I have a Sear's Craftsman 18 inch reel self propelled mower in really good shape. It has a 3 hp cast iron motor, model 536816900. How can I find the age and value of this mower?
By Keith
This mower, going by the model number on the frame, was sold at Sears stores from the summer of 1976 through the fall of 1977.
The model and serial number on the engine can be found on the shroud near the cylinder head. I know off the top of my head the model for the engine is 143.661062 (Tecumseh: H30-35312M).
Example of numbers to find on the engine shroud: 143.661062 SER 6087B.
Thank you,
Benjamin "Ben" Edge
Keith, I wanted to remind you that your machine was made as early as January 1976, and that the first retail sales would have occurred around that July. However, this machine would've been sold no later than 1978 (it was on clearance sale in 1979, when it was replaced by a revised model 536.816901 and then 536.816902).
Possible sales years: 1976, 1977 or 1978
Engine model no.: 143.661062 (Tecumseh H30-35312M)
What would the date code be on the unit frame, where the model number is also? Example: 6255 (9/11/1976)
As to the engine's date code, it would look like this (it's stamped on the shroud, after the model number): 6234B (8/21/1976).
Thank you, Benjamin "Ben" Edge
Any idea what this is picture. We have this and the blades are different than any other I've seen.
I wonder if it is a de-thatcher?
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I have a Craftsman reel mower with a 4 cycle engine, catch bag, and Blitz Fog Pest Control fogger. It is not currently running. Can anyone give me idea of value?
Look at the type number on the engine plate and the 2'nd 2 digits will give you the year of MFG on the engine. Clean and everything working perfectly $300-$400
i have one like yours, but restored and running, i value it at $150.00
$20-80 non working, but up to $300 if you get it working
Engine plate? Would that be the Serial Number on the plate? That number on my Jacobsen's mower is 66D21 28712
I want a value for a 3 hp Craftsman reel mower Model # 328-375203.
Did Sears make a older pull behind 3 gang manual reel mower?
Where would I go to figure out the value of my antique Craftsman lawn mower?
To determine value, I always suggested people use eBay SOLD auctions to see what people are paying for their exact item. I only use sold because that tells me what someone will actually pay for an item, versus what someone asks for an item. People can ask a million dollars for something, but if no one is willing to pay, the item becomes valueless even if a book or expert says it is "worth" something.
Finding sold auctions is easy. Go to eBay, type in the exact name and model number and look for the sold button (on my laptop it is to the far left of the screen). Then check to see what prices people got (this would be selling price plus postage--just remember buyers pay shipping costs so technically it adds to the value).
If there are none with the exact model number, then type the brand and look at the photos for matches. It is important only to gauge your time by an exact match as sometimes there are similar models where one is very valuable and the other not so much.
The other piece in determining value is to factor in condition. If yours is pristine, you would fetch more than one that is beat up.
A last item to help with value--I have found (and have done this) that sometimes with old mowers and such, if you are handy and can carefully take them apart (and know all the parts work) you can make more money on the parts vs the whole.
This is because a lot of folks love their mowers and when a piece breaks, they want to fix it with real parts, vs buying a new one or using a knock off part.
Just some food for thought that I hope gets you on the road to setting a value for your piece!
I have a Craftsman reel push mower would like to know how old it is. I'm sure it's not that old, but I really just thought it was neat with the different kind of wood handle.
www.oldlawnmowerclub.co is a British website that may be able to help you.
These are popular items but sometimes difficult to find information on different models.
I was told how to find the date design was made: You may be able to verify if this correct by calling your local Sears Service Center (google Sears service center or parts and your zip code);
Look at the type number on the engine plate and the 2'nd 2 digits will give you the year of MFG on the engine.
if this is correct information then your mower would have been made in 1981.
You can always ask questions about reel mowers at;
I recently acquired a Craftsman reel type mower, model No. 123.81. It is in decent condition and operable. I am trying to find the value in order to sell it to a reputable buyer.
I believe it is only worth what another person is willing to pay for it.
As a rare collector's item it is worthless.
It is a great design that goes back to 1949 and a company called Mascot has the license (they bought from Agri-Fab who bought the design from Scotts who bought from Yard Man). I have two of them.
Clean it up, sharpen the blade and use it. It is a great mower if you have it sharpened and adjusted right.
How do you determine the year of an old Craftsman reel push mower? Where is the year info located on these mowers?
By D.Barnes
Most lawn mowers (and many other home tools and appliances) have the manufacture date embedded in the serial number. Not sure where that is on a Craftsman mower but on other makes it's either on the motor or the housing-look for a tin plate bolted on.
Copy down the number exactly as it is on the mower then go to the Craftsman pages on Sears.com and follow the navigation links to info pages for your model and serial number.
I have a Sears reel mower. The only # I see is S02. It looks to be a very heavy duty well made mower. I would like to see if there is any value before I get rid of it.
I have several old reel type mowers and 2 wheel tractors. The mowers are Monarch model 518, Parkhound, Craftsman, and 2 with no name. The two wheel tractors are a David Bradley and a Planet Jr. I would like to know the value of these pieces.
By Dave F
An online search will bring much information about older reel mowers and your specific mowers.
How or where can I find the value of a 1953 craftsman reel mower?
By Morris