3314 Sovereign & Loader?

[Guest]

I'm almost done putting back the Sears loader that I purchased a year ago onto a Sears SS16, the originally intended combination. However, I'm now wondering if the loader wouldn't be better suited on the 3314 just purchased. My logic is the Sears tractor has a mower deck and the 3314 doesn't. Besides, the Simplicity seems to be a heavier built tractor. But then again, the 3314 seems very hard to steer (can't imagine what it would be like with some added weight) and is shy a few horses by comparison. What would you do?

[Kent 436]

I recommend that anyone using a loader on a Landlord or Sovereign add those thin bearings under the spindles. It makes a BIG difference.... Note that if you put narrow tires, like the 4.80x8 tri-ribs on the front it also helps it steer easier.

[MPH 12]

I'm guessing you have something binding on your 3314. Mine steers real nice and easy after I went through it cleaning out old grease, rebushed a few loose links ect. If your into your lawn looking real good I say spend the dollars to get a deck off someone here shipped out west to you and mow with the 3314.

[Kent 436]

Marty has a good point. The Simplicity is a much better mowing machine than the Sears. The Sears likely has a stronger drivetrain more suited to loader work. Does that Sears happen to have the high-low 3-speed (6-speed total) transmission? That's a very tough tranny... The actual transmission in a Simp/A-C is tough, but the way the bevel gear box connects the front and rear frames is a weak point on them when you subject them to the heavy stress of a loader. It's pretty common for the cross-buck at the back of the front subframe to break loose... or for the bevel gear box itself crack if the mounting bolts come loose. But, for mowing, most of us think that they simply cannot be beat -- by any other tractor, new or old...

[Guest]

"... add those thin bearings under the spindles."? There are bearings now on the spindles, correct? Do you mean replace them? Quality of lawn cut is not an issue here in San Diego. I only use the mower to knock down the seasonal weeds during the spring and early summer. That is, unless the wildfires beat me to it. I haven't seen a nice grass lawn since leaving Michigan.

[Guest]

quote:

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Originally posted by Kent
Marty has a good point. The Simplicity is a much better mowing machine than the Sears. The Sears likely has a stronger drivetrain more suited to loader work. Does that Sears happen to have the high-low 3-speed (6-speed total) transmission? That's a very tough tranny... The actual transmission in a Simp/A-C is tough, but the way the bevel gear box connects the front and rear frames is a weak point on them when you subject them to the heavy stress of a loader. It's pretty common for the cross-buck at the back of the front subframe to break loose... or for the bevel gear box itself crack if the mounting bolts come loose. But, for mowing, most of us think that they simply cannot be beat -- by any other tractor, new or old...

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Yes, it does have the 6-speed transmission. Sure glad what you said about it. I was somewhat concerned about the transmission not knowing much about it. OK, I'll be on the lookout for a mower deck to put on the 3314. How do I identify one that would fit? I'm assuming decks from other tractor models interchange. Correct?

[Kent 436]

They did not come standard with bearings on the spindles where they mount on the front -- only bushings in the axle, where the spindle pivots. The weight on the front end of the tractor rests on where the spindle goes up into the axle -- and there's no bearing or bushing there... Some members have added thin roller bearings there, in that "joint" where the spindle goes up into the axle...

[IronPony 3]

Kent, Think we could get a pic of one of those added bearings? How do they grease them? Do they add another zerk (sp)? Dan aka IronPony

[gregc 3]

Here's the topic on installing the bearings: http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=10571

[Kent 436]

quote:

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Originally posted by IronPony
Kent, Think we could get a pic of one of those added bearings? How do they grease them? Do they add another zerk (sp)? Dan aka IronPony

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Dan, look in the Resources >> Articles >> Front Axle, Spindles & Steering. There's an article there with pictures that describes it.

[Guest]

Oops! Gotta be member to retrieve that info.

[4xbill 2]

Splurge on the $10 membership, well worth it!

[dlcentral 1]

Sims drawback is also that bev box is a weak area for sure for loader work.So true 4X its the best 10 bucks you'll spend for the year,just avoid buying those lottery tickets for 1 wk.

[Guest]

quote:

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Originally posted by dlcentral
Sims drawback is also that bev box is a weak area for sure for loader work.So true 4X its the best 10 bucks you'll spend for the year,just avoid buying those lottery tickets for 1 wk.

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OK, no loader for the 3314. Since I don't have a mower deck that fits the only other use for it is to tow a garden trailer. Seems kind of a waste. Sorry, can't suspend funding my retirement plan for a week. Will have to come up with another way of raising money for the club dues.