1986 Craftsman II YT 16 hp 5 Speed Yard Tractor

This is the first of many videos to come of plans I have for this tractor. In this video I go over a list of things I have done to get it where it is.

[@codybennett8422]

This tractor has been cutting 2 acres at what was my grandmother’s home for more than thirty years. The deck is about ready to rot in half, and it’s due for some love. This is a rock solid machine.

[@eligarcia215]

I just bought one locally for $150. So excited to get it going.

[@scotthughes1196]

Thanks for posting this. I just purchased a completely restored but not fully assembled. Could anyone fill me in on the model number for a 1986 so finding missing parts will be much simpler. Thanks

[@Mike-su8si]

Mines original deck does have a little rust one of the spindles are locked up but the decks to good to quit using it do im gonna go over the deck its been sitting in a garage a long time it has lite rust around the 3 blades. Yours looks newer with the shifter in the middle mine doesn't have that

[@eligarcia215]

Where can I find attachments for this rig (blade, bucket, tiller)?

[@suchfunstuff]

I would see the smaller deck as an upgrade. Makes a small lawn tractor even more maneuverable. Not to mention the lessened probability of damage since the blades are shorter.

[@Mike-su8si]

I just need to know the drive belt size for mine i switched the engine shaft pulley took off the electrical one

[@TheBirdGardenNB]

I have this tractor! It's mint and an awesome tractor. I've been trying to find info on it. I was told when I bought it, that it was a 2000 something, that's fine, I knew it was older. The mower I bought was used on a tiny cottage lot and stored inside. Any info on years, where to find a manual, (I can't find much info) If anyone has any questions about mine, let me know.

[@Mike-su8si]

But you said its in mint condition though

[@JSW793]

Oh yeah, I took another look at the deck when i took it off and dusted it, I will have a lot of fun this winter rebuilding it. There's so fewer parts involved.

[@JSW793]

Actually the blades are longer; The original 44" deck that came with this had 3 blades instead of just 2. I really don't have any problems with the deck on there, it's good for the size lawn I have. The only complaint is that when it's raised up all the way it rubs against the back tire on the right-hand side. The simple fix to that is to move the transaxle back a few inches. I've seen it on the 90s craftsmans with the big hoods but smaller decks.

[@donnadesrosier3537]

That's very helpful thank you

[@H0NDAC1VlC200CC]

Subcribed ❤

[@peterzielinski1730]

i have one of these. i used it until a few weeks ago until i somehow lost the clutch string and clutch return spring. if i find a good diagram i may fix it since it does come in handy at times

[@JSW793]

The battery I currently have for it says it's 12 volts, and has 230 cold cranking amps, 275 normal cranking amps. It's just a typical walmart everstart battery.

[@suchfunstuff]

Oh okay, that's true, the 44" was a 3 blade, just like the 44" on the GT's. Really short blades. Guess I was thinking of the "newer" 42" deck. Well, that's one less spindle to look after. They're easier to work on.

[@robertpatterson7182]

Did you ever replace deck belt? Nightmare now I can figure out how it goes back on. Any pics of the top of the deck would be great. I can't figure out the pulley with the large spring attached to it

[@JSW793]

I don't have any pics of the deck while it's off, and I just put it back on for the season, but I've had it apart before to repaint it. The belt is pretty straightforward on these 38" decks. The belt goes around both pulleys in the back, the right side goes around the left side of the engagement pulley (the big one with the spring) and the rest of it goes around the engine pulley. Just don't put the belt around that large bracket the spring hooks to or else you'll destroy the belt like I almost did the first time I put it back together. I don't know how helpful it'll be just telling you how it goes, but there should be a diagram on the deck itself. Only problem is that it's in the middle so it'll be kind of hard to see unless you either take a picture with your phone or take the deck off.

[@robertpatterson7182]

@@JSW793 thanks for the reply. I figured it out. I had the pulleys and springs off and couldn't remember how it went but I got it. Next time I'll take pictures before I take apart

[@JSW793]

@@robertpatterson7182 Yeah, I just now noticed your comment was from a few days go. Good 👍

[@JSW793]

Ah if I saw your comment earlier I would have told ya. Just for reference this particular tractor uses a 93" belt.

[@kevinisam]

I might be getting one with a 44 deck, 42 plow chains, extra bades, belts and its a bit bigger

[@bluetrader]

Hi, I just got one of these - almost identical but the 44” deck. Can anyone advise if the stock tires were 18” or 20 inch? I suspect mine were changed to smaller.

[@JSW793]

Hey, I just now discovered a bunch of recent comments on my vids so sorry in advance if you no longer need an answer. The stock rear tires for the "YT" variant 44" Craftsman tractors of this vintage are indeed 20". That's what's on mine.

[@connorclark1690]

How much do you want for that mower deck

[@katynunnery6254]

Upgrade headlamp with a led bar on front

[@mrMacGoover]

Hey man, I got the same tractor, and it's in rougher shape then this one... do you know where the model number is located?

[@JSW793]

Yes! It's under the seat.

[@mrMacGoover]

@@JSW793 hey thanks man I got a 14 Briggs twin as well for a spare, love those twins!

[@Mike-su8si]

Its in the serial number

[@katynunnery6254]

I want to buy one with 20 hp

[@donnadesrosier3537]

hey John do you have the original manual or any of your followers I really need one I have the exact same one model 944.609160

[@JSW793]

Unfortunately no, not even for mine, which is a 917.255822. My go-to for looking up anything for craftsman equipment is Searspartsdirect, but a quick search I did suggests that yours doesn't even exist...? Regardless, Sears does have a manual for a model that's pretty much identical to mine, so hopefully that should help: www.searspartsdirect.com/manual/2qdm9uvxc7-000247/craftsman-917255820-front-engine-lawn-tractor