Tom Arnold 446

Hi Tom, I was told to check with you on a 1987 Ingersoll 446. I'm looking at this machine and the owner said it will mow for a few seconds and then kick out the pto. Someone else thinks it is kicking out the clutch not pto. But they told me to ask you Sir for your advise. he is asking $1500 it looks like new but that don't mean anything it could have been redone.

1987 was the 2nd last year that Ingersoll made the 446 model and if the tractor is original, then it should sport 25th Anniversary decals on each side of the dash tower.

The snow blower and mower deck are both belt driven via a mechanical PTO clutch mounted on the front of the engine, which is engaged manually by pushing a lever on the left side of the dash tower. If the clutch is not adjusted properly or it has parts that are badly worn, then it can behave the way you describe. Most of the time, the clutch can be repaired using readily available new parts.

Pricing for a 446 with just a mowing deck can vary widely based upon the condition as well as the location. That said, I feel that $1500.00 for such a machine is far too much money unless there are other solid reasons to justify that figure.

The problem here is that you are not familiar with this brand of tractor and it may have optional equipment that would add value. I can help you further if you send me an e-mail that includes the serial number of the tractor PLUS four good photos that show the front, rear and sides of the tractor along with the name of the state where this is taking place.

First thank you for your insite on the mower.
Here are a few picutres Tom.

All I see is a basic 446 with a 48 deck. There is no rear PTO kit or a hitch of any kind that would add value. No wheel weights, front weight kit, tire chains or other attachments such as a Utility Blade or snowcaster. Opinions on value will often vary widely but while this one appears to be very clean and straight, the most I would pay is $1000.00 if the engine checks out with a leak down test and compression test.

The main problem here is that the clutch is not working properly and we don't know why. Therefore, the Seller is expecting you to assume the cost of putting his tractor back into working order. Suppose for a moment that he was selling an SUV that looked really nice but the transmission was not shifting gears properly. The onus is on him to make this tractor ready to go to work because he is asking a premium price for it. A new clutch from the dealer is $600.00 plus shipping and taxes.

It is not up to you to gamble on whether the old clutch can be repaired, especially at the asking price of $1500.00. Now if he was asking $500.00, then it would be worth the risk.

He's just fishing for a sucker and if I were you, I'd give it a pass.

Not only what Tom said, but the tractor looks like he painted it all over, without removing the oils and grease, dirt, or whatever before he painted it. Sez sucker bait to me! You would be better off to buy a new Craftsman Tractor, than invest your money in that old heap!
NOTE: I am not a Craftsman salesman, nor am i affiliated with Craftsman, my statement is just used for an idea. Rusty Jones

Rusty,
There are good, used Case tractors out there for reasonable prices. This one does not fit that description.

A brand new Craftsman can't be compared to a decent Case because the Craftsman is just a lawn tractor but the Case is a heavy duty garden tractor that will outlive two or three Sears machines.

Tom, thank you again I"m not sure why the pictures came out so bad. But I"ll follow your suggestion and pass. I"m glad I ask the questions.
Thanks again for all your wisedom.
Don

Tom: I know what you mean. I was just trying to show a difference in the face value of the machine, as it looks now. I didn't mean to imply that Craftsman products are anywhere near as good as the better machines. It was only a thought-mainly that new paint over an old messy finish won't necessarily mean that the tractor could perform as well as a new paint job would make it appear. I do think the future seller is just dangling the bait-hoping that some uniniated person will see the new looking machine, and get talked into buying it. His money would be spent better in buying a new machine, or at least, take a knowledgeable friend along, when he goes to look at used machines! As old P.T. Barnum said-----

Rusty,
For the most part, i agree with you. It all comes down to what your expectations are for the tractor. If all you want to do is mow your lawn, then a new Craftsman will do that nicely for about 10 years or so. But if your needs go beyond that and things such as rototilling, blowing snow, using ground engaging attachments are in the picture, then only a true garden tractor will do the work.

Caution when buying used is the order of the day and no one should allow shiny paint to fool them.