Repair-It

I am not the original owner. The manual came with the package. The blower is actually this:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/69481 ... 013-A.html

It appears identical to all diagrams in the Simplicity manual. The hitch has different mounting spots for long and short frames.

My lift lever has two holes, one for mower deck and one for blower.

Not sure if that helps.

Joe

Sent from my iPhone

Here is my reply.

Joe,

Thanks for the reply.

On the hitch, do you think it is a Simplicity hitch? Did it come off that 6216? Can you find the part number? I think the hitch has to be correct for the application. Fortunately the 5212.5 and 6216 take the same hitch. So if it installed on that tractor, it should fit mine. I couldn't tell from your ad if you had installed it or not.

On the lever: Are you talking about the PTO lever? Or the lift lever? I have a short lever for lifting the deck and I need the long one with the lock button on top that bolts to the right foot rest. Do you also have this?

Thanks,
-Kevin

I ran it on my 6216 and it fit perfect.

I am not going to remove my lift lever because I have the plow attached with it.

Joe

Joe,

That is great.

Ok, sounds like your long lift lever is supposed to stay with your tractor and I’ll have to track one down somehow.

That said, it looks like the lift rod is included as that is part of the blower, correct?

-Kevin

So still need the long lift lever. And wheel weights. This blower looks a little rustier than the other one but I'd have to see it in person.

Putting all pics here.

I am confused because I thought he said his tractor broke, unless he means, it broke, and he fixed it, but went with a plow vice this blower after it was repaired and therefore hooked up but never used the blower on his 6216. Makes me wonder why he's selling it then. My original thought was because he didn't have a tractor to put it on.

Joe,

Re-reading your ad, it looks like you said you never got to use it on your 6216 because it died. But you are saying you DID install it and it fit. Can I ask why you are electing to plow instead of blow the snow since you still have your 6216?

Thanks,
-Kevin

A phone call would be better for this but the asynchronous e-mail format is so much more convenient.

The tractor I bought had issues that I wasn’t aware of when I bought it. I thought it would be better option than my walk behind snow blower but it’s not.
I ran snow blower once but elected to use plow instead for light snow and my walk behind for anything deeper.

Well that is interesting.

For the record, I will say I was originally somewhat pessimistic of this being worth tracking down, buying, switching over for the winter, maintaining, and actually using. That's what my intuition told me anyway, knowing my tractor, where I park it, and my driveway. I asked some follow-up questions on exactly what he didn't like about the setup.

The three areas I asked about were:
- Maneuverability (I already know what to expect here)
- Human/tractor interface (i.e. did he need 3 hands to operate the steering, hydro speed and lift lever - I suspect quite possibly)
- Other performance issues (horsepower limitations, how he feels about the single stage as far as throwing snow, general traction)

It isn't open and shut but certainly it's not a strong argument for the thrower given that he had it, and chose to keep a plow for the tractor and a walk-behind. I mean, maybe he just has a small driveway and it's not worth the hassle.

I have some mostly good news. Or I should say not bad. Sort of inconclusive.

I didn’t try doing my driveway with blower.

Tractor was giving me issues (PTO wheel coming loose, bad brakes, oil leak, etc.). Only ran blower once. I took blower off and put in the shed. The old tractor is not reliable enough for me and I don’t want to tinker with it during a storm.

Up to you if you want to blow snow with your tractor.

Joe,

Now I understand. I've had good luck with my 5212.5H (had it for 1-1/2 years) but with 30 year old machines, prior care and maintenance plays a big part in reliability.

I was only asking because I was trying to find out if you actually used it to blow snow and didn't like the way it worked. It sounds like it was all tractor issues for you.

Well after all of that I think I am still interested. Earliest I can come is the weekend. Not sure on a day yet.

Could you snap a pic of the hitch label sticker? It looks like it has a part number on it.

Thanks,
-Kevin

Ok will do when I get home.

FYI, this guy has two 5215.5 machines by me. He may have extra lift handle.

SIMPLICITY 5212.5 RIDING TRACTOR

https://newhaven.craigslist.org/grd/d/s ... 15339.html

Ah. Nice lead. I thanked him for that. Sent an e-mail to the other guy.

Also I am thinking about going next weekend. Looks to be around 1:15-1:30 from here. About 13 miles Up Rt 9 in CT.

The parts ad:
https://newhaven.craigslist.org/grd/d/s ... 15339.html

SIMPLICITY 5212.5 RIDING TRACTOR - $1 (GUILFORD) hide this posting

SIMPLICITY HYDRO TRANNY, OPPOSED TWIN BRIGGS, ENGINE STARTS RIGHT UP, REAR END TRANNY NEEDS ATTENTION, I HAVE PARTS MACHINE THAT COMES WITH IT, I SWAPPED THE REAR END BECAUSE IT WAS CRACKED UP, NOW IT SPINS WITHOUT A LOAD BUT ON GROUND IT JUST CREEPS , OLDER MACHINE , BUILT TO LAST , TOO MANY OTHER PROJECTS AT THIS POINT , COMPLETE MACHINE WITH 42" DECK, SPARE FRAME HOOD WHEELS DECK TANK ASKING $200 OBO

Boy I got a pretty good deal on my machine for $175 even though it needed a few things.

Also you have to love Craigslist.

It would be kind of like: Lot of 5 Toyota Corollas. Some hit. Some start. None drive. Build your own functional car. These are great cars! Built to last even though none of these lasted!

Bob/Bill's response: Impossible. They would all drive. Even the hit ones.

He sent the hitch part number. Partstree has no idea what this is. But based on studying the manual it does seem like a match. Needs a spring. MAYBE needs a different mounting bracket. Probably need to buy like 2 or 4 pins. Otherwise I think it is up to the condition of the thrower itself. Not sure I can go this weekend though.

Looks like this hitch. The page shows compatible machines:
https://www.partstree.com/parts/simplic ... owthrower/

More info:
https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks ... nowthrower