Gardenway Co. Troy-Bilt 33" wide cut mower

[@JonsDailyHustle]

This exact mower actually started my longer business. I would put it up into the bed of my truck with a ramp and that's how I got going I just sold it not long ago

[@maxpainmedia]

It it good for commercial use? I want to make some money and someone is selling for $450

[@JonsDailyHustle]

@@maxpainmedia I started commercially with this exact mower.....I wouldn't say it's great but it's better than push mowing. Price your jobs right and save for an upgrade but this is a great starter mower if you can find a good deal on them. I wouldn't pay more than 400$ for one

[@seanmiller1740]

I have this model with electric start. 28 years old and only a few minor maintenance problems. The tires lasted 26 years. Dry rot got the tires. Replaced a cracked fuel line and a bad breather tube once. Change the oil seasonally, grease and oil fittings etc...Great machine.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Those Briggs flathead engines on them last a very long time. Try getting a machine new now and have its engine still be running this far ahead, wont happen.

[@alandesino528]

Where did you find the tires. I cant see, to find them anywhere.

[@dcyphrz8532]

I bought one from Troy-bilt back around 2000. I think it was like $1300 shipped. Good machine. ran it for 8 or 9 years. I broke the shift fork off and it was stuck in 1st gear. Gave it to a neighbor. *edit* Mine did, indeed, have a Peerless transaxle.

[@philiphapeshis1226]

I am looking to purchase same mower as this .Wondering how long it it is ?Need to fit in bed of my truck.Truck bed is 42” wide so i am good there but length about same as width?Lenght is 6” long bed.I am kinda thinking looks as long as deck width.

[@stillrokn]

I HAVE ONE WITH THE SIDE DISCHARGE DECK BUT I CANT FIND A BAG UNIT....TRIED THE CUB CADET VERSION BUT IT DOESN'T FIT. MINE DOESN'T HAVE THE 2 KNOBS ON THE SIDE OF THE HANDLE LIKE THE NEWER TROY BILTS/CADETS/CRAFTSMAN VERISON. ANY HELP?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Sorry 🤷

[@clipsmcgee13]

@Mr_Tecumseh, I was wondering if you could help me with some information on these mowers. I'm looking to purchase one of these mowers, but it's slightly newer with the 9HP Briggs and Stratton I/C engine. Other than the engine, it pretty much looks identical to this one. The only other real difference I see is that the control panel doesn't have the #'s for the gears, it just shows F, N and R, but it's still a 4 speed. I'm curious if there was a short time (early 2000's) after Gardenway was bought by MTD, that these mowers were largely unchanged? I want to make sure I'm getting the same quality mower/engine/transmission as the Gardenway with the 8.5HP engine. I've tried doing some research online, but am coming up empty. I'm hoping you can help. Thanks

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

@@clipsmcgee13 At the moment, the only thing I can tell you for sure is that 9hp is actually a 12hp. If the model number starts 28 it’s a 28 cubic inch engine, 465cc. Those are 12hp. Briggs was just playing games at the time and under rating them, so the could sell 10, 11, 12hp models for more. I know I just had a Snapper that said 9hp. It was really a 12. As far as the other questions. I gotta check.

[@caseycraft2169]

Ok, thanks for the quick response. I'd be curious to see what you find out. I'm still researching as well.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

@@caseycraft2169 MTD bought out Gardenway in 2001, so the one in this video was still Gardenway. After 2001 I’d have to see it, but if it’s those same ones they sell right now under Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Dewalt, etc there garbage. I had a Craftsman version of it. If it’s different than that I don’t know for sure, but I know MTD makes a lot of junk so I wouldn’t hang onto it.

[@clipsmcgee13]

@@Mr_Tecumseh Yeah, I know the ones your talking about that are junk, and it looks nothing like those and appears to have a different engine as well. The ones I',m talking about still have the Briggs I/C engine and not the intek. I've been able to get the model #'s from 3 different ones, and they are all different. They are 12A-753B063, 12B-753B063, and 12B-753B063. The model years are 2002, 2003, and 2004 respectively. I can't, for the like of me figure out what the difference in model #'s means.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

@@clipsmcgee13 Send me a picture of one, because I’m not too familiar with those in between ones, but if I see it, I can probably tell you more about it. I’ve only had the pre MTD made one like this and the later crappy ones, so those early ones may be alright with subtle changes like you said, mentioning the shifter. Maybe they moved it to allow a sulky because on these you can’t put it on, shifter is in the way. But if it’s still overall made like this one and has an I/C engine it doesn’t sound bad. DM if you wanna send a photo or send an email address so I can reach out. I’ll delete it as soon as I get it.

[@mattchise11]

Just bought a house and they left this thing. Only know how to use half of it lmfao. I don’t know what the two levers on the handle do and so forth. Any help please?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Its been a hot minute, but pretty sure steers it left or right.

[@scottfirman]

Mine has the electric start. My deck has some rust. One of the pulley support brackets has rusted at the deck so I plan on getting it properly welded and fixed . They are really nice mowers. I traded an old Craftsman snow blower for mine. It also needs a new carburetor as the one on it no longer idles. It runs awesome on high speed. I fixed another one just like it. This was a parts mower but I traded for it. It's all there. No one wants to mess with bagging so mulching are best. I agree, the new mowers are crap.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Everything Gardenway Co. ever made was top notch. I had one of their Super Tomahawk chippers and those were regarded as some of the best chippers that were ever made and I have a nice Yard vac/chipper with an 8hp Horizontal Briggs from them sitting, I haven't had time to mess with it yet, I should have it ready to sell this fall. Its a shame their arent many good American companies building high quality products anymore. The 90's was the last decade where we built and sold the majority of our products. Now the majority is pretty flimsy crap unless you spend a lot of money.

[@scottfirman]

@@Mr_Tecumseh I have found a replacement mower deck for mine as mine had rusted through in a couple areas. Being this mower is a professional grade type mower, it is worth the investment to buy a replacement

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

@@scottfirman Their descent, I wouldn't rate it much higher than high end residential to low end commercial. Professional mowers would be Bob Cat, Scag, Wright, etc. It would make a good starter mower for someone who was entering that profession, to earn the money to step up to a commercial grade piece of equipment. Gardenway marketed towards the residential market.

[@scottfirman]

@@Mr_Tecumseh So true. I am going to be doing a valve job on a 1977 Ariens Snow blower that is built like a tank and made to last forever. The engine just needs some work and given they are generally not used in excess here, Once I relap the valves and fix the clearances , it should be a really strong runner again. They do not make equipment to last like that any more is correct. It's a shame we sold out to China. Now it is comming back to bite us with this Virus.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

@@scottfirman I just did that to a Tecumseh on a Snapper, it was my personal machine, it had over 1000 hard hours on it, from me. Exhaust valve was no longer seating, so it ran like crap and the carb would not dial in. The head bolt that sits in between the two valves was stripped from all the heat. Valve clearance had to be reset, valves were lapped back in and I had to tap the head bolt hole to the next size up and use a larger bolt. After that it ran a lot better but still was far from perfect, still popped a little, I sold it, should give someone another 10 tears of residential use. The machines themselves were built to hold up, but an engine, any engine can only take so much, before it ultimately becomes tired and has issues. Its back in service now, but it will never be like new again. I just finished working on a Briggs flathead 8hp winter engine, their weren't many built, that Briggs would give a Tecumseh a run for its money, but you don't see them often. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2PbYmtrhsaHpdU

[@andrewugolino8241]

Thanks for posting...I received one of these free and it worked well for me for a season. I only used it for my own large piece of property. It was well used and the deck rusted out on me...any ideas about swapping in a new deck? Am wondering about how to go about it and if it would be worth it.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

If you can find a deck for it sure. Your going to have to look for another good used machine with a deck or someone parting one out, because they don't make it anymore.

[@rperron7428]

I have one of these. Had it for years. Recently, the engine started stalling when I attempt to engage the blades. Wondering if anyone has any ideas what could cause this? Thanks.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Tweak the adjustments on the carburetor a little bit. Main jet. Turn it 1/4 turn left see if it corrects it, if not 1/4 turn the other way a little. That should do it. If it doesn't have an adjustable Main. Theirs one one the side limited to a half turn, turn it the other way the half turn. If the air filter is dirty clean it is replace it.

[@astrauss1979]

I just got one for $25. Original owner put too much oil in it and had trouble turning it over. As much as I wanted to flip it I now want to keep it

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Solid machines, much better than the newer MTD built ones.

[@miklomorales4768]

I'll buy it

[@Kayy_SS]

$25 or $250? If I saw one with that price, I would take it with whatever condition it is

[@eglantinevictoor288]

Hi where can i buy belts 1/2x ?? From engine to blad cut

[@knighthawk86855]

Finally getting around to the belt replacement, the time belt is newer so I don't have to mess with that.... But digging in today.

[@DaveJohnson-e1b]

Does anyone know what size the rear tires are and how to replace them

[@markmullins3669]

Hello, I just picked up the exact Troy Bilt mower you described in this video. It was discarded in someone's back yard and they asked if I would haul it away for them. I have not tried to start it yet but I do have spark and compression. It seems to be in decent shape. I will need to replace the belt that goes from the motor to the blade drive assembly. Do you know what size belt I need? It appears to be a 1/2"X57" v-belt. Do you have a part number? Thanks.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

You have the size, just order one by that, no need to complicate it with part numbers, they would be obsolete now anyway. That's when Gardenway owned Troy-Bilt, better product, they went out of business MTD bought them out. Yea just order it by its size. That's how I always order belts. I work on power equipment on the regular. That way is fine, easier. Make sure you get the same type of belt, meaning if it's cogged, get a cogged belt. If it's a regular v belt, get a regular v belt. That's it, otherwise it will be fine.

[@2023xjdub]

Anyone know if it’s possible to replace the spindle bearings instead of the whole spindle ?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

If it has bearings, sure why not. As long as you can remove them. Get them matched up, you can replace them. Doubt you'll find a part number so you'll have to go by size, otherwise, yes.

[@chrisnixon9738]

Just picked one up. Where can I get belts and a carburetor? Thanks in Advance.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Anywhere on the web. Ebay, amazon, Briggs, MTD you name it, take your pick. Sources for parts are endless now using the web.

[@chrisnixon9738]

@@Mr_Tecumseh was hoping you had part #'s. I have already checked on ereplacement parts. Not much is still available

[@antoniomcmullen406]

What do you think is wrong if it cuts off when you engage the blade?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Probably a frozen pulley putting to much tension on everything stalling the engine.

[@JustinsLawns]

Can I attach a sulky to it?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

It wasn't designed for one and I haven't tried. You might be able to attach one, but if that was my goal I'd get something like a scag.

[@lukejensen2521]

I have the same mower and it’s great what do you recommend do for bagging with it because I’m out of ideas

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

If you have the one that side discharges, they made a cloth side mount bag for it. If you can find one used somewhere your set. Otherwise they don't make them anymore, hard to come by. The one in this video was a mulch only model, so a bag wasn't an option.

[@paulschab8152]

I have a 20 year old 33 Gardenway by Troybuilt. I think the transaxle is going. It always wants to keep driving by itself. I have to hold it back. Thinking about buying a new ToroTimemaster and when I get some spare time, maybe I will rip the GardenWay apart. Maybe something is just out of adjustment. Any suggestions?

[@ronvance4687]

Figure out what was wrong with it? Mine is doing the same thing

[@paulschab8152]

Wasn't worth fixing it. Needed a new peerless transmission. It lived a good life.

[@knighthawk86855]

I have 2 of these, gotta get em going.... Sold one last year for 600.00

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

I just sold it for $700, I almost got $800 yesterday, but the starter clutch wouldn't catch and it scared him off. It was a simple clean and re-lube. Little did he know, other than that I had completely gone over this unit and he could have called me if he ever had an issue and I could have done future repairs cheaper than any repair shop, best deal you can get, his loss.... The guy today got a real good deal. These were built real well and were 2 grand in 1994, so they arent a cheaply made cheap priced unit, like the new cheap made MTD made one. Springtime $1000 for these no problem. This is a garden way, so yea, a lot better than the Toro Time master, these were dealer only units. An engine leaking oil out the governor shaft is usually a carb with a needle and seat issue, not cutting off the fuel overflowing into the crankcase thinning out the oil, overfilling the crankcase and it finds its way out the governor shaft which is pretty much the main place its gonna leak out. This was a real good score, it came with that John Deere stx38 I sold for 9.

[@philiphapeshis1226]

Wow I found one for $225 runs great.

[@knighthawk86855]

And a smaller version single blade kind, leaks oil out of the governor..... Lol... Otherwise works perfectly.

[@knighthawk86855]

Around me I can barely get 300 for it, I'm will be putting it up for 800, see how it does.

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

I got $700 for it. Would gave got the $800 but the guy who was about to buy it for the 800 got scared off because the damn recoil clutch wasn't engaging. I had that cleaned and working right after. That guy ended up buying one of those piece of crap MTD made 33" cut mowers with a Chinese engine on it which I had earlier too and that thing sucked. I told him straight up, I had one of those, they do not cut good and with that Chinese engine you'll be lucky to get 3 years. He said, well he likes it! I said good than thats all that matters than. His loss, the guy that came the next day bought it and I'm sure its going strong for him.

[@knighthawk86855]

@@Mr_Tecumseh yep hate it when a mower doesn't perform well when selling, then the guy leaves and it works perfectly, like it doesn't want to leave us..... LMAO

[@cristobalgaona7858]

Where can i buy the riding platfrom?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Online, ebay, amazon, etc

[@davevassel1397]

Did you use the LMT91 carburetor for this 8.5 I/c motor?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Tough to recall, work on so many pieces of machinery it becomes a blurr after ahwile. I think it had a cheap chinese aftermarket on it when I got it. I remember putting a Walbro LMT back on it when I sold it. These engines came with Walbro's not Nikki's. It was an LMT as far as if it was a 91, couldn't say.

[@davevassel1397]

Thx, just picked one up 40.00, used two summers then owner passed, brother took carb off can’t find it. Bought a KIPA 495782?? Thanks for the video?

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

@@davevassel1397 No problem, those are great mowers. I sold mine for $700, almost got $800 the day prior, but the guy passed and instead bought one of those crappy MTD made 33" wide mowers with a Chinese made engine! The reason he passed on it was the recoil clutch stuck and didn't turn the recoil, I popped it off and fixed it right in front of him, it just needed to be cleaned and lubricated. Than it worked fine. His loss.... But yea it was an LMT carburetor. I swap out the nikki's for the Walbro on Briggs engines all the time, they are a much better carburetor and those chinese k knockoff's are real crap. I'm lucky in that I have about 10 LMT's laying around still and a guy locally who sells them for $5 a piece.

[@knighthawk86855]

Yep I got the exact same one.

[@CuttaSquad]

Heard this mower is good. Seen one on fb for $300

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

I got mine free, in need of servicing, sold it for $700 fully serviced and good to go. I've seen them for 3-4 hundred before too, as is, usually needing a tuneup at the very least, or some issues, but fix them yourself at that price. These are far better than those current 33" inch cut mowers by MTD, sold under Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet and MTD itself. Those are about $1000 new and they cut horrible a d usually leave a line of area uncut, these old Gardenways cut good, they don't leave any behind.

[@knighthawk86855]

The 33 cuts better then the timemaster.

[@philiphapeshis1226]

True

[@kenouellette7148]

Great machine

[@daniellong2543]

It is actually quite underpowered and it would be ridiculous to ask it to tow a sulky! It is only 8 hp!!

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

It wasn’t intended to tow a Sulky. Power was fine. A 21 inch push mower had 190cc max. A 33 wide mower with 318cc is plenty. Those Toro time masters are almost as wide and have a 223cc push mower size engine.

[@allenhatcher3460]

I’ve got one just like it in really great shape your asking $800 for your I’ll sale you mine for $600

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

I ended up getting $700 for mine, that was 2 years ago already.

[@dislikebutton2688]

I got lucky an traded a impact wrench for one of the 3 in 1s, just got it running.

[@raymondbaumann2405]

500 tops!

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Check the publish date, posted a year ago. Sold for $700, almost got $800. Should have just asked instead of blurting out wrong information..

[@raymondbaumann2405]

@@Mr_Tecumseh I'm sorry........ I was just telling you what I would pay for it...

[@rockydaniel7073]

We’ll it was free (told 20x’s…h

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

90% of the machines on my channel were. The rest were dirt cheap.

[@eglantinevictoor288]

Hi where can i buy belts 1/2x ?? From engine to blad cut

[@Mr_Tecumseh]

Take the old one off and have a shop measure it for you if it wasn’t destroyed, or cut it roll it out all the way flat and measure it with a tape measure . Once you know the length, anywhere. Amazon or eBay are normally the cheapest for same quality.