Murray Pro YT1846 Rebuild

I want to start off by saying this thread may be boring to the forum considering this is more of an off road mower place but I feel that members here would appreciate this Murray rebuild more than GT forums that kinda look down upon Murray machines.

For those of you wondering what a YT is exactly well it's a Yard Tractor which is the category between LT and GT. Murray's YT models were GT frames, steering, front axle, and spindles with an LT transaxle and LT wheels. Same mower deck but with shorter hanger arms, same arms as an LT.

I picked up this 1992 Murray Pro the other day for fairly cheap ($100 for it and a Kubota T1400) and I am happy with the condition it is currently in. It is missing the engine and front wheels and stack pulley but other than that it looks complete. I don't know why they removed the engine from such a nice looking mower but I have an idea. After pulling the rear wheels today and found the key in the left side axle was just shavings now so the transaxle wont drive the tractor. They probably thought the trans was junk and robbed the engine for something else or sold it. I have front wheels and tires for it to make it roll and an engine to make it go. The original engine was an 18 HP Briggs & Stratton I/C opposed but the engine I have is an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Power Built. Main difference is the I/C has Cast Iron Sleeves while the Power Built does not. But it will be a good replacement. It should be a runner, it certainly is clean but has a weak starter and chewed up plug wires. I have ordered new tubes for all the tires (yes I'm cheap) and now bushings for the front wheels since mine wont fit. My front wheels are from a Murray Widebody LT which has 3/4" spindles but this YT has 7/8" spindles. Those parts should be here Monday.

I have not done much yet. Got it unloaded and got the mower deck removed. I will mount the engine after I get the parts and make it roll. I have had this model on my wish list for quite awhile, glad to finally have it. Plans are very simple, keep it factory spec and use it for mowing and other yard work. I will keep yall updated with photos and I will try and get some video. Heres some photos for now.

I like it looks in great shape beats the crap out of the junk being built today. keep us posted on your work.

Nice! Can't wait to see it finished! Is it going to be painted up?

No plans on painting, its good enough for me as is. It will get a good detailing and buffing/waxing after the mechanicals are all working. The mower deck will be repainted if I decide to rebuild it. I haven't really dug into it yet but I think the front lip is rusted a little but I plan on reinforcing that anyway. Raining here today so no progress is being made, got other things to work on anyway. This one probably wont see attention till the parts come in and I have time to put it together. Next time I run to town I will pick up new keys for the axle.

It rolls! My parts came in earlier than expected. Got the tubes mounted up and the new bushings installed. Still need to get new axle keys which I can get locally. Wont do the engine transplant until it drys up some, I cant even get to my barn where the engine is because its so muddy. I have been looking at the wiring and it's been messed with. I need to powerwash all the muck off and really inspect everything but thats going to wait. Heres some photos for now.

That's awesome, I've always liked that body style Murray and its nice you arn't just tearing it up.

I put the deck back under it and hauled it over to storage today. Hay season is starting down here and I am going to be in the fields most if the time so it will be a little while before I can put together an engine for this one and it's better for it to sit in a barn out of the rain and sun since it is not being used. I got some photos of it though for yall. Looks pretty good with the deck mounted.

You have that gorgeous 7.3 F-350 but you are using a DODGE of all things to haul stuff around! Lol, I dig the car style hood opening, unique for sure.