Actually, the Hondas are fine, and they were great when I had a flat 1/3 acre lot, but they're not up to the job of my current property. I felt that a Compact Diesel would be a bit much, especially cost-wise, so I went after an old Simplicity on Craigslist. I knew that Simplicity was a serious tractor, a friend's dad had one twenty-some years ago, and it made an impression. A bit of reading here at MTF and over at simpletractors sealed the deal- I'm a sucker for old stuff that's built to last. My bike is an 86 Honda, my two Honda tractors are late 80s. I like old Coleman lanterns and campstoves. My metal lathe is from 1939.
My 7116 is from 88, or at least the engine is. It was advertised as a 78, with a 48" deck. It's certainly newer than 78, and the deck is a 42"
. Oh well, close enough. It came with wheel weights, chains, and a 42" blade, for about 45 cents a pound. The big Briggs starts instantly with a puff of smoke and runs pretty nicely, drippy carb and all. I've replaced the starter solenoid and starter gear so far. The deck has a few cracks, which I will repair. The BGB seems to have a little lost motion in the gears, about 3/8" on the hydro pulley, and the hydro side output shaft bearing is grumbling a little. The Sundstrand seems pretty good, no surging, and nice clean fluid inside. The wiring is mostly OK, but some "repairs" have been made, which are a horror show. Charging at 13.5-14 volts, has electric lift.
I've got a few things to straighten out, but it's a worker. I mowed a bit yesterday, heavy stuff that I haven't cut in months, and I am very impressed, both by the torque of the Briggs, and the quality of the cut. This 42" deck is not at its best, and it outcuts the Honda by a mile. The Honda is a 13HP twin, and has a fraction of the torque of this big thumper.
I am looking at a matched pair of 7119Hs tomorrow, both with 48" decks, both motors are rust-seized. What should I offer for them if the BGBs and Sundstrands are intact?
My 7116 is from 88, or at least the engine is. It was advertised as a 78, with a 48" deck. It's certainly newer than 78, and the deck is a 42"
. Oh well, close enough. It came with wheel weights, chains, and a 42" blade, for about 45 cents a pound. The big Briggs starts instantly with a puff of smoke and runs pretty nicely, drippy carb and all. I've replaced the starter solenoid and starter gear so far. The deck has a few cracks, which I will repair. The BGB seems to have a little lost motion in the gears, about 3/8" on the hydro pulley, and the hydro side output shaft bearing is grumbling a little. The Sundstrand seems pretty good, no surging, and nice clean fluid inside. The wiring is mostly OK, but some "repairs" have been made, which are a horror show. Charging at 13.5-14 volts, has electric lift. 
I've got a few things to straighten out, but it's a worker. I mowed a bit yesterday, heavy stuff that I haven't cut in months, and I am very impressed, both by the torque of the Briggs, and the quality of the cut. This 42" deck is not at its best, and it outcuts the Honda by a mile. The Honda is a 13HP twin, and has a fraction of the torque of this big thumper.
I am looking at a matched pair of 7119Hs tomorrow, both with 48" decks, both motors are rust-seized. What should I offer for them if the BGBs and Sundstrands are intact?
