1981 Sears FF18

[SearsYellow]

Guys and Gals.. this is a long time coming. I was doing some 'paperwork' the other day and came across a Sears Craftsman mower. Upon further inspection it had molded into the axle the place for the lower arms of a 3 point. I messaged the guy on letgo. The guy said it was still available and I could come today to check it out.

Well I went to check it out. By the date code on the Briggs I figured out it was a 1981. He said his dad had ordered a shortblock from someone in Wisconsin and he remembers him ordering one for a 18 hp. I've searched high and low. This is the mower I've been searching for. I have not collected in almost 5 years .... But guess what.... I'm baaaaaack! Once you have been bit you can't get it out of the blood.

 

[TAHOE]

Nice, those are good tractors, good score.
Oh and welcome back

 

[Razorback]

Nice find!!!! Those are very capable tractors.

 

[KennyP]

Nice score, but you need the correct real wheels! I have 2 FF/20's.

 

[SearsYellow]

What would be a good price for this tractor? Does anyone have a manual? It doesn't run but he promised it would. It free wheels. It acts as though its out of gear (even though it's hydro). Steering is loose and needs work.

 

[SearsYellow]

Nice score, but you need the correct real wheels! I have 2 FF/20's.

I do have the wheels that came on it. If you look in front of the tractor.

 

[KennyP]

What would be a good price for this tractor? Does anyone have a manual? It doesn't run but he promised it would. It free wheels. It acts as though its out of gear (even though it's hydro). Steering is loose and needs work.

Check the HI/N/Lo handle. If it's in Neutral, it will freewheel! Here's the manual:

 

[dodge trucker]

I thought all FF's have Onan's through out the hp range of the different models of that machine

 

[UncleWillie]

IF you pull the hydro apart I need to get some measurements for the pin I lost out of mine.

I can't wait til we move so I can tear mine apart and get it running again.

 

[KennyP]

I thought all FF's have Onan's through out the hp range of the different models of that machine

FF18 had a B&S. FF20 and 24 had the Onans!

 

[SearsYellow]

FF18 had a B&S. FF20 and 24 had the Onans!

I'm glad I got the 18 then. Im not a Onan fan.

 

[Rodneyy525]

Anybody know where I can get some FF18 side panels , currently restoring one

 

[KennyP]

Anybody know where I can get some FF18 side panels , currently restoring one

Those are like hen's teeth.

 

[jabelman]

Those are like hen's teeth.

post a photo of them, can they be made?

 

[KennyP]

Here's one side:


If I was versed in making a pair of molds and fiberglass, I could make some. Might be expensive though.

 

[dodge trucker]

Check with Willie here on the site
Didn't he just get a few of these machines?
He might have extra

 

[UncleWillie]

Check with Willie here on the site
Didn't he just get a few of these machines?
He might have extra

I have 2 sets of side panels. I wish I had the skill set to make more. I need 2 more sets.

 

[Rodneyy525]

There is a group out there at
CraftsmanFF@groups.io on yahoo, I was able to find panels and get them, there were several people that had them, and many other items, pto’s complete 3 point hitches but all I was lacking was the side panels

 

[UncleWillie]

There is a group out there at
CraftsmanFF@groups.io on yahoo, I was able to find panels and get them, there were several people that had them, and many other items, pto’s complete 3 point hitches but all I was lacking was the side panels

I thought that group had died. I haven't gotten any email about them in a long time.

 

[KennyP]

Too bad I won't deal with Facebook!