Fix up or run into the ground?

[StanWilhite]

Originally Posted by RBatten

There were no aftermarkets available at the time. I don't remember what I paid for them, but it was well over $100 ea. Wright uses sealed spindles so you cant just change the bearings unless you have a press, which I don't.

Look around on YT and you'll probably find videos showing how to replace bearings without a press....it's no problem. You just have to be careful and be aware of what you're (lightly) hammering (more like "pecking") on.

[StanWilhite]

Originally Posted by StanWilhite

I like to buy quality eqp so I can keep it LONG past the payment years. I owned and operated an International 154 Cub LoBoy subcompact tractor (4 cyl gas w/60" deck) for 30 years.

I bought it used in early 1980 and sold it in late 2009. By the way, the engine had never been into, and it STILL didn't leak or use any oil at about 7500 hrs.

I also actually sold it for 450.00 more than I paid for it...but....I did do a great deal of mods to it (suspension seat, electronic ignition, bumpers, deck mods etc). It was also always store inside.

When it comes to lower operating costs, I find that it pays to buy quality equipment, and then keep it properly maintained. As simple as it is, this usually pays off big time in the long run!

Forgot to mention a very important element....the rate of depreciation.

A new machine depreciates by the largest amount in the early years. As time goes by and the machine gets older, it depreciates less and less each year. So, in year 1 it may depreciate by 10% or more. In year 10 it may depreciate by 3%...and so on....less and less each year.

Because of this, with good maintenance and upkeep, (and ideally storing it inside to protect the cosmetics) you'll eventually reach a point to where it just doesn't depreciate (year to year)to any degree worth mentioning at all. So, with each passing year, it's costing you less and less...that's where you save BIG money compared to let's say, buying a new machine every year.

I like to buy "gently used" eqp that's 2 to 4 years old. At that point the original purchaser has already taken the big depreciation hits that took place in the first few years. Couple that with keeping it until the depression is minimal, and you've saved a very large chunk of change, and you still have a good reliable machine. (Having a good place to work on eqp is important in my plan.)

This is my way of doing things, but other people have other ways of doing things, and they have their reasons for doing them that way.

For instance, trading every year or two, so that you always have a machine that's under warranty. If you aren't mechanically incline, don't have a place to do maintenance /repairs, don't like to do any repairs, or just don't have the time, this might be a good deal for you.

So, it's just a personal preference thing. You have to do what makes you happy.

Good luck with your purchase!
Stan

[RBatten]

When I started my business I was mechanically inclined but not a mechanic. Now I can say that I am pretty good at fixing small engines without any formal training. The internet is a wonderful thing. My skills have grown to include my truck which was growing old and needing repairs that were more than I ever wanted to know or do. Times are tough and you have to sqeeze every penny out of a maintenance business or you will just barely make a living. It sucks to NEED to be a good small engine repair man but you must do what you must do.

Thanks for the info on spindles, I will do my homework so I don't have that issue again. Has anyone out there drilled and tapped their sealed spindles? I know people are doing it, but is it worth the hassle?