Older Bunton, info needed (pics inside)

[Glenn]

Hello,
First post here.

I picked up an older Bunton 48" last Friday. It's got a newer Briggs and Stratton 12.5hp engine, so that's a bonus. Over all, it cuts great! It cuts much better than our heavy 32", single blade Snapper tractor. This will be a strictly "homeowner use" machine as I'm not in the landscaping business.

I'm having a tough time locating an owner's manual for this machine. The engine manual was easy; I found that on briggsandstratton.com. While the mower looks pretty straght forward (variable speed Bobcat trans, 3 blades, blade brake....) I always like to have a manual in case I hit a snag when doing repair work. I've e-mailed Textron, but they stated they don't have any record of the model machine I have. I e-mailed them a picture of the ID plate, so hopefully I'll hear back from them soon.

The model number on the ID plate is B48L-11H The first part of the serial number says NNB48L.

I've found a few places to get parts, (J Thomas and precoparts.com), so I think I have replacement parts covered.

Any ideas where to get a manual?

Pics as promised:

[highlander316]

old skool! I had an old bobcat just like that and ran into the same problem. Dealer could not trace the serial number on the mower. Maybe they are all 'hot'?

[Marty]

Glenn:

Where is the serial number located on the machine? Often there are two serial numbers...one for the power unit and one for the deck. Don't know if this is how Bunton used to do it when your mower was manufactured. Might want to take a look to see if there is another one somewhere......on the control console or on the bottom back near the tranny.

Other than that, I wouldn't know what to tell you, if Textron can't find the unit......

[Glenn]

Thanks guys. The ID plate I found was right near the transmission. It had a model number and a serial number on it along with the address of the company.

[highlander316]

yup that's the same place I found the serial number on my old machine. A little metal plate rivetted to the frame?

[Glenn]

yup that's the same place I found the serial number on my old machine. A little metal plate rivetted to the frame?

Bingo! Right behind the trans.

[Glenn]

Speaking of the trans...How do you change the oil in the trans? It looks like there's a drain plug on the lower right side. Where do you fill? Do you remove that vent cap up top?

[highlander316]

eh, I'm trying to remember. Isn't there a second fill plug, because I remember there being a line that said do not fill above this point.

[Glenn]

I'll take a look and let you know.

[Glenn]

I took a look and the only markings on the transmission say "Bobcat", then a bunch of numbers. I assume it must be the part number for the trans.