They really are fantastic machines. Ours has the original purchase receipt from 1990 showing it was $649 new. The Japanese Komatsu-Zenoah engine in them is stellar. As long as they were properly maintained (gas run out of the carb and fuel shut off) after storage, they'll run for a long time. The service manual for them states that a 32:1 mix is acceptable for them instead of the original 50:1 for emissions purposes. They actually make a 32:1 fuel cap for them too part 802593 which is what the recommended mix was for the same engine (096722) for the Snapper machines. Although they appeared only on the John Deeres for 1989-1991, they were on other models several years earlier (late 1986 or early 1987 is the earliest I've seen). These 2 cycles were on Snapper, Homelite/Jacobsen, Murray, and a few others along with a few more in the UK and Australian markets, but I think the John Deere 12 series was the last that had them. The original agreement with Komatsu-Zenoah and Briggs was supposed to be for 10 years, but I don't think production lasted that long. (1986-1991?) The ones with the mikuni carb are a BEAR to start, especially when cold! Walbro ones are far superior in my opinion!
Thanks for explaining what the model names mean, I couldn't find that anywhere. I have a 12 PB, great mower, but I wish it had self propel and metal wheels. They're hard to find in any variant, but great mowers, I got very lucky. I bought mine off Facebook Marketplace for $100 and paid an extra $40 for delivery. As long as you put good and well mixed gas in it, and keep it well maintained, it'll cut great and last forever. I also wish mine had more horsepower, it bogs down when the grass gets a bit tall. I have a Briggs engine on mine, it was a late run. Did John Deere actually make these though?
Hello, apologies for the late reply! I assume that if you put it down to idle, it also dies? Does it only run on choke, or off of choke on fast throttle? If only on choke, then the carburetor may need some more cleaning, and if off of choke but only on fast speed, then maybe a throttle cable adjustment, or idle jet on the carburetor needs more cleaning. Lastly, if it can run just fine on fast and slow throttle, but only dies when you engage the blade, then maybe a problem with the clutch. I hope this helps somewhat!
They really are fantastic machines. Ours has the original purchase receipt from 1990 showing it was $649 new. The Japanese Komatsu-Zenoah engine in them is stellar. As long as they were properly maintained (gas run out of the carb and fuel shut off) after storage, they'll run for a long time. The service manual for them states that a 32:1 mix is acceptable for them instead of the original 50:1 for emissions purposes. They actually make a 32:1 fuel cap for them too part 802593 which is what the recommended mix was for the same engine (096722) for the Snapper machines. Although they appeared only on the John Deeres for 1989-1991, they were on other models several years earlier (late 1986 or early 1987 is the earliest I've seen). These 2 cycles were on Snapper, Homelite/Jacobsen, Murray, and a few others along with a few more in the UK and Australian markets, but I think the John Deere 12 series was the last that had them. The original agreement with Komatsu-Zenoah and Briggs was supposed to be for 10 years, but I don't think production lasted that long. (1986-1991?) The ones with the mikuni carb are a BEAR to start, especially when cold! Walbro ones are far superior in my opinion!
Thanks for explaining what the model names mean, I couldn't find that anywhere. I have a 12 PB, great mower, but I wish it had self propel and metal wheels. They're hard to find in any variant, but great mowers, I got very lucky. I bought mine off Facebook Marketplace for $100 and paid an extra $40 for delivery. As long as you put good and well mixed gas in it, and keep it well maintained, it'll cut great and last forever. I also wish mine had more horsepower, it bogs down when the grass gets a bit tall. I have a Briggs engine on mine, it was a late run. Did John Deere actually make these though?
Hey, what is the Z part mean? I've seen some of these that have Z at the end as well.
I just got one myself. I can get it to start but only if I hold the throttle wide open. As soon as I engage the blade it dies. Help me plz!
Hi I m very interested in the mechanics of getting a Warner clutch onto this unit! I also would like to switch my 14 sb Ogura to a Warner as well!
I will see if I can do a video on it soon
Oh man that’d be great!
I just got one myself. I can get it to start but only if I hold the throttle wide open. As soon as I engage the blade it dies. Help me plz!
Hello, apologies for the late reply! I assume that if you put it down to idle, it also dies? Does it only run on choke, or off of choke on fast throttle? If only on choke, then the carburetor may need some more cleaning, and if off of choke but only on fast speed, then maybe a throttle cable adjustment, or idle jet on the carburetor needs more cleaning. Lastly, if it can run just fine on fast and slow throttle, but only dies when you engage the blade, then maybe a problem with the clutch. I hope this helps somewhat!
Thank you. I’ll clean the carb and go from there.