Free, BIG Craftsman Rescue. It Was headed to the crusher.

this is the 2nd half of this 1991craftsman gt tractor found on a vacant property that was getting ready to be put on the market, on part one we were able to get it running, lets see if we can fix all of the problems on it picking from my scrap pile.

[@malcolmtill]

Mustie's words of wisdom. "Lubricate the hole and stick it in from the backside" Now i have a black eye !!!

[@myharris]

Reminds me of the old joke about the casino bar - liquor in the front, poker in the rear!

[@brucepickess8097]

Made me laugh. 😏😏

[@marcryvon]

🤣🤣🤣

[@johnobiro5202]

More Mustie Magic on a Sunny Sunday Morning. I love it.👍🔧🇬🇧

[@echobeefpv8530]

As you said, the machine itself is built so much better than todays stuff, it's worth fixing. Great little machine, thanks for the video !!

[@stevehill666]

crap that they build in todays time, is a TOTAL waste of metals and man power. i much rather use a sling blade on a acre in a half than a shitty crapsman. the crapsman t-150 was a total pile of junk. now i own a crapsman LT2000. much better than the T-150 FROM 2019.

[@High_Caliber]

It's funny, when I saw the plastic on the back wheels, I thought the same thing about this mower, then he started digging into it, and was MUCH more impressed. I guess it was that transitioning time when they used plastic for looks, not yet for structural, functional parts.

[@Hjerte_Verke]

@@stevehill666 "Crapsman" doesn't make mowers, they just slap their name on it but like Mustie said the GT or Garden Tractor is a much better machine and should be still in 2022. That said, I use a 20 or 21 year old MTD Yard Machines 42" riding lawnmower and the engine is the item most showing its age at this time. It's definitely a bargain machine but has served well.

[@stevehill666]

@@Hjerte_Verke i would LOVE to see this old mower get a 26hp kohler engine thrown in it. i love this old junk. lol. Crapsman couldn't make a mower if they tried to. i will stick with my beasty HUSTLAR 26hp kohler engine, 60 inch fabricated steel deck and blow hot air in the wind. :)

[@Blazer02LS]

@@Hjerte_Verke The new machines are MTD built, The Craftsman stuff from before the bankruptcy is all pretty much AYP (aka Electolux Yard Division AKA Husqvarna) Until you gat back to the very early Roper built machines and those were from the David Bradley era.

[@mattus1gig]

The beginning at the end and a loop halfway through. Thought I was going mad 😁👍

[@GreenJimll]

Ah, phew - not just me then!

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

As an Arm Chair Mechanic , We did a fine job on this Craftsman Tractor ! . Always a good time watching you do your thing .

[@warrenmichael918]

yep, us armchair mechanics gotta stick together on these big jobs, they aint gonna rebuild themselves!! HAHA

[@metoon3092]

Let's go shopping. Many folks assume he is hitting the internet to find and order parts. *_Then_* the video shows a mower raised by some forks from a lift then inside a dark shed for more parts. Exactly why this guy is a go to favorite!

[@wildbill23c]

When you do this type of work all the time you end up with a hoard of spare parts, spare machines, etc. Its a good thing for sure.

[@vettekid3326]

Had a buddy that had an old Murray twin sitting in his back yard he wanted to get rid of because he thought it was locked up. Since I used to work on lawn mowers I hauled it home and checked it out. Because it had been sitting in the weeds for years the mower deck had rotted out and the engine pulleys had rusted to the belts. Once freed the engine turned over. I ended up buying a new mower deck body and putting a new seat and belts on it along with new plugs and converting it over to electronic ignition. Used that tractor for the next twenty years.

[@phyllisboucher7507]

The hitch on back is called a sleeve hitch. that tractor can handle ground engagement attachments like a box blade, moldboard plow. Key word is sleeve hitch.

[@kman-mi7su]

Another one comes out of decommissioning to serve the yard again. Great job Mustie!

[@chriskoran836]

That freeze plug holding in the ignition is the best fix I've seen all week!!!

[@apexalpha4947]

Relaxing and You Learn a LOT in His Videos !

[@dannylinc6247]

I helped save one of the old Craftsman's once. People have trouble with safety switches and give up, leaving them in the rain, here. Years pass, then they give them away. We put some elbow grease into the mower-deck and freed things up, then put belt and blade parts on. The wiring was a spaghetti mess and a headache. I helped. It's lighter now.

[@BigMouth380cal]

Another really handy feature of these "older" machines (just like my 1987 JD165) is the mower deck does not have to be overidden when in REVERSE in order to keep mowing. Shown clearly in your yard mowing.

[@mustie1]

true

[@dannylinc6247]

That's a nice feature if your going slow and in control

[@Philc231]

It is really nice to see the home yard Darren . Those of us that have been with you for years can see the growth in your trees and shrubs . I miss seeing you take the trails or going down to your buddy’s house to use his backyard track .

[@ericshull9028]

Mustie How Are You,

[@dwebster50]

Good stuff , nice machine . You made my Sunday .. Thanks Alberta Dave

[@sweetwilliam49]

I have one of these old craftsman tractors for years! I have three kubotas diesels mowers and one bad boy maverick had, I still get out my old craftsman and mow with it. Hard to part with and old friend

[@DconBlueZ]

Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!

[@novavroomvroom3435]

The MUSTIE1 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN SERIES...!!! The fast forward while riding the mower was awesome...!!!!

[@bertgrau3934]

Your junk turns out better than the so called, it was working fine 3 years ago. I find all kinds of problems with fuel, and electrical. Now I have a John Deere 145, I was told it wouldn't charge the battery. I put on a new alternator, and it puts out the same voltage as the old one did. Plus when I engaged the PTO it kills the engine, and blows a 30 Amp fuse. More wiring problems. Glad to see someone that can fix the problems fairly easily. Very interesting videos, sir 👍

[@jeffstanfield5070]

I just gave that exact same tractor to a friend because the mower deck was just getting worn out. I used that mower for 24 years before I bought a new one. Motor still ran like new.

[@joegilly1523]

Nice ya gave the old girl some life again.

[@lincolnlandpicker]

Love them old Craftsman. Last forever !! I have fixed up dozens of them and resold for decent money. Especially with how high priced lawnmowers are today.

[@mistermacgray]

32:04 you accudently added the front clamp fix and rear tire weight and bolt fix in the video twice but at 33:40 everything got back on track. I've made the same mistake editong videos of mine but none the less another good tractor didn't hit a scrap yard, well done.

[@darthrevan2063]

Anyone else think of “the beatings will continue until performance improves” when he brought out the hammer.

[@billrobertson9370]

I had that model of mower for years. I loved it. I even bought a rebuild kit for the motor because it started burning oil. I parked it outside 1 night. Someone decided that they wanted it😢. I still have the rebuild kit. 😅

[@chrismedaris4873]

It's great u go around fixing them s stuff wish I lived here very by u I would rather buy old stuff fixed until then new stuff that's junk

[@OmegaGamingNetwork]

This tractor feels like a prime example of what happens to a good tractor when the owner has zero obstacle avoidance ability and does absolutely zero maintenance.

[@magovenor]

I disagree that this was the result of the owner’s error. It’s been my experience that often a younger person, who has been assigned the task of mowing will do it while on social media.

[@outerfroggy1]

@@magovenor lol most people who are glued to their phones wont even sit on a mower

[@Ragnar8504]

I kinda suspect the front end fell off at some point, the tractor took a nose dive and that destroyed the mower deck. So basically just lack of maintenance.

[@compzac]

@@magovenor Uhh isnt that the exact definition of owner error, maybe not owner but operator error at least, granted i kinda think that theres not much that can be said to owner maintenance, you kinda have to think this tractor has like 700 hours on it and its 31 or 32 years old it had to been maintained a little otherwise that kohler engine would have exploded already.

[@walterchapman2884]

Or you could say simply they don't try to miss stuff laying in the yard

[@xheathen11]

I liked the Back to the future "instant replay" at 32:04 back to 30:24. Thought I had a brain fart for a second...Ha! Your videos and projects are always entertaining!

[@nickhannaford3253]

Nice job 👍. Such a shame what’s happened to Sears. Even here in 🇬🇧 Craftsman gear made in the 🇺🇸was and is sought after. I feel they didn’t know what they had😢

[@davearthur514]

Thanks Mustie, you started the mower and a speck of dust flew in my eye.

[@2barrell]

I couldnt believe that battery still held a charge.

[@Hjerte_Verke]

The battery was the newest thing on the tractor. I bet it was on there only for a few months at most--and the tractor doesn't have a parasitic drag on the battery if any, like a car does.

[@Masterkill45588]

Me too

[@thomashowlett8295]

I've never worked on a garden (lawn) tractor that still had the battery hold down still on it. I think it's the law that you must take it off and throw it away first thing. The second thing, chop up the factory wiring, and apply a few wire nuts and electrical tape everywhere. 😅

[@gtrplr778]

With your skills, any powered device is open for repair. Plus, you have the patience to work through someone else's failed efforts. This mower was a prime example, the engine, transmission and fuel system were ok. Now you have a very serviceable piece of equipment. Good job.

[@richardthomas1743]

Good morning everybody!

[@scottnyc6572]

Success in the end is satisfying.Nice job!!

[@JimFortune]

I am soooo jealous of your free pile!

[@davidsnyder2000]

You have to be the hardest working man on KZbin. I don’t see others posting as many videos with actual content as often👍

[@EFCasual]

You must not be looking too hard.

[@publicuser2534]

It’s never work if you enjoy what your doing. Many people respond, “living the dream” when asked how they are doing at work. Mustie1 is actually living the dream.

[@marcryvon]

@@Underground-Electronic-Music I'd add Letsdig18, Watch Wes Work, Harry's garage, Hagerty... So many depending of your interests. Sail boat refitting are numerous and interesting !

[@VadoVoodoo]

Marty T is another one too!

[@johnhhinton5473]

@@VadoVoodoo Check out Rainman Ray as well, excellent mechanic that can and does think outside the square!.

[@themowerman]

Morning mustie looking forward to this one, let me just fire a cup of coffee

[@DismayingObservation]

Watching you fix these machines and living vicariously through you while doing so is immensely satisfying. Been doing it for quite some time. Anyway, another fantastic zero-cost save thanks to…THE STASH!

[@skyler951]

Great job as always 👏

[@mischef18]

And that they say is why ya don't throw things away. Been a great save bro. Safe travels

[@gregdcross]

What makes me a fan of your videos where I look forward to a new one every Sunday? Well, the content and more importantly narrative. You are a natural in bringing in us, the viewer. It is as if we are in the garage with you and you are conferring with us. And the chuckles, funny comments and excitement when you get something running makes it more interesting. I hope you can keep the videos coming. Hmmmmm.... isn't there a KZbin Emmy of some sort for your type of videos? Should be and you should be rewarded with one.

[@JL___]

After watching you revive probably hundreds of mowers over the years i always learn something new. I have the same style rider and never knew about the front wheel grease fittings! Thanks!

[@gfriedman99]

I love how he laughs when things go south. Most other guys would be cursing like a sailor.

[@jfrancis98]

You are the man!! The ingenuity you use to bring this stuff back to life is impressive. Thank you for your hard work.

[@curtdunlap6818]

Loved the deja-vu all over again!

[@AWellesley]

@30:24 and @32:04 a section of the video repeats. Also @54:46 there is the start of the first video again. I think Mustie might have been up a bit too far past his bedtime editing this video!

[@gibbo9089]

Always worth watching twice!

[@nkreed4281]

@Bob he's trying to extend the length to hit that KZbin algorithm (obviously I'm only kidding) It was a bit of deja vu though.

[@johnmolnar2957]

Mustie, you're ingenious with fab'ing up that nut fro the ign. sw.

[@mrc3584]

Thanks for rescuing another Mustie!

[@SlartiMarvinbartfast]

The more Musties rescued, the better! ;-)

[@twofeathers6540]

good show thanks for the video have fun

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed.👍👀

[@danpatterson8009]

Memories of mowing our big Ohio yard on Dad's 1960s Craftsman lawn tractor, spiraling from the outside in. Three speed manual, usually put it in second and left it there.

[@markrush5013]

great rebuild .enjoyed it very much. l think this machine would be a keeper. its a big chunky sturdy mower.

[@Kane26510]

What might be an interesting addition would be some sort of leaf vacuum and collection system for autumn. Just an idea.

[@gordonmooney487]

I always enjoy these videos and feel a kinship in the love of brining things back to life. you are a video mentor. thanks!!

[@davedennis6042]

I have a 1998 15.5 HP Craftsman rider I picked up at a friends yard sale. It had flat tires and the gas had all drained down into the crank case. The solenoid was bad and it needed a battery. I cleaned it all up and put a solenoid and battery in it. Eventually got new back tires and it is my pride and joy. My yard is large but worse it's all on a slope. I love my lil tractor. This channel helped me get that running. Thanks, Darren.

[@darrencucinella7815]

A short deja vu segment. Nice

[@pintokitkat]

Woah! Quite a dollop of deja vu from 30:30 where the same footage gets used twice.

[@dougseaman8791]

What you are referring to as a three point hitch as someone in the first video mentioned is called a sleeve hitch. Designed by the Brinley company, they made a number of attachments that utilized this attaching mechanism. The sleeve is the part that you dropped a pin into. Mounting an attachment you simply hold the device up to the sleeve and as you did, drop the pin into the sleeve. Then tighten the two bolts against the attached device to keep it from swaying back and forth. The sleeve hitch was very commonly used on the very early Cub Cadets.

[@bitterdeputy900]

Oh man you really know your stuff IMPRESSIVE.

[@jimbo44cc13]

Correct, it's a sleeve hitch, have one on my Craftsman GT 5400

[@wildbill23c]

Just posted a comment with the current MTD version of the sleeve hitch, as well as links to several of the attachments for them. Although most of today's lawn tractors wouldn't be able to pull them, they just don't have the traction and ooommpphh.

[@Adamsadventures83]

Case/Ingersoll Case also used a sleeve hitch on their garden tractors. They had an actual 3pt hitch option as well

[@chip6225]

Your bigger real tractors such as my IH 1086 have a 3 point hitch. Mustie, I believe was just calling it what I would have called it as it performs a very similar function.

[@bigpapapump8418]

I have the same tractor. It's a'94 model. AYP built it....same as a Husqvarna. The still made quality back then. Love that Kohler

[@boathead22000]

when i saw the bucket of bolts and stuff dumped on the floor it reminded me of myself years ago.....

[@kenore4003]

I got a Crapsman tractor for free and the front beam wobbled like a drunken sailor. Plastic bushing went the way of all plastic. Brother machined an alunimun bushing and fitted a oilite bronze bush inside. Took a 5/8th bolt, center drilled it, tapped it for a grease zerk. Great to have a machinist for a brother.

[@firekid1104]

I ran a box blade on the back if a garden tractor like this. great for gravel driveway repair or light grade work. works sweet!

[@justmike2944]

Have you ever cut your lawn with the same mower twice ?

[@lawnmowerjerry6737]

What do you buy a new mower every time you mow the lawn

[@justmike2944]

@@lawnmowerjerry6737 I was asking Mustie because he repairs . lawn mowers all summer long and then he mows his lawn to test the repair. You know....Sarcasm.....lol....

[@lawnmowerjerry6737]

@@justmike2944 yea

[@carsonclark3140]

😂

[@AW-fb8hr]

most of us understood what you meant just mike 😂😂

[@nb7466]

I had an old white and orange simplicity from the 80s. It's built way better than those early 2000s ones.

[@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413]

That was funny Mustie1 said: come on now you got to make the noises 🤣

[@roger4375]

I learned a lot today, whether I’ll remember it all is another story. I enjoy the thinking process you apply. Fix one thing, then move to the next. Everything affects everything else and in the end, once it is all fixed, it all works. No better way for me to kickstart my Sunday morning.

[@raywilson800]

I love what you do. To me finding and reviving old tractors and mowers is just as noble as helping someone in need but I DO have a soft place in my heart for old iron.❤🐘🇺🇸

[@mustie1]

Thanks 👍

[@johnhudson333]

Another great start to my Sunday! I wish I had a stash like yours 😀

[@user-kq4vu6ij4h]

this tractor looks identical to one i have. That hitch is called a sleeve hitch. I have several plows, discs and blades for mine. they have a heavy c channel as a hitch. just slips over the frame and held on with a hitch pin. Two lower bolts used to take slop out of it. sorry if this is already known. Just found this posting. now Ill go watch first part. Thanks for doing these. Manuals for most of these are still available.

[@7MPhonemicEnglish]

That resurrection was blessed.

[@patjohnson3100]

Great job renewing this tractor. I really appreciate it when experience, knowledge and some ingenuity bring back to life a basically solid piece of equipment. The previous owner needs to be reminded of that old saying "waste not, want not."

[@tkskagen]

Those "OEM CRAFTSMAN" Fender Flares are as rare as "Golden Obsidian"! At least the deck isn't one of those "Low Profile" ones that don't have the proper "LIFT" to use a Bagger... I have thought of Fabricating my own 60" (Triple Blade) Deck for my 1986 GT6000 (20HP Twin Oppased Kohler Magnun), but the cost of the steel alone was over $250.00 from my local Scrapyard/Recycler. Now this is use as a Lawn/Driveway Attatchment Operator. -They sure don't build them like they used to!

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Mustie 1 :) also yes that quieter machine for that Lawn Mower Tractor too also my uncle on his Sears had problem with Pivot on front wheels suspension what did put 2 washers on top bolt head back plus 2 in Center like did then 2 washers on front plus nut put one thick washer plus drill in thread above that 1/16 hole put draw pin farmer use in front washer on nut never had problems ever again! Also that big 50 inch cutting bed holy crow and Seat you enjoy if get one Mustie plus others enjoy get a 2022 year Troy Built type one you enjoy lots and very comfortable to even have back problems help for smooth ride! How I know because I have Troy Built and very queit Mower sounds to great exhaust system had nice muffler mellow it down !

[@RADVIX313]

you are a very special and good hearted individual, rare these days. I get lost watching your videos, you feel as if your right their with a very close old friend. much love sir.

[@harveywalker1560]

I just wish I lived close to you because you do what I like to do. Love a lot of your comments and the old trick that you use to do things, kept it up.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

In my experience with the "newer" machines like this one, the front axle pivot is a shouldered bolt with a metal spacer between the nylon bushing (like this one has) and the sheet metal cross member so that you don't crush it. They also use a nylock nut so that it doesn't back off.

[@lawrenceengel3330]

Nice little restoration project 👌

[@michaelscott4766]

I find it's always worth getting somebody to watch your video before posting. I find it's always worth getting somebody to watch your video before posting. I find it's always worth getting somebody to watch your video before posting.

[@raulrrodriguez7552]

I really enjoy watching you work, you always think out of the box in your approach 👍

[@johnapel2856]

And it lives again! Always enjoy your videos. Thanks!

[@PG52765]

Enjoyed watching! Great rescue of a nice tractor.

[@tomf9928]

Hey must, great channel the hitch on your tractor is a sleeve hitch used for tiller, disk or mold board plow the bolts are an adjustment, other companies like wheelhorse also used this a step below cat 0 3t

[@squiddly-diddly]

1st time I've seen Bolt Corner .... Why didn't I know about this till now ..... 👍

[@mickreid7153]

Great work Mustie! 🖖👍👊😊

[@mustie1]

spammer

[@keithrayeski6417]

Tough part of no rain….now dust! 😁

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Suggestion... When dumping a pail of misc. fasteners onto a floor/ tabletop. Lay down a large towel or tarp remnant first.. then empty pail onto the chosen fabric. This will allow you to bunch up the fabric into a funnel- like shape and pour the fasteners back into the pail. Hope this is of use to someone.

[@nathanp5507]

Good tip! Thanks

[@mrmawson2438]

Afternoon mate

[@dlewis9760]

Looks better than the old rear engine Craftsman from the same vintage I gave away a couple of months ago. Had 2 properties side by side and it made sense. Sold one and the property I still have is too small. Hadn't used it in a couple of years. It's a PITA finding someone to take something even for free. You don't want to leave it on the tree belt, even chained down, because knuckle heads will trash it. I was near paying someone to take it away. The guy that took it has a pickup. If it doesn't work out, he can easily load it up and scrap it. I couldn't.

[@CallMeAllan]

Nice job, thanks for sharing

[@troyrunyan249]

Great job, and a great old tractor!

[@floydblancher5045]

Love how you work with the materials you have.

[@VermontPaintandPhoto]

Lol i was.watching and it replayed c clamp and tire weight mount over twice..lol they made sure we heard it..thanks yt..be well Mustie

[@walterchapman2884]

I've learned a lot watching your work and am still learning from you! Thank you

[@cameronr.335]

Very good machines and well built back then. You should keep that 1. Good work saving it and giving it a 2nd chance. 👍

[@arthurcortright8550]

2:09/ oh no! Rabid Fire Ants! Lol. As always, all the best to everyone. Chef Scott 👩‍🍳

[@DrewToner]

And, choked up a bit to much LOL. Only on a lawnmower can 3/8" be considered an air gap! Like I said before, with the stash you have, it could be a very lucrative business!! It would be cool to just fix up this stuff all day long and resell it!

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

👍👌👏 Simply fantastic! The ingenious freezeplug nut should definitely be patented by Mustie1! 😁 ;-) 25 hp is a lot and this fortunately green garden tractor seems to be quite a nice little device. Best regards luck and health.

[@wildbill23c]

Those GT6000's are great garden tractors...I wish I would have kept mine and got a replacement engine for it. The tractor, mower deck, and everything else was in great condition, just wore out the engine after 21 years of mowing 2 acres of pasture grass...before they put oil filters on lawn mower engines even....I still miss that old GT6000, they're expensive when you find them in working condition with good decks.

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

Dear @@wildbill23c Maybe you can buy the garden tractor from Mustie1!? He said that it's worth around 650 USD, even with the plow. I don't think that this is very expensive at all. But maybe the shipping costs will be exorbitant high these days!? The only thing I would like to change is how the front axle is mounted to the frame. That's definitely a weak point. Best regards, luck and health.

[@wildbill23c]

@@Chr.U.Cas2216 $650 plus about $1200 shipping. The front axle mount on my GT6000 was a lot different, it had a pivot like most, but the whole axle was much more solid itself, and the reinforcement plates were thicker and went all the way across in front and back of the axle, not like the little piece on the ends in the back of the axle in the one in the video.

[@TheOtherBill]

@@wildbill23c Look for early 2000's GT5000, I picked up one a few years back for $600. Rust free, replaced a head gasket (Command twins known problem, new redesigned gasket fixes that, takes about 2 hours). Replaced one spindle and a few bearings and it's like new. AYP/Husq parts are readily available. Plenty of them out there.

[@jeeaaenlourens1434]

Really loved every second of both videos. Succes accomplished!

[@DoubleOSeven007]

Always interesting and inspiring; I watch, I go to the garage and try. Cars are cool. 😎