OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Welcome to Outdoorking Forum HELP Area Introductions Hi From North Queensland

Hi there,
Found my way to this forum as I looked for info on an old Briggs and Stratton 7HP 170400 series (Circa 1981 to 1985).

It sits atop a Ryan Sodcutter. I spotted this machine at my local lifeline just after it had been dropped off and though I don't really have a need for one of these I thought it would make for a bit of a project to clean up and get going again.
At $50 I figure I could sell it for scrap if its too far gone coz It took four of us to get it on the back of the ute!!

I've already discovered that sourcing parts will not be that easy (or cheap), however I did get it to sort of run after an oil change and a de-rust of the fuel tank.
I've no idea if the sod cutter part works or not but theres plenty of grease around the greasing points so it may have been maintained OK.
I'm pretty sure I'll be checking in here from time to time and if anyone is interested I could share some images of progress.
Cheers

Greetings Nick McBride and welcome aboard the ODK train. Let's see the girl please, if for no other reason that I have no idea what such a machine looks like! You got it at Lifeline? Struth mate!!

Hello Nick
I copy Mowerfreak in welcoming you here.

A good place to start on any visit is 'Active Threads' on the top bar menu.
That's a great analogy there MF - the ODK train ...

Ryan has been around for over 70 years and survive to this day.
They still make sod cutters too!



http://www.ryanturf.com/

p.s. Yes, images for the record would be welcome.

Thank you for the Welcome CJ and MF. I'm not at home as i write this but I will post some pics.

Yes, it is a weird looking thing. As it was being loaded into my ute people were asking what the hell it was...
And yes CJ, I see that Ryan still make the sod cutter and I believe todays model is priced around $9600 !!!

Here is a Youtube clip showing pretty much the same machine but with a different motor.
[url=https://youtu.be/3KLg3ZmQ78I]Sod cutter in action[/url]


I've been able top get the thing started and despite attempts at tuning the carb, once warmed up it sputters and dies.
Blows a bit of smoke on startup and I suspect the valves/and or rings need attention however I found a Carby from China for $17.00 which I will have a go with before i go further.

I'm reluctant to be too heroic until I can get it running well enough see if the sod cutting part of the thing works.
Any I'll have a go at starting a thread on this once I get some before pics taken.
Cheers

Hi Nick McBride, CyberJack,
thanks for that. It's an odd looking contraption, but I was impressed with what it does. Quite incredible. I strongly believe someone will want it, should you get it working properly. Keep us posted on any progress.