lawn mowers, worth it?

[Jeffmess16]

So just started this last week, got a beater truck, some business cards, and alot of drive. Hoping to make a legit business down the road, for now though I am holding onto my job and scrapping part time. With that being said I need to maximize what I get each drop off, how do I get the most from a lawn mower??? I recently came into several. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[matt018]

If there is an aluminum deck get it off, and if there is a cast aluminum engine try to get that apart too. everything else is iron.

[Mick]

The iron engine might be worth taking off. Check the price difference between "Light Iron" and "Motor Block". Then like matt said, check the deck for aluminum.

[Jeffmess16]

Thanks guys. I def saw some al on the block, must all fluids be drained first? Probably a dumb question but better to look stupid anonymously then at the yard...

[Mick]

[QUOTE=Jeffmess16;7619]...must all fluids be drained first?/QUOTE]

Mine wants all fuel and oil drained. I'd drain this time and ask while you're up there.

[Victor]

Here is what I do with your standard push mower. 90% I come across have a steel deck...

1. Pull sparkplug wire off the plug
2. Take blade off
3. Pull engine from deck. Deck, handle and blade go into sheet iron pile.
4. Drain engine of all gas and oil.
5. Disassemble engine completely. All small steel parts go in sheet iron pile and clean cast aluminum in another.

I take the engines down all the way to maximize my profit. I drive out all the steel pins in the block, pull the rings off the pistons, break it down to as close to clean single metal piles as possible. I want to try and make the most I can no matter what it is so I take more time than alot of guys. There is an agrument that my dollar per hour is pretty low because I am not just "turning and burning" but as a part time gig, maximum profit potential is my mindset. Then there is the spare parts angle. If you have an outlet for selling parts.....strip them to resell the pieces and scrap whatever is left. Small time repair guys are always looking for gas tanks, carb parts, etc....Scrap what is really scrap and resell what is still useable.

[IdahoScrapper]

If it's self propelled, the transmission might be aluminum. Break that down. Gears will be steel. Run a magnet over the casing. It may have steel bushings, if not it may have brass bushings. Pop those out.

The carburetor is aluminum with brass inside.

It's work to separate it all down, but this is my main income for now.