Hi All,

I've been on a tricky 1 acre property for near 8yrs now. Nearly all the 4000sqm needs mowing, but there's a lot of trees, raised roots, decent slopes, kikuyu, Coffs harbour climate etc - haha so while I've maintained my health primarily using a 21" Honda HUT216 for most of those 8yrs in mid-Summer it can challenge you.

Hence many moons back @Norm & perhaps others had recommended a Deutscher - I'd considered but they rarely come up and the $6k+ new is a tad rick for me.

Snagged this one for $1200 though was a PITA to pickup from the boonies! Owner claimed largely unused for the past few years as he'd gotten a small tractor - ran well enough, cut ok with very blunt blades, SP seemed very good.

While these are reknowned as being tough as old boots, clearly needs a tad of TLC - so I'm looking to make it my project to have ready for assisting with SOME (not all) of my mowing next Summer.

Just seeking guidance on any tricks with these or stuff I should do?

In no particular order I've already flagged to attack:
- Change engine oil (might put an oil flush through it?)
- Change transmission gear oil (should I flush this at all? Or just run for a while till warmed up & then dump it? Any brand of 85W-140 better? I often use Penrite)
- Change sparkplug
- Change inline fuel filter
- Remove bowl on carb & give quick clean
- Replace airfilter (which looks partially broken to me? Yikes!)
- Remove engine cover & blow out debris etc.
- Grease/oil linkages, wheels etc
- Remove & sharpen blades (did come with brand new set of blades as well)
- Apply rust treatment & or repaint mower

PHOTOS: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkVkKYPE6taoU3LG6


The belts show a little wear, usable but likely need to be replaced in due course - not overly familiar with how to approach these as I've avoided using any belt driven gear.

Also have read some cautionary tales about the kickback on the recoil start of these - not sure if it's worth doing the valve clearances? Likely never done.

Mower will be stored in watertight & weatherproof shed

Last edited by N1KK0; 07/03/24 02:11 PM. Reason: Photo link not working