Will It Run? Super Cheap Riding MTD Mower

I found this mower for sale for $120 and jumped on it. Its an old MTD Briggs and Stratton 14.5 OHV riding mower. Let's see if it will run!

[TedBishop]

safety switches ( seat switch brake/clutch switch or trans switch ) more likely than starter relay nice video good find and a good deal

[michaelcook]

Safety is a priority, because, you have been doing engine, lawnmower, truck, and car repair long enough to know what you can get away with., of course, you wouldn't do something obviously nuts.
My grandpa had a grinder on a small table upstairs in his garage. It was the belt driven kind. He passed away, and about 2 or three years later, I started cleaning up.
There was an old 5 gallon tin container under the grinder. I used that thing for 20 plus years.
THE CONTAINER HAD RUSTED, IT WAS OPEN ON THE SIDE, AND HAD 5 STICKS OF DYNAMITE IN IT!!
So, never say you are unsafe.

[PeaceLoveVolvo]

Nice score! "Signature" was the house brand for long defunct department store chain Montgomery Ward. MTD used to build mowers for them back when they did exist.

[EnglehartProductions]

Please keep filming these videos!! I look forward to you posting constantly!

[justinbell]

When I heard safety isn’t a priority I subscribed

[sccarguy]

Not exactly a “Mustie1” will it run, but it will due. Lol well done !

[bradbozarth]

The “transmatic” sticker is talking about the variable drive pulley system, the belt glides in between two plates one that moves to make the pulley bigger or smaller that’s why it doesn’t launch you off. Edit: it was a decent design. And the only downfall is there are actually 2 shorter drive belts rather then just one long belt

[motormouth]

I have the same thing. It was gifted to me in 2014 after the original owner had no use for it anymore. Maybe a smaller mowing deck and less hoodvents. It's got the same engine too. We took the deck off though because we already have a tractor that we use for mowing. It's a great tractor to ride around and do some yard work, even if it burns through gas kind of quickly :) Also I know you were wondering when it was built. Mine was from the 90's, so I'd assume yours is from the 90's too.

[gordonwilloughby]

My guess on the solenoid is either the battery went down a bit and running the engine charged it enough so it started or a sticking safety switch. when you started it it the last couple of times it sounded like the battery was low because it was having a slight problem turning past compression.

[AgentOrange]

I'm a bit surprised the headlights worked. I used to use one of these, and the headlight wires were routed over the hot exhaust and kept melting. I tried re-routing them but couldn't secure the wires. Ah well.

[donaldhofman]

I boughtt a 21 horse MTD commercial 3 blade 46 inch deck with grass catcher for 200 bucks! The automatic transmission is awesome ! They said the battery was dead, I removed the battery and trickle charged it cleaned the terminals and it worked like a charm! I rebuilt the carb this spring and did a tuneup! Im doing commercial mowing for a condo association, about 5 acres! Plus my own and a couple of neighbors!

[Meswan]

It might also be the pedal safety switch. Those things always loved to break and come loose on my grandpa's mower.

[wildefox]

Great work on that riding mower, those fuel shutoff solenoids on the carb can get gummed up pretty easily and prevent them from working. What that valve is actually for is anti-backfire for when you turn the key off so it doesn't pop or backfire, you can eliminate that altogether by getting a bolt that's the same length of threads to put in there. Keep up the good work!

[spencer]

I got a really good deal on a John Deere lx188 that runs and drives but barely runs liquid-cooled Kawasaki v twin 48-in deck comes with a bagger I got it for free the only reason why he parked it is because he got a new mower

[kornmudcamp]

The signature was sold by montgomery wards and ive had mine for 12 years and love it.

[redneckbryon]

When your grind on the wrench I don't think moving to the other garage bay helped the sparks were going in the same direction, lol
Volvo project in the future??

[GuitarVampire]

I have a (mtd branded) bolens that I use for a backup(22hp 46" cut). For being a 2003 it cuts alot better than my 3 year old John Deere 105. I just need to replace the belts and fix the "stabilizer bar" on the deck.

[michaelworld]

I am your legit biggest fan ever and I have a John Deere and I love lawn mowing day!

[motormouth]

I have on with a 14HP engine. These were sold at Montgomery Wards from what I've heard.

[corysgardentractors]

ariens is made by ayp or american yard products. they made craftsman tractors. husqvarna now owns ayp. the transmatic is because the transmission is just a forward and reverse. the speed adjustment is made by a double variable speed pulley underneath. transmatic is because you can shift the speed lever forward or faster without pressing the clutch. these are solid built machines. at least back then. the mtd's made now are crap. although everything made today is