strange for me. Only what is concerning me, is parts availability.

Just trying to avoid big mistake.
I have two ag tractors, and one of them was totally overhauled at home, in my workshop.

Sorry for my bad English.

Walt 2002 · Oct 23, 2015

Your English is perfect, didn't notice your location so would have no idea about prices, etc. there. You are right that MTD made some heavy, well built garden tractors but I thought longer ago than 13 years.

Walt Conner

davesl708 · Oct 23, 2015

ZJ_HR said:
I know, but...
This is a garden tractor, not a lawn tractor. That means heavylly built.
Usual lawn tractors, either MTD or Husqvarna, are about 180kg (400lbs) heavy, and this garden tractor is 380kg (850lbs) heavy.
So, I'm expect that heavier built must last longer, used in light jobs, koje a lawn tractor.
You have to understand that here we don't have much choice, especially with used machines. And used machines are expensive too.
90% of them are MTD, which is built in Germany, from American engines and transaxles.

Sales tax here is 25%!!! , that's why I'm looking for a old one.
I didn't make decision yet, and I'm waiting for somebody there who have/had machine like that to share experience.
I'm good with mechanics, hydraulics and electric, so repairs are not strange for me. Only what is concerning me, is parts availability.

Just trying to avoid big mistake.
I have two ag tractors, and one of them was totally overhauled at home, in my workshop.

Sorry for my bad English.

Your English is fine. The mower is not. Not sure where the 850lbs are on that machine. It can only mow and maybe pull a small trailer or spreader.
If prices are such in your area that $1200.00USD is a good price then I would offer $800.00 due to the problems with it. You are going to have cost to get it back in shape.

230hrs on a 13yr old machine is not a lot for the problems you list.