Gambling On "Free Mowers"! Would You Pay For This Repair? Customers Troy-bilt Mustang Zero Turn

[@DANDY1]

THE MORE I MESS WITH NEW EQUIPMENT, THE MORE I LIKE THE OLDER EQUIPMENT! Great job getting this started!

[@JOEZEP54]

👌

[@cfavre6562]

I am 76 and you are the most straight forward person that I have come across. Your honesty is remarkable and your knowledge is superb. I wish you live in South Mississippi It shows that the don’t make mowers 30 years ago

[@malware_in_tn9008]

I love the smell of gas, and I love coffee, but that’s a special kind of love to use your coffee pot for gas collection. Gives a new meaning to “high octane coffee”.

[@legionofanon]

There's a web site for high octane coffee co that you can order from lol

[@SteveB-hy2ci]

Why I use as a cologne!😊

[@theamerican7080]

Glass containers help you see if there's water in the fuel.

[@MackMoore-q2n]

I had a pot in my shop that I used to boil carbs in before I got an ultrasonic cleaner. I used it to make oyster stew in about once a month lol

[@theamerican7080]

@@MackMoore-q2n Nice.

[@patrickgroves4047]

Wow, you did him a favor on the bill. Wonderful people still exist!!! You are much appreciated.

[@TheReal1953]

Yeah, but I sense the owner is a cheap dirtbag and abusing her good graces. That's the feeling I get.

[@ashmaybe9634]

@@TheReal1953 Owner is a vicar I believe, it's for the church. Think she mentioned that in Pt 1.

[@TheReal1953]

@@ashmaybe9634 Comment stands..."vicar" means nothing to me of importance.

[@legionofanon]

Based on the previous installment, I'd gamble on spending like $400 on a $1500 mower i got for free. Cheap mower and less waste disposed of Just got to the end, that's a steal of a deal! $400 for a 3k machine, that's about 13% of new and got a decent machine out of it!

[@blahorgaslisk7763]

Still needs a little more attention though. Those cooling fans she talked about at the end is something I certainly would want to do something about before the transmission is damaged. The price of a new trans was pretty horrifying. Fixing the cooling is a lot cheaper.

[@lannysternburg263]

@@blahorgaslisk7763 Yes, I think a lot of us, hope the owner(trying to save some $) doesn’t put that out of his mind for too long !

[@sunnydays4966]

It's more like $5,000 you get even get a mini rider for under $1999 and that shopping around.

[@donkendall1227]

Just bought an JD 525 at an auction for a small engine business shutting down. Paid $25, about 50 hours on it. Rear axle and hydraulic drive missing. New battery, drive, some tinkering, now running and mowing. Trying to figure out how to change the fluid in the other drive motor. Total investment about $1500.

[@legionofanon]

@@donkendall1227 try searching for the operators manual online, i found one for my JD LX277AWS, free but took searching, and in it if describes how to change the drive unit fluid. On mine there's two bolts on the bottom that will drain it, but they're not obvious without the manual as they look like they are just assembly bolts

[@DaleHegland]

The look of success on your face when it fired up was worth the price of admission. Awesome!!👍👍

[@tenebraygrace4099]

Watching your repair videos, to me, is like watching a "Who done it" as you methodically isolate the motor parts and final find the culprit or culprits. So satisfying! You go girl!

[@peskypeet]

Love your enthusiasm when it fired up & moved. Camera worthy moments indeed.

[@bentaylor8342]

Absolutely, with cost of new mowers I'll stick with spending 500.00 on good repairs As always another work of excellence out the door!

[@marcosleiro]

Theirs nothing better to hear a machine running, and you have no history on it. Kudos to you Bre, nothing but satisfaction. I had a similar experience with a Weed Whacker (we in Australia call them Whipper Snipper's) stripped down, cleaned it out, fresh fuel, spark plug, regap the ignition coil and bang it started 1st pull. Your segments are very educational even when you break it all down, it makes sence in the end, Keep up the good work and keep on smiling and have a great day....... P.S. I hope Hubby is feeling better after his hip surgery.

[@TimothyNewton]

I don’t have the time to watch your videos till after my workday, I just wanted you to know these are very informative and a really enjoy watching them. Thank you for posting this content.

[@hosocat1410]

You drove an unfamiliar mower for the first time two feet from your corvette!!!!! My heart was in my throat. 😱😱😱😱

[@chrishayden7016]

Yep, saw her bump that Mantis tiller and immediately thought the same. While mowing with mine, one of the hydraulic hoses broke and instantly it turned in a circle and It took a second for me to realize what happened.

[@kimazbell460]

That was my thoughts exactly.

[@davidbaldwin2729]

Bre always sez that those mantises are indestructable

[@lannysternburg263]

@@chrishayden7016 OUCH 🤨 Certainly a moment you’ll never forget 👍

[@MorganOtt-ne1qj]

That pretty Vette needs a safer place to rest! I would park it in a vault, if I had one. 🤣

[@b.powell3480]

Hi chickanic, here's a quick tip, on those solenoids, take an ohmmeter and check for an open or continuity on the coil of the solenoid, sometimes by them getting stuck, the coil winding will burn out and create an open circuit. You should get a low ohms reading or continuity, also check between the metal case and each connector if you get a reading the winding is shorted against the case, thanks for your videos, they are a great help 👍

[@BillyJoeJimBob8]

Loved that enthusiastic "YES" when the mower fired up!!! I really appreciate your videos these days as they have become my "Moment of Zen" in the crazy world we live in these days.

[@ForrestGreen-bi9nj]

Get tickled when someone loves what they do . Very informative

[@tomessary4099]

Bre, your excitement is fabulous!!! Great reinforcement of all of your teach!! Loven’ it!

[@NJUSA36]

Glad to hear you got it running. It is a shame the customer doesn’t want to put a little bit more money into it because that mower will probably run for a long time now. If they would just put the new cooling fans on the transmissions and service the fluid it will probably be fine. Hopefully after the customer is mowing with it for a little while, and realizes that everything works good they will come back to you and finish the other repairs. 👍

[@jamescaron6465]

When you said you were going to clean the stink out of that solenoid valve I didn’t think you meant it literally. considering all the labor and time you put into this thing your prices are incredibly fair

[@PaulStephens-ie8vl]

you’re worth more then that you are very knowledgeable and thanks for sharing your knowledge im in australia here and to get repairs done takes forever you taught me how to adjust carby which helps heaps

[@Bob-tk2uv]

Castor oil worked good, Ms. Genius.

[@robbyrsset621]

Hi I just came across you today, retired master tech here. I’m very impressed with your skills. You are a very rare gem. I can’t help but notice how passionate you are about your work.

[@teddyr7901]

Be sides this video I want to say thank you that oil work good for my inflammation in my arthritis wow is all I can say thank you

[@robertweber1393]

I love the look in you eyes when you say "Let's tear it apart!".

[@batman607]

Yeah, the repair lady did it again. 👍👍

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Love the feeling of getting something to run again. Repair is still cheaper than a new mower.😊

[@carsonl.8788]

Good job young lady! 😊

[@Jim-fe2xz]

I always opt for fixing things but it's always been my own stuff so don't count my labor (keeps me out of trouble lol). I do understand cost benefit analysis for a business customer though. Unless the major components are not serviceable my thinking is even they may be repairable and not need total replacing. Being retired I can tinker for a long time and not loose much lol! Great job and glad it worked out for your customer - they got a great deal!

[@Mike-su8si]

I do work on my older friends mowers for a much lower price because i know they don't have much to pay me anyhow i let one guy know on his old john deere 316 that its onan p218g engine will need to come off the mower for me to redo all the seals and gaskets i told him it has to come off and its gonna take me time to do it all plus i gotta do the work on it at home not at his house or garage because my tools are all here his main problem is the crankcase gasket needs redone but he doesn't wanna do the wait on it so im glad i don't have to mess with that old one I'll probably end up with that mower once it's seals blow out all the way I tightened up his starter on it last year but his crankcase gasket been shot a long time from how dirty the engine looked and the starter his needs a good pressure washing then let dry

[@Mike-su8si]

I was surprised to see there's still available replacement gaskets and crankcase gaskets for the 316 and 318 John deeres with the p218g onan engines i was thinking that old ass engine wont have no replacement parts still available but they are his 316 john deere is a 1987 same year as my old gray craftsmen

[@danaboatman954]

You are Dr Chickanic! Congratulations!

[@keithwest6859]

Really enjoyed this series. Thanks for showing this

[@stephendfelde]

Bring the thunder! I like it when you get all thrilled when you get it running,,I find it real rewarding when you get a small engine going! I have learned a lot of things watching your channel

[@RGflies63]

Bre, you definitely have the talent to fix this equipment. It's a pleasure to watch you troubleshoot and repair that stuff. Pass that knowledge on to whoever will listen!

[@BearE9090]

You gotta love it when it first fires up and runs smooth. Great video.

[@Robert-w4k8p]

I love to see your excitement when you get a machine to turn over ,I still get the same when I repair anything at the age of 70 . Thanks to your good self I am educated on my mowers ,strimmer and chain saws. With this two parter now wiser on my ride on . A cub cadet 216 I've had for years, by all accounts I'm lucky. Thanks again for your knowledge. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@nickhildabridle1612]

That is awesome that you were able to do the diagnosis and think maybe. $500 is a quite affordable zero turn.

[@MechaniChics]

Girl, that was so lucky!! The ones I get are never so easy (or cheap!). Thanks for walking us through your diagnostic and costing!

[@rubendfernandez4747]

I watch your videos a lot and I learn many tricks that I don't know and I also read comments about what you charge but people don't understand that you charge for what you learn and solve the problems of the machine. Greetings.

[@ELCare86]

Always grateful to have a video to watch.

[@VikingShipExplorer]

Yes I would gamble on a free mower, especially being a zero turn. The labour is my own and used parts I can get from friends in the business that are my neighbors. Now if it turns out it's to far gone, there's easy $400.00 dollars in parts. Great video as always, keep em coming. Cheers from Canada.

[@MarkOxley-vo3kq]

Love how happy you were when it cranked up. That's awesome!

[@freeconfederate]

Your just AWESOME! You have inspired me to tackle some small mechanical issues around the house I previously would not have even tried. Thanks a million!

[@peterdooley2393]

Bre, I have to say a big big thank you for your videos, I had the confidence to open and clean the carburetor on my rotavator sat when it stopped running. Half hour later and back to work. Thanks

[@davidhuff4040]

Nice job I didn't know you could clean the carb solenoid , I like watching you and the way you explain what your doing

[@malingehring165]

I love the look of excitement on your face when it starts! That is how I feel! Like in the Tom Hanks movie Castaway. He goes, "I have made fire!"

[@mtneeer]

Love to see the mower actually finished and mowing grass.

[@wallebo]

I like watching the enthusiasm that you have even after all of these years of fixing the equipment.

[@budm9982]

Good one! My zero turn is a 2003 Gravely but I still learned a lot from your diagnosis and repair of this one. Also, you've really stepped up your game on quality video production. Very enjoyable to watch and learn. Wishing you continued success here.

[@bruced625]

Working on a mower with an unknown past is a huge gamble! So glad you came out good on that thing! You are an excellent mechanic Bre!👍

[@geraldboyles3492]

This video has a great idea. Mount carburetor to a board to remove tight bolts or fuel relays on bottom of fuel bowl. Not my video but hope this helps. I saw your video with the fuel bowl that had a tight fuel relay on bowl. Good luck.

[@fan1701]

It doesn't take long for a machine that lives outside to go downhill fast. It sure pays to keep them inside and maintained.

[@Mike-su8si]

All of mine sit outside but i do keep mine clean after anytime i use it they sit in the rain i cover up whatever ones im working on because i don't have no other place for all what i have

[@Mike-su8si]

@@realfoggy yup their set except on one mower the transmission is shot so i didn't call car shield and put a rock to hold in place from rolling down the hill guess i should have called car shield so they would fix my mowers transmission

[@da8149]

Excellent, I learn so much from you. Thank you for your advice and expertise.

[@toolmantim613]

First off, I love your reaction when something starts. ❤😂 Next, the mower was free, so I think that was good investment in a mower. I don't know how much the cooling fins are, but I would have gotten you to replace them also. Keep up the great videos Bree!

[@billbaber6653]

Chick you got a big heart

[@stevedittrich4411]

If I were earning my living with this machine, and replacement cost would be $3000, I would go with the repair. And also be a little more attentive to the maintenance schedule. To me, the machine is worth how much money I can earn with it per period of time, say per year. Recently, I got a DeWalt 10-inch contractor table saw for FREE. But it was left exposed to (salty) moisture for about 7 years. It took me two months of free time to get everything to move again (everything moveable had RUSTED!) but three big cans of PB Blaster later, I have a $600 saw that still looks pretty good and runs great! And I otherwise would not have spent that money to buy such a saw. Great work on bringing that zero-turn back to life!

[@robloxmaster8089]

I got a Husqvarna CZ4817 from a friend of mine for $100. Got it running and mowed a big yard of helicopter seeds growing then, oil started spilling out of the exhaust, and gas in the oil replaced the head gasket and carb and fuel pump and fuel pump fixed my gas in oil problem, and runs great I use it for mowing my yard, and my vacant neighbor's house.

[@scottlambert2949]

Awesome job getting the mower fixed 👍👍👍👍

[@rmoqs]

I love your excitement when something starts. It’s so fun to get something that doesn’t run and then you get it to fire and run.

[@stevepelino5986]

Great job fixing this mower. Thank you for sharing

[@sirtango1]

I was waiting for part 2 to drop. Glad it worked out okay!👍

[@Snowman-33]

Nice Tuesday morning video. I totally enjoy saving equipment and not seeing it head out for scrap. I recently had a Cub ZRT that 11 of the spindle holes were torn from loose spindles. It took a bit of welding and straightening. along with other repairs my bill to the owner was near yours. So I guess I'm reasonable. Thanks for all you do to help and educate. My very best to you, Mark

[@milwaukeeroadjim9253]

I have a cub cadet xt1 rider that on occasion would only get one click when I turned the key to start. Been doing this since the day I bought it new about 6 years ago, I searched the internet for likely causes. Checked the battery and alternator output and that was fine. Searched youtube for placement of the starter solenoid which is under the battery. Loosened the nuts and screws on starter and solenoid and tightened back up. Mower now starts every time. Must have been something loose or not always making a connection. Was ready to remove the start switch if this didn't work. Couldn't or wouldn't have attempted this repair without the knowledge I have gotten from watching your videos. Thanks Brea. Only cost me about 1 hour of time and no parts cannon.

[@JimRoscosky-hv5kd]

You are the Professor of Power equipment

[@jameseast7966]

10:40 10:43 10:48 10:50 Brie, in my shop in fla, I had collector cars ( 2 mustangs and a 57 Tbird.) Rule number one was ALL cars had to be out before any work was started. I broke my own rule one day and put a deep 6 inch scratch on the l front fender. The reason I bring this up is I notice your VET on the background. I refer to rule #1😊😊😊

[@michaelmiller5375]

even if it would cost $1500. or more, still cheaper than buying new junk. Good Job!!!

[@joemarlett8590]

Wonderful videos. Step by step you are teaching very valuable lessons. I’m So Grateful. Take care and enjoy your free time.

[@WJCTechyman]

Good to see it back up and running. With the fire damage this machine is in better shape than my 25+ year old Cub Cadet Series 2000 tractors.

[@carlmanis879]

I love the name of your site. Most ladies don't like getting there hands dirty. That is why you make 2, 3, 4, 5, times a hour what they make. You don't over charge your customers and treat them fairly. The mechanics watch your site to learn how to do something but don't like it because you teach others how to do it for free. Keep up the good work.

[@JackSargent-l7z]

Another great Job, I think it's great how you find such large job satisfaction from the work you do. I'm inspired to go through my shed and get all the two stroke engines I have working again, I have a old tiller, sears blower, big generator, and a couple more. I ended up with a John Deere JX75 self propelled mower, many years ago because it did not run right and my friend told me the shop said it needed a new carburetor and was only two years old, so he offered it to me for $100 and I took it. It did run terrible. I talked to the local Ace hardware fix it guy and he said to me that there was a jet you can unscrew from the top of the carburetor and if I cleaned it, that could fix it. So he showed me the same mower in is shop where the screw in jet was and I went home took the jet out and looked at it, it looked fine, but I hit is with carb cleaner and looked again and I could see it was different so I put it back together. It has run like a Deere ever since. It is great what a little free advice can do. So I was given a John Deere LX178, it ran poorly so I ordered a cheep carb from Amazon that fixed it but now the choke locks up inside the carb. I'm going to try and clean the original carb that I kept and see if I can't clean it with your advice. Thank you for all you do and God bless. Jack S. Washington State.

[@tomrogers323]

What a deal! Looks like he found an honest mechanic 🇺🇸

[@charleswelch249]

Nice job fixing the mower and the customer was lucky.

[@aerorider04]

So glad the mower is salvageable and your customer will be able to get some use from it. I have say you really made me nervous when you were trying it out to see if it would move… all I could think was “damn she’s close to that Corvette”. Lol

[@jamessharier7529]

You are amazing, so glad you got it running. After fixing what the owner fixed

[@ellerosse5471]

These no BS videos are the best.

[@watermanone7567]

Nice work, I had several new mowers come into my shop with the chokes way out of adjustment from the factory. One guy said he had to crank his mower for a very long time to get it to start. After I adjusted the choke cable it started instantly. Hope you will show the welding job on that mower. Thanks for the video.

[@bennieharrison9965]

Your mind is amazing. A lot of us wish we had your knowledge. I just cleaned my spark arrester to my timberwolf cs 590. When I put it back together, it would not shut off. Had to choke it down. It ran wide open after cleaning. Bogging down badly before cleaning. Oh well, I am going to have to ask someone smarter than me. The customer is getting off so cheap with this mower.

[@PaulThomas-qo9vy]

Bre, that was fun & educational ! I guess the Good Lord wanted to protect the preacher & church from the bottomless pit (money pit, that is!). I've heard preachers lament about folks giving their cast-off junk that is not worth fixing & expecting a thumbs up from Him! The good book says to give your first fruits & best unto the house of God, instead of the last & worst! At least there was good value remaining in that rider for an Expert to find how to "save T,M,&F" Years ago I was the volunteer mower mech. at a church w/2 riders. I kept replacing exploded blade spindles & bent blades ($$😢)& we wondered Why? One Sat. am I was doing maint. while volunteers mowed. I kept hearing big rocks being mowed & popped out of the storage to see one old geezer repeatedly driving thru a steep, rocky bank without lifting the deck! I stopped him, inquiring why & he grinned & said "awh, It don't hurt nothin". After that, I hung all mangled blades & spindles w/parts prices on a sign that read "Mowing rocks costs $, DON'T Mow Rocks! It's machine abuse!

[@edburnett5413]

Thank you your videos inspired me to fix and sell some small equipment and so far it's been ok I'm really enjoying it I work on cars all day it's nice to do this

[@jrpritchard1622]

winner winner chicken dinner Bre you nail it its ready to be mowing some yards be safe have a great rest of the week

[@josephjalbert3642]

Fantastic ! Amazing ! Wish I was a AAA mechanic like youself ! You amaze me ! God Bless 1

[@kareno8634]

Slow creeping flow of _anticipation_ fueled feelings build ... then, *Goosebumps!* Yep, alive. : } Guess i've got work to do. *Thanks* for dealing us in, Bre! *Cheers!* 🇺🇸

[@massey35]

Awesome job Bre, yes I think I would have taken a chance when the mower was in decent shap, if the customer gets 3 or 4 years out of it, his money was well spent

[@robertbaysinger1309]

Nice work Chic. Made the mistake of commenting on Facebook yesterday and the scammers are still at wanting me to go to another site to register for my free prize. I don't think so.

[@PropagandaFacts]

I think you're a doll rebuilding that carb for the Church. Great Vid! I always learn a little something new.

[@janiceemery2008]

Fantastic, love to watch you fix those engines, I just wish I had the know how like you do. Thank you for sharing. Love the channel.

[@staceygandy2009]

Welding tip cleaners for cleaning carb jets for mower carbs and atv carbs work great! I've used them many times. If my mower and 500 to get it going good i would be happy and the trans cooling fans would be be replaced to start with. Helps blow trash away and helps keep the expensive pumps cooler and I'd find a good left side to replace the melted one and a good seat. And cut grass! Probably 7-800 total and not bad at all. Go look at a new comparable one now after inflation last few years and its crazy. Enjoy your videos Chickanik!

[@illiniwood]

You make everything you do look easy. I know it's not, but you're one dam-n good mechanic.

[@nathanh182]

If I needed it, and could do it all myself I would seriously consider that as a new one could be 8 times that price. It may look rough but it works.

[@jvmoye]

Chk to see if the transmissions fade when the get hot.

[@seanmacdermott6555]

Good to see the practice of using "spacer nuts" still exists !

[@thegonz7833]

Glad your back, need to watch your old video. have a 390 hard to start even after basic kit.

[@jimeckenrode1271]

I loved watching this fix.

[@richardhoneywell7411]

Great video Bre glad the mower worked out for the pastor and you . Looking forward to your next video stay safe Bre.

[@malbrigh11]

Well, you are saving me tons of money. Fixed a few neighbor's mowers. He was told the transmission was shot. Nope. Just a pesky cooling fan coming apart. His other one needed the "New" Chinese aftermarket carb replaced he had just bought. Plus a few chainsaws and a tiller got repaired using your tips. Again, thank you

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Congratulations on your successful channel! 👏

[@d.t.4523]

Great job. Thank you, keep working.

[@JoseSanchez2243]

I have the exact same mower that I got for a discount cause my friend couldn't get it to start.. I decided to hook up an electric fuel pump when I realized the carburetor wasnt getting any fuel and so far it's been working fine! Hopefully it lasts for a couple of seasons

[@fredcollier1299]

Nice job!! Your customer will be very happy to get mowing so cheaply!! Well done!!

[@mikeslater6246]

Great pair of videos on this particular mower. The one thing I might suggest you do before spending all that time cleaning the carburetor solenoid, when those solenoids stick like that they can cause an excessive draw of current in the coil and can burn the coil up. Before I spent time cleaning it I would probably have checked continuity between the power input wire and the metal frame of the solenoid. You should have a few ohms of resistance, never a complete short (0 ohms), and also never infinite resistance which would indicate an open coil. Just food for thought.

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Still cheaper than a new mower. Great job 😊

[@johnfields4896]

I have a 2021 Troybilt Z46 mustang. No major issues but it does smoke at idle, smells like oil. Done it since it was new. Does a great job as a mower and bush hog.

[@BudTheDrummer]

Your eyes lit up when, talking about that carb, "Let's tear it apart"! I love that! I'm dying to see it internally!