purchasing craftsman 43 in deck 15 hp all wheel steer

[steveo2155]

Hello,

I am going to look at a craftsman 15 hp with 43 in deck and all wheel steer. Not positive on year, I believe a 1994 or 1995. Does anyone know anything about these riding mowers? Good, bad, parts availability, etc?

Thanks

 

[bertsmobile1]

AFAIK it was made by Noma
Noma went bust in 1993 were taken over by Murray who in turn went bust in 1999
Almost no parts available for the rear wheel steer but it is a simple system that can be locked so become a normal 2 wheel steer.
The steering is very heavy and the one I inherited tends to crab at speed.
If it is a 1994 model it should be the same as a Husqvarna LT 4140
The spindles are also NLA but my parts supplier says they can be replaced with std 4 bolt Husqvarna spindle housings .
The one I have here was a swap for a self propelled push mower as the owner had to downside off an acre property.
OTOH it is a 25 year old mower so it must have been a reasonable build quality . It has 900 hours on it.
It also has a manual gearbox so should run forever.
Blades, belts & pulleys are all available from after market suppliers
The first 2 numbers of the engine serial number which is punched into the rocker cover is the 2 digit year.
The mower should be the same or 1 year younger