Here is the info I have collected so far on this rusty old beauty. I am not sure of the date of manufacture. She has the typical MTD FNR transaxle and vari-drive.
Here is the manual I found online. I added my data tag info, and the manual has notes from some old mechanic it appears. (If I can figure out how to add a PDF)
The manual is here, I can’t seem to be able to upload it.
Here's an old MTD Lawn Flite 10/34 I spied at a salvage yard. I'll get better pics and more info when the snow has melted but I would guess it to be from around 1983-86, it's almost identical to my 2 aside from a couple cosmetic differences.
I asked @mightyraze about posting PDF files and the forum software doesn’t support it. But, it IS OK to post images of the manual. So, I extracted the parts pages from the manual I downloaded from the link above. Note that there are notes from a previous owner, who appears to have been quite experienced in the business of fixing mowers. Useful info is penciled into the manual.
It is interesting to note that the FNR transaxle carried a sleeve bearing in the axle housings
AND
Had a ‘flush port’ for injecting grease into the axle housings to create a seal affect. This confirms that my intention of putting grease fittings in the housings is a good idea.
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Age : 45 Join date : 2019-07-02 Points : 4548 Posts : 2385 Location : Ontario, Canada
Yes, bushing. But that’s more than the standard MST200 has. Interesting.
I really like the look of this rig. I’m considering installing a different transaxle if I can find something suitable. I do have a live axle from a Honda ATV and a Peerless 700 transmission. I need to check and see how many speeds the 700 (or 500? It is from a snowblower) has.
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Age : 45 Join date : 2019-07-02 Points : 4548 Posts : 2385 Location : Ontario, Canada
im suprised yall have found MTDs with axle bushings LOL my haspin tractor had the axle almost all the way rubbed through the top of the case. and my MTD build off tractor had the same issue before i 6 speed swapped it
im suprised yall have found MTDs with axle bushings LOL my haspin tractor had the axle almost all the way rubbed through the top of the case. and my MTD build off tractor had the same issue before i 6 speed swapped it
There are actually 2 kinds of MTD tractors, there are the low end ones, these will typically have 42" decks, (Way worse cut then the 46", the number of the blades makes a difference) stamped steel axles with plastic bushings on the axle and wheels, vari drive, 90 degrees of play in the steering, manual blade engagement and a slightly weaker frame. The high end ones typically have 46" decks, cast iron axles, hydrostats, (I am comparing these from the standpoint of using them for what crazy people like me use them for, which is mowing your lawn ) Less play in the steering, and electric blade engagement.
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Age : 45 Join date : 2019-07-02 Points : 4548 Posts : 2385 Location : Ontario, Canada
@Brianator I don't know much about the old gal other than I got her complete minus the motor. It's got a peerless 600 transaxle ( one of my favorite transaxles!) and now a 15.5 hp Briggs.
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I found another entry while cruising Kijiji, this one is a Turf Trac in GT form. The closest match(es) I can find are Craftsman# C459-60418/MTD# 145-833-599 & Craftsman# C459-60518/MTD# 145-823-599.
ooo I would really like to have those rear hubcaps! the tractor kind of reminds me of an old lawn flite or a lowes 18.5/46 same thing as that just another rebranded mtd!
I found another entry while cruising Kijiji, this one is a Turf Trac in GT form. The closest match(es) I can find are Craftsman# C459-60418/MTD# 145-833-599 & Craftsman# C459-60518/MTD# 145-823-599.
I saw that one too a couple days ago, he wants way too much for it though...
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Age : 45 Join date : 2019-07-02 Points : 4548 Posts : 2385 Location : Ontario, Canada
I saw that one too a couple days ago, he wants way too much for it though...
Well it kind of is but what isn't expensive these days? Lol. It is a Garden Tractor and being older (mid 80's) it's going to be pretty solidly built plus it's a rarely seen model. For those wondering he's asking $250 CAD
Subject: 
February 9th 2022, 4:53 pm
) Less play in the steering, and electric blade engagement.
