Reviving a FREE Crusty Craftsman Riding Mower

#repair #lawnmower #mechanic
In this video we will be trying to get this older craftsman riding mower back running, driving, and cutting again. It has been sitting outside for 3 years since it last ran. Let's dive into things and see what it takes to get it going.

[@fredyaniga]

There are a lot of guys like me out there with older Craftsmans like this, just nursing them along, year after year. Every little fix you show saves one of us slobs out there a whole lot of head-scratching. Thanks a lot!

[@freedommowers640]

Haha. I love the comment. I greatly appreciate you stopping by and supporting the channel.

[@JOEZEP54]

Came to your channel by way of YT recommendation. I restored several of these older Craftsman. Usual issue was lack of maintenance that led to bigger problems. At one time there were more available then I could pick up. Now not so much, every so often I see one listed but too far of a trip. I picked up several all ran with bad transmissions/transaxles. When I get some time I have to tear into them to check if it is a common problem. Heard you mention that some people are telling you what you are doing wrong. If you find what they say is correct thank them for their input, if they are a troll, ( usually without any videos on their channel) do not let it bother you. This video was well done and I checked out a couple of other well done videos on your channel. It is less then 2 years & your videos are getting many views keep up the good work. 👍# 201 Stay well, Joe Z

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you so much for your support and suggestions. I really do enjoy getting feedback and learning.

[@treystewart544]

That lawnmower tractor is more like a bulldozer with gear shifters sounds awesome 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@philliphall5198]

As long as you’re out there working you’ll AllWAYS be learning, it’s a never ending journey in Mechanic work and you’ll forget alot when you get older. lol

[@freedommowers640]

I really enjoy learning, troubleshooting, and problem solving. I have a good time in the shop, and it helps my mental state. Thank you for the support.

[@JohnBoysSmallEngineRepair]

I've fixed a few of those older Craftsman riding mowers, glad to see another being fixed and not just rusting away, another good video,really like the content on your channel

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your support!!!

[@Mowersofyoutube]

You are right about the LT1000’s I have one an it’s been mowing for 27 years still runnin till this day

[@freedommowers640]

I would go on a limb and say the best mowers ever for the price.

[@kengoodwin5906]

You are doing great with your videos. Great explanations good video and audio. Lighting is always a problem for anybody. I like your saying, "Let freedom ring! Let the small engines sing!"

[@freedommowers640]

Awesome, thank you! I greatly appreciate that!

[@baldeagle242]

When they say 3 years it’s probably 6-10 years. 😉

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Thats probably right Steve! LMAO 😂😅

[@freedommowers640]

You and I both know that!!! 🤣🤣. Hope things are good your way Steve 😎😎

[@davidweis6503]

The hood was changed not the motor. Look at the decals by the deck adjuster.

[@snoopysrc]

Nice tractor 🚜

[@SARDOG]

That's the exact same model I have ... Watched your videos and fixed it up myself.

[@freedommowers640]

Awesome. My goal is to help people out and make it fun to get some of these mowers going again. Thank you for stopping by.

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Hey Alex that's a great video and an easy fix for a mower that sat a long time! I was surprised the deck wasn't completely frozen. The hood is from another mower as the side panels on the dash show it is a 16hp Briggs. And the hood brackets aren't broken! As others mentioned the Ariens is a newer model like a YS4500 and the decks are not compatible. Personally, I would grind out the grooves in the deck to smooth out the engagement, paint the deck while you have it off, put some ATF in the left rear tire, find a chute in your stash, service it and send it! You should get $350-$400 easily. Not bad for a couple hours of work and move on to the next one!

[@freedommowers640]

I didn’t even notice the side panels on here saying the 16hp 🤦🏻. Thank you for spotting that. Yea I think I’ll just get this one fixed up as best as I can and send it on its way. Still have plenty of years to run with a little TLC. Thank you for stopping by 🙏

[@lonhoschar1943]

I've worked on a few Craftsman riders same as this one. I think if you clean the carb, put on a new fuel filter, and at least blow out the tank with the air hose it will probably run fine. May or may now burn some oil. If the transmission is ok then next I'd tackle the deck. It either has a loose blade or, more likely, bad spindle bearings. I've replaced many of those. I used to get bearings from my local NAPA store for cheap. Deck idler pulleys may also be bad but you should be able to get those fairly cheap. It should make an inexpensive mowing machine that will probably run for many more years. I think you're probably about right on the price but I'd give this one a good pressure wash and maybe spray on some Meguiar's cleaner wax. Maybe that seat cover. If you can't get top dollar then you're still not out much but some labor and a battery.

[@freedommowers640]

I really appreciate all of the tips. I may just end up doing that on this one. Just get it the best I can and send it on its way. At least it would make a few dollars and get someone a running mower.

[@lonhoschar1943]

You are welcome for the tips. I think it's around mid 90's or so year wise. You have to do what works best for you. I just don't like sending good ol' equipment to the scrap yard@@freedommowers640 😁

[@douglasforsythe5853]

The Craftsman deck definitely won't work on the Ariens. It has a double hangar on the front where the Ariens has a single hangar. If it were a newer Craftsman, say yts4500 those decks would work on an Ariens. Love the videos, keep em coming!

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you for the info. It’s a bummer but I’ll probably get this one cleaned up and sold. I’ll be looking out for another deck.

[@RepairGang]

🎉 cranking them out

[@freedommowers640]

Trying to get some content rolling again. I really missed making videos.

[@caseybszombiemowers2569]

The Ariens is a YT YS YTS... that should only have a single hook in the front. The LT 1000 has 2.

[@freedommowers640]

Thinking about trying to weld on the center mount to an older style deck to see if it can work. Just to experiment.

[@caseybszombiemowers2569]

@freedommowers640 my buddy has done some crazy stuff enter changing decks. Good luck man! 👍

[@Turningwrenches85]

Shes rusty and crusty but then engine makes it pefrect lol . Hopeful to see the parts go to good use on other projects if it goes that route 👍

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you John. I’m not sure what route I’m going to go on this one yet but either way it will still make some money and at least a good mower for someone 😎

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@freedommowers640 😎

[@Rico702]

it’s amazing how many mowers you have and can fix! I have 3,Cub cadet 50 inch cut,a Murray select 2004 that is for parts since literally everything that makes it run has been taken off and a older John Deere that’s able to be fixed eventually

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you for stopping by. I have a lot of work ahead of me.

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Looks like you have a plan Alex, if the craftsman deck fits the Ariens. The craftsman is a solid tractor, but would take alot of clean up and paint before it is ready to sell. Its still another great find. ✌💲🎥🇺🇸

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you Roger. Someone commented saying they wouldn’t be compatible so I might be back looking for a deck. None the less it will be a good parts machine and keep the ball rolling.

[@dcrickerson7611]

New subscriber here. It's hard to tell on video which way to go, but at the very least you have some good parts there. Thanks for the videos.

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Its always good to see new subscribers and always good to see them leaving comments as well!👍🇺🇸

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you so much for stopping by the channel. I’m not sure what I’ll end up doing at this point, but yes some good parts here for sure and got it running again.

[@philliphall5198]

Two hundred is a lot so I’m thinking go for the most and keep other for parts

[@garymeador6750]

Another one saved,!

[@freedommowers640]

I do my best! Thank you for the support 🇺🇸

[@billsmith1770]

another comment said the decks won't swap . you could just swap sheet metal , but the hydro would most likely be the more desirable machine , if you can find a deck for it . break off the plastic limiter on the mixture screw (diagonal cutting pliers) if it has one , and you might get the popping fixed w/out carb work . this recently worked for me on a similar briggs powered craftsman that was doing same .

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you so much for the advice. I’m going to see what’s the best option for the ariens, but either way at least I ended up with some good parts.

[@benmichael1494]

I like to tinker with them to

[@freedommowers640]

It’s a fun hobby. Keeps my mind busy and solving some problems. I like to see how I can turn something non running or broken back to a good machine again.

[@wtbm123]

Cool

[@ommah3667]

I will sell it . Older people will prefer lt1000 then ariens. A bath with a pressure washer. Some ATF will make it shiny.

[@nickflopper]

The ariens has the newer style deck with one hanger in the middle for the front where the lt1k has 2 hangers in the front one on each side. Also the rear hanger style are very different wont work😢

[@freedommowers640]

Ugh bummer. Thank you for the helpful information though. I will keep looking for a deck on that one. At least I know I have a good parts machine.

[@scufxz6841]

I’ve got a gravely mini zt1540 zero turn same as Ariens models and I’ve replaced the key switch starter solenoid multiple times pto switch the parking brake switch bypassed the seat switch and bought a brand new wire harness and it still doesn’t crank no power to key switch

[@freedommowers640]

Have you checked the grounds or relays on it. I had a heck of a time last year on one. Ended up being a bad relay.

[@scufxz6841]

@@freedommowers640 the negative wire goes straight to the frame under the motor and it seems fine the block reads 12 bolts and their is another wire that goes to the battery I think it is the ground wire for the solenoid and the relays are brand new with the harness

[@toddosterhout9866]

If you think it’s worth it I think you could clean and paint it and at least get $300-400 new mowers are pretty expensive right now. I sell them kind of ugly here in Florida for $400

[@freedommowers640]

No doubt. $300-400 is still better than nothing. Mowers here are selling high right now.

[@jonathanb.9150]

Curious where you bought your mower Jack from ?

[@freedommowers640]

It’s a harbor freight lift.

[@michaelteti5148]

I said fix it and sell it but if you were close to me I would give you $100 bucks for it the way it is right now. I need one.

[@chriseisele9969]

Hey Alex goter going . You need to do with the craftsman what makes $ sence to you Chris from OHIO gooooooo Buckeyes

[@freedommowers640]

Thank you so much Chris. Yes we will keep pushing forward and making some money.

[@littleeagle7563]

Transplant

[@ommah3667]

They say 3 years but in reality its 6 years😂. I will say st least 5 years

[@MelvinElsea-qk6zd]

Can you give me the model no.

[@michaelteti5148]

Fix it and sell it

[@saladinekinder8161]

tractor needs to be washed with water

[@gearhead366]

I would like to watch your videos, but you have way too much "shakey-cam" going on. After about 5 minutes, I start getting nauseous. If you start using a tripod, you'd gain at least one viewer.

[@user-it4nu7im1v]

Sounds like you need to just not be a viewer Do you really think even a small tripod is going to help when he picks up the camera to show you under the mower and stuff You clearly aren't well educated in photography either because he needs a gimble to stop the shakeyness Go have a sook elsewhere Karen we don't want you.