I have one just like it. 20 years old, best mower I have ever had.

I have a 1995 MTD Yard Machine that I bought new. Just replaced one of the drive belts this week, everything else is original. I have one acre of land and have had no issues with this mower.

I have the same one except mine is hunter green. 1998 Model. I am the second owner. It is still going strong. I actually think that it cuts grass and throws it better than my John Deer rider. I know MTD gets a bad rap, but they are one of my favorites because of the parts interchangeability and availability. Most things to work on them are easy. Pretty bulletproof engine and transaxle combination that has been around a long time. The key to these, as any machine, is proper maintenance.

The wiring is a good pointer too. I've seen them where people wrap wires around metal oil drain tubes. Heat and friction are of the two things wire jackets hate and some people think it's a good idea to wrap the wires around a source of both of them.

Never seen one that the deck engaged when you lowered it. My parents owned an mtd yard machine with that motor and a 42" deck,but it wasn't that design. They used it for 21 trouble free years from 1990-2010. I did the routine maintenance on it as far as tune ups and taking the battery in the house and keeping it charged occasionally throughout the winter. Never replaced the belts,tires,or antiscalp wheels. When they got rid of it it was because the tires were dry rotted and leaking air so bad that they had to be aired up for each mowing. They mowed about an acre a week with it 7 months out of the year. Not bad for $985 in 1990 dollars.

I have a 1986 MTD 18 hp it has an electric clutch for the deck and it cuts beautiful even when the grass is over 2months growth.Thanks for the video.

Excellently presented. Perfectly explains some issues, I was given one of these this week from a client cleaning out the shed, i've sorted it all out, cleaned it up and now cant wait to make it dissapear into someone elses shed. Can't complain being given a decent working mower for being a reliable service provider.

If you really want brighter headlights in your mower, it's best just to buy the LED equivalent of whatever bulb fits your mower's headlight socket. Say maybe 1156 or 1157. For under 20 bucks you can have 300-500 lumens at half the power draw of the the standard bulb.

Spent a good bunch of hours putting the belt on for my neighbor lady..tall weeds & these mowers dont mix . Thanks for the great video !

Thanks for posting these helpful hints. MTD lawn tractor mowers are pretty common around here - identical machine can be found under 5 or 6 brand names. I saw a used one, priced attractively, but when I checked it, it had several of the problems you mention. Found another, 16 HP/42 inch deck for $50 more, 4 years old, owner had maintained it really well and it had none of the problems you mention, except cracked "headlight" plastic. That didn't worry me - we get 16-17 hours/day of sunlight, so no mowing in the dark, LOL. All the other trouble spots you point out were good, plus everything worked properly. Sure I spent $50 more, but your "trouble tips" probably saved me a few hundred. Tip for others who are looking - don't be afraid to ask the owner about how often he's serviced his machine, and what's been done. If it's a good unit, the owner will have no hesitation in telling you - and you can see it as well. Even little things - any rust starting, etc. My only beef is that I wished the seat was set a bit further back, but that's easy enough to adjust. Thanks again!

Ive had a 12/42 MTD since 1991. Never had a problem with it! All I ever had to replace was the foot pad for $8.00

I've used a couple of these 90's mtd designs for almost 2 decades. They do the job, if they're maintained and not abused. The single cylinder B&S does labor when cutting tall, thick grass. The opposed B&S twin does a better job, when the grass is taller. They continue to serve me well and surely beat having to use a push mower.

I have a mtd twin cylinder 46 inch cut still running strong .. not bad for a 1999 model

just picked one up for sixty bucks. new battery and drained rain water from gas runs good. missing belt guard on deck blades won't stop spinning when disengaged. I agree bad deck design. hope a new cover will solve my problem.

Good tips for buying used mowers. I bought one of the Montgomery Wards (Powr Krart twin cylinder ) tractors in 97 & mow 1 & ½ acres of mostly hills. It still runs strong. On the Wards tractor I do not have the cutting problem you mentioned. I did have to change the starter once & the 2 blade deck I swapped out for a 3 blade deck due to the original deck rotting out. I have limited garage space & left it outside for years (although covered). I will be using it this weekend. When cutting advise your neighbor to cut in a pattern that shoots the grass out away from center not inward only to build up. You are a 100% right about having to remove the deck . After all these years I still cringe just thinking about changing the belts & sharpening the blades.

I just got one of these mowers for free. It is the 16.5 HP Briggs and Stratton I/C engine. 1998 model I believe. Everything is in good shape, so hopefully I am one of the lucky ones. Thanks for the very informative video!

I have a 22 year old MTD (Ward's) that still runs good. Other than the battery, the only things I had to replace were the ignition coil and a belt pulley - and those were only last year. I even still have the original belts on it. Oh, I forgot the plastic starter gear broke about 5 years ago, I think that was about $2. I addition to mowing, in the Spring I aerate the lawn separately and in the Fall I sweep the leaves separately, so I put about a season and a half on the machine every year. If you think the old MTDs were bad, look at the new mowers with plastic engine parts and plastic transaxels.

Excellent video! Tell your viewers to go on Craig’s List and buy a use Toro Wheel Horse tractor for about $500.00 I have a 2001 HXL 16/38 model Runs supremely! Well designed, makes the these other tractors look like toys! Runs every day with no problems.

Engine mounting plate bushes distort giving more belt slack too! Starter pinion wears quickly. Steering track rod bends giving toe out/wheel jam. Grass duct gets blocked regularly unless grass is short and bone dry. Safety switches fail. Starter Solenoids fail. Flywheel magnets come unglued, locking engine. Beside other faults you mention!

I have a MTD 155/96 Black Edition, and I like it a lot. shortly going to make a tractor from it.

Great job explaining. Take a look at an issue with my Bronco. Tell me what you think. Thanks

Before I started repairing tractors, I did a lot of mowing and these MTD tractors will take a beating. The decks are difficult to remove but are also very well attached and can take a ton of abuse. I never picked up trash, just mowed ever rhino in its path. These older MTD machines are tougher than the new ones. Now the EZ remove quick attach decks are barely mounted to the tractor and the mounting beakers are easy to bend and break off. I fix this issue quite often along with spindles vibrating loose from the mounts and ripping off the deck. All the big box store mowers are wimpy. I think the AYP machines are about the best. Unfortunately craftsman is having mowers built by MTD again so even craftsman is turning to crap. I have found that Husqvarna and Ariens are pretty much all built by AYP. At least all the newer models out now that Iv been seeing around Texas. I do agree about the Briggs v twin, with good servicing the v twin motors will outlive the tractors.

I've owned and fixed several of these mowers, one problem that often gets overlooked it the belt tensioner will get rusty and become "fixed", frozen in place, and then cannot keep the proper tension on the deck belt as the deck is raised and lowered. As difficult as it is to pull the deck out of these its always worth checking this. In about half of the ones I've fixed the tensioner was messed with by the p.o. or someone in the past, and were incorrectly installed, so that they were reassembled into a fixed position, probably right after replacing the belt. Then when the new belt stretches a bit they end up being too loose, and squeal and slip as did his neighbors mower did in the video. There is a hat shaped washer require at the tensioner pivot, so the tensioner arm can still pivot freely after the bolt at the pivot is fully tightened. If it doesn't you have something wrong. Another problem has been weak springs, both the deck belt tensioner, an the big spring that pulls the deck to the rear. If they are rusty or stretched out a bit they are not going to provide the correct tension. I've added new springs to the list of parts for all f my deck rebuilds, unless they are pretty new, for most mowers they are still available. I've had other issues with these mowers, like the rather flimsy front axle, sometimes actually breaking at the pivot or spindle hole. But for all of the issues MTD's are plentiful and cheap, most parts are readily available, and if you're handy mechanically you can keep one of these mowing for a long time. For any brand of mower the biggest problem I see are the people that leave them out in the weather all winter, uncovered and exposed, and expect them to fire up and run fine in the spring. They were not designed for this. Exposure to the weather has probably killed more mowers than actual use, which is silly since an $8 plastic tarp can prevent it.

I have 4 of that generation of MTD riding mower (ranging from 1990 to 2005). They are the best value of any riders I have ever owned. They are cheap and easy to maintain and they are far more reliable that my 61" Dixon Ram Ultra that cost $5,800. The Dixon was the worst I've ever owed. I could have bought dozens of good used MTDs for the price of that POS.

I can't believe you didn't mention to check for cracks in the frame, MTDs are awesome for that.

The other thing I want to ask you is: when buying a used MTD riding mower or lawn/garden tractor, should I look for one no earlier than 1987 (at least in the case of the 995), which was when MTD first implemented the seat interlock that stalls out the engine when the operator leaves his seat without doing these two things first: disengaging the mower deck and then applying the parking brake?

I have a 12.5 hp with a 38inch deck and it works fine just had to have to beirings replaced it strong running

I own a 1997 12.5 / 38" MTD Yard Machine and it's been the best mower I've ever owned ! To say this machine has a flaw is incorrect in my opinion judging on my machine . If the machine is having trouble cutting you should mention all possible reasons . For one , people often let their grass get too high and then try cutting with the deck too low . And they never sharpen or replace the blades . You should also mention worn and or stretched belts and when they do replace belts to be sure to get the right ones ! People will often get belts 1/2 inch in width when they need 5/8 inch . And that makes a world of difference . I am amazed at how mine will climb the hill out back and march through the grass , cutting with no problem !

I agree they are more trouble than they are worth. I have one in my garage now and I'm thinking it will be my last. Its missing a cover and a guide pin. Engine has a hard time starting because belt drags. Hard work with little reward.

Thank You, you gave me a few tips, and I see you're side. Another feather in the cap!

I bought the MTD Gold Lawn Tractor (2002) with the Static transmission used for $400 on craigslist. I was able to mow our pasture with really tall grass 4 times with it, the belt came off. But I was pretty abusive with it, I have to say. Yes it has lot of play in the mower deck like you said. It does help protect the blades a little when mowing a pasture though. My seat has a few tears also, maybe a seat cover somewhere ebay? I need to find out how to put the belt back on. I saw one video shows accessing the belt under the seat (the UPPER belt). Well at least it already paid for itself mowing the pasture 4 times, that cost about $150 each time to have someone else do it. Can you tell me how to get the upper belt back on? I don't want to replace it yet it slipped off. What's a good craigslist mower to look for?

Our 1994 MTD 16hp Tecumseh (Agway) is still going. Only oil changes, deck pulley bearings, of course belts changed. Never touched transmission. Original tires and seat is like new. Does not smoke either. But it is getting tired. A lot of hours on it!

Hey I love that piaggio BLUE moped you have on your shop !!!

I mow every week with a 1964 John Deere 110. People call me crazy until they see it in action it does a beautiful job, but I put a lot of money into rebuilding the engine, transmission and mower deck. So it works like brand new but has that weathered old look

I had one I had bought back in 1994 it lasted me 14 years best mower I’ve ever owned.

The drive belt slippage might be due to that spring that attaches behind the right rear wheel. It pulls back on the deck to tension the belt. And maybe a new, correct belt is in order.

Bought a ranch king mtd for 115$ including a new front tire, its great for a 1st mower. Doesnt run yet but im fixing the bottom tank outlet and the shifter gates stuck in 5th im guessing because the shaft and slider dont seem long enough

thank you for telling why my mower doesn't cut hight grass (I have a MTD 13/96, with some of the same issues)

The steering gears/linkage should be checked prior to purchasing a used machine.

I agree, I avoid those like the plague. You didn't mention how hard it is to replace the drive belts...lol. that deck design is a nightmare

wee have one and it work A1 it do wheels leas its a 18hp and 42cut i love my machine it works good from the day i buy it its a yard machine run like new

So would you be able to use a regular battery at all or should you get a regular lawnmower battery? I know the battery thats supposed to be in these things are expensive so I want to get a different battery and mount it differently.

Nice video. I am in Australia and have an old L12 White / MTD. I got it on EBay very cheap in pieces (local pickup) . Long story short the exhaust valve seat was jumping out of the head the fix was said to be put it back and peen around the seat to lock it in. After the third time it jumped out I replaced the motor with a Chinese 17 HP - The mower now does wheel stands and sounds like a helicopter about to take off plus I had to re engineer the steering arm but all good now. I have not trouble with long grass it has more then enough power. I also replaced the deck bearings and put a new set of blades on it the lyres are old and cracked but so long as it works I don't care.

I almost bought a 2018 john deere today it was a 20hp with a 48-inch deck. But I got lucky and found a used toro 10 years old with low hours It has a 10.5 with a 42-inch deck so far that thing is better than my 1991 craftsman garden tractor

I got a 93 94 MTD yard machine and it a good mower... well a racing mower 2 cyl it's good but the tire went flat and I pushed it and the tire came off the rim but beside that better than any other

I had the same one only with a 18hp twin Briggs, I had exactly the same problem with my deck, it was just one big headache

There are too many modifications to that lawn mower that it's really not fair to make a comparison to an all-stock one. For example, I have the exact same model mower as the one in the video- the only difference is that, other than possibly the belts and battery, it is completely as it was when it left the factory. On that note, I have had no major issues with it, being a 30 year old machine.

I got mine for free and it was an 18.5 42 dark grey hydrostatic,not many problems except a new battery (that I already had on the shelf) with the same seat but it was falling apart so I went to my mower parts pile and found a brand new seat,nice mower honestly,I cut an acre of grass every weekend in about an hour and a half, with a 3" pulley on front and back so equal speed and power it probably does about 8 or 10 mph

Enjoyed you video....I have and old Wards mower that was built by MTD. The design is very similar, the thing is after 24 yrs. of service I have no complaints about it. 12.5 Briggs still runs good serviced regularly. Garage kept deck cleaned after a summer of cutting. Original tires....sorry I can't be more negative but maybe the newer ones are cheaper. At any rate good video.

I've had my MTD 38" cut riding mower for over 10 years and it's been fantastic. Looks like most of the trouble with this mower is the owner!!

I got a lot of mowers but this is my favorite

This is helpful thank you. From the research I have done so far, MTD makes mowers under many different brands (Troy Built, Cub Cadet and more). Do they all share this poor design? Are there other brands that are engineered better?

Not sure of the year of mine, but it's 2000+ for sure. It's yellow and is a Yard Man by MTD. It's a 42 deck, with a 19.? Briggs pushing it. Doesn't have this deck lowering thing I keep hearing about. Has 7 gears, cuts in reverse as well. You engage the blade with a lever on the right hand side, by the blade height adjustment. Honestly, it runs like a dream and I've never had an issue, in any height of grass! The ONE thing that bothers me, it seems like the blade doesn't get high enough; even at it's highest setting, it's still pretty low! Any suggestions???

I put small LED light bars on my mowers. The MTD varidrive system is ok IF you lube the variator pulley once a year and use MTD drive belts because they are a little wider than the 5/8" hardware store belts. My blade brakes are worn out a long time ago. I use a 1995 14.5 hp 42" MTD that i got for nothing 5 years ago. I mow over 2 acres and show it no mercy . it is still running and doing its job.I put 4-6 hours a week on it. Yes it takes maintenence but it works for me.I flip mowers and buy my seats from Surplus Center. They run about 48$ with shipping

That poor guy is having the hardest time mowing his yard.

I've found that running 55w lights is not a problem. If however the battery is slightly larger than the factory battery, it will touch the seat and discharge. This will cause the need to be charged.

You can tell a bracket is missing from the deck. That's why the belt keeps slipping...

I agree with what you said and seeing the comments and looking at the issues it looks like that most things on this tractor are consumer modifications and I think your tips could apply to any brand of lawn tractor

My dad had that same mower. He passed away and it is still sitting in the garage. No one uses it much now. It is like BRAND NEW after all these years. The battery did croak after a while from lack of use. The headlights in those mowers are more for mowing out by the road so cars can see you. I personally think they are junk but they seem to last a long time if well maintained or like my dad's, not used much. The biggest problem I see is some people buy too small of a mower for the lawn. Any mower will bog down in tall grass. Especially wet grass. I remember this huge lady bought this tiny little lawn mower for 3 acres of lawn. She called me on it because it kept quitting. The gas can in her garage had no cap and was full of caterpillers. That's right, dead caterpillers. Plus it was full of water. I made her buy a new gas can and cleaned all the junk out of her gas tank and carburetor. She wore that poor little mower out quickly because of mowing too tall of weeds and hay field , plus the ground was uneven.

i had one of those but i replaced the lights with led lights and it was a good tractor untill i got a better one

Hi, i just bought a lawn mower and it doesnt have a starter. If i wanna put one in there, does it matter which one? Can it be any starter or specifically for my mower?

the head light up grade is no problem SYLVANIA 1157 bulbs are 27 watts. 54 watts a pair and only 800 lum . I put 4.5" 27w 3000LM Round Flood Light Pod Off Road led on my mower

ha ha I feel the pain for not having any lights... I have this same body style yard machines or whatever. I have Auxbeam offroad lights worked into the factory housing... took some doing and some fancy bracketry lol It looks sweet though because I did it so that the factory diffuser still covers the lamps. They are LED and I figured up that they were only pulling around 3 amps and that is jussst enough to stay within the limits of the alternator on mine. They are PLENTY bright enough to mow at midnight. The mower is a good mower but they are made cheap and mine was tip top just the axle was loose from the frame but I just welded a small piece of scrap and shot some holes through it.

Thanks for the info. Good video, sir.

I’ve ran a few of these MTDs and none of them have had decks that stay on or function. I’ve had some transmission issues as well. The most common is that when they sit for a while the lower gears don’t work, only the high gears will move the tractors for a few minutes. Also I’ve had belt slippage problems in high gears but I think that’s just the belt. I wouldn’t not recommend mowing with one.

My mtd mower is still running 15yrs old

I've had mine for you is have no trouble and I put it through some really bad yards and junk

I acquired one in 2009 and I have used it now for 6 seasons and its been great. I think its probobly a 2000 model since its called millennium. You cant beat these for the money, New blades and it cuts beautifully.

I gave my MTD away to my neighbor it ran great the reason i gave away was that the steering linkage was cheap aluminum always got locked up.

Yeah I have had this mower for a long time 15+ years and have ALWAYS had a terrible time with the deck...it mows but if there is any tall grass it's just like he says...avoid these type get the one with the separte pto handle.

i have a mtd white l12 mower and i have never had a problem besides the gasline being worn out and the filter cracked to

Does this information apply to the 990 series with the single-cylinder cast-iron Briggs & Stratton engines?

Hey FoxBoss, nice video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. A question, if I may: How do I fix the problem with my mower, similar to this one, that won't turn over? It's a model 303777 with a 16.5HP OHV and hydrostatic drive (CVT) transmission. It looks a lot like the motor in this video, but the starter is flipped over and just behind the oil filler tube. When it was new, in 2000, it had a compression release problem, and was repaired by a local guy under warranty, but I'm not confident the repairs fixed it. The compression release still seems to be temperamental, as if not releasing compression enough as I start to crank. To give it that extra oomph, I have almost always jumped it from the car, the car running, to give me that 13-plus volts. (Connect the jumpers, go have a beer, come back and baby the starter with the hood lifted to watch the engine spin/resist) Once it starts, things are happy, and after it's warm it will restart most of the time. But over last winter, I tried to mow-mulch the autumn leaves, and couldn't get it to start. A shop had it for 3 months, and didn't do jack for it, not the most resourceful crew, IMO. Ever resolved a compression release issue? Does it sound like that's it? I've had this mower sixteen years, used it well on a half-acre yard, but it still has lots of life still in it - once I get it started. I just hate that it is so hard to start. I've replaced the battery about every other year. It's not a carb issue, it's either a weak starter, not getting enough juice through to it, or compression release problem. I don't want to have to do engine work on it just to put another compression release in it, and am willing to put on a new starter and battery. Do I put a sign on it that says "free to good home"? Cost me $1300 new. I hate to lose 100% of the equity when I hoped it was at least still worth a few hundred bucks. Oh - in tall grass, yes, it sucks like you videoed through the window. One way or another, I need to get into mowing season. Thanks.

Hello and thanks for all the helpful videos! I have 2 MTDs that have are over 20 years old and I'd like to buy a new 18-20 HP with a 42 in. deck. Any thoughts or recommendations? Much appreciated!

Good morning, I have the same tractor but I don't have the exact model. I have problems with the blade belt (I think the one I have is not adequate) since usually when the grass is high it constantly slips. Find out but there are many models and I am not sure which one to buy. Can you tell me the code of the one you have on your computer. Greetings Francisco

I bought one i went through blades,belts because of the lower deck.

I have been wrenching on mowers since I was 8. (40 now) Many great points made here. I just picked up a "White" mower for 20 bucks with the exact same deck. The mower was a basket-case, meaning I got it in pieces. Naturally those belt guides are gone, and the front two pin guides on the engine pulley were bent out of whack. Starts, runs drives and charges just fine, but that deck is a nightmare. I'm still working the "bugs" out. I prefer the electric clutch style myself. Like the one on my Husqvarna 2654 (also an MTD) Or heck, even the manual disc-clutch style like my Case 444 or John Deere 322 are good too. But anything that slacks or tightens the belt to engage or disengage a deck, is just a problem waiting to happen.

What do you think if you by a cheep mower his blades can be dull

2:50 it's just camber😂 the seller would say

Just about everything that you pointed out in this video about this lawn tractor is happening to me. Every single thing, except I have the starter cover on lol .I guess I got my work cut out for me to try to get this thing right. Any tips on getting the blades to engage properly by adding Springs or anything.

After 14 years I notice the problems he is Describing. Ran well for many Years but the Thing is worn out. Trying to find Blade Height adjustment Info. Hope I can find the Manual. Love the Truck Battery in the Back - Priceless.

I bought a yardmachine by mtd 13.5 horsepower 38 inch deck wondering how to find the year of it

i got one for free that has been sitting for 11 years, it runs but is it worth it to keep it?

I think my dad had an mtd like this he sold it just before it went bad for $75. Then when I grew up I wanted to get into small engine repair so I posted an ad on Craigslist and a guy gave me a mtd 18/46 for free so I ain’t complaining.

All you have to do is replace the diode coming out the stater plug 200 part regulator common black Diode allows. Current to flow only one way piece of cake😊

never had any issues with this sort of setup. no debating the flaws in the design. it's junk. the thing that stood out to me was the paint. i've never seen anything that was painted and patched up work right. the little fixes, end user engineering and fresh coat of ugly to hide the original ugly mean it's gonna be trouble.

With all common known issues set aside it is very annoying that a part for a yard machine or yard man which is a cheap retail mower, cost the same as a part on a Troy Bilt. I think that’s why most of these sit up and don’t get repaired and brought back to life because MTD prices the parts so high.

Excellent video!

thanks for posting this; I learned a few general things about mowers which will prove useful. And no, I don't own this flavor of MTD and wasn't planning on buying one:-). I have a large property and I'd kill one of these in one spring. LOL

I have one with the PTO handle. Also swapped out the 18 hp engine for a 21 hp I had laying around. Deck design be damned, the thing cuts like a champ. I wouldn't touch an older model though.

Do you know of any issues with the MTD 13.5 / 38" Yard Machine? Thanks for your help.

Hello foxboss, I just bought the green yard machine (don't no the year of it) and it's the 14hp LT 38" cut... I was just wondering how it compares to this mower in your video. I got it for $200 and I'm hoping it is a little better model than this red one in your video. I have not picked it up yet so don't no exactly how it's gonna do (bought it from a friend) but yeah if u could tell me if it's better than the red one or not or just anything about it, I sure would appreciate it, thanks...

I have been given one. I think I will rebuild engine and fix the loose deck.

I was wondering what brands of used riding lawn mowers you would recommend. I am looking to spend less than $500 on a used mower and are there any particular brands I should "lean" towards compared to others? Thanks!

Thank You for the info.

I have a much older version of the exact same mower and mine works awesome, it has outlasted many newer mowers and always starts. Cuts very well, deck is the same, but works very well. Outlasts Craftsman and Deere for sure.

I have one of these bad boys. Notice when I'm cutting, one blade seems to be cutting at an angle. So I jacked up the tractor, grabbed the one blade and it rocks up & down. I noticed when doing this, the pulley above the deck is rocking along with it. Does it need some king of bushing or is the shaft from the blade-to-pulley bent?

What about the craftsman lt 2000 im thinkin about buyin a used one he want 800 for it has a yard cart and bagger and a trailer looks like its in really good shape its really clean

4:22 you got my ( neighbor of the year) vote

Hey Foxboss9.. I have a 2004 troy-bilt and the deck set up looks exactly like the mower deck your showing..I have a problem when i pull the lever arm all the way up to raise the deck it suppose to engage a safety switch on the inside so the mower knows the deck is up and is safe to start...but the lever does not touch that switch and looks like something may be missing because of the gap. can you show me your set up to see what i'm missing