Alright, what exactly did I buy?

[Criswell]

Besides the fact that it is a project, what the heck did I buy? I had bought some stuff from an on-line machine tool auction and when I went to pick-up the items that I had won I saw this sitting tucked out of the way along the wall.





After I paid for the stuff that I had bought and we were done loading I asked the guy what was the story on the walk-behind. I was told that it was from a previous auction about a year ago and did not sell, and that for $20 I could take it and the implements with me. As you may be able to tell I brought it home, the implements will be yard-art until the spring.




So, what did I buy for the princely-sum of $20? There is no tag or label anywhere except for the one on the engine "THE CLINTON" precision built air-cooled engines. The implements and the framework of the walk-behind have what is either orange or faded red paint on them. It is belt-drive from the engine to the countershaft then chain-drive from there to the wheels. So if anyone is able to offer up any information or ideas as to the make/brand of this latest speculation that would be very helpful. I would definitely like to know where to start looking at least.

[Eugene]

http://gardentractortalk.com/

Above site has a gallery of different 2 wheeled garden tractors.

Edit. Two wheeled garden tractors work great for small plots. Clinton engine parts are still available, but it may be cheaper to purchase a B/S clone for around $100-.

Edit. http://gardentractortalk.com/forums/fil ... k-behinds/
Manuals section of site may help identify the machine.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I used to have one almost identical many years ago, except it had a brush saw/mower on the front, along with another lever to loosen and tighten the front belt. Pretty good rig for heavy grass and weeds till it broke the one piece blade about half an inch from the spindle. It nearly beat me to death before I managed to grab the handle to stop the blade.

[Criswell]

Well a consensus of opinions and some other information (photographic and paint colors) is pointing towards it being a Bready. Most likely pre-war and more than likely re-powered with a later engine. Come spring the engine will be removed and gone through and gotten into a running condition. After that the framework will be cleaned up and sorted-out and we will see where we are at then, just not enough heated workspace to do it now.

[outdoors4evr]

Looks like you bought a headache & a back-ache!

[SONNY]

check out bolens models---mine looks similar with the 6;1 gear reduction on the motor; thanks; sonny

[Eugene]

Looks like you bought a headache & a back-ache!

A lot of the two wheeled garden tractor implements can be easily converted to be towed by your 4 wheeled garden tractor.

[Dusty B]

Looks like a David Bradley (Sears) to me some models did not have the fancy hood! Have one of my dad's, going to go on Craig's list this spring!!

[SONNY]

Dusty? wotcha sellin! I just might be interested! --I use walk behinds a lot here! thanks; sonny

[artc]

Clinton went out of business in the mid 1950's, IIRC. my granddad had a substantial supply of Clinton parts until the shop closed shortly after his passing, around 1988. even in the 1970's when I was in the shop, we didn't sell enough to justify the shelf space.

I haven't done any searches for parts, but I'd be surprised if much was still available, or re-popped.

so I would search for parts before I dug into it

[Criswell]

Here is a page from the 1974 Clinton Engine line-up, so I don't think the mid-1950's is right.



The last engines were made at the Maquoketa, Iowa plant in the 1980's. Parts do not seem to be any problem to find, already ordered a new head gasket and some ignition parts. This one has compression and spark and beyond that I have not gotten into it. The carburetor definitely needs to be rebuilt, but it is still not warm enough to work outside yet.

[ricky racer]

If you need a motor, I've got a Clinton engine (I think it's a Clinton, it's been awhile since I looked at it) with a speed reduction. I can hook you up very cheaply..... I'll never do anything with it.

[danovercash]

Loved the old 4 1/4 hp Clinton on Dads Eddleman SP mower, hated the one on the push mower at work. 17 lbs difference in weight between Clinton and B&S.

[Eugene]

I would set the Clinton engine on the shelf.

Couple years ago I found a guy who made engine rings. PM him on a Sunday, couple of days later the rings I needed showed up in the mail,

[Gary Dotson]

Ricky, I think the engine you have is an old Briggs & Stratton.