Hi-New Member

[paull]

Hello all,

I've been lurking in the wings of this discussion board
for a couple of weeks, just about since I discovered
the existence of the Simplicity tractor. Although I do
not own a Simplicity tractor (yet), I'm into all kinds
of mechanical, electrical and general putzing around.
I own a 1949 Massey Harris Pony with a few implements
(most which I haven't figured out how to hook up yet
because most are not made for the MH Pony). The pony's
been in the family for 27 years, but hadn't been used
in over 10 years when I obtained it last year. and even
worse, had been sitting in an open field for 3 years
at my Uncle's house with no more than a coffee can
covering the exhaust pipe. I re-wired the whole
electrical system (6 volt-positive ground), rebuilt
the old Marvel Schebler carb, which included a high
tech solution to a float bowl with about 15 pin size
holes in it. Ask, if you want to know about that one.
Found and installed new reproduction front tires, after
sand blasting and painting the front rims. Other than
that, it was just basic maintenance and fluid changes,
and fortunately everything worked. About all it still
needs is new rear tires. This kind of blows because it's
the sidewalls that have split. The tread's still excellent.

Also I just acquired a beat up 1983 Wheel Horse A-81
rear engine rider (just like the Toro 8-32) from the
previous owners of the house I just bought. The Wheel
Horse runs good, but the steering and front end are real
loose, the transmission is sometimes iffy, likes to toss
the axle drive chain once or twice a mow, burns oil, etc.
Nothing earth shattering, but when you add it all up,
and factor in it's only a 32" cut, I wonder if it's
worth investing in. (I mow 1.5 acres)
So, I went on a mad lawn tractor hunt over the past 3 weeks,
almost bought a new Husqvarna tractor, then almost bought a
new Troy Bilt tractor (both about $2200), then almost
settled for a Murray tractor (cause the wife doesn't
like the idea of spending 2 grand to mow the lawn).

Then I found a 1998 Consumer Reports story about lawn/
garden tractors, and Simplicy was mentioned as being
about the best. I found Simplicity's web page and
somewhere along the ride, I found this web site.

So, I've become a Simplicity advocate whichout ever
having touched one. I've read just about every discussion
page on this site, just to try to gain familiarity
with the various models (the x-ref tables help a lot,
but there's so much more to know. My goal is to select
a couple of models and era's to focus in on, and try
like hell to find a decent shape yard sale or want ad
treasure. Hopefully finding a heavy lawn tractor, or
light garden tractor, but definetly with that
"Simpliciy Cut".

I'm South Eastern Massachusetts, so if anyone decides
to sell a pride and joy, or even a project in my neck
of the woods, keep me in mind. I'm sure I'll be
getting to know most of you over time, as I intend to
participate as best as I can.

Thanks for letting me introduce myself.
Greg

[Fred]

Aha, a lurker, eh? Well, that's OK. If you haven't gotten sick of us by now, you can stay!
That was a very nice way to introduce yourself Greg, and I would invite other new members to do similarly.
You sound as though you are very wise, as you are already a Simplicity enthusiast without owning one. Very wise indeed.
Best of luck in your tractor search, and welcome to the club.
Fred

[dlcentral]

Hi Greg, Welcome to our club! I invite you to participate in our chat room on Sun. eves.where we really have fun!It starts at 8p.m. or so till 10 or later. Good luck on finding your dream machine. As we say about the Simplicity cut,often imitated but NEVER duplicated!! Hope to talk to you on Sun! dlc aka Dave C.

[Guest]

It starts (sometimes slowly) at 7PM Eastern or thereabouts and runs till 10PM EST, or later. Drop in when you can...

[Al]

And while you're at it tell him who the king BSA is!

[Fred]

Art,
While I have a fondness for, and a slight familiarity with, BSA motorcycles, I've never heard of the "king" model. Could you please enlighten me?
Fred