First tractor ever. An impulse buy with thoughts of getting it going to sell. As it goes with most vintage stuff, reality creeps in and now the crossroad of “Fix it up for more than I need to spend just to give it away at a loss” or maybe help a few others by stripping it down to keep others going. What I know at this time —tires are shot, reworked S/G and new belt, cleaned points and has spark, carb is bad as lower jet was unremovable by someone stripping slots. Small amount of gas in cylinder and fired up. Lift cylinder is leaking now. Front end seems to have issues. Has plenty of character (patina). Will post up pics as soon as I can. I don’t have a need for this tractor. So will be asking for thoughts and opinions on a good option to go forward since I need to get it off the trailer. Thanks to all of you Have already enjoyed researching this site
MTD hydrostatic 16 1977?
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Your 990 does need a little help to get it rolling again. If the engine fires, that is great. If the carb cannot be repaired, a new one will not be cheap. If you look around, a better deal may be found.
https://isavetractors.com/briggs-and-stratton-large-flo-jet-carburetor-with-choke-style-b/
Steering issues may be fixed if it is needing new rod ends. The steering box is not available and most are worn do to never being greased.
The lift cylinder can be fixed if you can get it apart without damaging the rod. New o-rings can be found at Ace HW in the plumbing section.
The 990 is a good looking tractor but does not hold much value even when restored. To turn a profit will be nearly impossible. Even a running and driving 990 will only sell for $300 - $500.
I have 2 parts tractors and have been selling parts from them for a few years. Mostly to owners for shipping cost plus a few bucks. No huge profits in the parts. The demand just is not there. Helping another 990 owner get his machine going is what I have being doing.
The hottest parts to sell are the lift cylinder, mower deck parts, 3 point hitch parts, front spindles and wheels, drive shaft with u-joints, dash tower and dash parts, starter generator. If it has the front PTO pulley, that will sell. The steering box will sell if it is good. The PTO belt guard and gas tank will also sell.
https://isavetractors.com/briggs-and-stratton-large-flo-jet-carburetor-with-choke-style-b/
Steering issues may be fixed if it is needing new rod ends. The steering box is not available and most are worn do to never being greased.
The lift cylinder can be fixed if you can get it apart without damaging the rod. New o-rings can be found at Ace HW in the plumbing section.
The 990 is a good looking tractor but does not hold much value even when restored. To turn a profit will be nearly impossible. Even a running and driving 990 will only sell for $300 - $500.
I have 2 parts tractors and have been selling parts from them for a few years. Mostly to owners for shipping cost plus a few bucks. No huge profits in the parts. The demand just is not there. Helping another 990 owner get his machine going is what I have being doing.
The hottest parts to sell are the lift cylinder, mower deck parts, 3 point hitch parts, front spindles and wheels, drive shaft with u-joints, dash tower and dash parts, starter generator. If it has the front PTO pulley, that will sell. The steering box will sell if it is good. The PTO belt guard and gas tank will also sell.
Guess I’ll do the bare minimum to get it going and roll the dice to at least pay for the parts and enjoy knowing maybe another one was saved from the scrap pile. Thanks for telling me what I didn’t want to hear but needed to know. I find it hard to let these old timers go to waste. Thanks again
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2,132 Posts
If you have any questions, there are several 990 owners currently responding.
I have seen many 990s posted for sale in the midwest. Priced from $300 to $1200. The high priced units don't move unless they are very nice. This one has been listed for several weeks.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/530211254071903
Same with this one.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/174192733524309
I have seen many 990s posted for sale in the midwest. Priced from $300 to $1200. The high priced units don't move unless they are very nice. This one has been listed for several weeks.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/530211254071903
Same with this one.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/174192733524309
Last weekend got the front spindles unstuck. New aftermarket carb on, lift cylinder repaired, hydraulic fluid changed. The s/g is going out, started heating battery cable up and smoking rather quickly when spinning motor over. I think the governor is broken as when it starts it goes to WOT and doesn’t respond to throttle change except by forcing the carb butterfly closed and holding it. I haven’t been able to determine how deep into the motor I have to tear down to replace it. Was wondering if it can be changed by just removing the base of the motor?? Thanks
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