AGCO 918H

[Snojetter]

I found this listing pop up locally just now: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1152799479291121/?ref=browse_tab&referral_code=marketplace_top_picks&referral_story_type=top_picks

For those referencing this down the road when the listing is taken down, here's a couple of pics:

  

Seller is asking $1200 OBO and includes a leaf vac not shown.  I have no use for a leaf vac, and I'm in the camp that a good Sovereign is more like an $800 tractor.  Since this is a "newer" one, I have a couple questions.  First off, "Tractor Data" says this model wears a Kohler Command.  Is that true, or is it possible this one has a Triad?

Secondly, assuming it's a Command, does anyone know how it compares to the Magnum/KT2 in terms of max angle of operation?  I've got 2 tractors with M18's and one with a KT2.  I have some fairly significant slopes that I mow.  The tractors themselves are very stable and I feel comfortable mowing across the slope.  Obviously I'm relying on the fact that that engines are not starving for oil, and since I've been mowing this way for years, I must not be going over too far.  Can I expect a Command would be able to handle the same slopes, or might it be more limited than the older twins?

A couple advantages to a "newer" tractor like this is potential for less wear on the frame/steering/transmission as compared to my older tractors.  The other being my understanding the Command would be a much more fuel efficient engine as compared to the Magnums and KT's.  I'm not against an upgrade in that arena.

Thirdly, is the frame of this generation ready made to drop in a Magnum if there were ever a need for a repower?

Anyway, I figured I'd seek some answers from the knowledgeable folks here and keep my eye on this tractor if the price comes down at all.  Thanks!

Edited July 21, 2024 by Snojetter

[cwm1276]

Can't help on slope, but I put a command in my 7117 20 years ago and it has not disappointed. 

I run it all year,  snowblower to tiller and mower without issues.

I figure I could always repower with another command of if needed.  I have spacer plant to make up the difference in height of the Magnum vs Command.

[oldsarge]

I just bought a Simplicity Sovereign (same tractor) for $650.00, 48'' mower, CH-18

[Bill725]

4 hours ago, Snojetter said:

Is that true, or is it possible this one has a Triad?

Kohler Command

4 hours ago, Snojetter said:

Secondly, assuming it's a Command, does anyone know how it compares to the Magnum/KT2 in terms of max angle of operation?

The Kohler Command Service Manual states 25 degree maximum angle of operation.

[Brettw]

Well.....

The engine in the picture is a command

Angle of operation is better, however, the KT's / Magnums got a bit of a bad rap in that, yes they failed due to oil starvation at continuous steep angles, but it was usually due to low oil to begin with.  They didn't hold all that much to begin with (less if not an oil filtered engine), and often times people didn't keep them up to full / full. Fuel efficiency is similar, from my experience.  

Yes, you could drop in a KT/Magnum, Briggs 10-16 singles, 18-25 Command (and maybe a few more), Triad with the proper shim plate (wouldn't recommend this swap).  But the potential problem switching between engine groups is driveshafts, exhaust (this can be the hardest item), and throttle and choke cables can be problematic.  Ignitions systems are different from the KT's and the others.

I believe late model Sovereigns are going up in value, (it seems they are all going up, 7000, 7100, as they become more and more rare) if in good condition.  There are numerous ones listed in the 1,200-1,600 range (nice condition) in my area, SE Wisconsin.

[Snojetter]

Thanks for the info guys.  I checked my M18 manual and it says the max angle is 30-degrees in any direction.  My KT17 manual does not include a max angle of operation that I could find.

I should run a straight edge and my angle finder out there some time just to see roughly what the slopes are in various spots.

Just curious, which is the newer engine - the Command or Triad?

[Austin]

54 minutes ago, Snojetter said:

Just curious, which is the newer engine - the Command or Triad?

The Command would be the newer engine. To my understanding and memory it was brought out in replacement of the faulty Triad.

[Bill725]

1 hour ago, Austin said:

To my understanding and memory it was brought out in replacement of the faulty Triad.

Simplicity used the Kohler Command to power the Sovereign starting in 1993. The Command is currently in production. Simplicity used the Kohler Triad to power the Sovereign from 1998 to 2000. Kohler's intent was the Triad was to replace the Command and incorporate new technologies. It was designed dimensionally to replace a B&S Vanguard as the Command is taller. But, the Triad had issues and Kohler ceased production in 2000.

Edited July 23, 2024 by Bill725

[Bill725]

@SnojetterThe older Command blocks had a NPT tapped hole behind the oil filter where you can add an oil pressure sender or gauge. The tapped hole was removed on the new blocks. If you add a sender you could replace the ammeter in the dash with an oil pressure gauge. Also, there is an oil pressure switch in the breather cover located in the valley. You can add a warning light to one of the holes in the dash for the electric lift toggle switches. The oil pressure switch opens, grounding the circuit at 2-5 PSI. Also, some Commands come with the oil sentry option, where the oil pressure switch grounds the ignition coils shutting the engine off.

The attached pictures are of one of my Sovereign's powered by a Command with the older block. Pictures show an oil pressure gauge, idiot light, and oil temperature gauge.

Edited July 23, 2024 by Bill725

[Austin]

3 hours ago, Bill725 said:

Simplicity used the Kohler Command to power the Sovereign starting in 1993. The Command is currently in production. Simplicity used the Kohler Triad to power the Sovereign from 1998 to 2000. Kohler's intent was the Triad was to replace the Command and incorporate new technologies. It was designed dimensionally to replace a B&S Vanguard as the Command is taller. But, the Triad had issues and Kohler ceased production in 2000.

Thank you for that clarification. Guess I learned something new today!

[PhanDad]

3 hours ago, Bill725 said:

there is an oil pressure switch in the breather cover located in the valley.

Pics of the switch (from the shaft side of the engine): 

I used a "Bosch" relay to have the switch kill the engine when in the ignition switch is in "run" but not "start".  Initially I had the switch in the kill circuit at all times but I found that led to excessive cranking until the oil pressure built up.