Mtd Yardman Dx-70 Ride-on Lawn Mower (mulcher, Collector Or Discharger)

This MTD Yeardman DX-70 Beetle is a popular ride-on mower with lots of spare parts available on the Web. It has a 8.5hp petrol engine and a belt-driven variable speed gearbox (drives a bit like a car, better than other models). The 70cm cutting deck is currently set up as a mulcher, but can also be used as a side discharger or with an internal grass collection box (very neat: You re sitting on it!). It comes with a tow plate and a bull bar. The bar is very useful to lift the machine up with one hand in case you want to clean it underneath. I had this machine for 3 years and did some repairs: I replaced the cutting deck belt and one of the drive belts (the second one will be provided as spare, as the old one is still doing its job) and re-wired the gear selector handle. As you can see, there is some surface rust, but nothing is rusted through. Feel free to sand it down and repaint or use as is. I have a full manual (printed and on CD) and will also advise on where to get good replacement belts, should you need them. Make sure you fit the 51 , not the 52 cutting belt version. IMPORTANT: The mower has one technical issue in that it does not charge the starter battery. I tried to solve the problem but gave up and used a mobile starter pack instead. To make sure you get off to a good start, I will give you a brand-new starter pack worth £33 and show you how to use it (also see pictures). This is absolutely fine. When cold, the engine will fire up within 3 seconds, when hot, it comes on immediately. The pack will give you about 10 starts, i.e. enough for a good day s work before taking it back to your garage to recharge overnight. AN HONEST WORD OF ADVICE: You can probably tell that I was fond of this mower, but it was not up to the job I was asking it to do. If you have a nicely maintained lawn that you want to cut perhaps once a week, the 8.5hp engine is fine. However, I used it every fortnight on a slightly rough piece of land and found it was struggling with anything more than 5 inches high. I now have a different mower with a stronger engine, so this one has to go.