Simplicity 401 lawn tractor

Simplicity 401

Power

4 hp

Production

1965-1966

Engine

Gasoline, 1-cylinder

Transmission

Belt-driven gear

Drive

2WD

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Introduction

Simplicity 401 Riding Lawn Mower

The Simplicity 401 is a riding lawn mower produced between 1965 and 1966. Manufactured in Port Washington, Wisconsin, USA, by Simplicity, then a division of Allis-Chalmers, this machine was designed for residential property maintenance during the mid-1960s.

Engine and Powertrain

The tractor is equipped with a single-cylinder, air-cooled Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine, producing 4 horsepower (3.0 kW). It utilizes a manual recoil starter system. Power is transferred to the ground via a belt-driven gear transmission, which provides two forward gears and two reverse gears.

Mechanical Configuration

The 401 operates on a two-wheel drive chassis. Steering is controlled manually, and the operator is positioned on an open station, ensuring straightforward access to all controls. The unit was factory-equipped with a 24-inch mower deck intended for standard lawn care applications.

Conclusion

The Simplicity 401 represents a period-specific utility tool for lawn maintenance. Its simple mechanical design, characterized by a manual transmission and recoil start, reflects the standard engineering of its era, offering a functional solution for property owners of the mid-1960s.

Production Information of Simplicity, 401

  • Original price was $340 in 1966
  • Riding lawn mower
  • Built in Port Washington, Wisconsin, USA
ManufacturerSimplicity (a part of Allis Chalmers)

Engine Specifications of Simplicity, 401

  • Briggs & Stratton
  • Air-cooled
  • Gasoline
  • 1-cylinder
Power4 hp [3.0 kW]
Starter typeManual recoil

Transmission Information of Simplicity, 401

Transmission variants 1

TypeBelt-driven gear
Gears2 forward and reverse

Mechanical Specs of Simplicity, 401

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Manual steering
  • Open operator station.

Where it sits

Its power puts it in the 15th percentile of 1960s models in our database (550 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the Simplicity 401 have?

The Simplicity 401 delivers 4 HP.

What years was the Simplicity 401 produced?

The Simplicity 401 was produced in 1965-1966.

What engine does the Simplicity 401 have?

The Simplicity 401 is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the Simplicity 401 use?

The Simplicity 401 uses a Belt-driven gear transmission.

Is the Simplicity 401 4WD?

The Simplicity 401 is available in 2WD.

Compare the Simplicity 401 with another model