The Simplicity FA would have come with a Briggs Model 8. It is a 1955 model tractor.
You can go to Simplicitymfg.com and type in the number 990004 in the tractor manual lookup section and get a pdf of the IPL/OP manual.
I have the tractor.

 

twowheeler63,

Thanks for your response. I did find manual 990004 for the VA and 990009 for the FA. That should cover which ever model the tractor turns out to be. As I mentioned I am planning on inspecting the tractor again soon to try and determine which model it is - FA or VA. It probably is an FA since that is what is on the tractors ID plate but the period correct B&S Model 14 FB, 5 hp engine that is on it just has me curious. Probably just an engine upgrade by the previous owner.

After studying the parts drawing for both machines I can see that the transmissions are quite different which should help me in making a positive ID.

If I understand correctly then you have the VA model?

Thanks again for your help.

Sheldon

 

I have the FA.
The FA and VA have different transmission housings, although the same shift pattern.
I also have an H. The H, V, VA. VB, and VC all share the same transmission/chassis.
V/VA have ratcheting wheel hubs.
VB/VC/H have actual differentials.
VC/H have HI/LO axles as well.

 

Thank you for the additional info, that is a big help and very interesting! In the short time I have been studying these tractors I have been getting confused by all of the different models and their variations. There doesn't seem to be one concise source for all of the mechanical details/differences of all of the different models through the years of their manufacture.

The VC and H models sound like the most interesting mechanically with their true differentials and HI/LO axles.

Sheldon

 

Thank you for the additional info, that is a big help and very interesting! In the short time I have been studying these tractors I have been getting confused by all of the different models and their variations. There doesn't seem to be one concise source for all of the mechanical details/differences of all of the different models through the years of their manufacture.

The VC and H models sound like the most interesting mechanically with their true differentials and HI/LO axles.

Sheldon

I have several different models of the Simplicity tractors, as well as their Ward counterparts.
As you may have figured out, the only difference in the H and the VC, is the engine. H is 5.75hp and the VC is 7.

 

I'm fairly certain this is correct.

 

Thank you, that's great. Just what I needed and I referred to it yesterday when I went back and did a second inspection and took some photos of the tractor.

What I learned through observation was that it was originally an FA but at some point the engine was changed using an adapter plate to a B&S Model 14FB 5 horse engine but retaining the dual range pulley/idler setup of the FA. Also, it now has 6.00x12 Goodyear AG tires instead of 5.00x12 tires. The shift handle will not move, maybe just the shift ball seized(?). The transmission output shaft with the dual range pulley does spin freely. The engine will turn over but only with a lot of effort. I removed the top of the oil bath air filter and it was clean inside with clean oil. I could not check the engine oil as there was only a spring loaded cap on the crankcase oil fill port. I don't know how to check the oil level on the old B&S engines. The fuel tank was dry inside and appeared to be rust free. The engine has not run for many years.

There was one major thing that concerns me about the condition of the tractor. Both of the wheel/hub assemblies have a large amount of freeplay on the axle. Holding the tires at the top and push/pulling to and fro creates a very noticeable clunk or wobble relative to the axle. The wheel lug nuts are tight, it is the hubs moving. That amount of movement would indicate to me excessive wear to the axle shaft or hub bearings?? Maybe it is just in need of an adjustment inside the hub ratchet mechanism? Looking at the parts drawings it appears the bearings (#44 and 47) are bushings rather than ball or roller bearings(?). In fact all of the bearings in the transmission/drivetrain appear to be bushings.

With your experience with these old Simplicity tractors what do you think about the tractor in general and the loose hubs in particular? Are the hubs a real problem or...? Also, are the wear parts (bearing bushings, shafts, etc.) on these old tractors still somewhat available? I am able to do most all of the mechanical work, it is the availability of parts that concerns me.

I have attached a few photos of the tractor. Unfortunately the setting on my camera was not correct so they are not high resolution images.

Thanks again for your interest. You have been a big help for me with this.

Sheldon

 

You are correct on everything being bushings, and most likely, standard sizes.
Loose hub wouldn't worry me, as again, they're bushings on the part that the wheel bolts to. If the driving part of the hub is loose, then further inspection is required.

The shifter has to be lifted up to shift, if you don't know.

 

Twowheeler is this your chart? I'm pretty sure i can add some to this on the older tractors, maybe on a side channel or something if you're interested.

Yes, it's mine.
I'm always interested in information.
I have some information on a few of the earlier, but not much.

 

I have a 1959 VC with a snowblower, mower, and front plow. I'm looking for the manuals for the mower and snowblower.

 

simplicitymfg.com. SUPPORT-MANUALS-TRACTOR
Snow blower model# 990187
Mower model# 990268

 

I have what I believe is a Simplicity Model B with S/N SS14588R with no engine but am unsure of the model as the data plate on the top of the gear case is not readable. From what I have been able to find online, many of the features line up with those of a model B: 12" rims 1" diameter axle shafts ratcheting hubs Single speed gear case The only feature I have not seen on any picture of a model B is a trapezoidal sheet steel brace welded to the handlebars closest to the engine / transmission. I have photos that i could post but do not know how to post to this forum.

 

It will be a Simplicity model B or a Ward's Ho-Trac, the tag on top of the gear case would be a patent No., a pic of the tag on the side of the gear case will tell which one you have, in the pic below in the top line of icons seventh to the right you will see a paper clip, this is the attachment icon, no matter what device/platform you're using look for this icon, it will take you to files/gallery, assuming you took the pic's with your phone go to gallery and hit camera, hit pic's you want then hit done, pic's will be ready in your post, and a welcome to the site from northern michigan 👍

 

Photos attached

 

Wards Ho-Trac, that is a high number so I'm thinking late 1946/early 47, excellent pic's showing a B in it's final form before being replaced with the model D later in 1947, from the pic's it appears that your tractor may even have model D engagement handles, a better pic of the handle face might add significantly to your tractors historical value, i do see another update on your tractor that resembles a later version of the the B, engine would have most likely have been a Clinton but there are many correct examples with a Briggs and Stratton in this post war time period so ether would be correct.

 

Jimmy G.
Thanks for your help in getting this thing identified. I have ordered new tires and will see what it takes to get it going again. Have you heard of anyone setting these up with an electric motor drive?
Stan

 

Jimmy G.
Thanks for your help in getting this thing identified. I have ordered new tires and will see what it takes to get it going again. Have you heard of anyone setting these up with an electric motor drive?
Stan

Jimmy G.
Thanks for your help in getting this thing identified. I have ordered new tires and will see what it takes to get it going again. Have you heard of anyone setting these up with an electric motor drive?
Stan

I have read about one being operated by a starter/generator and battery, but I think that setup would be short lived.
It's been years ago, and I don't recall the source.

 

Til-Mor makes a new electric tractor. I believe it's been out a couple years, but I haven't seen, or paid much attention to reviews on them. Not sure if they list a parts diagram of them but if you can find it, might give you an idea what they used.