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Simplicity B-112 / Sears Homestead(er) Tractor


stevenj

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The other day I was returning from a wedding and noticed a riding lawnmower salvage yard along the side of a county road and had to stop and look around. I was just checking out what he had and noticed a Sears Homestead or Sears Homesteader tractor that was definitely built by Simplicity. The Sears name was on the decal on the hood sides followed by either Homestead or Homesteader. I didn't pay that much attention at the time. I thought I'd check out this website and find out if Simplicity did manufacture for Sears, but I didn't see any such reference. Anyway, the dash of this tractor had a Simplicity serial number plate in front of the shift lever with the B-112 designation on the number plate. The tractor had the Varidrive set-up. The color scheme was an orange seat pan with a creme colored hood. The tractor had been partially stripped of parts. Has anyone else every run across a Sears tractor made by Simplicity?
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Wow...this could be a real news flash, as I thought I remembered it being discussed that Simplicity had NOT built for Sears. This definitely makes the classifieds more interesting. If you got the Mfr. #, we'd possibly know about what year it was built. Nice piece of archaelogical fieldwork! Peter
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Steven, Would it be possible to get some pictures? I'd definitely like to solve this mystery... The ID plate location and Vari-drive sound like an Allis B-112. But, they were still yellow in those days (1967/68). The orange color and Homestead (Homesteader) name was used by Allis, starting about 1970, for what was previously known as a B-207 or B-208... All these were made in the Lexington, SC, plant. Was it a vertical shaft engine, or a horizontal shaft with bevel gear box? Why would they make a Sears tractor with the Homestead/Homesteader name, then start using it on their own tractors a little later???? I wonder if someone may have "customized" this tractor, somewhere along the way, rather than it being original? If it's original, it would definitely be a "rare bird" since the Sears tractors from that same timeframe were blue and white, and made by Roper. I'd certainly like to see pictures.... The foot-draggin' Clubhouse Custodian...
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I am puzzled by the B-112 designation. If this tractor was built by Simplicity for Sears, why would it carry and Allis-Chalmers designation? This leads me to believe it was a "custom" job. Pat
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I agree,sounds like piece parts put together.However,just in case,maybe you should snatch it.Is it for sale?
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Here's an update on my original posting. First of all it would appear that I was grossly mistaken regarding my recollection of what I saw the other day. After reading the replies to the posting, I decided to return to the salvage yard this evening (a quick 200 mile roundtrip, but I needed to confirm a few details that I obviously overlooked on my first visit) Let me explain further. The hood (and decals) were from a Sears Suburban 12 and not a Sears Homestead as I previously indicated. I must have been confused between a couple of tractors that I looked at that day. Next time I'll write down some notes. The hood was not original to the tractor (obviously). The tractor was an Allis-Chalmers B-112. I originally stated it was a Simplicity B-112 so I'm wrong on a second item. The tractor had been repainted in a Simplicity orange color and the original yellow paint was visible in a couple of areas where the paint had rubbed through. On closer inspection, this unit was beat-up. Lots of body and frame cracks that had been rewelded many times. The LR hub had been welded to the axle. You get the picture. On a positive note, it has a rear implement lift bracket and lift rod that are in good shape that I can get for $35.00 the next time I'm up that way. Please accept my apologies for reporting erroneous information and getting you all excited. One question, suppose I wanted to locate the Mfr # on a tractor. Where is this number located? On my B-210, the serial number is on the ID plate, but I can't seem to find the Mfr # anywhere on the tractor. Steve
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