Deutz-Allis found, good or bad option?

[2005x]

http://columbus.craigslist.org/grd/600992431.html

Found this Deutz-Alis on craigslist. I've been on a search for mostly Cubs (like the shaft drive, like this mentions) or wheel horses. Not the brand I was looking for, but it popped up and I'm curious to know more. Seems like a pretty stout machine, but also seems like it could be a full time job to find parts if have hydro parts or similar. Any feedback?

Basically I'm looking for a capable and dependable mower that can also use a blade for some yard 'shaping' as well as snow plowing. I'm pretty handy and do maintenance ans small repairs but not lookin to re-build hydro units in my garage. Whatcha think? And how hard is it to find a compatible snow blade?

Thanks!

[Vmax]

That is a Simplicity built tractor that has been rebadged for Deutz-Allis. I have an Ultima Myself, which is the 20 hp version. The Simplicty Sunstar is the same. Go to Simpletractors.com and there are all sorts of great guys who can help tell you more about that machine. That price isn't bad, I have seen them a bit cheaper. There was an 18 hp version in my area needing a bit of work for $550. I don't think you would do bad for that price, if the guy comes down any at all, you get a heckuva deal.

[2005x]

Thanks Vmax.

Went to that site, found a brochure for D/A from 1987. Odd thing is this tractor looks like their "Ultima" 1918 and 1920 but no mention of a 16HP version. So, wonder if this is newer or older than '87? Like some of the build features they describe in the catalog, like shaft-drive and auto-locking rear diff if start slipping, etc. Just worry about seals and all due to the age.

Will try to dig there to learn more and see if the seller knows the age, etc. Looks like a heavy duty machine though. Geoff.

[simplelife]

Try this link for information on the 1916. It was an Ultima produced between 1988-1990.

http://www.tractordata.com/lt/lt566.html

[NEWT92]

Simplicity made the 16hp Sunstar for 1 or 2 years I think. The Sunstars started in 1986. There was also a 14hp version. Both the 14 and 16 hp had either 42" or 48" decks. I have a 16hp version I bought on a auction for parts. If it runs good then $750 would be max IMO. Those had hydrostatic tran. and hydraulic deck lift. :goodl:

[2005x]

Thanks for the additional info. So far, have not gotten a call back on the tractor ad anyway, so we'll see.

Kinda wondering if the deck is original on this thing, says 56" which is not an option per the literature. I guess it could be the 60" deck and just measured it wrong. Now that I've been researching it, would really like to have the 20HP version to get the power steering and indep braking.

Thanks again, Geoff.

[Mower_Man42]

What you need is the serial number and that will tell you everything you want to know ever look at a owners manual. At $750.00 for a shaft driven tractor isn`t a bad price, just look what a new one would cost for the same setup, you`d be looking at a $9,000.00 price tag if not more. I think its more of a garden tractor then a lawn tractor like it listed as, and it looks well cared for.

[mopar65pa]

So do they have a hydrolic hitch in the rear?

[gburnett]

You could get a Cat 0 3pt hitch but very few had them and they are pricey.I converted a tiller hitch on one of my 18HP Sunstars to use the older AC/Simplcity equipment and am working on a heavy duty reasonable cost Cat 0 for the Sunstar/Ultimas.