Garden tractor acquisition

[kevm14]

I found this a month ago.

https://newlondon.craigslist.org/grd/d/ ... 21214.html

I looked again and noticed it actually has the long lift lever sitting there. It may be missing a brace and I worry about all the misc hardware associated with installing it. But $100 for the blower, hitch and handle is pretty cheap, and it is not far. It's the 36" of course.

[kevm14]

But finding NOS would be ideal, maybe not from a cost perspective, but knowing it comes with everything (including installation instructions) is a pretty good option.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-SIMPLICITY ... :rk:1:pf:0

I should make an offer and see.

So my most realistic options are:
- Buy this lever separately and probably pay in excess of $100 for it, probably at least $125

Made offer for $75. He countered with $123. I countered again with $90. He countered with $102. I declined and held at $90. Awaiting response. I don't want to overpay especially since I am far from serious about this whole plan - I may still come across a full kit including handle. New is nice of course, as all pieces are present. I also like the idea of having the handle on-hand so if I do come across a good deal on a blower and hitch frame, I will already be holding a major critical component.

[kevm14]

Here we go. I mean, I'm not buying this but this is good stuff.

https://albany.craigslist.org/grd/6743539216.html

Simplicity 7117 Garden Tractor with attachments - $1100 (Ballston Spa)
make / manufacturer: Simplicity
model name / number: 7117
Simplicity 7117 garden tractor with hydrostatic transmission and hydraulic powered attachment lift. The tractor was repowered with a Kohler Command 18 horse power engine that starts fast and runs perfectly. The bevel gear box was recently rebuilt with $400 in parts. Brand new battery. The tractor includes a 42" three blade mower deck, a 42" snowblower attachment, soft side snow cab, wheel weights, and tire chains.

Why shovel this winter when you can ride in cab, out of the wind and snow?

Cash only. Thanks.

Price reduction to $1,000.

The rough cosmetic shape is going to turn off a lot of people. I also wish I had a place to store this because depending on how much lower he would go, I would start entertaining this as a snow machine, but keep doing grass with my 5212.5 since I have the turbo and all that.

But for snow removal, I think this machine would probably do pretty well. I think the 18 hp is a good match to the 42" blower, I love the hydraulic lift, and the overall weight of the machine (especially if the limited slip diff actually works - this is a small but real garden tractor with a horizontal shaft engine and 5 lug rear wheels) should significantly decrease my worry about traction issues. FWIW, this machine probably has a lot of hours of both snow removal and grass cutting on it - which reminds me, I wonder if it has an actual hour meter. Probably well over 1,000 (new engine after all).

I also like the ergonomics over mine. The hydro lift lever is just to the left of the steering wheel. And it looks like the hydro trans lever is just to the right of the steering wheel.

I have actually been to this area - it is far. Upstate NY, like north of Albany.

Bill might suggest somehow storing this under a giant tarp or something....really not that excited about that idea. Not really in the mood to erect some kind of car port thing in my parking area, either, even though that would make some sense, at least during the snow reason (already on asphalt, just pull out and blow snow). My single strongest argument against it may be in heavy winds, I wouldn't want that nonsense to blow over and damage my STS or Roadmaster. I also don't know how I would anchor it on all sides. At least one corner is going to be in the middle of the driveway, even if I could place 3 corners in a way to get an anchor into the ground.

[kevm14]

I cranked up the tractor since I wanted to inflate the front tires before removing the battery for the winter. I was very curious how it would crank since I serviced the starter a few months back. Well, I am pleased to report that it cranked very well indeed. It took a bit of cranking to fire up in the 36F temps, but it did. So that is awesome. I have no concerns about firing this up in the cold weather if I ever use it for that.

[kevm14]

Since it was so warm today I put the battery back in and mowed one last time to pick up the remaining leaves. It was wet but whatever.

I meant to add that I tried to reset the low speed mixture adjustment. From idle, if you smash the throttle to full, it bogs to just a second before running up to full speed. I gave it a half turn more fuel and it liked that. However, the idle became choppy because it was too rich now. So I set it back to where it was. It's almost like it could use a little pump shot. Brool story, co.

[kevm14]

Price reduction to $1,000.

https://albany.craigslist.org/grd/6798229227.html

Price is up to $1100....now that's odd. Maybe too many low balls and he's pretty firm on $1000? I might feel bad about missing it for $600 or something but for $1000 firm, meh.

[bill25]

Wonder why they are selling after a new engine, gearbox rebuild and battery. What is left?

[kevm14]

I dunno, maybe he thought he could get his money back after fixing some stuff. Or maybe he bought it broken and is fixing to sell. Or who knows.

I was just sort of remarking that it is odd for it not to sell at $1000 and then come back at $1100.

[bill25]

Maybe he thought it was worth more now that we are actually getting snow???

[kevm14]

LOL

You might be right....