Engine is Model 259707-0146-01. Carb part no. is 495778. New replacement at Jack's or eBay and other places list for $150 or more. Is there an equivalent one less expensive? The tractor is not worth spending that kind of money on.
That style carb has the brass seat for the needle..... I change those seats pretty often....... They erode and cause leakage of gas to the oil......... It's a pain in the butt to change those seats....................
But It's not a problem for me since I do it 10 to 15 times a spring / summer............