Here's the current candidate:
http://providence.craigslist.org/grd/5643727322.html
Simplicity has changed hands over the years but in the mid 80s, it was a high quality mid-western brand. I would put it in the class of a Gravely or Jacobsen. Other known brands probably make machines in this class like John Deere and Husqvarna. It is associated with other brands over the years (either bought or were owned by) such as Allis-Chalmers, Massey Ferguson, Snapper - all good brands. It was bought by Briggs & Stratton in 2004 and I'm not sure the reputation has been maintained since then.I'm selling a Simplicity 5212.5 tractor. Triple bagger included on the 50" deck mower with a 12.5 HP twin cylinder engine. Tractor was just tuned last season and works great for everyday use. $350 solid. Serious inquiries only please. See pictures attached.
Features include:
- Probably a 1986 model or thereabouts
- B&S 12.5 hp twin, cast iron sleeves and all. Only 12.5 hp you say? It is 655 cc!! The answer is it probably has a much wider range of RPM in which it produces 12.5 hp (because torque) which means in practice, it won't bog down as much as a smaller displacement engine of similar power. Translated again, it acts like a more powerful engine. Works for me.
- Hydrostatic transmission
- I don't think it is a 50" deck but it is probably the 48" deck, which is more than enough
- Turbo collection system (an optional accessory) which reportedly is very effective in helping to shove grass/leaves up the chute into the bags
- Lots of interesting accessories were available (see manuals)
- The 5000 series was a hybrid between the 4000 series home owner type mower and the 6000 series which was a bit more industrial. This class of mower is expensive to duplicate the quality today (i.e. not $1500 from Home Depot).
- It's the B-body of tractors.
- $350 is actually a fair price for what this is but I hope to get it for $300 assuming it is ready to run. Found one in NJ, gear transmission, wants $550. Found another one with snow thrower and snow cab for $750. Another one with 42" deck, $400. These comps are hundreds of miles away but it basically means this is the cheapest 5212.5 on all of Craigslist and appears to be in good shape.
Intended use:
- Tow a trailer around the yard for landscaping projects/chores
- Leaf collection in the fall
- Eventually when I have a lawn, I will cut grass with it