AC Big 10

[mikego]

I just came across an AC Big 10 with a snow blower, mower deck, sickle bar,and a plow blade for $900.00. The small picture I saw of it looks good
and the owner says everything works. It is supposed to be a 1963 vintage.

I am going to go see it on monday, should I bring cash or run away quickly?

Mike Goodell
VT RedNek

[professor]

That is a sought after machine. Go to Simpletractors.com and see some more. It is a great web site for Simplicity and Ac. I don't have any advise about wether you should buy it, 900 is OK if it is nice.

[rustyoldjunk]

the big ten would be about '63 and it comes with several desirable attatchments so you would not have to go chasing attatchments.as far as $900 it still sounds a little high to me but what matters is what you would be willing to pay for it.they are great tractors.

[stonykill]

the big ten would be about '63 and it comes with several desirable attatchments so you would not have to go chasing attatchments.as far as $900 it still sounds a little high to me but what matters is what you would be willing to pay for it.they are great tractors.


I feel exactly the same way. More than I would pay, but hey.......I'm really cheap. If it all looks good, and you can afford it, go for it. I like the fact that the sickle bar is there.

[johnsonmk]

Hi Mike, :Welcome1: :fing32:
Check out active topics and look around.
You should find all the help you need here.
Be sure to post pictures of your stuff. :wwp:
Again, Welcome, Mike

[mikego]

I have set up an appointment to go see the Big Ten on Tuesday.
Seeing as I have never bought a used tractor before, what should I look for
as far as problem areas? I'm not worried about doing any work to it, I am a mechanic
by trade so that won't be a issue.

I am real glad I found this site, I could spend hours reading and absorbing info on "old iron"

Thanks,
Mike G.
VT RedNek

[gannong]

i would definetly go for it...for a small ac like that the sickle bar is one of the most desired attachments...ask if they have any other attachments....or parts...i got my big ten in running condition for 200$ and the snow blower and plow blade for 25$ together...a good deck for a b series goes for around 200$ or 250 and the sickle bar will go for at least 300

[mikego]

Well the Big Ten is now in my yard, I got it and the implements for $850.00.
This thing is a tank !! All of the attachments work, I've got to replace some belts, replace a few worn/missing hitch pins, and throw a carb kit in it and it will be ready to work. Next on my list is to find a roto tiller for it and then enjoy it!!

Mike G.
VT RedNek

[lt230s]

Great, now :wwp:.

[stonykill]

You can't beat an early simplicity built tractor for toughness/reliability. I have an early Landlord, very similar to yours, maybe even the same, not sure. It still mows and it snowblows in the winter. I need to find a tiller myself. Enjoy!

[gannong]

mm stonykill it was made by allis chalmers....allis chalmers built simplicitys from 1965-1973....also if you landlord is a 101 it the equivilent to the ac big ten

[stonykill]

mm stonykill it was made by allis chalmers....allis chalmers built simplicitys from 1965-1973....also if you landlord is a 101 it the equivilent to the ac big ten

true, in 1965 A/C bought out Simplicity. In 1963 I believe,could have been 62, A/C had Simplicity build them gt's. If his is indeed a 1963 (didn't look to see if the big 10 was offered in 1963) then his is a Simplicity built machine as it predates when A/C bought out Simplicity.

[professor]

This is a good time to go thru it and lube anything that moves - make sure the gearboxes are full too. I like motorcycle chain spray for the linkages, like for the deck and steeriing.

[professor]

Oh I forgot- these guys REALLY like pictures........

[rustyoldjunk]

im think your numbers are off on when a/c owned simplicity.im thinking a/c bought simplicity in the early 70's and owned them thru the early 80's.i will have to do a little research.

[bontai Joe]

The working sickle bar mower was worth at LEAST $300 or more of the purchase price. It is a VERY desirable and hard to find attachment in working condition and complete with all parts. I'd say you got a really good deal.

[stonykill]

im think your numbers are off on when a/c owned simplicity.im thinking a/c bought simplicity in the early 70's and owned them thru the early 80's.i will have to do a little research.

this is copied from simple tractors. A website dedicated to Simplicity and A/C gt's

happy reading!!!



Allis-Chalmers

During the 1950’s, the United States became increasingly suburban, creating the need for riding lawn mowers. The major farm equipment manufacturers wanted to expand into this new market. John Deere and International Harvester designed and built their own machines. The others opted to buy from a firm with an existing product line to re-label as their own. Allis-Chalmers went with Simplicity Manufacturing. In 1961 the first Allis-Chalmers garden tractor, the 7.25 horsepower B-1, was born. Except for paint, decals and minor sheet metal changes, it was identical to the Simplicity 725. In 1963, the B-1 was replaced by the 9 horsepower B-10. In 1965 the B-10 became the Big-10 with a new 10 horsepower engine. In 1966, the Big Ten reverted back to the B-10 when the new B-12 was introduced. Up until 1971 all Allis garden tractors were painted yellow and were powered by Briggs engines.

During 1965, Allis-Chalmers purchased Simplicity. The federal government challenged the purchase. Due to the fair trade laws in effect at that time, the government claimed that Allis-Chalmers controlled too great a share of the market and thus limited competition. As a result, in 1967, Allis-Chalmers opened a new plant in Lexington, South Carolina to build garden tractors. The first models built there were the B-207, B-110, B-112 and HB-112. The B-208, B-210, B-212, and HB-212 were introduced in 1970.

Simplicity tractors continued to be built in Port Washington, but for the first time there were differences besides paint and decals. In 1971, the 300 series introduced many design changes. The body was painted orange and the hoods painted cream, and Kohler engines were used for the first time. In 1973 the similar 400 series was introduced. These tractors bore little resemblance to the Port Washington built Simplicity models. The mower decks and many of the attachments were different. Also in 1971, the B-207 and B-208 were updated to the new paint scheme, but retained Briggs power. The 206, 207, and 208 were continued as the Homesteader series from 1972 to 1974. Also in 1972, Allis-Chalmers introduced the model 616, which was the Simplicity PowrMax with orange paint and a different hood. The 616 became the 620 in 1973 with the new 20 horsepower engine. In 1975 the 620 was relabeled as the 720 to match the numbering of the updated smaller tractors. To the best of our knowledge the 620 and 720 models are identical except that the later 720’s had an upgraded front axle. AC later came out with a second model 616, which was a painted over Simplicity 4216 and had no relation to the earlier “PowrMax” 616.

During the Nixon administration, most of the fair trade laws were repealed, so in 1973 Allis-Chalmers closed the Lexington plant and transferred all production back to Port Washington. Once again, AC and Simplicity Garden tractors became identical except for paint and decals, although certain individual models may or may not have had an exact Simplicity counterpart.

[gannong]

so as stated in my previous post allis chalmers owned simplicity from 65-73..the big ten was made in 65-66 then it reverted back to the b-10

[stonykill]

so as stated in my previous post allis chalmers owned simplicity from 65-73..the big ten was made in 65-66 then it reverted back to the b-10

well not to beat a dead horse....but....... I will anyway. If the above post of mine is correct, A/C bought Simplicity in 65, BUT didn't open its own plant to build it own tractors until 1967. SO ....A/C's from 65 to 66 were just Simplicitys a different color. From 67 to 75ish, A/C built there own gt's. 65 and 66 were rebadged Simplicitys.


This is all supposing that the simple tractors website is correct. It could be all wrong. In any case it really doesn't matter. It's a great machine that looks just like a Simplicity. To paraphrase a Cheech and Chong skit. If it looks like dog droppings, it probably is dog droppings.

[rustyoldjunk]

:fing20: well,as long as im wrong.....again........we know all is right with the world.seriously though i stand corrected.i should have known better,i have been on the simpletractors forum for several years.i would assume their info is correct.there are alot of very learned simplicity fans over there that would have corrected it if it were wrong.looks like i need to go reread things over there.wonder if they would mind if i drove this over?:greendr: (they get testy about green there)lol.......

[stonykill]

:fing20: well,as long as im wrong.....again........we know all is right with the world.seriously though i stand corrected.i should have known better,i have been on the simpletractors forum for several years.i would assume their info is correct.there are alot of very learned simplicity fans over there that would have corrected it if it were wrong.looks like i need to go reread things over there.wonder if they would mind if i drove this over?:greendr: (they get testy about green there)lol.......


lol. It is a great website , isn't it. If your a simplicity fan anyway. And I am. I think the timeframe you were thinking of was duetz allis. Without doing any reserch, and going from the top of my head....(ohh boy) I think duetz owned them into the 80's.

You might wanna drive the 700 over there .that they would appreciate.