Where to buy this tool?

My older brother is giving me his 25 year old Craftsman riding lawn mower which has a 19 hp Kohler engine in it (he is buying a new Zero Turn mower). All I have to do is drive to Atlanta to get it and haul it back to my neck of the woods in AL. This machine will be used to do emergency mowing at rental properties. I have two vacancies right now that need mowing. Grass (mostly weeds) grows quickly down here in the heat, especially right after it rains.

My brother said I will probably need to put new blades on this mower,...it has three 15 inch blades on it.

My question is: what tool do you use to jack-up the front-end of a riding mover? I have seen some jacks on YouTube but can't seem to locate who sells them. Sears use to sell a jack for a riding mowers but the Sears store here has closed.

Any suggestions?

--68.63.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by JKJ [MA]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 5:43 AM
Message:

Lowe’s, Home Depot, harbor freight, Amazon, etc etc. they range in price from $90 to $240. --71.248.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 6:29 AM
Message:

Thanks JKJ,...I did not realize they were sold at the big box stores other than Sears. I will start looking.

--68.63.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by nhsailmaker [NH]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 7:05 AM
Message:

got mine at Harbor Freight - great tool as I also put a plywood plank on it and use it as a liftable table for spray painting ,etc

don't forget to buy the tool that holds the blade while you undo the blade bolt --24.62.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by JKJ [MA]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 7:22 AM
Message:

Roy definitely get the blade lock tool, first time I had to take off a blade I figured “I don’t need it, I’ll save $15 bucks” and then proceeded to have a 20 minute fight with the blade, ultimately having to wedge a piece of wood to hold the blade, and skinning my knuckles. --174.192.xx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 7:35 AM
Message:

JKJ,

On a push mower blade change, I just use my left hand with a leather glove to hold the blade still. Do I still need the blade lock tool with a riding mower blade? --68.63.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 7:41 AM
Message:

25 years old? I doubt it is worth the trip --72.231.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 7:58 AM
Message:

For emergency mowing, the best tool is your phone and a local guy who charges $25 per yard. You knew I'd say that, right? ;-)

I put pencil to paper years ago, and once I factored in all the costs and time that go into owning, storing, maintaining, transporting, and mowing.... I wasn't making diddly squat. Found a local guy with a push mower who will hit my vacant properties for $40 once every 10-14 days. Now instead of mowing I spend my time making sure I get those places rented ASAP so the tenant can do the mowing. --173.20.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by RB [MI]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 8:05 AM
Message:

One - upmanship. --184.53.x.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Frank [NJ]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 9:01 AM
Message:

I agree that it is not worth the trip. Et the model # info and then try and find parts..BEFORE you make the trip

Make sure to get the #'s from the motor as well. I expect you will hit the 'NLA'wall --174.225.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 9:17 AM
Message:

Crawling under something like that is too dangerous. I repaired a riding mower once but it was such a mess that I sold it immediately. Got another one and it shook up my insides so bad I couldn't do it. I used an electric and just learned how to flip the cord around so it was not in the way. I see that you have more weed growth where you are and I would agree with the posts who suggested that you call a guy when that happens. --173.61.xxx.xx

Where to buy this tool? (by Homer [TX]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 9:57 AM
Message:

I use a simple floor jack from harbor freight , to get er up, then a couple of jack stands to secure it while working under it. You might also want an air impact to remove the nut off each blade, makes it so much easier . --75.141.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Oregonwoodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 10:05 AM
Message:

My son drives his up onto those metal ramps that are used for working on cars.

I had an excellent old Craftsman riding mower that was reliable and trouble free. It is probably still working today for the guy who stole it.

I replaced it with another Craftsman that didn't last two years.

I wish I could get a lawn mowed for $25. The best quote I've gotten here is $80, for a standard small residential lot, and that is only with a year long contract, not for a one or two time mow. --98.146.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by moby [IN]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 11:37 AM
Message:

If you get to see your brother it's worth the trip. I miss seeing mine.

And you get write off the trip as a bonus. --68.60.xxx.xx

Where to buy this tool? (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 11:55 AM
Message:

Many of my landlord friends keep an emergency lawn mower to clean up a rental once a tenant has left and they are looking to re-rent out the place. Here is my short take on the subject.

My friend with a gas lawn mower, I told him to add fresh gas with fuel preservatives -- so the gas wouldn't go bad and clog up the carburetor. Of course he used old gas and left it in the mower for months between use. Then the next time he needed it the carburetor had to be cleaned and the tank needed to be drained. This over sight cost him around $120.

Another friend didn't charge the battery upon purchase of his back up cordless electric mower. Then when he needed to use it the battery wouldn't take a charge. A new battery cost him $68.

Having a back up mower that isn't often used still requires maintenance. --47.156.xx.xx

Where to buy this tool? (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 12:05 PM
Message:

To determine the better method to jack up the mower use your left hand to lift flour bags, then repeat with your right arm, rope and pulley in a tree would be good also - turn off the fuel and lift with spark plug going up to prevent oil locking the piston, rest on top of 8-12 inch diameter logs, use cutoff lumber to jam the blade/blades for loosening and tightening, I just use a hand held grinder and sharpen in place - quicker than lifting with a rope, turn the fuel on when back on stable ground. Repeat every 6-8 months as needed, wipe underneath with chicken skin to help shoot the grass to the next yard over... --76.188.xxx.xx

Where to buy this tool? (by JEN [IL]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 12:15 PM
Message:

It is worth the trip. I still have a 22 year old Craftsman, among others, that runs fine. Also, it's worth the trip just to see your brother. How nice of him. --192.82.x.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Live The Dream [AZ]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 2:05 PM
Message:

Can't you just pick up the front end and put it on a block or something? Or tilt it up on it's side?

I admit I don't know much about mowers other than what I learned watching Forest Gump. ;) What I really don't understand is why Tractor Supply sells riding mowers in our town. The nearest grass outside of a golf course is 100 miles away! Here we rake decorative gravel. LOL

Enjoy your mower. --47.216.xx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by JKJ [MA]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 4:09 PM
Message:

Roy, maybe it’s me but my riding lawn mower blade nut is always harder to get off than my push mower when I go to sharpen them. I don’t know why, can only speculate that maybe because the blades are bigger and the mower has more HP it tightens it down more with use. But for me the $12 or $14 bucks that the blade lock tool cost was worth it. --174.192.xx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Peter [WI]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 4:16 PM
Message:

I have a Craftsman rider as my home mower. I drive the front wheels onto a couple 2x6's and am then able to lift the mowing deck high enough with my hand to put a jack stand under it. Then hold the blade with a gloved hand and use a wrench to take the nut off. Easy peasy once a year. Bought it used for $400 seven years ago and could sell it for the same today. Just had my first repair other than oil and a couple spark plugs, had to spend $20 on a new tire. Current mower has a 42" deck and I'm watching for a 46" deck version. If I find a deal on one it will become my new home mower and the 42" mower will go to our cabin. --67.53.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Peter [WI]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 4:17 PM
Message:

And, unless the blades are really worn, you should be able to sharpen them. I use a cheap bench grinder. --67.53.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Johnny B. [MA]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 4:24 PM
Message:

I don’t even bother elevating the mower. If you just raise the deck all the way up you should have enough room to get your arms under there and remove the blades. One hand on the ratchet and the other with a glove pushing or pulling the blade in the opposite direction of travel. --24.147.xx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 6:17 PM
Message:

I just got back from Atlanta,...260 miles round trip. I now have a used riding mower that is in reasonable condition for a mower bought new in 1995. My brother took pretty good care of it but the three 15 inch blades are definitely dull and will need to be sharpen. I am going to go shopping for that mower jack JKJ mentioned.

Now, if this riding mower becomes a money pit requiring costly repairs due to its age, I will do what I did with my last riding mower,...donate it to charity and take a $500.00 tax deduction on it.

Thanks again for the info on mower jacks. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: May 8, 2019 8:42 PM
Message:

I agree with Sid and RobertJ, about over all cost.

If you do get the mower, all you have to do is remove the retaining pins on the deck brackets, roll the deck forward to remove the belt from the clutch and then slide the deck out from under the mower and you can change any parts you need to.

If you sharpen your blades you can buy a $5 balancing tool from HD or Lowes and balance the blades so you do not get vibration and do not ware parts out prematurely.

I have also done what Homer said when I need to remove the wheels.

Hope it last you a long time. I guess you never got the JD? --73.120.xx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: May 9, 2019 6:50 PM
Message:

ME? Take it to a mower repair shop. They'll sharpen the blades for $20-30.

A friend tried removing a blade without a the locking tool. Sliced BOTH his wrists. Fortunately his neighbor was nearby and the hospital 2 miles away. He had to convince the driver it was OK to go thru a red light while his arteries spurted.

BRAD --73.102.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: May 9, 2019 6:50 PM
Message:

Roy,

I guess this means you found an answer to to your "Which mower to buy" post:)

BRAD --73.102.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Kurt [MI]) Posted on: May 9, 2019 7:55 PM
Message:

I suggest removing the deck flipping the deck and replacing blades. I know of 2 people that have died from having mowers fall on their chest while working under them. I would reconsider that idea strongly.

--107.5.xxx.xx

Where to buy this tool? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: May 9, 2019 7:57 PM
Message:

Brad20K,

In just 24 hours of ownership of this 'well used' 25 year old riding mower, what I have learned is that 'you get what you pay for'. I paid nothing and I have a hunk of junk on my hands now. If I keep this, it will nickle and dime me to death. I will be donating this mower to charity soon and then go buy my dream machine which is a JD E-130.

I think one of the hardest lessons to learn in life is that 'you only get what you pay for'. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Where to buy this tool? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: May 9, 2019 8:02 PM
Message:

Kurt (MI)

In the last 24 hours, I have had what alcoholics sometimes have and that is a 'moment of clarity'. This means I made a mistake in getting this mower (which is not worth fixing) and I will be donating it to charity. --68.63.xxx.xxx

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Where to buy this tool?

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