SLT1554 (Kohler Command 27, 54" deck)

[zuren]

I salvaged a CC SLT1554 (box store model from mid-to-late 2000s, I believe) from the side of the road and got it running, and now need to decide if it is worth fixing the remaining items:

• Kohler Command 27 V-Twin (380 hours)
• 54" deck
• PTO is inoperative - needs replacement
• Seat is cracked/weathered - works but not nice
• Tires are cracked/weathered - can probably keep going on these
• One front tire has significant leaks - needs to be slimed or tubed
• Missing belt for mower deck
• Latch on the hood is busted - using a bungee cord to keep it closed
• Hydrostatic drive belt seems to be slipping (drives fine on flat ground but cannot climb a hill in the yard)
• Overall cosmetic condition is fair; looks like it spent the first part of its life outside or in a poorly protected lean-to, thus the level of weathering/fading on the tires, plastic, seat, stickers, etc.

I have $220 into it at this point (starter, battery, carb kit, tune up) plus some elbow grease cleaning it since these pics were taken, and figure it needs at least another $200 (or more if I replace the tires and seat) to replace the PTO and get the mower deck working. My hope was to fix it up and let my wife use it, but even though it is driveable (without a working PTO), she has never touched it...so I'm looking to either:

• Sell it as-is for somewhere under $300 just to get rid of it; I have too many projects
• Replace the PTO, buy a new deck belt, and sell it at a higher price as a functional mower
• If my hopes of recovering my money in parts, plus some extra for my time, at any level is unrealistic, I have no issues yanking the engine for a future project and scrapping the rest.

I see a couple listed at dealers here for more than $1000, which seem VERY high to me.

I look forward to input!

[J-Mech]

Weathered tires are fine as long as they hold air. Don't worry about them.
Put a new tire on front, they're cheap.
Replace the belts.
Fix the PTO issue, likely an electric problem.
Forget the seat, it's fine. If you think it needs replaced, you ought to see a bad seat.
Fix the hood latch.

Sell if for more than you have in it and be happy. If all that costs you $200 then you got ripped off.

[zuren]

Determined that the old PTO was damaged; new one to be delivered today ($110). Waiting to see if this fixes the PTO issue before I order anything else.

I'm not versed on diagnosing a hydrostatic tranny. Is a lawn tractor that drives fine over flat ground but comes to a stop on a hill a dried out/stretched belt? Tires don't spin and I don't hear any slipping; engine keeps running.

I've seen other SLT1554's listed for $800-1200 on Craigslist and at TractorHouse. Maybe there is a chance to make some money...

Thanks!

[Leadslingingdaddy]

Fluid up to level on the trans??? Whining noise at all?

Low hour Kohler can get you near 500 if it runs good along with the PTO and Muffler...