I have a 1997 Simplicity Sovereign with a hydrostatic transmission. Came with a Kohler OHC. Did a conversion to Briggs Vanguard. Problem I am having, even before motor swap, is that tractor is slower in forward than reverse. What could be the cause of this and what do I need to do to fix?
Simplicity Sovereign Moves Slow In Forward
Started by
sdrolls1
, Jan 08, 2014 09:25 PM
forward reverse transmission hydrostatic
8 replies to this topic
#1
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sdrolls1
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Posted January 08, 2014 - 09:25 PM
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#2
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Texas Deere and Horse
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RED Wild Hogs, Horses & Deeres
- Location: East of San Antonio Texas
Posted January 08, 2014 - 09:29 PM
sdrolls1, Welcome to GTtalk. I wish I could help you but that's a lot newer then anything I own. Someone will be along shortly to answer all your questions. Again Welcome!! 
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#3
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Talntedmrgreen
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Simplicity Enthusiast
- Location: Dorr, MI
Posted January 08, 2014 - 09:45 PM
Welcome! Been through Grant more times than I could ever remember! Breakfast's at the caboose on our way north to snowmobile stand out in my mind 
Sounds like your hydro control is out of adjustment.
Your manual is here...take a look at page 23 for an adjustment proceedure:
http://bsintek.basco...7mRgtLvBCd6.pdf
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superaben
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Con Man
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Posted January 08, 2014 - 09:47 PM
Sounds like your tractor is out of adjustment. Take some minutes to compare the specs on your adjustments and the travel stops.
Ben W.
Edit: the very talented Mr. Green beat me to it. He gets the credit for this one.
Edited by superaben, January 08, 2014 - 09:48 PM.
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#5
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sdrolls1
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Posted January 09, 2014 - 08:11 PM
Thanks for the help guys. I will check it out this weekend and see what I can figure out.
@Talntedmrgreen Depot Restaurant in Grant has fed a lot of travelers. Currently closed for remodel, opening on Jan 20 with new owners.
#6
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sdrolls1
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Posted January 12, 2014 - 08:36 AM
While I see how to adjust the neutral position I can't seem to figure out the forward adjustment. Neutral position is fine. When lever is in full forward position the roller still has over half way to go in the curved slot. Does this make sense? How do I adjust to get more travel? I'm confused.
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sdrolls1
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Posted January 12, 2014 - 05:09 PM
I was able work on it this afternoon and found a couple of issues. First issue was the nut on the control lever to linkage shaft was loose which meant the lever was moving and not moving the linkage. Second issue was the spring dampener on the linkage was out of position. I loosened the 2 bolts, moved the control lever to full forward, and moved the cam bracket to full forward position and retightened the 2 bolts. I took it for a test drive and I have never had a garden tractor move so fast.
Thanks for the help.
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MH81
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Proud to be Deplorable
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Posted January 12, 2014 - 06:15 PM
Welcome! Been through Grant more times than I could ever remember! Breakfast's at the caboose on our way north to snowmobile stand out in my mind
Sounds like your hydro control is out of adjustment.
Your manual is here...take a look at page 23 for an adjustment proceedure:
http://bsintek.basco...7mRgtLvBCd6.pdf
Sounds like your tractor is out of adjustment. Take some minutes to compare the specs on your adjustments and the travel stops.
Ben W.
Edit: the very talented Mr. Green beat me to it. He gets the credit for this one.
Good news you got it going. Sounds like you've got yourself a dragster now.I was able work on it this afternoon and found a couple of issues. First issue was the nut on the control lever to linkage shaft was loose which meant the lever was moving and not moving the linkage. Second issue was the spring dampener on the linkage was out of position. I loosened the 2 bolts, moved the control lever to full forward, and moved the cam bracket to full forward position and retightened the 2 bolts. I took it for a test drive and I have never had a garden tractor move so fast.
Thanks for the help.
#9
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PW5000
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Posted September 03, 2017 - 09:36 AM
This tractor uses a spring around the linkage to push the transmission flow control valve to full forward flow position. This spring is too weak to fully overcome the force necessary to shift the valve to full forward speed. The repair for this is to install a stronger spring or to install 2 springs one inside of the other. You must remove the linkage, side plates and the pins to replace the springs. You will need to reset neutral position as well. It is recommended to grease all contact areas where the linkage and shafts cause friction. The pins are not easy to remove. They will require a hammer and punch and possibly another person to secure the shaft while removing the pins. Doubling the origional spring tension will be enough to shift the tractor to full forward forward speed. You can find replacement springs at any hardware store including Sears, Home Depot and True Value. Good luck! It worked very well for me.
