Simplicity Legacy tractor suitability

[milnekl]

I currently own a Simplicity Conquest garden tractor that is about 5 years old and am thinking of trading it in on a similiarly aged Simplicity Legacy because I feel I need a more rugged tractor. I am mowing about 6 acres, 4 of which is in pasture and is hilly and rough due to horses cutting up the turf. Not many rocks fortunately. Will the Legacy hold up for this type of work? I will probably be mowing 8 hours or so every 2 weeks on the pasture and about 1 1/2 hours on the lawn.

 

[jimmyj]

Welcome to TBN milnekl.

I am only slightly familiar with the legacy because I looked at getting one a few years ago but it would be too small for my uses. But, it should I would think be OK for your tasks if mowing is really the major use. I wonder what the cost is though as maybe for the same $ you could get a unit with more versatility. It's a pretty small machine overall. Do you have any other needs such as FEL work or anything?

I found this thread on one of the other forums. It's old but it notes the differences between the legacy and legacy XL which seems important.
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=7835

 

[milnekl]

Thanks for answering jimmyj and for the link. Checked it out. Yes, seems to be a big difference in the two machines. The used regular Legacy has 200 hrs and asking price of $3900. The 60" deck would definitely be a plus for me. It would be used primarily for mowing and hauling a garden cart. Possibly a blade in the future for snow removal, but real iffy on that. Do you have any other suggestions?

 

[jimmyj]

The reason I originally looked at a legacy is because i have and older pair of Allis Chalmers 616's that I really love. I use it to mow, tow and move snow. They are a long ago predecessor from Simplicity (the 616 is actually the same tractor as the Simplicity 4040) and these babies mow like a dream. They are only 16hp too.

If all you want to do are your described uses it seems a good fit. It is 4wd I assume? If not, I bet you'll still be more than OK for mowing and towing and even a snow blade but you'll need chains and wieight for sure.

You can also check out this site, it's great for the Simplicity folks and much more freindly than some other Simplicity oriented sites. It is more oriented to the older ones though.

Michael's Tractors (Simplicity and Allis Chalmers Garden Tractors)

Read as much as you can on the TBN forum though, this site is the tops I think for all tractor type stuff. I have been on a lot of forums and TBN seems the best. I did a search here and got this as an example.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/lawn-garden/134073-simplicity-legacy-xl.html


Good luck and happy hunting. When you do decide, let us know and post a picture!!!

 

[Hematite]

Thanks for answering jimmyj and for the link. Checked it out. Yes, seems to be a big difference in the two machines. The used regular Legacy has 200 hrs and asking price of $3900. The 60" deck would definitely be a plus for me. It would be used primarily for mowing and hauling a garden cart. Possibly a blade in the future for snow removal, but real iffy on that. Do you have any other suggestions?

I have a 2003 Massey Ferguson 2925 aka Simplicity Legacy. I mow 2 acres of lawn and snowblow 250 feet of driveway with it. I would never want a larger tractor to do what I do because it is absolutely perfect for the job. It sounds as though it would be for your needs, as well.

The neighbor was having his yard mowed by a professional on a stand up zero turn mower. I noticed that he was watching me mowing at the same time. Afterwards, he came over very perplexed and wanted to see the tractor. He couldn't understand how I could mow faster than his machine could. I didn't want to mention that the tractor can also stripe the lawn.

I specifically bought the 2 wheel drive version rather than the XL because I was convinced that 4 wheel drive is absurdly unneccessary for my circumstances and purposes. After 6 years, I can conclusively say that I was correct. I got stuck, briefly, once when I inadvertantly backed into a snowbank with the (heavy) blower on the front. I've also used a 60" dozer blade for snow removal and grading projects and never needed or wanted 4 wheel drive.

I bought the air cooled Kohler 25hp gas version for the same reason as the 2wd: to keep it simple. Again, it has been excellent. The hydro and pump and all the components are the highest quality parts available. It is a very impressive machine and I can tell you that if you can get a Legacy for that price with that low hours, you will never regret it.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I have a 2000 Legacy 20 hp with a 48" mmm. It has been a rugged tractor though I have replaced the fuel pump, and starter in the 550+ hours I've used it. Mine is 2wd, and has the PTO shaft in the front of the tractor. I've asked about snowblowers, etc. recently, and have been told they are a bit hard to find for the older non XL tractors. The hydrostatic transmission was changed when they switched to that model, and the pto shaft is now on the transmission. Other than those things, you will find it a much more rugged tractor than your current one.

 

[tredman]

hello, i'm new to this site, but i have a simplicity 4040 with a 60" belly mower, rear tiller, front push blade, snow thrower, and cab. i bought it from a friend and found out the hydro. needs rebuilt. i found a place online that sells all the parts, but i do not have the time. some of the attachments needs a little work, not alot, i would like to sell all of it for what i have in it. i live in lawson, mo. send me a message.

 

[bruceatlam]

You'll find more help at www.simpletractors.com.

 

[jimmyj]

Where are you tredman? Got a price and some pics?

 

[northeasttractor]

We are a Simplicity Dealer, the Legacy should be fine for your application. The only thing I would watch is dropping the front axle into one of those holes left from the horses, go slow and you should be fine. We mow the property here with the same Legacy with a 48" deck and have no problems.