1980's Sears Craftsman II: Briggs & Stratton 18hp Twin

Just another GT I couldn't resist for $75 bucks. May do some minor repairs and send it right back out the door.

[@allenmckinney9533]

I just got one of these with the 20hp Onan and was told the motor was locked but got it turning fine with a drill and it got 90/100 psi compression. Turns out the starter was sticking. I took the starter apart cleaned it greased it and it hums like new now. Saved me $65.

[@TheSaturnV]

Nice! Those Onans are supposed to be great engines. Never been able to score one myself.

[@allenmckinney9533]

TheSaturnV i got mine in a trade with a buddy for a new motor for a push mower I spent $30 for. I got plans to add a generator and an air compressor to it and use it as a work horse.

[@jvanderman]

aw the famous cube tractor with an opossed twin i got me a 19 hp lt1000 a 96 model and when i bought it in 08 i had some problems with the electrical, ive replaced everything except the starter switch.. but i tell you what i haven't had a problem with that mower in 2 years...well except me ruining a deck spindle last week when i hit a stump.. but anyways i love them twins they got such a better sound then the single cylinders that are made in the 80s and 90s

[@scrad7144]

Anyway you can show me how your belts are rug up mine came off and I can’t find a schematic anywhere thanks!

[@MrMoosekiller31]

Were you able to find parts I have the same one can't find parts need the float out of carburetor

[@TheSaturnV]

I sold the tractor many years ago. You might on on the MyTractorForums and ask around in the Craftsman/Sears sub forum. Lots of knowledgeable folks in there. Good luck.

[@Tristan102100]

sharpening the belts is a very simple,but effective way to keep your tractor running well and cutting a buetiful lawn! LOL

[@mwilliamshs]

How do you sharpen a belt?

[@2LateIWon]

nice find!!! That right side wheel is smaller for the 5 speed ;-)

[@shanesmaineshop]

great deal for sure i have a similar one from 86

[@fivepointeightnate]

Next video you should make is a belt sharpening tutorial.

[@FooDerr]

That's beautiful

[@iamdigitalman2]

Just curious what the model number of this tractor is. I have found at least 3 models of the 18hp Craftsman II with the transmission shifter in the center with the 3 gears and high-low range lever, but this version has the shifter on the right fender. Looking at one on my local craigslist like this too. Odd there would be 4 different versions of the same machine, maybe minor year to year changes.

[@TheSaturnV]

Tractor has since been sold, so I have no idea about the model number. The 3spd w/ Hi-Lo is the old stand-by from the Sears Suburban days. The later version with the shifter on the side wasn't too bad. I was almost able to operate it like a Hydro.

[@iamdigitalman2]

Ah that's a shame. My current tractor is a Craftsman II "craftsmurry". Most Craftsman tractors are made by AYP, model numbers start with 917. Mine starts with 502. It's got a 12hp single briggs, 40 inch deck, and the coolest thing is a 6 speed shift on the fly transmission. I can shift it without hitting the clutch/brake. Lynolsoffice had one with a bad knock they apparently scrapped, but it's not a bad machine. Rebuilding the front end on mine then I might sell it for something bigger. Really like the Craftsman II cube tractors. Mine isn't a cube though. Took a few videos, need to edit and upload them to my channel.

[@markpatterson8863]

@@iamdigitalman2 my 6000 has a 91 briggs horizontal opposed on it would you know if verticals will go on it. Verticals are cheap and abundant this horizontal will be a pain. Could use some help deck and rear end are in good shape

[@TheSaturnV]

@TheSaturnV Thanks for the vote of confidence brother. The trick will be to not fix it up as if I were keeping, then I'll blow any profit out of the water, lol.

[@edzgarage]

What a great deal Buddy! I've never sharpened a belt before! lol

[@MrGitrdone41]

Cool little crapsman lol! The seiold may be bad that's what my cub did jump across the seiold to see it might be that or the battery.

[@kevinisam]

I have one with a 16 twin, first twin ive owned too... mines an 87 and yours looks newer so id say its about an 88 or 89, mine has the shifter between the legs and the dash is diffrent and it has the manual lift-up pto lol, every time i start it i need to jump it so i think my starter is going, oh great ^_^

[@500passwords]

pretty good buy buddy . i would buy it . :)

[@TheSaturnV]

@1968hambone That is the plan, I certainly don't need another machine hanging around. Should make someone a nice little mower.

[@TheSaturnV]

@oologahan Well I won't up to you in the tractor dept any time soon, lol. I put a starter in it and it fired right up. Nice sounding twin cylinder. I hate to get rid of it but I just don't need it.

[@TheSaturnV]

@Chooman69 LOL! There actually is a second Suburban on the property, an ST/16. However, it's donating some goodies to the CreamSicle® project. :D

[@Chooman69]

Big Dog is back! 00:05 hilarious! Starter coming, sharpen blades and new belts. You know what honey? We sure could use a backup tractor. ... Ya but all my buddies have at least 5! ... Ooookay, I’ll wait for another Suburban. HQ just called. Said you need to get a 2nd Suburban going with the profits from the craftsman or you could lose your SSBTC franchise. lol

[@1968hambone]

@TheSaturnV if anybody can get'ter runnin' in top form you can.....good luck with the project bro!

[@TheSaturnV]

@ShnitzlHaus :D You know, that's not a bad idea. Think I'll put the money I get in an envelope and have it ready for the next collectible that always seems to pop up on CL at the wrong time!

[@TheSaturnV]

@2LateIWon ROFL, now that's the funniest thing said to me today.

[@1968hambone]

looks like it was garage kept....maybe you can make a buck or two off of it?

[@ShnitzlHaus]

sharpen the belt LOL!!!! flip that and buy another diesel :D

[@NomaDairy]

haha shapen the belts lol