OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Ride On Lawn Flite

Got my grubby hands on this classic looking MTD ride on.
I'm told it's a 63 model, he started to restore it so everything is there.
I just need to find the tractor style seat.

Hello Paul,

I would really like to see those engine numbers.
The decal says 5h.p. - meaning this engine must be a 13 series Briggs.
[the numbers must begin with 13]

I would be amazed if these were imported in the early 1960s!
Here is a YouTube video of a 4h.p. that looks similar:-

[video][/video]

All very flighty.
--------------------------
JACK

I pick it up Saturday week.
That's all I have at the moment. thinking hot-rod styling for it,
such as front wheel guard/fender etc. oh the mind ticks...

Yeh I saw that while I was researching it also saw one VERY similar to mine but different maker and square edges on bonnet.....
Here's one the same


A video of a 63 model, sounds American.

I feel like a kid in a candy store.. lmao

Hello SuperD

These will be the collectables of the future.
I've never see one of these on these shores. All new knowledge.

The Americans made some of the weirdest and wonderful garden tractors ever!
I might also add an important point: the USA invented the concept of the
'Garden Tractor'. Early Australian ride-ons were inspired by, or copies of,
American designs.

Thanks for presenting this machine to us Paul.
We look forward to you exercising your rejuvenation powers upon it!

Cheers & thanks.
-----------------------------
JACK

Yep it's 130902 Model... All coming along fine

Video of first start, after carby rebuild..

2nd video, running

Hello Paul,

Thank you for the great video update. It's alive!
Thanks for confirming it is a 13 Series.

For some reason, I can't help but envisage Elvis, in sequinned jumpsuit,
with short cape, riding one of these. [I'm working through this 'issue'].

Thank you very much.
-------------------------------
JACK

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's imagination has been wandering. I can't help thinking this is the machine the thunderbirds would have had.

I'd pay an unreasonable amount of money for one of the round fronted ones- just for the shape.

The first start always feels good!

WHHOOO I got me this little bugger... coming from Canada.
Covers my model & others..


some latest pics
"Oh Mr Hart, What a mess"

That kid in the photo looks disturbingly like I did at that age! But I never wore my socks up like that

You've got that thing well stripped down. Was there much wrong with it or are you just going for the full 'Ricks restoration' ?

That would be disturbing prd. Isn't it a young girl? Sorry

Paul, a great find there. Enjoy your
Manual de Service pour Tondeuse � Si�ge

-----------------------
Jacques.

Now that I look again I suppose it could be a girl!
I'm going to have to book a double appointment with the therapist this week

Hello prd, Paul and Contributors

First, I'm so impressed that Paul is looking at these American machines.
America is the spiritual home of the 'garden tractor' - and rightly so.

The historical recording of the early days of Australian ride-on history
is poor, and I have a lot to research and learn. Any help, welcome.

For example, I do not know who imported these early MTD machines to Oz.
I do know that the Oz ride-on industry did not start in the 1950s, but
took hold in the 1960s. I hope that's right.

Second, prd, please let us know about how the 'double appointment' next week
goes, and if any 'procedures' [spoken delicately in hushed tone] may be needed...

I do want to say this about the ambivalence of the MTD manual front
cover - boy or girl? My guess: girl.

'Lawn Flite' is not an aggressive, 'masculine' name, and both AUS
and USA advertising of the time reflected this. From the earliest
days, men, women, and children, were used in lawnmower advertising.

In the advert extracts below, was the first Cox ride-on influenced
by the Bolens Suburban (with female model)? Was the Swedish
Stiga of the 1980s influenced by the 1964 Bolens articulated mower ...
(with female model)...?

And did Sean design the clothing?

All very interesting.
---------------------------
Jack

Thanks Jack, I find the Yanks have some very old & Interesting look'n ride on mower/Tractors..

prd: Nothing broken or missing other than a couple of broken springs..
I'm going down the modified Ratrod old rusty look.. Adding some raised rear chassis rails to accommodate larger rear wheels. the rear Guards will go to the front & I'll make new rears to suit the tyres... Looking at treaded Go Kart style wheels n tyres
& this fitted to a custom header pipe..



The mind is going nuts with concepts...

G'day all,

So like the thunderbirds collide head on into the Fonz! Heeeeyyyyyy!!

Jack, my usual motivation with old machinery is the history and preservation angle - but with this particular beast I just can't get past the fact that it just looks so retro cool!

And thanks for your concern Jack. The double appointment is with the Psychologist. Fortunately the medication is still working so no need for a procedure

I'm with you on this one. Evidence: look at the shirt, and the way it buttons. Right over left is the convention for female attire buttons...

Didn't Victa make something of a selling point early on, of their mowers' lightness, and ability to be used [though maybe not started] by women, and even kids? That was never very possible with the old reel hand mowers.