FREE Lawn Tractor - Is It Ready For The Junkyard Or Will It Run?

FREE Lawn Tractor - Is It Ready For The Junkyard Or Will It Run?
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I have easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials "do it yourself" (DIY) videos to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers and zero turn mowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed whacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, zero turn mower, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
I have the largest Small Engine Repair Video Library on KZbin and the entire internet with over 1200 videos, just GOOGLE "DONYBOY73"!
I want "DON THE SMALL ENGINE DOCTOR" on KZbin to save you time, frustration and most importantly, MONEY with my HOW-TO videos!
Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
Tengo tutoriales paso a paso fáciles de seguir y completos, videos de "hágalo usted mismo" (DIY) para ayudarlo con su equipo de jardín y césped roto, incluidos quitanieves y cortadoras de giro cero.
Hago todo lo posible para enseñarle cómo diagnosticar fácilmente problemas de la manera más rápida, rápida y eficiente con reparaciones reales más allá de simplemente reemplazar una bujía. Estos consejos son tanto para el dueño de la casa como para el dueño de la tienda.
Ya sea un motor manual de dos tiempos y dos ciclos como una motosierra, un desmalezador, un desmalezador, una cortadora de hilo, una cortadora de césped, una cortadora de hilo, una cortadora de setos, una podadora, una desbrozadora, un soplador de hojas o unidades de cuatro tiempos y cuatro ciclos como una cortadora de césped, una cortadora de leña, un tractor cortacésped, una cortadora de césped de giro cero, una sopladora de nieve, una lavadora a presión, un generador o una cortadora de césped que necesita que se instalen o reemplacen piezas, soy su persona indicada.
#donyboy73 #troybilt

[@robcole332]

Sorry to hear about your wife. It’s hard to run a solo business and care for someone. Your videos are all great. It’s fun to watch the ones from 16 years ago. I enjoy your excellent diagnosis process and the pride in your work. I know your very busy but thanks for the time you take to make videos. God bless you and your wife

[@donyboy73]

Thanks Rob!

[@marcmyers1465]

You do what you have to do, and Cherish The Moments. 😌

[@thenewhumandesign]

Somebody's gonna get an awesome machine. You should do a quick update when its all ready to go

[@DanObrienGaming-m1i]

This is why your the GOAT of small engine repairs db73 It's because of your videos that I'm able to repair equipment Keep up the amazing work 👏

[@donyboy73]

Wow, thanks!

[@marcmyers1465]

If I don't learn something New, I Remember what I already Forgot ! 🥴 It's a Process... 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@mikflo2403]

⁠I agree😊 when ya git old, like me, ya fergit stuff. This young man is a fantastic husband and a top of the line mechanic. I enjoy ever video and forward it to family and friends.

[@jameslarsen3184]

Up at 4 am this is like coffee with Donnie

[@donyboy73]

With lots of caffeine!

[@jameslarsen3184]

@@donyboy73 for sure!

[@garyalensr]

One thing I've learned from all the years of watching your videos, is one hella mechanic and a fantastic husband. Ive been married to my wonderful wife for 30 years and if the time comes when she needs my help i will absolutely be there for her. You my friend are truly and inspiration to every single one of your subscribers. Totally of the subject, What ever happened to your apprentice Dave? Did he stop making videos?

[@donyboy73]

Thanks! After the pandemic was over Dave moved on to something else

[@erniecyre971]

At my shop I don't work on nothing till its clean and pressure washed

[@marcmyers1465]

Many times Pressure Washing in particular can throw a wrench in your diagnostic, and personally I'm kinda meticulous, so I'm not committing to it until I know I've Got The Goods ! 😉👍

[@jesterr7133]

This is a cool old tractor. I love the look of the old machines. They don't make them like that anymore.

[@Big_Johns]

Nice job on the save Dony and kudos to you for being such a caring husband, this world needs more like you brother. Prayers for you and Mrs Dony.

[@randyrejer4219]

Thank you Donnie for fostering this lawn tractor that was abandoned by it long time owner. Look how sad the tractor is. My wife has a chronic illness also. I hope your wife is having a good day.

[@donyboy73]

It will eventually go to a good forever home!

[@brettward5761]

Like to see finished project..

[@marcmyers1465]

Me too... Waiting on the update ! 😀👍

[@jerrys1426]

This machine is in great shape for as old as it is! Kinda like me

[@FaithwalkerTodd]

Nice little tractor❤😂🎉

[@jackhuddleston6830]

Great video Dony. Sorry to hear about the wife. My wife broke her right ankle and severely sprained her left and on a European vacation in 2018. She flew back to Chicago from Barcelona Spain. I picked her up and took care of her for about 5 months. So I kind of know what you’re going through. She is all better now. I guess it was just a preview of what it’s like when we all get old. Keep up the good videos.

[@TSGEnt]

A real "barn find"! cool. Ah those mouseys. Dony, you are golden. Nice repair. Best to you and your wife. You both are in my prayers.

[@74stevedc]

I have a Scagg Vride and you got me wanting another old lawn tractor because they don't build them that well anymore.

[@fixinanddoinstuff2134]

Great video to save as reference on these carbs. Thanks Dony

[@rightlanehog3151]

Don, I get a little emotional 😢when I see an older machine made on this continent with 0 parts content from PRC. I hope it goes to a good home 😁

[@joeh2253]

Sorry to hear about your wife. you've helped me alot over time and it's appreciated.. I've sent you a thanks, every little bit helps.

[@markfolino6976]

Very good video Donyboy thanks so much for sharing your knowledge

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks for posting Dony

[@joeh2253]

Thanks!

[@staceygandy2009]

Those are actually good mowers. Flat head Briggs and Stratton was good back then before going to intek junk. The deck on that one looks really good.

[@marcmyers1465]

You can get pretty proficient at working on those Intek engines. 😉 Naturally that's because you're working on them ALL THE TIME !!! 😣

[@donyboy73]

@marcmyers1465 Yes exactly

[@ianbutler1983]

I took Dony's advice and only use non-ethanol gasoline in my small equipment. Never a problem.

[@marcmyers1465]

Just got done thoroughly cleaning 2 gas tanks, and Carbs, due to CRAP GAS ! Back up and running now. AND Naturally the Customer refilled them with MORE CRAP GAS !!! 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️ I must be undercharging this guy for repairs ? 🤔

[@philshock3805]

@@marcmyers1465 Job security! lol

[@Deadbuck73]

Great job and great video as always!

[@BearE9090]

Glad it worked out for you with minimal repair, Great video.

[@brucenicov1224]

Nice one!! That old machine still has plenty of life in it!

[@WaynesAdventure]

Awesome 👍

[@elcheapo5302]

A throwback to a time when B&S knew how to make a great engine. Note the lack of OHV.

[@jefflary5457]

That dec sound sweet Im glad you can sell it on and put a little cash in your pocket. Hope the wife has a good day today. JeffinMaine

[@JPaul60]

My 1994 is a 14hp 42" looks exactly like that one. I bought it brand new from Hechinger's and it still can cut 1 1/2 acres if need be. I use it as a utility tractor to move my boat and utility trailer around and drag fallen pine branches to the street for collection. It still has Walbro carburetter which was pretty reliable until last year when I had to repair the main jet nozzle. Belts, batteries, tires (it's cheaper to buy a whole wheel with rim and tire) all have been replaced from time to time. Use an AGM battery instead of the conventional lead acid. They last much longer. A simple machine and pretty easy to work on. MTD Model 679

[@ristomattikolsi5711]

Nice to see you working on this older stuff for a change donyboy. There are still pretty old machines in use and good to have some tips how to keep them going.

[@wildbill23c]

I had a very similar lawn tractor just a different color. Got it free, came with a bagger, same engine same deck size...it served me well for about 5 years and it got to the point where something in the wiring harness was going bad as it was melting wires that were going to the battery to charge the battery....

[@-newfie-]

Awesome videos Don, you explain things very clearly and make it easy for anyone to understand. Cheers from Newfoundland!👍👊

[@bobbyscott8024]

Hey Dony, that wasn't too bad! I've worked on a lot of those and everything you said about that engine is true! That will make someone a nice mower that doesn't have a huge yard and is certainly better than push-mowing! $275 - $350 here in N.C. Great job!

[@richardlindsey7112]

Donnie my wife has MS and when the time comes i will quit my corporate job and open a small engine repair shop too

[@JoeyOneill-vn9zi]

No need to apologise Donny you have to earn a living and look after your wife everyone understands great job as usual hope you're wife gets well soon god bless you all

[@marcmyers1465]

I admire Donny's Priorities... 😉👍

[@100vg]

Excellent, Don! I'm glad for you that the deck, steering, drive and all that is still good. Yes, they certainly don't make them like they used to! I hope you find a buyer for this well-made 38" lawn tractor. And I hope any needed parts are still available. I've been wishing you and your wife the best for a good while. She will be in my prayers, as well as you.

[@Drottninggatan2017]

That is a keeper. No rust, good tires, good seat and the engine runs really well. Keep it and invest in a larger lawn.

[@marcmyers1465]

A little Gem like that, I might go as far as waxing it ! 😂 There's an Olde Pensioner out there that would be Proud to own that mower ! 😉👍

[@alang.4570]

Very informative video!

[@rverro8478]

Out of the 18 riding mowers I have, 2 have a blown engine (Kholer Courage), 3 have a sick hydrostatic transmission. All the the other trannies are basically Peerless. About 5 mowers won't make it out of my yard because, they will serve as parts for the others. now, first thing's first. built a little workshop. I'm tired of working outside. NB: I always remove the engine cover in Spring because, it might have some nesting. EDIT: I only paid for 3 mowers. The rest were all free.

[@maitajack]

Juste comme toi et moi. On voit la différence entre le vieux stuff et le nouveau stuff😂😂😂

[@donyboy73]

oui certainement!

[@0u812ski]

Like fine Liquor & Wine..lol.

[@donyboy73]

@@0u812ski haha yes!

[@mjg263]

That’s how they made ‘em, you’d really get your moneys worth and they ran great. Cool old rider!

[@cliffcowdell9760]

I hope your wife gets better

[@chuckcecconi8801]

Prayers for you and your family, another informative video Donny

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

Thanks for sharing.. all the best to you and yours. Canadian Tire.. Mastercraft.. Marks .. picked up the slack when Sears bailed from the marketplace.

[@robertmailhos8159]

That is definitely a classic mower that you got for free

[@YukonHawk1]

Wishing you God's blessings for you and your wife.

[@adriancollins7236]

Another great video prayers to you and your family thanks for sharing your precious time with us

[@donyboy73]

Thanks Adrian

[@johnd1999]

thanks for all the great advice. you do great videos.

[@philliphall5198]

This is the best mower to fix up, much better than a new one 😊😊😊

[@marcmyers1465]

Old B&S I/C Flat Head... Pure Gold ! Better to have a Small "Reliable" engine than a Great Big Turd ! 😉👍

[@0u812ski]

Hey D Boy..& Fans..I recently got my first Lawn tractor..its a well worn TORO/WHEEL HORSE 15 H.P KOHLER Engine..6 speed Stick...I know little about these tractors..it seems superior to many...I would Welcome any feedback..from Soup to Nuts..what I may run into etc....Thanks everyone who has discovered my old Mentor & Gentleman D.B.73

[@courtneyroy270]

I could watch for hours, it would be a joy working there ad an apprentice, wish it were me. Ow shows your a good man Dan when a customer gifts a ride on, obviously you never took him or the others for a ride, as the saying goes.😊

[@silvercommander]

I'd love to restore that and use it!!!

[@MRMONKIBONES]

Don, I hope your wife gets better, I understand you said she was ill. I also repair small engine machines, however, I do it more of a hobby, rather that to earn a living. Good Luck Don

[@johnkomosa9508]

Way to get after it Donny, nice work. I like to pull the plug and get some lubrication in that cylinder , so not to score an otherwise good cylinder, turn it over a bit B4 fuel and spark, even spin it with the plug out to help the starter get back into shape, remove some scale off those brushes B4 load, high current condition. (Blow any foreign bodies out the plug hole), .. Anyways, your way is the tried true way I learned as a little boy in Northern Wisconsin from the old timers. That's the highest complement to you. Thank you and God Bless you and your Family. From the Alaskan. 😊

[@laurencewaters]

Great video…. let’s see more of junkyard machine fixes..

[@arthurthrasher1580]

And now the previous owner would like to buy it back😂. Very informative,thanks😊

[@deanmoore420]

I worked on a lot of them. It’s a good thing that you did all them things to see if it’s worth fixing but I think the old machines if they’re good they are worth fixing awesome job. Great video enjoyed watching.👍

[@The_Warrior526]

I wish these engines were universally bullet-proof. lol. I have one of these, and it's 12.5hp counterpart, from 1991 and 1995, and I replaced the rings on both of them and they both still smoke. Has to be the valve guides or something. Also, with the fill tube gasket, I've seen and been able to just turn them in a little bit and it seems to help some. Replacing older ones is probably better to do though, obviously.

[@michaelcountryman9130]

Thats good save donnie.

[@matthewwearsch242]

Hell yeah 👍 cool old MTD with old Briggs 🇺🇸 Also a quick lesson in time management and saving $ I always say It doesn't take me long to examine a hot horseshoe 🧲

[@marcmyers1465]

Well Done, Don. 😉👍 I LIKE those pliers. 🤔💲

[@aarondodge1913]

Old equipment is often well worth repairing. I have an older MTD snowblower I got dirt cheap. Did the repairs and it still runs perfectly ten years later.

[@donvoll2580]

G day Dony Thanks for showing Yes sorry about wife, my wife memory is starting to slip. Thanks

[@billarenz2719]

Thanks Donnie for the Best small engine repair videos as always your explanations of how and why what you do to make it work are easy to understand. I hope your Wife and you are doing okay.

[@queenstownkid]

Good job!

[@deancarder5829]

Good job! After all that work on the carb, I couldn't believe my eyes watching you mow without the air cleaner on!😅

[@NaterTaterOutdoors]

Wow how nostalgic. Hearing all the noises from this tractor is so nostalgic. I used to mow our big lot growing up in the Midwest. My dad still has his MDT tractor to this day mowing his lawn. Very good craftsmanship went into these tractors back in the day.

[@Hotdaddy536]

Hey Dony ..a friend gave me a bolens which is identical to yours..I had to do the same thing ..also had to clean all of the ground wires as well..I cleaned it up and used it a few times in my yard and it worked well ..no they don't make them like that anymore..sold it at a yard sale for 200.00 dollars..I sure hope your wife gets well soon..bless you both..

[@donyboy73]

Thanks, unfortunately it is a rare auto-immune disease she has had for 20 years.

[@moseshancock3336]

Looks like the Scott riding mower and the Lowe's riding mower in the 90's.

[@jamesc9327]

As always, another awesome video from Donyboy73. You are a good man, Dony. I respect people who care for their loved ones. Hopefully, you will do an update on this tractor when it's finished. It's always a pressure to watch a real small engine mechanic at work. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@steveriggenbach90]

Great video. If possible please show the finished mower. I got married when you were around 9. It hasn’t been easy, but good times mixed in. You’re a good man.

[@AtomicFallout757]

I really enjoy working on this older equipment. I work on small equipment such as this as well as classic american cars/trucks in my spare time. Take car of them with proper maintenance and they will last forever!

[@Francisco-sx7th]

This is a great video that shows the full engine check process! This machine can have a second life...that's a great thing. Why should we buy new when old can still run well. Once again, maintenance is the key to keep good running stuff.

[@donyboy73]

Great point!

[@marcmyers1465]

Good Clean oil in an Old B&S I/C is a very good sign... 😉

[@skipproctor8979]

Great job! I have these situations like these often. Unfortunately, I try to fix the whole thing all at once with out realizing that if the drive and mower are going to be expensive fixes, I just lost money fixing the carb, etc. This is great advise. Sorry to hear about your wife. My prayers are with you.

[@rjb6327]

You didn't check the battery levels first? Sounds like a keeper to me.

[@altorres4760]

Awesome work as always. Praying for you, your wife and family. God bless!!

[@fredrickvoncold]

I am working on a 95 craftsman with a 13.5 flat ic gold . I got the engine running with a china carb. it runs really well . Im having fun just working on it and painting it up.

[@danielpadgett2831]

Sorry to hear about your wife I imagine it is very hard to run your business do videos and help take care of her and you are a awsome husband for doing all that you do and I got yall in my thoughts and prayers dony

[@philshock3805]

Love all your videos Dony. If you could, I'd love to see you cleaning up a lawn tractor like this (all pressure washer?). I've cleaned my JD once or twice in the 11 years I've owned it, tried to protect everything I thought needed it and it turned out fine but would love to see your process. EDIT: I see you did make a cleaning video about 4-6 years ago. Maybe consider an updated version? If not, that's okay ... I'll watch whatever you put out there. 😀 Hope your wife is doing well.

[@FreedomRock44]

Dony please do another vid on this one...your cleaning process and needle and seat repair...I know you have done those but just fun to see carb work. Would love to see it cleaned up and ready to go.

[@leodurivage4411]

Found the same antique 5 years ago. Repaired it buffed the plastic and now my personal yard machine.

[@FreedomRock44]

Thanks for mentioning the vibration I was going to ask if an Engine bolt was missing......You read my mind. That is neat.(bushings)

[@donyboy73]

Actually I fixed one of the bushings so not it doesn't move as much! I'll show it in a follow-up video.

[@fixit4182]

I had an engine like that on a snapper 30”, ran beautifully after a new carb from Amazon, the old one float bowl rusted through

[@adnacraigo6590]

Thank you for the interesting video.

[@watermanone7567]

Very nice work. Those were great engines, I fixed up an old mower similar to yours about 4 yrs. ago for my daughter and it still runs great. Praying for you and your wife. Thanks for the video.

[@Coptergirljs]

Wow a real Briggs! I grew up with these old Briggs engines, so when I researched engines ( I was planning to replace my old rider mower ) I was very disappointed with the junk they call Briggs engines now. Thanks to your videos and other small engine mechanics on you tube I feel like I made the right decision on the one I wanted to buy. Thanks!

[@vtmcg1566]

Is there a link to purchase those spring clip pliers where you get credit for the redirect? Love your channel!!

[@donyboy73]

no there isn't, you can get them on snap-on website

[@richardkenworthy9312]

Always like your videos, you explain everything in great detail Sorry to hear about wife.

[@rudeboz5486]

Hi Dony been watching your post for a while now and have learnt a lot which has helped me along the way.just got 2 Westwood ride one,s one has same engine as this but not a I/c but had to take carburettor apart and clean plus need a new solinoid but now runs good ,other one looking for new engine as previous owner started it with no oil so seized up and holes the crankcase !and broke a rod !

[@billyscott922]

I enjoy your videos ….I am glad this mower was a keeper

[@WherestheKaboom-g2p]

Donny points out, there is no addition charge for bird 🐦💩 poop! 😂

[@richardwernst]

Your lawn must get mowed a LOT... :)

[@bobmartin9518]

very first thing I do is drain any lacquer thinner then check the oil and if it hasn't run in a while clean the carb then check all other functions. just my approach. Almost all have bad gas!

[@jazzbassmc8043]

C'est toujours intéressant de regarder tes vidéos merci!

[@donyboy73]

Bon weekend pour vous!

[@jazzbassmc8043]

@@donyboy73 Bon weekend à toi aussi merci!

[@dmaverick2396]

Always really enjoy your content sir! You DA master.

[@ronjenkins7050]

Thank you for all that you do! Your videos are done so well and so full of information. We have a similar mower from the late 80's from Montgomery Wards. Hard to believe it's that old. The battery is always an issue and it's hard to find parts like steering components or belts that fit like the original. But it's my 80 year old mother's favorite mower. We've had several other brands over the years, but she really loves that one the most. Haha.

[@brianmcconnell7988]

Great video don give it a bath nice old mower someone would be happy to have it way better than pushing a mower !

[@thenash76]

I hate those little Power Sport batteries. Double the price for an inferior battery

[@victorg2803]

Great video. Others would take twice as long to show the same great info.

[@rafaelcardona9865]

Pienso que deberían limpiar todo el exterior también para que parezca nuevo cómo su interior varón y gracias por su vid.

[@donyboy73]

si claro, que tengua una feliz dia!