Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn Chief 500, briggs stratton, engine cowling

Question
Just picked up a Lawn Chief 500 for free from a neighbors' "dead pile" and it has various problems. The biggest at this point is that the model and serial # plates are missing, so I don't know where to start.  It does have a B&S 12 hp and a safety switch in the spring loaded seat.  Can you help identify the builder so I have a chance at the shop manual and any parts I might need.  Thanks in advance.  Vince

Answer
Hiya Vince!
First place to start, the engine cowling has a series of stamped numbers on it.  Get those numbers, go to Briggs & Stratton homepage, you can enter the numbers there and you can begin the data trail.  Displacement, year made, carb type all good stuff.  I'm sorry I have no idea who actually "builds" lawn chiefs!  But Western Auto used to carry them- and searches keep popping up MTD manufacturing.  I dunno-
Get that model number & lets go hunting!