Mr.Modified's Simplicity Adventure Edition [2016 Build-Off Finalist]

That's actually a good idea and I've kinda thought of that too, but I think if I built one for the TTC or haspin, it would be better to not build the frame and front end the same way. Just because the original is a tad too high up. And then you'd kinda have a completely different machine. So I don't know. For now I guess I'll just keep it on hand till I need it. It's in good shape tho. And it is nice that all the hub cabs are there. Not like I'll use them but it's cool.

Right now I'm trying to clean up so I can eventually get back to the adventure edition. It needs some changes and then re-assembly after all the temporary mods from the 2020 TTC. Honestly I don't know about a simplicity entry for the 2021 TTC. The Broadmoor R/S project is in question at this point and I've been busy.

What made you decide to use the Sears back half over the simplicity? I’ve always wondered that

I used the back part of the sears frame just because I wanted to use a 633 trans and it fit the bolts easy. The stock simplicity transaxles are heavy enough but the shifters work kinda weird and there's no high/low range. Also the one that came in that tractor I believe had pins to hold the wheels instead of key ways. So I was limited to 10" tires. The 633 and sears rear wheels were a better option.

Gotcha, makes sense. Probably easier to find replacement transaxles too

Awe man TTC won’t be the same without team simplicity in the running

I may show up with something, I just don't exactly know what. The Broadmoor RS I think would have been fairly competitive in the 2019 TTC. But the 2020 course was considerably rougher than the first year and I think that my super low setup that I had in mind might be a bit too low. I thought of making some sort of stripped down machine that's closer to a conventional tractor layout and putting some simplicity "body panels" on but I don't really know how things are gonna go. I imagine I would still show up even if I don't run a tractor. I even thought about somehow using the mostly stock Broadmoor 728 I recently picked up. But the stock simplicity's are kind of an odd setup and I don't think it would fair too well. Back when I started out with a stock one it wasn't too great of an off road machine really.

This morning at Simplicity Racing HQ, the adventure edition was rolled off the trailer and wheeled into the shop. Still covered with mud from the 2020 Top Tractor Challenge. Time for a complete overhaul and some long awaited modifications.


I'll also be going back to an 8hp Briggs, but this time an I/C version.

Whats the reasons going back to an 8hp?

Other than the engine... what other mods are planned? Always liked this tractor. First one I ever voted on in the build-off.

There are a couple reasons for going back to an 8hp engine. There's nothing necessarily wrong with this 10hp engine other than it looking a bit rough. But this is the only one I have and it's not nearly as easy to find them as the 8hp engines are. I happen to already have a few 8hp engines for parts. Also, the 10hp is too tall to clear the original hood, which was partly the reason for the cardboard hood during the 2020 TTC. In theory, I could make this engine work with the alternator and somehow mod the hood or lift it slightly, but I really didn't want to do that. I imagine fuel economy is also slightly better with the 8hp. Not only that but the 8hp is a little easier to pull start and quieter. The original intention of this machine was to be easy to work on, reliable, and good for long range runs. So I just plan on putting it back the way it was before I did all the hack mods for the TTC.

Mods/work planned:
-Build an I/C 8hp (may use the original crank shaft from the old engine because of pulley spacing)
-New intake manifold and carb that actually works without issues
-Add a reverse light
-Modify muffler to be quieter (more stealthy for running in "questionable" locations)
-Heat guard on exhaust pipe
-Tighten up worn steering?
-Weld up some unused holes in the frame?
-Eliminate snorkel box/redesign? May just go with a filter under the hood but not sure yet
-New front wheel bearings
-Better/more professional routing of fuel lines, vent lines, and wiring
-New steering wheel to replace damaged one (it's been rolled and bend like 3 times...)
-"Ditch lights" I noticed when in tight spots or rocky areas at night, it's very hard to see when you need to back up a few feet or when your semi stuck. At haspin, I was always more out in the open and lights from other tractors lit up the area. For solo running, you need more light and I may add lights under the foot boards
-Quiet any rattles, loose parts if possible
-Switch to LED lighting. The 194 incandesent bulbs in the under hood light, dash light, and tail light are CONSTANTLY blowing out from vibration. LED lighting should be a major improvement.
-Grab loop on the rear bumper (It was never easy to lift the back end because there's no good place to grab on to
-Add a place for basic repair tools
-Access hole in hood for spark plug?
-Clean and repaint


Basically, no major hacking or mods will be done. It's just going to be a very thorough overhaul and clean up. I have some ideas to build another tractor for this years TTC based of this design though, since it did fairly well in 2020. And now I have the extra parts needed to do it.

Not sure if I posted this before but here’s a pic of the frame repair I did under the engine on the frame. Vibration had stress cracked it all around two of the mounting bolts. I just welded a plate over the area and full welded it. When I do the rebuild, I’ll repaint it. When I fixed it I was in a bit of a rush for the TTC.