Member from Ft Myers Florida

I joined to learn more about lawn tractors...I have a Simplicity Broadmoor 38", 16Hp Command, 1996. I bought this last year from the original owner. There was a tranny leak, the owner had it to a couple of shops...one shop said he needed to 'rebuild' the transmission (whatever that means?), another shop installed a clear plastic tube attached to the top of trans so he could refill after each use. He needed about 1/2qt after he cut his quarter acres lawn. This shop charged $100 for maybe 30minutes of time. I examined the mower and did not notice any leak at the bottom or side of transmission. This lead me to believe it was a ring seal from a shaft exiting the transmission. The mower was like new, garage kept, great paint...so $250 later, I removed the rear fender, fuel tank, so I could get a look at the top of transmission. Took maybe 15min, guess what? the ring seal for the out of gear lever was leaking. $5 a new seal was installed in another 10min, fender fuel tank back on. The shop installing a filler tube could have spent the same amount of time to repair correctly...what a shame...and the shop wanting $600 to rebuild the transmission, dishonest.
I own a Craftsman 1996, 52" 23Hp Command that I love, great power.
I own a Yard Machine 1996 16.5Hp Briggs opposed twin. This mower speed is fast and plenty of power. All mower are in great shape.
Well that's me.

@mwhitnell Welcome to the ATLTF!!!!!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome to ATLTF!  Sounds like you already have some good knowledge to fix stuff!

It is why I considered myself truly blessed to be able to work on  my own stuff and not be at the mercy of others.  Though when I needed surgery, I decided to let a real doctor handle that one!  

Having worked at car dealerships from wash bay to mechanic to service, sales, and parts manager I can tell you without a doubt the best mechanics work at major brand dealerships, many times flat rate, and the skill level, knowledge, and expertise trickles down from  there.

I doubt you will find many mechanics with 6-8 years of automotive college and a masters degree working at an OPE dealer unless they are retired or working doing warranty work for a bigger tractor or JD dealership.

I do not fault the funnel guy, at least he tried something to help, and it was enough to get the guy by for a while.  While you can teach a person knowledge, it is almost impossible to teach them compassion or honesty.

> Simplicity Broadmoor 38", 16Hp Command, 1996

Pictures would be welcomed .