Lost the starter key for riding mower

[Chipmunk]

Hello

Mower is True Value Lawn Chief 440. Has been working fine and all but I recently lost the starter key.

Anyone know if each tractor had a unique key?

[mnglocker]

It's an MTD LawnCheap. A small screwdriver will work. Seriously.

[ccecilm]

Most all I have ever had use a universal key. You can buy one at just about any hardware/big box store in the lawn products section. They are very inexpensive so if it doesn't work you haven't lost much money.

[bmh1202]

Screwdriver, toothpich, lollipop stick. Ive used them all. Lowes and HD sell replacements too if you want to spend money for them.

[Raven386]

I was just at Home Cheapo today, now unless they were in the wrong section. Is is most likely the case, I saw that "replacement keys" were $4.99. Better than shoving a screwdriver in there. But like what was said, anything would work.

[Jim Z]

I was just at Lowe's today and saw several keys that were all under $3.

[NIXRAY]

as everyone said just about anything WILL work, this is a easy way to strip out your switch. YES all "disposabale" tractors have a universal switch. The only expection that I know is JD!

[Chipmunk]

Thanks all for the suggestions.

I first tried my local Ace Hardware, they didn't have it and suggested I try a nearby lawn/landscape equipment dealer. Got it from the latter for $3.99.

Surprised I was able to get a key anywhere considering the age and inexpensive homeowner status of the machine.

[Joeypole]

My Toro Proline vinatage 1990, my Z Master vintage 2005, my Ariens snowblower vintage 1985, Cub Cadet push mower vintage 2008, and the old POS Dayton Rider I had all used the universal indak keys.

Lowes has them for under $4 for a set of two around me, but I have enough spares laying around, lol.

[Raven386]

Thanks all for the suggestions.

I first tried my local Ace Hardware, they didn't have it and suggested I try a nearby lawn/landscape equipment dealer. Got it from the latter for $3.99.

Surprised I was able to get a key anywhere considering the age and inexpensive homeowner status of the machine.

Let me ask you this, next time you need something where will you go? Will you head to a big box store or will you go to the dealer where there is someone willing and knowledgeable enough to help you. It might cost $15 extra for that echo trimmer, but at least you know you that you will have someone to maintain that trimmer instead of the guy at HD shrugging his shoulders and passing you onto the next employee he sees. JMO

[Chipmunk]

Let me ask you this, next time you need something where will you go? Will you head to a big box store or will you go to the dealer where there is someone willing and knowledgeable enough to help you. It might cost $15 extra for that echo trimmer, but at least you know you that you will have someone to maintain that trimmer instead of the guy at HD shrugging his shoulders and passing you onto the next employee he sees. JMO

I always try my local Ace first even though they are slightly more expensive than HD , Menards or Lowes. Reason being they are very close by , great service and they are the only place to get a lot of small bits and bobs.

I don't see Ace as a big box store like HD,Lowes or Menards, it's more like a mid size community store with plenty of elderly employees who will advise and help you get the product you need.

When finances allow, I do plan on buying quality lawn power equipment from authorized dealers.

[eatonpcat]

Chipmunk... I agree with you about Ace, I have one down the road and to my surprise they always have what I need. They are pricey, but I save more than forty minutes drive time back and forth to HD or Lowes. Some of you guys are tough an Lowes and HD.... They have a place, maybe not for commercial equipment, but for a homeowner they provide an invaluable resource for doing things yourself. Come on all you naysayers, I know you all shop at the box stores at least occasionally:laugh::laugh: