Allis Chalmers 712S Info Needed

[CHEETAH]

I am looking at a AC 712S being sold by the original owner. Here is his description: This is a 1979 Allis Chalmers 712s garden tractor in real good condition. It looks and runs excellent.Always kept inside out of weather. It was bought with extra attachments when it was new which are included with this sale. 1.Snowthrower 2. mower deck 3. lawn vacuum 4. Three point hitch 5. Rear tire chains. 6. Weather cab with removable doors.Sale also includes three manuals for tractor and attachments that are pictured.Snow thrower is on tractor and tire chains and is ready to use.does not use oil and just had new starter put on.Could use a battery it is original and seams weak on the first start.Windsheild was cut on a tree limb but can be taped or replaced.Other than that this tractor is in real good condition. Is this a good unit? Any common problems I should look for? Anyone give me some kind of idea of what this is worth as described? I am new to the tractor arena. Thanks in advance. John.

[MikeES]

It sounds great. This is a great tractor, except that the "S" in 712S stand for "shuttle shift". The shuttle shift was "the poor mans hydro" in that you could shift from forward to reverse without using the clutch. It is a good system when it is set up right. The main problem is that many were not taken care of and the reversing differential would get real noisy and wear out. Parts are hard to find. If the shuttle has been taken care of the whole package is a great find. Up here in Wisconsin, I would give up to $1500 if it is a good as it sounds. Good Luck! Mike S.

[BradW]

I'd go for it, if anything a possible hydro swap would be possible.....these were extremely easy to convert.. -BradW

[GaryH]

That 712S for sale on ebay for $400 dollars was removed from auction on Nov. 23 because it was severely damaged. Gary

[MikeES]

That 712S is a good tractor Much better than the 712H the Shuttle is a positive 4 speed gear trans that will stay in neutral when you go to empty the vac and will pull the loaded vac uphill without slowing down then taking off when going downhill like a hydro. Cal