Look what fell into my lap

[dhoadley 1,629]

So I'm making a delivery to a small construction company, and at the side of the yard is a 5th wheel camper with an older Simplicity stored under the overhang. As I'm getting a signature from the business  owner I comment about the nice garden tractor he's got there. He turns and says, "You want it? You can have it right now. We can get it right up into your trailer. I'm ready to scrap it." I tell him, no, it would be in my way but I might want it and could get it over the weekend. I left promising to call him before Friday. This is where you guys have become a bad influence on me. I'm not looking for another unfinished project, I have nowhere to put it, but I'm thinking, "This is my 15 minutes of fame! Not of the wide world, but in a tiny corner of the world wide web, I'll be a hero for scoring this tractor for free!" So after giving it some thought, I realized I would  (Gasp!) have to sell something. After going over the inventory, the A/C414S drew the short straw. I bought it for $175 four years ago and never touched it since. I put a $150 price on it and in 24 hours had 3 guys in line to purchase. I picked this up at noon today.

He was so anxious to be rid of it he pulled it out for me. Back at my house.

In clearing out the shed I got a group shot of the rollers. The Broadmoors are in too many pieces to join in.

And detail shots of the New Guy.

What's up with the dash? Is that black plastic/rubber added by PO or is it the remnants of something?

I'm now a proud (I guess) member of the large-frame FDT club. I'm sure as I dig into it I'll have lots-o-questions. I'll start with draining fluids, replacing the fuel line, cleaning the fuel tank, and carb. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Edited March 17, 2018 by dhoadley

[Angry Bear 90]

You gotta be kidding me. You lucky son of a gun. Who would scrap that?  

Nice score. I'm super jealous. 

[a_sannine 801]

I can’t believe u were think to get it and not snatched it  right on the spot , what a beautiful old beast ,

i am glad u saved it .

 

[lt-scir 35]

PO put the rubber between the hood and dash tower to stop the rattle. My father did the same.

 

 

[simplewrench 458]

That is a beauty. My 725 is my favorite tractor. I have a B1 that I am going to get the new engine in soon I hope and have one of each color. 

[PhanDad 3,250]

Great find and even better price1

[ShaunE 1,195]

Fantastic score for you!!!

[fishnwiz 3,289]

Sweeeeet! 

[gcbuckley 4]

Very cool find 

[wwbragg 501]

Some guys get all the luck.  What a deal!

[Chris727 1,703]

I think that seat is original. It's in amazingly good shape!  Would have been a crime to scrap It. Even appears to have good good emblems.

[dhoadley 1,629]

4 hours ago, Chris727 said:

I think that seat is original. It's in amazingly good shape! 

The seat was the first thing I noticed from afar. Up close, its split in the middle.

[plastikosmd 870]

Love it just the way it is!

[dince 275]

13 hours ago, lt-scir said:

PO put the rubber between the hood and dash tower to stop the rattle. My father did the same.

 

 

Does that rubber have a Part No?  LOL!

[dince 275]

I agree with all the above comments!!!  You have created a great collection of photos, that I will find very useful for my 725 oh so slow restoration project!  Good luck with your 725!

David

[spi 417]

cute lil thing, scrapping it would be like kicking a puppy!

[MARK (LI) 639]

Oh man ...what a score   congratulations on the find...good luck restoring it

[Talntedmrgreen 1,920]

How cool is that!!  What a fantastic machine!  These early 3 soeeds are great.  Very nimble.  What is it repowered with?

the seat looks like a cover to me, but in the same design as the original would have been.   Very cool!  Lets see more of that

[dhoadley 1,629]

10 hours ago, Talntedmrgreen said:

How cool is that!!  What a fantastic machine!  These early 3 soeeds are great.  Very nimble.  What is it repowered with?

the seat looks like a cover to me, but in the same design as the original would have been.   Very cool!  Lets see more of that

The seat doesn't look like a re-cover to me. If it was, it was professional level quality and a while ago. This weekend I'll take some more pictures (we all like pictures) of the seat and engine. (if I can figure out how to get the hood off )

Edited March 19, 2018 by dhoadley

[Talntedmrgreen 1,920]

Somethings definitely been done to it. You can see the edges are rolled over the seat pan like most of the replacement covers were used to seeing. An original would not have extended past the edge and would’ve been crimped under the metal trim like the black seats.  That’s why I’m intrigued by it and would love to see a better look. That style seat is my favorite of any and you never see them in nice shape. They all came apart at the seams between the colors. I’ve had a few that were an otherwise great shape but the material in the shrunk too much to get them sewn back together.

[CTD01 100]

Awesome find!!! Let me know when you want to sell it!!!!

[tadams 905]

Yes, great find , looks like some rubbing compound and it will polish up real nice, and who couldn't afford a price like that.

[bud119195 108]

On 3/19/2018 at 4:49 AM, dhoadley said:

The seat doesn't look like a re-cover to me. If it was, it was professional level quality and a while ago. This weekend I'll take some more pictures (we all like pictures) of the seat and engine. (if I can figure out how to get the hood off )

Lift hood on the front andrear and  pull forward to tilt it to the front of tractor.Nice machinr you scored

[dhoadley 1,629]

On 3/18/2018 at 6:59 PM, Talntedmrgreen said:

How cool is that!!  What a fantastic machine!  These early 3 soeeds are great.  Very nimble.  What is it repowered with?

the seat looks like a cover to me, but in the same design as the original would have been.   Very cool!  Lets see more of that

Seat photos

Engine photos

11-hp Synchro

[dhoadley 1,629]

I've started digging into this as it now has a purpose; to parade around a sickle bar mower. The inline fuse holder is shot. Do I need this or can I just cut and splice?

Also, is this the right carb for an 11hp I/C B&S?

I think the fuel line is original to the tractor.  Pulled the tank and it looks solid. Has a sediment bowl under it. Gonna give it a cleaning and see if its any good.