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Swapping the engine from a push to a self propelled mower

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1K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Howieb4  
H
#1 ·
The front wheel ripped away from the body of my trusty Craftsman mower. The engine is a 6.75HP Briggs and has always started on the first pull, so I am thinking of finding a mower on Facebook that doesn't run and doing a switcheroo on the engines. I would prefer to do this to a self-propelled mower, but I assume there are compatibility issues. I've heard the shaft sizes between manual and self propelled are different, so the pulley assembly from the propelled engine may be too big for the switch.

So if you have a perfectly working 6.75 Briggs, what donor mower would you look for that would work? If knowing the model of the engine would help, that will need to wait for later since I am at my desk at work and just thought of this switch idea. And I am actually looking at a FB for a Toro 22" Personal Pace Self propelled recycler with a 6.5 GS engine for $30. Has the bag which is a must.

Thanks in advance.
HB
 
#2 ·
I’d be looking for a mower that had a blown 6.75 Briggs on it…

You should be able to get the shaft specs from your mower, and then check (the original engine) for the specs on any potential frames you find

Not sure about the claim that “shaft sizes are different for push vs. self propelled”. there are several different shaft sizes, but it shouldn’t be hard to find a compatible frame.

I’d be looking for curb alerts on Craigslist too…
 
H
#3 ·
I guess that is a plan. But looking on FB, there are plenty of used mowers that are in working condition right around $100. Probably will go in that direction. Much less hassle. Also much less fun too, doing th swap. I looked at new mowers and they are either made like a tin can or stupid expensive. If I had the room, I'd already have an old 48" Bobcat of Bunton.
 
#4 ·
I hear you on the "stupid expensive" - a "push mower" should not cost $800 - self propelled or not.

I've been using Toro Super Recyclers (not Recyclers) for my biz since 2010 and I have been buying used ones in recent years because Toro stopped making the SR4 models I like - and because new mower prices are absurd.

Just picked this one up a few weeks ago for $125. (Craigslist)
Typical used price for these in good condition is $300 or so.
It's worth the $300 too if in great condition. I just got lucky finding one for way less - and it's in excellent condition.

There's nothing a brand new version of this mower can do better than this $125 mower.

Sorry. Can't help with the engine swap.
I want to "repower" a few mowers with bigger engines, but I never get around to it.
 
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