Finding Parts

What brands do you stock parts for?

We stock a large selection of parts for the following brands: Honda, Stihl®, Echo®, Briggs and Stratton, Tecumseh, Kohler, Wisconsin, Toro/Wheel Horse, Lawn Boy, Little Beaver, Scag, Snapper, RedMax, Manco, Toro Lawnmowers and Turf Equipment, Trimmer, Tru-Cut, Billy Goat, EarthWay, Kawasaki Commercial Engines, Yard Shark, Little Wonder/Mantis, Whipper-Clipper, Wheel Horse, Wisconsin, Wisconsin-Robin, Rotary, Silver Streak, and a few more.

Where do I find parts for brands you don't carry?

That's something we can't really answer. You can try asking the manufacturer. Not all of them are on the internet, but some are. A good list can be found at http://www.yetmans.mb.ca/manufacturers.html.  Marr Bros. is the distributor in our area for MTD, Murray, and AYP which account for a large fraction of the mass merchandiser power equipment sales. In some cases, the manufacturer is no longer in business. You may be out of luck.

Where do I find parts for my McCulloch saw/trimmer?

We see this question quite often. Unfortunately, we do not carry McCulloch parts. We know of very few dealers in our area who do. Over the last 20 years or so, they moved away from sales through servicing dealers and more into the mass merchandisers, who do not provide service. Even more unfortunate, McCulloch filed for bankruptcy in January 1999 (more information can be found at http://ecf.azb.uscourts.gov/McCulloch.html). As supplies run out, it is very difficult to find parts at the few servicing dealers that were left. Original Equipment, Inc. of Greenwood, Arkansas bought the McCulloch parts inventory at auction and they are selling direct to some distributors and dealers, but not the general public. You can call them at (501) 996-6844. They may be able to direct you to someone who still handles McCulloch parts, but when the parts are gone, they're gone.

Where do I find parts for my Sears mower/edger/trimmer/tractor/generator?

We can help you with engine parts for most Sears equipment, but chassis parts are another story. Some people are surprised to learn that Sears does not make the products it sells. Since it can be difficult to get parts through Sears, sometimes your best option is to go to someone who carries parts for the original equipment manufacturer. Many of those manufacturers are no longer in business, but some are still around. The first three numbers (before the decimal) of the model number on equipment sold at Sears gives you information on who made it. There are usually different model numbers for the chassis and the engine. Here's a partial list:

103.xxxxxx Sarlo Power Mower
113 Emerson Electric Shredder and Bagger
114 Pioneer Gen-e-motor
128 EJ Rugg
129 Mono Mfg. Co.
131 Roper (now AYP)
133 AYP
136 Toro
143 Tecumseh/Lawson Power Products
147 Village Blacksmith (McGraw Edison)
149 AMT
160 Wisconsin Magneto
180 Lambert Corp.
202 Gennon Mfg. Corp.
219 MTD
234 Beard Poulan and Lazy Boy
247 MTD
250 J I Case
253. Gibson (now owned by Frigidaire)
257 Allegretti & Co. and Paramount
271 Kioritz Corp.
291 American Lawnmower
328 McLane 315 Ryobi
316 Ryobi
328 McLane
355 Roper Outdoor
358 Poulan
359 Bolens Products
372 Zeus Generator Co.
378 Omark (Oregon)
380 Moto-Mower inc.
390 King-O-Lawn
410 John Bean
426 Parker Sweeper
445 Meimer
473 Quincy Compressor
498 Didier Mfg. Co.
500 Briggs & Stratton
502 Murray
517 Homelite
521 E-Z Rake Co.
536 AMF-Wester International
538 AMF/Murray
549 Midwest Ind.
580 Generac
582 Clinton Engine Co.
610 Ohio Steel
619 ARPS Corp.
636 Echo®
639 King-O-Lawn
654 Mott
663 Air Cap (MTD)
733 Fairbanks Morse
739 Onan
745 O&R Enterprises
757 Brinly Hardy Co.
769 Mercury Clutch Division
778 Comet Industries
785 Gen. Power-Magna-MTD
798 Speed King
809 AMF
842 Haben Mfg.
854 White Farm Equipment (MTD)
900 Black & Decker
917 Roper (AYP)
922 Original Tractor Cab, Inc.
937 Sunbeam (now Air Cap)

Miscellaneous Questions

How long does it take to get a machine repaired?

It depends on the complexity of the repair, the availability of parts, and, most importantly, the season. Average turn-around time for us is about a week on most repairs. Some may take longer, some may take less time. Be wary of repair shops that tell you they can have it fixed in a day or two, especially in the spring. The estimated repair time is not the time it takes to actually repair your machine, but the time it takes to finish the machines that are ahead of you in line. You can't judge a business solely on turn-around time, but a repair shop that can fix your mower in a day obviously doesn't have much business, and it's a good idea to ask yourself why.

During late summer and early fall, our repair time usually drops off to three or four days. In winter, it may take less than two, but if you wait until April, it may take us as long as ten days to get to your machine. The lesson here? Avoid the rush. Don't wait until spring when the grass is knee-high to find out your mower won't start, because that's what everybody else will do. Check the mower to make sure it will start a few weeks before the cutting season or bring the mower to your favorite shop for regular annual service during the fall or winter. Your mechanic can change the oil, sharpen the blade, replace the air filter, drain the fuel, and catch any potential problems before they become major. Regular maintenance can also help lengthen the life of your equipment.

What kind of fuel should I use?

Always use regular 87 octane unleaded gasoline (unless, of course you have a diesel). High-octane fuel can damage small engines. Make sure the fuel is fresh. Gasoline that has been sitting for more than about a month will lose some of its combustibility. If you are keeping gasoline long periods of time, we recommend using a fuel stabilizer.

What ratio gas-oil mixture should I use for my _________ chain saw and trimmer?

That depends more on the type of oil you are using more than the brand or type of equipment. We recommend using a quality name brand of two-cycle oil, such as Stihl®, Echo® or Red Max. Different manufacturers make oil with different concentrations. Years ago, the standard was 20:1, then 32:1. Today, the best quality oil is usually 40:1 or 50:1. It is usually sold in bottles that are pre-measured for one, 2.5, or 5 gallons. In short, use a high-quality oil, and mix it according to what it says on the bottle. If you buy oil that has several different ratios listed on the label, it probably isn't very high quality. You can mix it 32:1 and you will probably be safe, but you risk shortening the life of the engine or clogging up your exhaust port and muffler with carbon deposits. Do not use outboard motor oil in air cooled two-cycle engines. Outboard motor oil is designed for water cooled engines and tends to break down at higher temperatures.

It depends on the machine. The older Hondas (HR21, HR194, HR214) and the new Masters Series have replaceable tires. A few other brands have this feature as well. If you have difficulty in installing the new tire, you can soak it in very warm water beforehand. The heat will make the tire more pliable and easier to work with.

How do I convert an engine to run on LP gas?

It is not an easy job. It can easily run $100-$300 or more. Legal requirements vary from state to state. Here in Texas, it must be done by someone licensed to do that type of work. This probably holds true in most other states. To find out, check with your local propane dealer. If he can't do the work, he should be able to recommend someone who can.

My generator is too loud. Is there a quiet muffler I can buy for it?

Maybe. It will depend on the model and type of engine. There are mufflers that can reduce exhaust noise, but they probably won't make your generator quiet. Most of the noise produced by a generator is not exhaust noise but engine noise. Quiet generators, such as the Honda line do sometimes use large mufflers, but they are quieter mostly due to the design of the engine. A flat head Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh engine will always be noisy no matter what kind of muffler you use. The best you can hope for is to reduce the volume from deafening to just very very loud.

Plano Power Equipment
1414 N. Central Expressway
Plano, Texas 75074
(972) 423-5220
FAX (972) 423-5825
parts@planopower.com