[jbumgarner]

Hi, I am new to the site and have been giving some thought to buying a vintage power reel mower for a project. I already have a couple projects to take care of this winter, but I thought why not find another. I seen a lawn king on ebay that may be worth bidding on. Do you all have any idea of what I should look to pay. I don't want to over pay. It also comes with an Eclipse as well for one price. Will be a heck of a drive to go pick up, but if the price is right I may be in. The mower looks to be complete and in fairly good shape. What do you think. Remember I am new to vintage mowers and don't want to bit off more than I can chew.:dunno:

 

[Austen]

Neat mower! From what I can tell in the photos, aside from the recoil that is going to need some attention, it looks like it is complete and in good original condition. I looked up the year and it is a 1949, same as Bruce's machine. Pretty neat that it also comes with the Eclipse as a package deal too!

In regards to price, it really comes down to what you're willing to pay. Reel mower collecting has not caught on (yet) like LawnBoys have so there is really not a market value to base them off of which can make pricing them tricky. If the machine has sentimental value to the seller, it's not uncommon to see these types of machines listed for doube or even triple what they may actually be worth. Other times you'll see a screaming deal out there as the seller doesn't know anything about it and simply wants it gone.

Realistically for a Lawn King that is complete, and in fair shape, somewhere around the $100-$150 range (+,-) is a very general ballpark figure of what I've seen many of them listed for in the past. I believe that I paid $175 when I found mine. It really depends upon how much you want it because when it comes to these, it is really more of a matter of love than anything else.

Something to keep in mind for future reference is that the ignition system is sooner or later going to need to be gone through as the original Wico components in these have already cashed in on their AARP. A reliable solution that totally modernizes the ignition system, and works great with these old Jacobsens I've found, is a Nova II ignition module hooked up to either a new coil that is made to work with the kit, or, hooked up to your original coil if it's still strong. This by all means is not something that should detract you away, but something to keep in mind.

Keep us updated and thanks for your interest on a very unique piece of mowing history!

 

[bwdbrn1]

I've got that one on my watch list too I notice it has the rollers on the back instead of the third wheel like mine and Austen's.

The Eclipse looks pretty rough, but there's a lot of history in the brand, and what the heck, it's thrown in with the King.

Like Austen said, the ignition on the Jacobsens will give you fits trying to find original replacement. They come up on Ebay, and there are some sources out there if you look long and hard enough, but the Nova II replacement is the way to go. I've installed it on two of my old Jakes, the King being one of them.

The Tillotson carb has what looks to be a cork float, and I'm thinking finding replacement parts for them will be a trick too.

 

[jbumgarner]

OK, I still havent decided what I want to do, but today I found a Lawn Queen much closer to me so now I am stuck. The Lawn Quenn is a 41' model. Seems like I read something about the suction fuel tank. Do you know anything about this and will it be a problem.

 

[Austen]

Neat!

If it were me, I would actually pass and wait to find another LQ that has the standard gravity fed system, it will be much less troublesome to work with. While I don't have any firsthand experience using the pressurized system, I have heard the stories of some owners who have mentioned how they have never been able to get theirs to run right as it can be a nightmare to setup and have work properly if the system is not absolutely in check.There are numerous check valves that all need to be in working order and adjusted right for it to function properly. If you however enjoy this type of challenge and find the design pretty clever (which it is), then it may be just for you. I myself would go crazy as I much prefer the ease of use of the normal gravity fed system.

If you are worried about not being able to find another LQ, take it from me, you will. I used to think LQ's were pretty rare but over the years I've been finding that they are a lot more common than I used to think. It seem they were one of the best selling lawnmowers in their day which is really neat and says something. Now if it was a LK I might have second thoughts on passing, but I can probably find at least a handful of LQ's for sale around the country on CL.

Keep us posted,

Austen

 

[bwdbrn1]

I don't know what to tell you about that Lawn Queen you found. I have a '49 Bantam that has the gas tank sitting along side the engine. I had my doubts about it too, but darn if it doesn't start and run just as well as my gravity feed '52 Queen and '49 King. Like Austen said though, there are more than a couple of them out there.

 

[jbumgarner]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help for the new guy. Now my decision gets even harder. Today I was looking at craig's near where my father in law lives and found this. A little more than I was looking to spend, but I think this is sweet.

 

[Austen]

Those riders are pretty cool! I've always wondered what it'd be like to drive one.

That would be the Estate, either a 24" or 26" cut. Here is one of the best well kept secrets among Jacobsen enthusiasts, Hit & Miss Model's Jacobsen serial number lookup for products made before 1975. It is a site that allows you to look up the years of vintage Jacobsens. You might find it handy when looking at some of the machines you're coming across, so long as the serial is provided that is.

And this is for ambition , SmokStak

 

[bwdbrn1]

I keep waiting for one of those to show up near me. It has to be an absolute hoot to drive.

 

[bwdbrn1]

I see it sold for $135.50. Were you the winner jbumgarner?

 

[jbumgarner]

No it wasn't me. I decided to hold off and find something a little closer. I'll keep you guys informed. I have a couple winter projects already, so it may be spring before I pick something up. I am going to keep my eyes open though. Thanks for the advise.

 

[Five Points]

We'll be watching for those winter projects posts!

 

[Austen]

Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll find the right one!

Speaking of winter projects, I wouldn't mind finding something before long to tinker over the weekends this winter.

Weather is changing quick which means no more m/c riding, hiking or much of anything outdoors for a long time!