Lowes Cheapest Riders BIGGEST Fails! How to fix your Craftsman, TroyBilt or Murray Rear Engine Rider

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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
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Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@markp.7165]

A friend who is in his 90's has one of these with Cub Cadet on it and it is a cheap rider but it has enabled him to continue caring for his lawn which he loves to do. The yard is small but walking behind a push mower wasn't an option any longer. So, it has been a real blessing for him.

[@danieltaylor4819]

Yes, my neighbor who is 90 yrs. old has one of these he purchased at Lowe's a couple years ago. It's not the greatest, but it's been dependable so far and enables him to get out there and mow his 1/2 acre every week.

[@billywird]

@@danieltaylor4819 Yeah if one is not doing a large scale mowing operation those mowers are fine and of course at age ninety if one has the financial means replacing the mower every few years is the wisest way to go. A friend of mine who had his mobile home on the family property would keep the grass cut (roughly and acre and a half). His father had a Snapper riding mower and when the mower started to give trouble his Dad simply ordered a new one to fix the old one. At his age he had the means to do so. And sometimes depending, it is wise to just buy a new one.

[@88SC]

I bought the Cub Cadet version two years ago, but it was based on the space available I have to store it. 🤷‍♂️

[@Philc40]

Purchased the same unit with the little trailer to haul my cut firewood, I’ve been lubricating the gear and bushing so this problem of the steering rake failing been avoided so far.

[@Chickanic]

That's great! Gotta keep the mind and body busy. I always go above and beyond for my oldest customers who still love to garden and mow.

[@uf1978]

I just purchased this mower about a Month ago. I did add an hour meter so i can keep up with proper maintenance and will get this kit when i start having issues. From the looks of that mower the owners are their own worst enemy! I always clean my mower after cutting the lawn. Thanks for sharing!

[@GFox-cg7qf]

In 1979 I really wanted to take Shop class in high school. I cut grass as my teenage job and I sure did need to know how to repair my mower. 3 meetings with school officials resulted in my not actually being allowed to take Shop class. Your channel, and many other valuable contributors to KZbin, have nonetheless taught me to repair my mower, change the alternator in my car, fix my 25-year-old gas dryer, and many, many other valuable things. I am very proud of you, from afar, and all the talented girls that build and fix things. Thank you for the time and effort that you spend so that others may benefit from your years of experience and knowledge.

[@BudTheDrummer]

Fascinating video. Although I'm a retired Mechanic who is no longer able to perform repairs, I love living vicariously through your videos and learning things I might otherwise never know. I never know when knowledge might come in handy. Thank you and Rock on!

[@walterroose9579]

My Troy-Built is 8 yrs old.Have had the steering fix kit for 2 yrs & still haven’t installed it yet. I keep it clean,lube the gear& keep the tires inflated. Routine maintenance goes a LONG way !

[@WayneWerner]

Dirt and grease turn into a grinding paste!

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

​@@WayneWerner I use spray grease and just hit it with some more on occasion

[@daveowens9849]

My Troy Bilt is only 7 years old and I've never had a problem with it. Routine maintenance goes a long way. And I've never heard of the steering fix kit until I stumbled upon this video. I don't understand the videos "Chicken Little" obsession with the Troy Bilt. Several of my friends own the same Troy Bilt mower and they're with me...never had a problem with it.

[@N4HHE]

Murphy’s Law. Have spare parts, don’t need them. Don’t have spare parts, need them! Cheap insurance. Next I’ll tell you how to wash your car to make it rain!

[@frankvolpi150]

I have had it since 2013 (11yrs) and it has worked great, change the oil every year, lubricate the steering gear and change battery every few years. I am going to replace the steering rack because there is now a bit too much play. This is the first repair that I have had to do. Maintenance goes a long way!!

[@rzh3443]

Troy Bilt used be made near me in Troy NY. You bought direct from them and their stuff was battleship grade. Under new management, they contracted with Lowes to retail their stuff and then the built in obsolecence began in earnest. The company closed and the TB name was transferred to the generic mower/tiller/ etc company (MTD) that assembles a lot of mowers under various names using only the very best parts they can obtain worldwide !

[@rickclayburn9111]

Had my Troybilt 30” rider for thirteen years and still running great. As others have said regular maintenance goes a long way.

[@beernutzbob]

I've had my Troy-Bilt TB30R since 2018 and though it still works fine I've had to replace 3 tires, 2 blades, the safety cutoff switch, and the drive belt, all of which I did myself. Still have much less in it what than I would have spent with a more expensive rider.

[@jesterr7133]

I just used the Craftsman mower that was given to me for the first time. The steering is completely gone, lol. I'm glad this video is out there.

[@michaelkennedy2528]

To keep those bolts from taking off up into the never land, loosen the nut down far enough so you tie a simple piece dental floss onto the middle threads of the bolts. When the nut(s) are put back on and are threaded on some then cut the dental floss off. The nut then will prevent the bolt from taking off on you. Works every time and a huge time saver.

[@kenbrown2808]

I was thinking a couple of keepers with a string on them would also keep the bolts in place, then use the string to pull the keepers off before tightening the nuts all the way.

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Where would you finders keepers?

[@davestewart9146]

I was thinking of a bread twist tie lol

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

Even easier just slip an o ring over the threads and it will hold it in place

[@kenbrown2808]

@@r8edrv4fun65 every mechanic has a few spares in the toolbox.

[@mrmatt7210]

Place a dab of RTV at the base of each bolt and allow time for it to cure. This will hold the bolts in place during the installation of your bracket and will not prevent the removal of the bolts in the future

[@jamesshenay3426]

I bought a new one back in 2015 from a real Sears store and payed $899. Still have it, runs great and Yes, I've had to change out the rack steering with the kit from Amazon. Fast forward to 2023 and I've bought another the R110. Payed $1899 at Lowe's. The old one has been sent to my daughter's house for use. This time I greased the front rack steering with heavy duty grease. These mowers are great for smaller yards. Keep up with regular maintenance, oil change and lube, keep them clean and dry. The one in the video is nasty.... I'd been embarrassed to drop off the mower looking like that. Good video!

[@davidwelday3276]

I don't even have a mower like this and still found it fun to watch. Its always fun to watch someone else do the work!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Thanks Bri! I have a regular who has this exact mower. He has a lawn the size of a postage stamp but I'll be sure to check this when it comes in for service in a few weeks!

[@mydnasample]

Great job. Now if you could only fix the price gauging on this stuff.

[@wtmayhew]

Man alive! I was at Lowe’s last week and the equivalent of the YT-4000 I bought at Sears about 10 years ago costs about 2.5 times what I paid then. Even with inflation, someone is cashing in selling these mowers. … and then the cost of parts!….

[@geogary8948]

Thank you very much for this how=to= do--it-yourself and save video! I was able to change out my worn steering linkage on my Troy-Bilt/MTD 30" rider and you made it easy to understand and do, Chickanic! I appreciate that you would share your experience rather than capitalize on owners!

[@ronaldkennedy2372]

Love how accurate &precise your instructions are

[@trig5454]

Thank you for this demonstration. Even though I don't own the specific lawnmower, I always learn what the 'Essential Craftsman' calls 'shop skills' on his KZbin site by watching how you go about your repairs.

[@razortractor4009]

You are so right not many people with guts like you to tell the truth about junk on the market keep up the great reviews

[@joekociela1394]

I have had this machine for 8 years - never had a problem. Perfect for mowing a smaller lawn.

[@richardross7219]

Very good video. I've been repairing engines of all sizes since 1967. Most engines and machines of the last 30 years are designed to throw away. My GTs are from the 60s and 70s. My C-10 is an 85. It is much better to fix up old machines than pay the price for new. When dealing with those little carriage bolts, you can use a plastic clip from a bread bag to hold the bolt until you get a nut started onto it. Then use pliers to pull the clip off and then you can tighten up the nut. Wire tires from bread bags are also very handy. You have a good teaching style. Good Luck, Rick

[@donjackson9608]

Hi, I am a retired small engine technician. When I did the steering gear on this and was dealing with those carrage bolts that can disappear up the steering housing, I would take a rubber band and loop it around those bolts to hold them in place as I put the gear retainer back on. Once you got the nuts on tighten them up and forget the rubber band. It had done it's job and will break. Then when you do it again in a couple years you can sweep away if it is still there and put a new on for the next time.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Nice job. I LOVE having to line up 3 things at once with loose parts as a failed attempt as the consequence!

[@user-pf3el7wd9w]

Thank you so much for this video. None of the local repair shops would touch this. You made it very easy. ✌️

[@badbob]

Hi Bre. I have this mower since August 2019. The Craftsmen version. I cut my lawn once a week from March through November. I keep it meticulously maintained. Taking special attention to keep that steering mechanism well lubricated. I never liked the way it felt from day one. I have not had a problem with it yet. After every cut I hose down entire mower then blow it dry with leave blower. Thanks so much for making this video. For 15 bucks I will purchase that kit and keep it for if and when it does fail. I’m am so glad you told us about the possibility of those bolts pushing into the abyss. If you didn’t I’m sure it would have happened to me. Please keep vids coming on this model. Wish the very best for you and your family. Bob. Ps. I have never had a problem with that safety switch on the deck. But if you don’t keep it clean I can see how you can.

[@patrickjgoupil5245]

Hello, Just a suggestion- had to deal w/ carriage bolts before set like that - forced small O- rings all the way up to hold bolts in place - even if you squeeze them after tighten the nuts it's 👍

[@mtwseneca]

Great tip Patrick!!

[@patthesoundguy]

Brilliant idea, O rings are cheap and plentiful and that saves time. I have used a small wrap of electrical tape in the past to do the same thing, but the o rings are a way better idea.

[@johnwilson6707]

just tie them with elastic bands

[@johnmicheal3547]

Would a cutout plastic do the same thing? Get a milk carton, cut out a small square peace and put a hole through it. Than screw it through that hole. The plastic will hold it there just like your o-ring. Cheap and plentiful.

[@patthesoundguy]

@@johnmicheal3547 I think it would work just as well, and milk jugs are free! I may try that too

[@jameskennedy673]

It’s amazing how many people don’t clean their mowers nor check air pressure on the tires, I check my riding mower tires before each use. Many years ago I had a Murray rider that size, it was given to me to mow our acre of land. I wore it out, bought a Craftsman T1800 42” deck & 7000 series Kohler motor.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

Those old Murray rear motor riders were tough as airboats. I miss mine. I used to cut mtn bike trails with it.

[@TruthOverLies]

Bre, you’re the best. Thank you for posting so many informative videos! 🔧

[@chickiejackson1379]

Hey there, Chickanic. I love your channel name and your videos. My nickname is Chickie and I was a mechanic years ago in the military, but I do not know much about lawnmowers or 2 stroke engines. I just finished this repair on my little mower and want to thank you for making it simple. By the way, I'm a 62 year old woman, and if I can do this, anyone out there can, too. Thanks again, and Rock on Chicanic!

[@jerryroberts4844]

Just a thought for those hidden bolts. Once the cover plate is off, use a hot glue gun to soot a little hot melt up on the shoulder where is passes through the frame to hold it in place. it wont last for long, but long enough not to have to go fishing for the bolts.

[@N4HHE]

Looks like those bolts are in slots to adjust spacing between rack and pinion gears.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Can’t believe people bring equipment to you without even taking time to clean it ! Just shows how much care and service they give their stuff.🇺🇸🙏🏽✌🏻😎

[@akpoindexter1982]

Great info! I just bought a used one...so this is perfect for me! Here's an idea on the square head risk: I recommend tying a fishing line with slip loop, on each of the the square head bolts, then thread the line through the steering shaft cover holes, then put the steering bushing/etc on, then hold the line to put the nut on the bolt and you should be good to go for the remainder of the instructions!

[@majorxlr8n]

Thank you for the video! Just did the steering sector replacement today. However, there were no carriage bolts - they were regular bolts with a hex head. This necessitated access to get a wrench on them. It actually was quite simple - remove the phillips screw on the steering column's top cowling and lift it upwards. Next, remove the four 10mm bolts at the top of the lower cowling. Raise the lower cowling upward, turn 90 degrees so it holds itself up, and there's plenty of access! Entire job took 25 min...

[@rf159a]

I have this mower. I paid $1500.00 for it. It was from Lowe's and I was able to do 0% financing for 18 months. That was back in 2021. I love this mower and I had heard after I bought it, there was a steering problem as it got older. I try to keep the mower clean after I use it. I blow off all of the grass clippings and make sure everything is dry because I store it outside with a cover over it. Thanks for the video!!! I'll get the parts in case I have a problem with the steering this season!!!

[@marcelcanuck]

In a situation like that I wrap a thin electrical wire around the bolts before installing a bracket to keep them in place, better be safe than sorry 😊

[@bwayne40004]

Hey, thanks a ton! I bought a R1000 in September, 2017 for $899 plus the bagger attachment and the mulcher plate from Sears. I collect the grass and fall leaves for garden compost. Two years later had to replace the rack. Brother helped me and I Amazoned the parts and pieces. We literally took the entire front end, metal and plastic bits apart fixing it. And it worked. Made a bit of a pop last year and only now started mowing so I'm not sure what the rack condition is. It won't last forever but the fix has lasted twice as long as OEM. I'm getting the kit now. For later. Thanks for the link. This year, for the first time I got down and looked at the fine print on those front tires. I think it's 24 pounds. Put it right on it. 14 in the rear. I like the R1000 for the bagger and we had a Monkey Ward one similar to it in the late 60s so it was like a teen memory. However, everyone has a zero turn around here. I know they laugh at my dinky mower and the 30" cut. But I'm man enough to take it! I paid cash, they make payments!

[@johnnyadams1755]

I have this exact mower. The steering didn't make it through 2 mowing seasons. I wish I had seen this video before replacing my steering rack. This was the best video with the best explanation I've seen. I totally agree that Amazon is the place to get the repair kit. It's probably not a bad idea to keep a spare on hand.

[@Thunderroc18]

Great method for changing out the steering gear! Really enjoy the channel. Using a couple internal teeth keeper washers on those carriage bolts would prevent them getting bumped back through the bottom plate 👍

[@mathewsmith2650]

a neat trick to stop the gear from falling of during istall put a thick grease on the splines of steering shaft

[@allanbarber4038]

We called that mechanics glue :-) Very useful trick and can't think of a single case where the grease will hurt the metal or plastic parts.

[@josephwalsh1910]

Another awesome helpful video. THANK YOU so much for putting your awesome skills on display

[@bonacca1971]

What a great channel! I'm learning so much! Thank you!!

[@FubarKen]

Not as bad as Briggs putting a plastic lifter on the cam shaft.

[@philliphall5198]

I agree ☝️

[@gold98gtp]

I got my Troy Bilt from Lowes in 2018 for around $900, works great for my small yard. Never had an issue with the mulch cover / switch. Steering getting a little sloppy, thanks for the link to the gear kit.

[@irvinleonard]

i have an 18 too, but i installed the weight option on the front. im a maintenance freak...never have had a failure, if the steering fails the video is nice and the amazon price really good news

[@doncook5221]

Thank you for this. I will definitely be saving this one.

[@georgiahernandez2423]

Yes thank you for this video . I’m also a chick mechanic . Not a pro but def know my stuff . We’ll got my rider about 2 months ago and low and behold my dang idler guide rod fell off because of a vibration issue . But went to lowes for some more screws and nuts and had it going again in 30 mins . I’m just thankful this mower is fairly easy to work on .

[@shantyshitter3163]

Those crazy bolts are a real pain. I put a snap ring on both of mine and no longer have the issue of them pushing up through the holes. No interference with tightening them back down during assembly either. Just a tip to save you time and aggravation..

[@philliphall5198]

Good ideal, I’ve been tack welding them to deck

[@keving4304]

did mine last year. you hit all the main points. I also saw the mower at a big box store yesterday for $1995.00. Oh my gosh. I paid $950.00 two years ago. Would never pay today's price.

[@leegraves8878]

Yeah with those prices might as well buy the cheapest zero turn mower.

[@pontiacg445]

​@@leegraves8878 Too bad the $2000 Zero turns are now $4000.... Lets go Brandon!!

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

The dollar has degraded by at least half since then

[@jchavins]

look for an overstock store in your area and you can get these for 1100-1200

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

@@jchavins they go for 3000 at Blowes

[@bobbycrider199]

I enjoy watching your posts. Have learned what to do, and what not to do sometimes. I am a retired carpenter. I never have used Fix a flat, but my riding mower has the green stuff in all four tires. I did this to the last mower and had good service out of them. Keep up with your posts, you have taught me a lot about chainsaws. I hope that using the green stuff doesn't cause me trouble later. Wear the bikini more often!

[@larrybusse1989]

Thanks for video! Very well done and to the point.

[@bryco32]

I always recommend the small Rear engine riders from Snapper. They made them up until 2020 but you can always find a very nice running 25-30" cut unit for around 5-$600 here in the midwest. Most of the time they are maintained well and need nothing except for general maintenance for decades of service. They are absolutely Built like tanks and parts are readily available and affordable. I would for sure recommend buying a decent used model Snapper rear engine rider before buying one of these.

[@pattym5549]

Thanks Bre, regrettably I have one of these (better than walk behind) and have had numerous issues but It still keeps going. Haven't had this specific problem but will buy the kit in anticipation. One thing I came across was the battery it came with (from Lowes) was way under spec and had to be replace after only two seasons.

[@rickbeckman2306]

Same thing happened to me...bought a new battery from Menards

[@fishinguy]

You're not alone on that one

[@ljh45s]

Nice job on the repairs, thanks for the show, you due good work, take care.

[@tomstoeckle733]

I bought that mower in 2019. Only rider that would fit on the side of the garage and let us get the cars in. I clean the mower after each use, keep it lubricated and change the oil. Haven’t had a problem so far but have saved this video when I need to repair the steering. Thank you so much.

[@mc2whls]

Bre, it might be in "Park". But, I'd like to see you chock the rear tires when on the jack stands. Safety First!

[@JC-mh2zt]

If MTD had just gone to the trouble of putting a couple of those little securing washers that are used in some applications to keep carriage bolts retained in the deck for deflector brackets, there wouldn't be a problem.

[@WayneWerner]

I'm sorry, a couple tenths of a cent to make things easier to repair? Are we in the depression or something? 🙃

[@briangustin3745]

@@WayneWerner Its a factory - multiply those fractions of a cent by the number of units and assembly line time , it adds up to a savings that would pay some production engineer's annual bonus. They don't care who has to fix it later as long as it is quick and cheap to put together.

[@bentullett6068]

It's built to try and compete with the rear engine rider market in Europe and the UK. Technically this machine isn't that bad when you see the ones coming from one of the major European mower manufacturers.

[@JohnForTheWin]

Thank you so much. This video was perfect. Gave me the confidence to do this on my own.

[@user-eq7mw1ej2u]

Thanks for this video…I bought this mower this year…with my vet discount knocked price down under $1800. Being proactive…I took your advice and ordered the gear kit off Amazon for $16….for future use if needed. I have a half acre yard and…so far…no issues.

[@dave1135]

9:41 you'd think the manufacturer could put some thin spring steel retainer clips on those carriage bolts to keep them from falling out, similar to the drum retainer clips gm used on their cars with drum brakes to hold the drum on.

[@razortractor4009]

Just an idea put a small o ring around those bolts all the way up until flush with housing it helps hold them in place better hope this helps

[@tommyutube1]

I just love everything about your channel! Keep it up 👍🏻

[@barrycarter1316]

Thank you!! Very useful! ❤️

[@wtmayhew]

A trick for holding the shoulder bolt in place is to cut a V notch into a flat piece of flexible plastic and wedge it around the bolt. When the nut is started, pull the plastic away.

[@wtmayhew]

In a pinch, a thin piece of cardboard like a shoebox lid would probably also work for a quick one-time use.

[@N4HHE]

I have used blue painters tape for similar applications. Tape the bolt, get nut started, pull tape out. Doesn’t require a third hand to hold.

[@philliphall5198]

The junk out there is just shocking and everyone is scared to buy a new mower, price is ridiculous and not worth it Fix what you have folks

[@mrbubetube]

yep, time to go back to using a scythe or a manual reel mower. unfortunately, even the manual reel mowers have doubled in price during the past 3 years.

[@johnpearce3011]

I"ve watched several different videos today , and yours was by far the best .

[@johnblood3731]

Mine broke this morning. Your my go to for lawn care info. Thanks.

[@cabman86]

The $177 push mower I bought 6 months ago is $329 now.

[@heavymechanic2]

I looked online at the cheapo Murray at Walmart (used to be 99 bucks) and could not find anything less than 250. Two years ago, I got a self propelled store return at Lowes (139 the best I can remember) but it needed some service work because the magneto was rubbing the flywheel and the governor spring was not set to a decent speed. It works great now except no side discharge.

[@oxyfee6486]

I sat on a Troy Built TB30 last week at a Lowe’s in Brantford Ontario Canada, 5.500 dollars, I’m 6’2, it was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever attempted. 😂

[@thebluewhale8891]

For 5.5k, they can ship it back to China.

[@Cue881]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for always posting great videos! It's about to be the crazy season for us too.

[@mikemaccracken3112]

I use E clips on those bolts so they stay in place.

[@philliphall5198]

I’ve done that but most of the time I weld them down 😊

[@uni-byte]

Stretch a small rubber band between the two carriage bolts. That will keep them from getting pushed in. Then just break it once you have the bracket over the bolts and the nuts on loosely. Or even just tighten down on it. It won't hurt anything.

[@davidmorrell-ex5od]

You’re not bad at that. Thank you for sharing you knowledge.

[@jcn115]

I have the Craftsman version with the 420cc engine that I bought back in 2013. I haven’t had any issues with it. I runs like a champ and haven’t had any steering issues. Now I do take care of it. I clean it regularly and lubricate anything that needs it.

[@Smokincreekadventures]

I have one of these mowers I’ve had for years paid $900 at Sears and you nailed it the deck switch has given me trouble but from day one I greased the steering parts and have not had trouble yet but I’ll probably go ahead and get a kit for the day of failure other than that it’s been a pretty good mower for the price

[@williamcrane8236]

Get a plastic lid, coffee can, yogurt,etc. Cut a washer sized disk and fill a hole smaller then the shoulder bolt then x cut some slits across the hole. This will let you push them on the shoulder bolts and hold them to the deck while you put the mounting bracket on. This way you won't bite your tounge while doing it free hand. I do not possess the physical grace to be able too do it without cheating and I'll be damned if I'm gonna lose any more taste bus.

[@randybills3848]

Your assesment is right on and good imfo

[@ededwards1862]

I paid 900 for my new Craftsman 247.29000 RER1000 in 2013. Ive mowed a 1/3 acre lawn with in for 10 years. I have replaced Tires, Blade, Broken Ignition Key, steering gear . It has been a fantastic mower for me and still going strong.

[@rickmuir7616]

Got a suggestion for the Rack & Pinion issue. Look how wide the pinion gear is. Buy two repair kits & bolt a second rack to the first. This will double the contact surface thus reducing the wear. Also an solution for the carriage bolts falling through. Take a hacksaw blade and engage the cutting edge into the first couple of threads that come through the body. Tape the blade to the body thus holding them in place. Once the nuts are possibly started remove the blade.

[@kevinhitt719]

If this is a repair that gets done repeatedly it may be worth while to take the top apart and tack weld those carriage bolts in place.

[@brittweir8844]

Great job 👏 ❤thanks for sharing your work

[@jerryduffel3017]

Thanks for this video I was about to buy one of these Craftsman lawn mowers now I know the problem before I buy one I am also from Arkansas around Jonesboro thanks for all you do on these videos it helps a lot keep them coming and God bless

[@carltondoorman9145]

If you do enough of these to justify making a special tool, you could get some very small needle-nosed vice grip pliers and grind the points very thin. Then when you remove that cover from the steering gear, you could clamp the vice grips on the threads of the little square-shanked bolts, right up against the body (where it won't matter if the threads get damaged a bit), and that would hold them in place later when you replace the gear cover. That might save you having to pull off the cover someday to fish out the bolts.

[@TheBandit7613]

A little zip tie.

[@twilliamrafferty522]

I use 3” needle nose vise grips too.

[@johnwilbanks3885]

Actual cause of failure: Chinese metallurgy.

[@WayneWerner]

Or just pot metal where some proper steel grade should do. Or thickening up that bar so it doesn't wear so fast - looks like that gear is 2x as thick as the rack.

[@wtmayhew]

It is probably 50/50 the rack gear is a Chinese part. MTD is from Cleveland with US assembly plants but they import many parts

[@bryans8895]

the real problem is companies realize they can put out disposable garbage and still manage to sell it. We can tell them it’s not OK with our wallets, or buy preowned and keep a piece of equipment going vs buying brand new trash.

[@marshmower]

I remember that the weed eater one was recalled or pulled off the sales floor. Wish they would quit using the customer as a QC professional

[@fivespeed3026]

Stamped steel instead of solid parts. Plastic non serviceable transmissions.

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks for your help and time

[@eugenebrooks4035]

This is the best teaching video . Thank you for explaining things so detailed . I subbed and added this in my liked videos for future reference .

[@robertboyer1221]

Another great video Bre keep up the great work

[@cavemanusg]

Thanks for the video, it was very informative. I put a little hot melt glue on the shoulder bolts to keep them from pushing through the holes when I put the assembly together.

[@stevekiss616]

I had one of those mowers from 2012 until 2022. As a light duty mower, it was okay except for the off brand Chinese engine. It finally blew up despite all my efforts at taking good care of it. I had to perform this repair at least a couple times. Here is one suggestion on those two bracket shoulder bolts that want to run up and hide in the housing. Stretch a rubber band around and between them and snug it up against the housing. That will help to keep the bolts from escaping into the housing. Once you get the nuts started, reach in and snip the rubber band. Just a tip to thank you for all the great how-to instruction you provide.

[@harrybainjr7118]

Thanks for sharing this information you know your stuff.

[@David-yh5po]

❤ love your channel look forward to seeing more great videos. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@user-nv2nr5xu6u]

Enjoy watching your repairs. my father told people that I could take a lawnmower motor apart when I was 7yr old I,m 76 now and still have the old mower with a clinton motor on it. It is missing the carb but still their. A freind brought me a craftsman r11o rider with you guessed it bad steering. I took it off and saw the problem .Then that evening I saw this segment on this model mower. Watching it really helped.You mentioned the two bolts that can get pushed up and out of thei holes and having to take the steering covers off to replace them. In the past on other projects I have used a rubber band that will keep a little pressure on them . I remove the rubber band when I get the nuts started. Just and idea that may help you or others

[@FireGuy22182]

This is a great video, thank you!! Just got one of these tractors

[@TheCrittercam001]

What a lovely, clever and cool Chickanic❤❤❤

[@larrylindsey7462]

nice of the owner cleaning the mower off for you. love your videos , you have saved me a lot of time and money.

[@bicdawg524]

You have helped me twice so far. My mulch cover was damaged so I taped the safety. It works fine now have to order another mulch cover Thanks

[@terryholloway9930]

You’re the best Bre very informative thanks

[@stevejuststuff2779]

Great video. Thanks

[@tonyetchegary1470]

This lady knows her stuff…keep up the excellent work!

[@daninuesca3801]

Love your channel Chickanic!.love that you read peoples comments..some KZbinrs just dont give a rip..you're AWESOME! ALOHA and Happy Easter!..👍🤙🏾🤙🏻

[@michaelstagar525]

Great Review!