17GTH-L and 18hp Sovereign differences

[TimJr]

Until having both of these tractors side by side, I never noticed some of the differences. I guess hopping on and off various machine you don't really take note of what is different. Chokes are in a different spot, the light switch is different. Obviously the seats and steering wheels are too just because of age and the one being PS.The 17GTH-L on the left is a 1691957 from either 1992 or 1993 (I believe) and the 18hp Sovereign on the right is a 1692798 purchased new in 1997. I am the second owner of each. I knew the original owner of my 18hp Sovereign, and bought the 17GTH-L from a guy I have known for many years whose father owned it.

I knew the headlights were different between the two tractors. I had read posts on here about the difference in how much better the round glass lamps are than the later rectangular plastic lens lights are. It's like having the sun in front of you with the old glass lights!!!

I also never noticed the profile of the hoods is different.

Even the fenders are technically different. They have a very different bolt pattern for mounting the seats.

And just a couple more pics.

Last, but not least - some stripes with the 17GTH-L before it went to its new home.

[Brettw]

The chokes are in a different spot because of the power steering. Other than that, I think the hoods were the only difference? Either way, both are nice looking tractors. I have had 3 different GTH-L's and always liked the way they looked.

[PhanDad]

To me, the front of the frames are the biggest difference. And that I believe makes the hoods just slightly different,

As Brett said, choke location is in different location due to PS. Light switch might be different for same reason.

[Chris727]

The 17GTH-L is basically a late 7117 with different paint and decals. The frame cradle from the front axle forward is different on the GTH-L's compared to the 90's Sovereign which has a lower hinge point for the hood.

[Simplicity7013H]

Both very good tractors but I do have to say, I like the 17 GTH-L better than the Sovereigns. Also, becausE the choke has to be moved to the light hole for the PS the light switch has to be moved to the choke hole.

[yukon]

those are 2 of my favorite tractors, thanks for the pics

[720nut]

Nice lookin tractorsdOddOddOddOd

[fishnwiz]

Nice graphics on those years of tractors!

[Talntedmrgreen]

Thanks for sharing...I also enjoy identifying the subtle changes Simplicity made over the decades. having used both of these quite a bit, my preference leans to the earlier tractor too. I like the look better, with the taller hood-front and larger frame face, and also prefer the earlier seating position. The lights I find more useful and also think they look better.

When late PS is added to the earlier 7100/GTH-L tractors, that tall wheel and lower seat kinda gives you a big rig/big tractor feel! The late Sovereign's feel almost top-heavy to me, and I don't ride as comfortably. BUT...they are still smokin machines and I wouldn't hesitate to own another.

The only way one of these gets better...is with diesel power

[Ronald Hribar]

Trying to tell us something ? Josh?

[Talntedmrgreen]

quote:Originally posted by Ronald Hribar

Trying to tell us something ? Josh?

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id="quote">Oh no....I'm qutie content at the moment! |)

[FlashandFlare]

quote:Originally posted by Talntedmrgreen

The only way one of these gets better...is with diesel power

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id="quote">I couldn't agree more.Everything is better when diesel powered

[Tonyvdb]

They both look great. I really like that style.