Garden tractor acquisition

[kevm14]

I think this is actually a different one than the first Manchester Simplicity thrower. Different link anyway. And different pictures. Better price and the condition seems better. Maybe I'll ask if he has the elusive long lift lever. I am still not sure if I even want to do this, and I am not sure it is worth putting my tractor through this anyway.

Wait, ONE picture is the same. It looks better here!

https://nh.craigslist.org/for/6715712934.html

Simplicity snowblower attachment - $300 (Manchester)

Selling this simplicity attachment, for older model Simplicity tractors. $300 or best offer. Any questions, please ask. I am keeping this in Amherst, NH but for anyone really interested I can load it up and travel within reason. The push bar has been removed to fit the pallet, but all of the lock pins are there, it goes right back together and the belt is good too. Part number is shown in pictures. 1690547

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[bill25]

Better price and the condition seems better.

It was put on the "return to Epic" pallet.

[kevm14]

Is that why the condition is better?

I am surprised that I get Epic for a $50 discount...

[kevm14]

Down to $200.

https://nh.craigslist.org/for/6722099875.html

Maybe I will email. Says price is negotiable.

[kevm14]

Have been going back and forth on e-mail. He seems willing to type informative e-mails which I take as a good sign - anyone who posts on CL and expects money to flow directly into their pocket for minimal effort is someone I may not want to do business with.

If I can determine that I really want this (because I don't think I am going to have a lot of luck reselling if I end up not liking it), and it is in good enough shape and I can get a good enough deal (not sure what that is but $100 would certainly do it), then I might be willing to take a chance and make the long drive. Meanwhile I still would need wheel weights, the elusive long lift lever and who knows what other piece/parts. The wheel weights should be easier to track down as they are more simple and may be cross compatible with stuff.

[kevm14]

Broadened my search to include the older P/N and came up with two more hits. I am now thinking that $100 is about what these are worth, maybe a little less.
https://newlondon.craigslist.org/grd/d/ ... 21214.html
https://nh.craigslist.org/grd/d/simplic ... 81473.html

One for $100 and one for $75. They both look to be in equivalent condition to the one in NH (and in fact one is in NH).

[kevm14]

I e-mailed the one in CT asking specifically for the long lift lever.

[kevm14]

I washed it. I guess this was part of my prep to paint the area under the battery so I figured it was due for a bath. I washed the machine itself but not the wheels or deck. I also washed a lot of the engine tin, and the underside of the hood, behind the grill and stuff like that. Also washed the blower and the tube. And even the brake pedal, which appears to be aluminum and came out great.

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Now this shocked me. The seat has a tag that says Nov 1987. Could this be the original seat?? It must have never been stored outside...also these are likely the original tires, and, well, original everything else.

[kevm14]

Now to tackle the rust. It's not rusted through or anything but obviously if I want it to last I should do something. This is better than I treat my cars....wonder what that means. I guess it means my priorities are not in order as this is worth less than any of my vehicles.

I basically just wire wheeled it, blew it off with air, and then wiped it down with brake cleaner.

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Primed with Rustoleum.

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And Rustoleum black.

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Also wire wheeled, primed and painted the battery hold down bracket.

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It was like 48 today, and the paint says 50 minimum....I am hoping this is OK. I may do a second coat next weekend. Or not.

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I just need to make sure when I R&R the battery, that I am not grinding dirt into the paint. So the tray and bottom of the battery needs to be clean. Other than that this should last a long ass time.

[kevm14]

A few more.

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Does this mean it is an 88? I guess it could have been a NOS replacement...