Age : 26 Join date : 2012-06-26 Posts : 492 Forum Rep : 0 Location : Back in the sticks of VA
Subject: Dumpster diving Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:59 pm
One thing I think I inherited from my dad is Dumpster diving. Today, he brought home a push mower someone had thrown on the scrap pile. A little gas later and it's running like a top. I can't believe someone threw this out. There is nothing wrong with it. Makes me sick. Now we have two push mowers. Both have a 4hp briggs. It's nicer than the one we have now. So, are there any other "Dumpster Divers" out there? What are some of your greatest finds?
matthew sidor Screwdriver
Age : 26 Join date : 2012-04-13 Posts : 184 Forum Rep : 0 Location : Montesano, Washington
Subject: Re: Dumpster diving Thu Nov 01, 2012 8:03 pm
I was given a full go kart chassis that had been dumped still with good tires. all it needed was a motor. since then its been scrapped
Tractor Man Jeff Moderator
Age : 26 Join date : 2012-06-26 Posts : 492 Forum Rep : 0 Location : Back in the sticks of VA
Subject: Re: Dumpster diving Thu Nov 01, 2012 8:37 pm
Why did ya throw it out? Could've sold it and made some money for your tractor.
matthew sidor Screwdriver
Age : 26 Join date : 2012-04-13 Posts : 184 Forum Rep : 0 Location : Montesano, Washington
Subject: Re: Dumpster diving Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:08 pm
I was young. I jumped it and the year axle ripped off. so i didnt try to fix it. so i scrapped it.
and this was before i had the mower
Tractor Man Jeff Moderator
Age : 26 Join date : 2012-06-26 Posts : 492 Forum Rep : 0 Location : Back in the sticks of VA
Subject: Re: Dumpster diving Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:10 pm
Gotcha. People throw whole lawn tractors into the scrap bin at the dump. Makes me sick. They wont let ya go in there and get anything out.
W1ldyOvvnZ Screwdriver
Age : 25 Join date : 2011-12-06 Posts : 499 Forum Rep : 0 Location : Winchester, ON, Canada
Subject: Re: Dumpster diving Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:20 pm
Ive gotten tonnes of things, nothing much from dumpsters, but ive gotten tractors given to me, weedeaters given to me, computers, etc. the best deal I got was two old motor bikes, one was a twin cylinder and one was a triple, they were both torn apart and the engines would need a complete rebuild from sitting for 30 years with the top ends off them.
Junkstarbuilds Administrator
Age : 44 Join date : 2012-07-03 Posts : 236 Forum Rep : 0 Location : Fort Stewart Georgia
Subject: If you follow Mon Nov 12, 2012 8:45 am
I dont know if you guys watch my videos, but my buddy and I got that Golf cart someone gave us, because they didnt know where to throw it away..
We often place adds for stuff that we will pick up for free, because people want to throw stuff away and are actually "afraid" to put it in the trash/dump
I too dumpster dive...mostly I pull out tube steel and angle steel...or anything weldable I might could use..its a gold mine in some cases..
Also, I agree..I pull out mowers take them home, If I can fix easily then I sell cheap for a quick profit...If it is unreparable no biggie, I just take it back to the dump...
I hate it at some dumps that "dont" allow you to rummage? whats up with that...
I do know it is illegal in some states because as a citizen you have privacy acts in place to protect you and your trash.....
Age : 50 Join date : 2010-02-10 Posts : 1726 Forum Rep : 0 Location : Florida, USA
Subject: Re: Dumpster diving Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:38 pm
I cant figure that out either - why at the local transfer station they wont let you at least pay what its worth in steel or throw them an offer - i imagine the workers get first dibs or they just want cash for the recycled steel. Up north where my dad goes they had some stuff real cheep out for sale - i saw a craftsman deck - said " how much? " kid sed " throw me an offer " - i was like " $15?" - he took it. It was complete- even had the belt and perfect mandrels with blades - heck for parts its worth that.
Once i saw a rusty but complete MTD with a 18HP twin set aside at the dump station- i went and asked if theyd sell it and they sed no. Bet a worker took that one home.
Ill go around n see if theres any free stuff by the road , used to check freecycle on yahoo all the time and post 'wanted free junk lawntractors' - the only thing they want is for you to post something for free as well.
I grabbed quite a few free tractors off there , even saw some on craigslist years ago.
Also like great deals - cheeper the better - tractor wise i detirmine wether its rebuildable or for parts - i dont care if they run or not.