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Pull-Behind "Sulky" For Simplicity Walk-Behind Tractor
I bought this early 1960's Simplicity walk-behind tractor for $60 at an auction years ago. It was originally powered by a 3 hp Tecumseh engine and a 6-speed high and low range transmission with reverse belt drive. The transmission and belt drive were good, but I had to replace the blown engine with a 2 hp Briggs and Stratton engine I already had.
  Equipped with a rear-mount cultivator, a 1-furrow plow and calcium-filled tires, the tractor suited me fine until I saw a photo of a Gravely equipped with a pull-behind "sulky" in a gardening magazine. That's when I decided to build one for my Simplicity.
  I made a 2-ft. wide frame out of 1 1/2-in. dia. pipe and fitted with 4 by 8-in. wheelbarrow wheels and an old implement seat.
  I made a 6-ft. drawbar out of 1 1/2-in. dia. pipe. The drawbar swivels so it trails the tractor on turns and has a spring to counterbalance the weight of the tractor when the operator gets off.
  The sulky works so well I haven't taken it off for gardening since I built it. However, it can be detached by simply removing a pin and loosening the spring on the drawbar.
  Cost under $300 to build, including the tractor, and it sure beats walking. (Brian Gardiner, R.R. 4, Mallorytown, Ontario, Canada K0E 1R0; ph 613 923-2565)


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1999 - Volume #23, Issue #3