Snapper Hi-Vac Commercial with 5hp WI 185v?

[crazydave]

Hi, new member here. I just got an email from a guy who has a Hi-Vac Commercial with a 5hp Wisconsin Robin engine. (WI 185v) He says it's complete and just needs belts. This would be my main mower if purchased. (It is VERY inexpensive). I know these are good mowers, but having never had one before, could somebody give me some tips on what to look for? I don't mind putting a couple of bucks into it, and I'm good with a wrench but I don't want to end up with a mower that needs way too many parts. What's the difference between the commercial and non-commercial hi-vacs?

Also, I know nothing about these engines. From what I see on the forum here, this is a real solid motor. Are parts still available?

Thanks for the help!

Dave

Here is a pic:

 

[Snapperfreak]

The commercial units had heavy duty brackets and straps attaching the handlebars to the deck, longer handlebars and a bigger bag. Also they all had the 5hp engines. Yes it's an awesome machine but parts can be hard to come by. A coil could run u over $100 if u can find one. That being said, if it starts up and runs pretty good if grab it, it's worth it.

 

[crazydave]

Thanks Snapperfreak. If I pick it up I will start looking for parts to hold on to!

 

[Myamada1230]

I have had 4 or 5 commercial snappers with commercial Wisconsin robin engines on them, and I've got to say, they are awesome. As snapperfreak said, they are pretty hard to find parts for. I spent over $250.00 on a carburetor for one of mine. I'd definitely pick it up. When you say inexpensive, how inexpensive are you talking?

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[Myamada1230]

Here's one of mine, a little newer though. Same engine:







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[crazydave]

Thanks Myamada, Actually I didn't want to give too much info yesterday for fear that someone else would swoop in and grab it since it was just listed on Craigslist. I picked it up last night. It's complete as far as I can tell, just needs a cleaning and some attention. It's got the bag with no holes, and the chute. The guy I bought it from said that the self propelled assembly stopped working but I did not get a chance to look at it yet. He also threw in the thatcherizer attachment which looks like it's barely been used.


The kicker? 30 bucks! I think he was expecting me to offer less but I didn't have the heart.

I will post up some pics when I get it cleaned up a bit.


Oh, Myamada....... Do you know where I can get an air filter for this engine?

 

[Snapperfreak]

Wow $30?! With the thatcherizer?! In like-new condition those can be twice that by themselves on eBay. That was an awesome deal. The sp issue we can figure out.

 

[Myamada1230]

That is the bargain of the century! It would have been a crime to pass on that. The only place I can currently find them is this: they ship pretty fast too.



Air Filter Kit for Wisconsin W1-145V, W1-185V - Robin - Air Filters - Filters - Categories - yardpartsExpress.com

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[Carscw]

Very good deal.

He had no clue what he had.
The SP should be a easy fix.

 

[Myamada1230]

I just acquired this, gave it some love, and sold it for $250.00. Needed a carb rebuild, and new self propell belts. It was a one owner since 1980, part of me wishes I hung on to it. It was a very clean mower.



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