You’ll notice the bug is sporting a new seat. (not mounted yet) That’s one thing to do while in here. The list is : install the deck, Re-wire all the electrical. ( going to be dangerous) I’ll need a new battery. Fix some rubber bumper buttons (where the body sits on the frame). Oh there will be other details as well. As soon as it warms up we shall start….. maybe tomorrow.
It’s tomorrow ! And I tore into the wiring.. I have practice.. And I know the colour code for the wires. Safety switches are removed and all the excess wires removed too..
Just like the “yard beetle” The wires are in a loom and the key switch is taped up. Solenoid moved and everything cleaned.
All tested too. DONE. A few little things to do before I re- install the deck.
I liked the first one sooo much..I want to collect them.. So why not get a second one.
Different Flavour !
Different year too.. I drove five hours to the Fraser Valley to get this one.. WHY ? Because it was $75 bucks. And only missing a few things. But Yard Bug #1 is also missing a few things. However nothing that would stop it from mowing the lawn. I believe this one is a 2000 model because it has the 8.5 hp motor. The builder’s decal is on this one and again made in Canada !
Should I call that 1-800 number ? Nah. I just gave him the money … we loaded it up an headed home. This time I had help unloading last night and therefore did not have a runaway down the ramps and over my foot.. This morning I went out and had a look at what I’ve paid $75 for.
Here’s the photo in the ad.. Ya.. not much help, but does show the grass bin and a motor ! Doesn’t mention the fourteen thousand pine needles hiding everywhere. I’m not at all disappointed. A quick assessment told me a few things need fixing. For sure the wiring , that rear wheel is off the rim, the cables need lube, two need to be freed up. That would put this little guy back on grass cutting duty. I gave the beetle a bath and then made a video.
Think of how much more it would have sold for if it looked like it does in the video. Now I have more pine needles in my yard.. Stuff is nice to work on when clean. Time to roll the beetle into my little shop.
There you have it.. room to work …no dirt. The green and yellow is growing on me. I’ve ordered some bits and pieces. New key switch, air filter and battery terminal covers. Now to sort out this wiring. Funny thing ! I tested the seat switch from the Beetle and it does the opposite of the Yard Bug.. Weird.. When you sit on the seat Beetle brakes the connection. Yard Bug makes the connection. The mower deck engagement safety switch was just hanging around with a zip tie holding the button in. It does both with four wires.. My head hurts ! So I took the steering wheel and console off to get to the cables for the forward / reverse lever.
This is what’s under that cover. so now I’m pouring the juice down there and slowly work those cables.
The Electrical Stuff:
Let the fun begin.. I’m rewiring the whole Beetle. No more non – working safety stuff… we’re going to live dangerously ! The new key switch arrived today as well as some other bits.
New Key Switch ! With fancy new key! Now I can test some wires to make sure I’m right. Here’s some of the corrosion That may be most of the problem.
If this solenoid works I’ll clean it up. And mount it in a better place, as well as that fuse you can see in the background. Here’s the newest video…
The solenoid is dead.. relay works but no contact.. I have a working one so I’ll use that. Here’s a photo of all the extra wires I’m tossing..
I’ll keep the switches though.. Ya never know. The round one is the seat switch. How about an up date video.. Coming right up….
Going great… the wiring is done all tidy in a loom.. And far less to deal with. The contacts on the new switch are different from the old one, so I swapped some wires around so it does the right thing.
I taped the rubber dust cap to the key switch and that should keep it clean. And like I said we are living dangerously now.. (not really) You can start the motor without sitting on the seat, or pressing on the brake. Even if the shifter was in forward the mower will not move unless you are pushing on the “GO” peddle. I think we will be okay. Moved the (new) solenoid out from under the battery.. New connectors , wires checked,
The 30 amp fuse is easy to get at. (not blown) Now on to the motor… I’m hoping to remove the carb and clean it. The gas line is missing in action.. so need that. With a filter ! I have a new air filter, and gas line now installed. No leaks! And the Beetle got a polishing..
Also taped up the seat with yellow duck tape. So let’s see how this goes, starting the motor! Will it run ? Why yes and the proof is in this video..
I’ll have to admit I’m not overly surprised. There’s no reason for it not to. It’s not on this video but when we turned the key the first time the motor started after only a few cranks. We have a winner ! I sharpened the blade too. So ready for lawn cutting … Except there is 4″ of snow outside. So with that we will sign off on this little Beetle till spring. I’m parking it in the shelter in place of the Yard Bug #1. That will come into the shed / shop to have some work done. I’m leaving you with a final photo… all shiny.
Top of the line tractor, with all the bells and a few whistles too. Yes the bush guard is factory.. Yes there is a mower deck. and that mower deck is a heavy-duty triple blade one.
Right now it has the mulching plate on but came with the deflector as well. This is NOT a thin stamped deck, this is a welded thick sheet steel deck. With a PTO electric blade engage. I made an intro video for this puppy.
Maybe puppy is the wrong term.. .. Anyway this is a full featured lawn tractor.. it even has a 12 volt power outlet ! ANNNDDD
Check out the dash… An ammeter and a hour meter. Do they work ? Not sure yet. But enough about the features.. What makes it a project ? It’s not running yet. We believe it needs a new fuel pump. These do fail, and are a cheap part to buy.. That will most likely get the motor running. Well that and a working battery. Next is an upper bushing for the steering wheel shaft.. That will fix the loose steering wheel.. a typical issue. New belt for the mower deck and the seat needs help.. most likely a seat cover. We may find more stuff.. But for now after those things Time for a good polish and plastic restorer.
It’s the next day after picking the Husky up. I’ve ordered the steering bushing and the fuel pump. The battery is on charge and I’m hopeful because It was low but not dead. If the motor runs good that would mean this tractor is an easy fix, and could be ready to sell quickly. Fingers crossed… In the meantime I’m giving the tractor and the deck a bath.
Oh and the battery charged up and passed the load test. One less thing to buy.
I now have all the parts I need bu it’s too cold outside to do the work. I have instead been working on the “Yard Beetle” which fits in my warm shed where my tools are. BUT because someone I know would like this tractor I decided to move it to a warm shop. And did just that today. Tomorrow I’ll get the work done..
And just like that..it’s tomorrow.. and here’s the new fuel pump installed. And the steering bushing too ! Put some fresh gas in the tank and the motor fired right up. Runs great. Just the deck to get back on now.
That’s a snow blower on the dolly. And it’s barely used ! However missing a few control parts. I had one of these tractors 15 years ago. Here’s proof… photo taken in 2009.
It was only ten years old then.. and had hydro static drive, and was a lot more shiny. The new one I just picked up is a six speed manual transmission. Otherwise the same. And yes needs a few repairs and a battery, but I’m told it runs. Here’s a better photo.
It shows the extra 15 years of use and abuse ! But I’ll make it better. Missing the floor mats and the battery, I have the other parts and the deck. Needs the starter put back on and the steering fixed ( I have the parts).
Here’s the gross looking deck and it’s only missing the grass deflector. Arbours are good and so are the blades. And here’s a new video..
The weather was good today so I decided to give the tractor a much needed bath with the pressure washer. Especially the mower deck… clogged with grass and dirt. If I let that sit all winter there will be more rust. found two rusted through holes that will need patching.
Yup.. that’s one rusty deck.. I’ve seen worse. However the mechanics of it are still good so I will treat the rust and give it a much needed paint job.
Here’s the now cleaner tractor. The weather is staying nice still for another day so let’s put the starter back in and a battery and hear this motor run.
Got the stater back on with the new ring gear and tried starting the motor. The starter struggled to turn the motor over and started to smoke… Not good ! I’ve seen this before and it’s normally the demise of the starter. They do get old and tired. New starter is ordered.
A new starter is on and the motor fired right up. I have driven the tractor around the yard and it’s all good. So the two things needing to be fixed are the deck and the steering, but it’s too cold to work outside now. So I’m pausing this project till spring or I have a warm place to work.
Here’s a cutie that’s unique and a very SMART Design !
Just picked this up today… got a good deal.. It runs and drives and mows ! This one is the Canadian version of the “YARD BUG” or “Yard Beetle” Sold by Canadian Tire around about 2003. Most of these little guys were made under the “Yard Man” name, but all were made by MTD in the USA and Canada.
Well that’s close to the “John Deere” colours !
They also came out in different flavours (colours).. “Craftsman red” and “Cub Cadet” off white and of coarse the dark green of mine. As far as I can figure out …only for a few years in the early 2000’s. Some very interesting features on these. They could BAG, CHUTE and MULCH the grass.In other words a 3 in 1 mower. 30″ single blade deck. A foot pedal speed drive system and a tight turning radius. Designed to fit through any gate. Heck at 32″ wide it fits through the door of my shed ! Where’s the grass colector you ask ?…
Right in the middle of the mower, on top of the deck. I did say interesting. Oh yes.. AND there’s more. With the exception of the deck height lever everything is cable operated. Ya..SIX cables that I count. The guy I bought it from just replaced two of them.. So cable maintenance will be important. My video I made explains that best.
I wanted to make a video about going to get it and an introduction. I’m learning video editing .. got a long way to go !
So if it works the way it is.. then how can this be a project you ask ?
Well first there is a few “gremlins” in the wiring and safety switches. Those cause intermittent no start. I blame the notorious seat switch.. But it couls be more. Also I’m sure the deck will need work… All the linkages, cables and pulleys need to be checked. And lastly ( for now) some cosmetic stuff. Like the seat and maybe new paint ? For the time being it’s going to have a winter nap. But I’m planning one more video on the uniqueness of these little ride on mowers. I think they should still make them. Anyway here’s a new video I made.
I believe I figured out my DJI mini mic thing for audio. Anyway now each day that is NICE weather (warm) I will start work on the Yard Bug. Removing the deck is first.
Wow that is not very easy.. Lot’s things to do, pins and springs and the belt engage cable. All worth it … easier to clean and access things. And I’m learning how this little mower works. About the deck ? Well check out the photo….
Not at all what I expected.. Could use a bit of a wash.. but do I even need to paint it ? I’m not thinking so.. Let’s wash everything !
Would you look at that ! No rust on the top side. In way better shape then I expected. As I’m cleaning I’m checking all the parts and pieces. Nothing stands out as a problem…Nope.
Even the grass bin is in perfect condition. No broken plastics. The one belt I got to look at (mower belt) is great. This is not much of a project.. Seems the only thing needed is a tail pipe and the electrical gone over or a complete rewire. Oh and I will sharpen the blade while the deck is off and it’s easy to take off.
All clean.. This makes working on the electrical and the cables easy. The battery tray has some rust, so that needs a treatment and some kind of rubber mat. However after I sharpen the blade there is no plans of further work on the bug YET !
There we go.. Blade is clean and sharpened. The blade measures 27.5 ” .. so that would be the cut, even though the deck is 30″. Slowly when I feel like it I’m putzing away on the bug. I drained the gas and ran the motor out of fuel. That’s the way I want it for the winter. And now I have three pieces. I took the body (top) of the bug.. Brought that inside and tried polishing to see if any scratches would come out. They are deep so it’s only a bit better but now shiny !
Notice the ” 3 in 1″ decal is gone and so is the duct tape where the “full bag” window was. good enough for now.. so outside it went.
Quite the collection out there.. Soon the main part of the bug will be coming inside so I can go over the wiring.. Nothing else needs any work.. But first I’m having a look at the seat.. Can it be saved ?
Not thinking so.. It’s rusted badly. This is what happens when mowers are left outside without a cover. The rain soaks though the foam and never really dries out. It’s not rusted through yet and I did treat it.. So the seat pan is maybe okay, and the foam has survived. But the cover is toast.
Dec 25:
This was where I left off. The Bug was parked in the shelter with the body re-installed. The Yard Beetle #2 is all finished now and I’m swapping,so this one is going in the shed. Time for a re wire and a few things. Oh and put the deck back on. So let’s start a new post….
Ok not the prettiest tractor… a bit scuffed and faded, But it works ! And as for the no start… I traced a lot of wires and found the problem. Wrong wire plugged into the starter solenoid. All safety switches are working AND now it shuts off as it should. The motor fired right up and runs good. So on to finishing the mower deck. Found a spring that works for the cable return, and fixed the broken grass deflector. We mounted the deck and discovered the belt I bought is the wrong one. So new one ordered.. Once I get the proper one on, then level the deck… It’s grass cutting time. !! I could get the headlights working and polish the lenses, but no one uses those.. REALLY not needed.
There is still a problem that makes the motor run rough when the mower is engaged. But We will find out why.. I think one of the safety switches is still acting up. The bagging system is installed ans fit’s great. Here’s the last photos of the tractor.
Deck is level and cutting great too.
It’s going to find a new home at my Nephew’s home.. Big yard !
Now that all.. or most of the parts are clean.. It’s time to get things back together. I’m starting with the rear body / deck.. fender.. (whatever) This needs to be in place to create a new base for the dash bottom.
A WAAAAY more metal than the factory had. This will be welded to the base of the dashboard pedestal. And here we have done the welding and painted the base too.
That should fix the bottom.. Now to do something about the bushing halfway up.. Turns out that the bushing is not bad.. There is only a little play in the steering.. Mostly on the gear and steering horn under the tractor. So I’m putting things back together.
Back at it late Sept .
And here’s where I’m at.. New battery, seat cover. And I fixed the hood hinge. One of the other issues with this tractor was the shut off with the key not working. The problem is a typical one with the fuel cut off solenoid not working.
This little doo hicky…Shuts the fuel off when the key is off..(no power) the plunger on this one is not returning to the full up position. New one is ordered. And now installed… And that’s working. I can hear it working. Now I have no power to the starter. This tractor has four safety switches ! Brake/ clutch, seat, mower engage and “mow in reverse ” switch. The later wont prevent a start. But it will shut the motor off if the key isn’t in the “mow in reverse” position. In my opinion TOO MUCH stuff to go wrong. So now I need to trouble shoot at least three of these switches. I do get the push the brake/ clutch in one but the rest I question. Let’s start a new page as I get this tractor ready for prime time..
Do I need a tractor to cut the lawn ? Well sort of.. My right leg isn’t working as good … so pushing my EGO mower I run out of steam quickly. Hills like we have are hard. I borrowed one just like this and way easier for me. I feel like I could cut everyone’s grass. So there. Also I got this one cheap.. And yes it needs some work, but we drove it onto the trailer.. It runs ! Yes it has a mower deck. I removed it because they get caught on the ramp of the trailer. This tractor has the “special edition ” decal on the side..And I don’t know what is different ?
Just your typical 42 ” deck. Not rusty, not missing parts.. Only the plastic chute is held on with wire ! Oh and it came with a bagging system.. BONUS..
Not broken.. and the good hard bagging system too. This tractor was one of my favourite Craftsman mowers. ( my very favourite has foot pedal controls) But for my needs the leaver control works better. In the past I have had many of this exact tractor go through my shop. So I know all about them. Here’s a photo of one of those.. in better shape ..
Proof ! This photo was taken in May 2018.. And was taken after I worked a little magic on it and now ready to sell. Now fast forward to 2025.. and these are worth much more than the $500 I was asking.. More like $1200. One of the issues that most of these mid 2000’s YT , YS and even the D series had was and weak dash and the metal console that held the steering wheel and other controls. I did a video on the problem and my fix for it. This new YS4500 also has this problem.
Old video from 2016..
So I have some work to do.. and no shop.. I’m working outside. It’s going to wait till later July after our camping time. However I’m picking away at some things. I’ve cleaned the deck so I can see what’s needed. Blades for sure and the belt that’s missing.. The spindles seem good just need some grease. I’ll need to make a way to mount the deflector back on.. Straighten out a few bent things.. and we are good.
Here’s a short video showing how bad the steering is. The plan is to take that whole dash and tower apart so I can weld some extra support. I’m also working on restoring the deck.. It’s getting a rust treatment with “Krudkutter” as seen in this photo.
Turns the rust white. And then a coat of paint. The arbours and blade mounts are in very good condition. So are the gauge wheels… Blades not so much.
New blades are on the way. Today I had some spare time so I got to taking the steering and the console / dash apart. A great opportunity to clean some grass and crap out from all the spaces.
Here’s the bottom of the console. Only one bolt still had the ear to hold it on. And someone used JB weld to “try” and fix it. I will weld new metal, and all six bolts will have something to hold onto.
Here’s where it mounts.. You can do better with wider metal. By the way with the console taken away there is only four more bolts and the fender / foot well comes off for a good cleaning. Which did happen…
There you have it.. I don’t take stuff apart unless I’m going to clean it. And ! The the naked tractor is very easy to clean…
I should have done a before & after photo.. Trust me it was very dirty. Good time to lubricate the moving parts now. Then put the body back on.. And that’s a good place for a new page…
Yes I really splurged and bought a brand NEW tractor. Check it out !
I did not trade the 08 BX 1850 for this..But I did use the money from selling it towards the new BX. These new tractors are loaded with great features. I can change the bucket for the pallet forks in seconds !
And the back hoe is smooth and bigger than the old one.. Plus it has a thumb for grabbing things. LOVE it ! Both attachments come off the tractor with ease. Combined with the new dump trailer cleaning up and repairing things in the yard will be a walk in the park.
And sure was helpful after moving to Park Pl for the bit for yard work there too.
But I’ve had this little guy stashed away for 9 years. It’s sooo cute ! Made by International Harvester.. Powered by a whopin 6 hp tecumseh motor.. 4 speeds.. both forward and backward. And a stylin body like a little car.
Electric Start ! I wish… not this one. There is no electrical system .. too bad cause it needs lights.
I bought this off folks in Oliver for $50. (that’s their kid ) not running .. Needed a head gasket.. So when I got it home we bought that and ..carb kit , spark plug and an air cleaner.. All of this for another $50. So I’m into the little clown car for $100. Ya “Clown Car” That what it looks like.. So It’s a bit nasty outside so this is a good one to get running.. Also I did a big clean up in the Frankenport this summer and this got booted from it’s hiding place.
And now it on the lift table and I’m preforming surgery on the motor. Hay got the parts why not. First “Off with the Head”. Yup a chunk the gasket was gone.. So here I’ve done some cleaning
Lot’s more cleaning to do before putting things back.. Also I checked the spark.. And we have good spark.. That’s one of the things needed. The other is fuel. so the carb is getting a good cleaning and all new parts.
Going to need new fuel lines as well. And the pull starter needs a little help.
Went out to the shop this morning and the motor had strangely puked all it’s oil out on the lift table.. I’m guessing me spinning the motor with the drill to test for spark has caused something to happen. The oil is all over the pulley under the motor …so main seal ? crack on the crank case ? Now you gotta think just how much parts or a new motor is this old mower worth. The fuel tank is full of rust. Is it going to leak ? Only one of the four wheels holds air.. Will the transmission work ? I know it’s somewhat fun to work on these things. And I’ve restored many many mowers.. But I don’t have the patience for motors I used to. I think I’ll put the little guy back together and pass it on.
