Oct 2025:
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….