What Would You Do?

[rs07]

Okay, here is the situation, currently I own a 2004 18hp Simplicity Conquest Yard Tractor with 50" mower deck and also a 42" single-stage snowthrower with it. I also own a A-C 916H manual lift Garden Tractor with 42" mower and a 46" snow/dozer blade and a 36" tiller. Today I went to my local AGCO/Simplicity dealer, whom I have done business with for many years, to get some filters, while there we started talking about the tractors that I used to own. While on this subject, the owner of the dealer told me that he has what he believes to be one of my old tractors in the pole barn behind his shop. The tractor in question is a 1999 AGCO-Allis 918H with a 48" mower deck, that I had purchased from him brand new in '99. We then walked out to the pole barn and sure enough it was in fact my old tractor. I could tell because I had installed a yellow flashing light on the fender and it was still there. He told me that they took it back in on trade about a year or so ago. He wasn't quite sure why, because his son was the one who took it in and he was not there today. The tractor itself is dusty, of course. It also has that infamous Kohler overhead cam engine in it as well, but the tractor is in beautiful, like new condition with only 114 hours on the hourmeter. But a possible repower project may be needed. I will talk to his son on Monday when he is working. It even still has the knobs on the tires. My reason for this post is I would like to mount my tiller attachment on a tractor with hydraulic lift, which this one has. Honestly, I really don't have a need for two tractors anymore. Now what would you do if you were me, would you sell the Conquest and A-C 916 and buy this tractor back? or keep what I have now and forget about the whole thing or what? If I bought this tractor back, I know it will give me many more years of reliable service. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!! :)

[MN_FISH]

Depends on your financial situation & storage of useable tractors. It's nice to have a tractor for each implement^;).

[goatfarmer]

Think back.Why did you trade to begin with?

[Mike]

I am looking for a backup 916. Mike

[rs07]

Ken (goatfarmer), That's a good question. I had traded it in on an AGCO 2000 Series (Legacy)that I have since sold to a friend of mine last year when I bought the Conquest. I really miss the hydraulic lift, which the AGCO 918H has and now that I have seen that the tractor has been taken care of by the previous owner, I am really considering buying it back if the price is right.

[SimpleMan]

I have one of those Sovereigns with the TH (OHC) Kohler's in it. With almost 350 hours on my machine, and using it for mowing, blowing, tilling, cultivating...etc. I'm still running the original engine. Yes...it does leak a bit at the valve covers, and always seems to smoke just a little at startup. What I noticed though, is that the oil consumption has gone down as the hours went up on the tractor. It is possible that these engines need a longer break in period than the regular OHV type. Something you might want to check on that Sov. is the Bevel Gear Box, and the PTO cone clutch. I had to rebuild mine last year. Not sure if it's common for those years...but worth looking at before you make your decision. Hope the info helps Gord

[D-17_Dave]

quote:

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Originally posted by goatfarmer
Think back.Why did you trade to begin with?

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I'd have to agree. I'd think about what you could get, like bang for the buck kind of thinking and nessecity. Go from there. also, what's the chance of getting it and doing the repower , then selling something or it for a profit. There's always more than one angle.;)

[PhanDad]

Since the old tractor is in good shape and has the lift you want, why not buy it, repower it with the engine from your current 916H, swap any other parts that are better on the 916H, then sell the 916H. Then you'd have two tractors equiped as you like.

[comet66]

quote:

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Originally posted by PhanDad
Since the old tractor is in good shape and has the lift you want, why not buy it, repower it with the engine from your current 916H, swap any other parts that are better on the 916H, then sell the 916H. Then you'd have two tractors equiped as you like.

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Now that sounds like a plan.

[rs07]

quote:

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Originally posted by comet66

quote:

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Originally posted by PhanDad
Since the old tractor is in good shape and has the lift you want, why not buy it, repower it with the engine from your current 916H, swap any other parts that are better on the 916H, then sell the 916H. Then you'd have two tractors equiped as you like.

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Now that sounds like a plan.

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I like that idea!