[ctromp]

I've been shopping for a used mower for a while now and have determined that Simplicity makes great machines. I have found an early 90's 12.5LTH in very good condition. Seat is great, engine seems to run great, chasis is in very good condition overall. I can get it for $350. My yard is about 3/4 acre of grass area. There are a couple decent size hills.

Questions:
1) Your advice on price
2) Owner claims deck size is 36". I didn't know Simplicity built that model with 36" decks. I thought they were 38".
3) Are there mulch kits available for an early 90's 12.5LTH?
4) Is 12.5HP enough to climb hills? I've read on this forum and elsewhere that HP comparisons of old and new tractors is not apples to apples. I'm concerned though that 12.5HP might not really be enough for anything more than flat land with maybe small hills.

Thank you for your input.

 

[Vangellis]

I've been shopping for a used mower for a while now and have determined that Simplicity makes great machines. I have found an early 90's 12.5LTH in very good condition. Seat is great, engine seems to run great, chasis is in very good condition overall. I can get it for $350. My yard is about 3/4 acre of grass area. There are a couple decent size hills.

I have a 1990 12.5LTH that I bought used in 1994. For the most part I used it to cut my acre and plow snow. It has the Vanguard twin and still runs strong. It is the back up mower to my newer Conquest now, but still sees a lot of duty cutting my neighbors 2 1/2 acre field. It's a great mower. My opinions on you questions.......

Questions:
1) Your advice on price

See if you can get it for $300

2) Owner claims deck size is 36". I didn't know Simplicity built that model with 36" decks. I thought they were 38".

Mine has a 38" deck. That should be the size.

3) Are there mulch kits available for an early 90's 12.5LTH?

Not that I'm aware of.

4) Is 12.5HP enough to climb hills? I've read on this forum and elsewhere that HP comparisons of old and new tractors is not apples to apples. I'm concerned though that 12.5HP might not really be enough for anything more than flat land with maybe small hills.

The 12.5 HP Vanguard has the power. It's the condition of the tranny I would be concerned with. Also the standard tires will spin on wet grass and very steep hills. Depends on how steep. I've hauled wood with mine a good distance and it's done well. For three bills, I'd get it.

Kevin

 

[ctromp]

Thanks. I should have said the $350 included delivery to my house (30 minutes away). I don't have a way to get it other than renting a truck or trailer.

So if there are no mulch kits... that means my option is to shoot the grass out the side across the lawn. Hmm...
Would Gator blades help?

 

[ctromp]

This is the model number. Model # 1691-88L
I can't seem to find any info on that.

 

[Vangellis]

This is the model number. Model # 1691-88L
I can't seem to find any info on that.

Hi ctromp.

I think that L in the pt# should be a 6.

#1691886 for the 12.5 LTH

#1691704 for the 38" mower.

Try those for info.

Never used Gators. Opinions seem mixed on them.



Kevin

 

[ctromp]

Thanks. That helps.

What blades are people using? I'm concerned about blowing clippings all over the place. Aren't gators supposed to chop up the clippings more fine?

 

[Prestigious1]

ctromp,

First off, :Welcome1:

Next up, the price seems very fair indeed with the delivery.

As for discharging the clippings...here's the key. Don't let the grass get out of hand. Under normal mowing, meaning you're not really cutting that much of the blades off, it shouldn't be a noticable deal with the clippings. If it is, then you might consider some hi lift Gator blades.

Another point is keeping your blades well maintained...keep'em sharp! This helps with a cleaner cut that is better for the grass, easier on the tractor and finally, it cuts and recuts the clippings much better while they're still in the deck. Dull blades instead of a clean precision cut tears the top of the grass off and leads to clumping because they don't get much of another cut after the initial tearing of the blade, they more or less get beat around inside the deck rather than being recut cleanly.

Many find it amazing how easily blades can be dulled. If you're forced into a wet situation only a single mow could well dull the blades. Hitting objects...small branches, pinecones or other small lawn debris can quickly erode the finish and lead to big clippings and clumping. If these sitiuations occur, you'll need to sharpen and balance the blades again right away.

Lets review:

Congrats on what I feel is a very good deal! I feel it's likely worth much more.

Don't wait until the grass is tall...if you must do to weather, mow it twice, first at a much higher setting and then again at the normal setting.

Keep your blades sharp and balanced.

Always walk the property first to clear any debris...this is easier and less time consuming then to hit something and have to pull the blades off again for maintenance.

And of course, one final thing when you get the new machine... :wwp:

Keep us updated and enjoy your way to a beautiful lawn!

 

[louofm1]

Gator blades are excellent! When my old tractor was down, I borrowed my friend's old wheel horse with gator blades installed. The first time I started mowing, I thought there was a problem with his deck ...maybe it wasnt down low enough, etc. I didnt see the grass clippings coming out of the chute (relative to my mower). I then realized that the gators where chopping things up so fine, I could barely see the clippings. Very nice!! Unfortunaly I was unable to order gators for my old Ingersoll because they didnt make the right mount.

I have since replaced the Ingersoll and just aquired an old Allis Chalmers 912H. I promply removed the old blades and have ordered gators. Got a nice deal at http://www.gatorbladesforless.com/

i also agree with keeping blades sharp. A dull blade basically beats and tears the grass. A sharp blade will cut it. A gator blade will cut the clippings, lift them up and continue to cut them.

I'll report back as to how they cut

 

[Tonyx]

I have the same tractor but in Deutz Allis Green. It's 12.5 hp Vanguard twin with 38" mowing deck. Simply put, I would not pass up the chance to get the one in your area. I paid similar amount 4 months ago($400 delivered).

I ordered mulching plate and Gator blades and I highly recommend it. Have been mowing whole summer that way and it does great job of turning clippings into smaller bits, and no side discharge.

As others say the engine is strong but my feeling is the transmission is not in the same league. No issues yet but based on the sound it makes under load(I have an incline on side of house where going up from walk-out basement) I wonder if it will last as long as the engine.

I've replaced the oil in the transmission but the whine/hiss noise under load didn't get any better. Who knows, maybe this is how it was at the factory long ago? Or maybe I will be looking for a replacement next season.

Either way, I am very satisfied with the quality of cut by Simplicity. Everytime I finish it amazes me the difference in cut compared to my neighbor's.

 

[Prestigious1]

Also keep in mind, many hydro's get louder with as the load increases...this is normal for many of them.

 

[cadetpwr]

You will like the Simplicity, thier cutting quality is second to none for the price, you get the ablity to stripe your yard like the commercial mowers due. Just keep the deck clean inside, we have one at work with low hours, but was run low on oil and it blew one of the rods. But due to the previous owners lack of maintaince, the deck is totaly rotted out. When the grass is wet, make sure you scrape or otherwise clean out all the grass from the deck after mowing. Grass is very acidic when its wet and can eat thru a deck in a couple of years if you dont keep it cleaned out. Post some pics of your new machine when you can. Mike