Introduction
Simplicity 4040 Garden Tractor
The Simplicity 4040 is a garden tractor produced between 1972 and 1974 in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Designed for residential landscaping and light property maintenance, this machine represents the classic American garden tractor configuration of the early 1970s.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an air-cooled, horizontal-shaft, opposed-twin engine with a displacement of 816 cc (49.8 ci). It produces a gross power output of 16.5 hp (12.3 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. The fuel system utilizes a Marvel-Schebler downdraft carburetor, and the engine is maintained by a paper element air cleaner.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 4040 features a Sundstrand 15 hydrostatic transmission, providing infinite forward and reverse speeds across three distinct ranges. This system requires the operator to be in neutral to shift gears, although the foot clutch is not necessary for operation. The tractor is configured as a two-wheel-drive unit with disc brakes for stopping control.
Hydraulics and Power Take-Off
For implement operation, the tractor includes both front and rear independent power take-off (PTO) systems. The front PTO operates at 3600 RPM, while the rear PTO is optional and operates at 2000 RPM. Both systems are engaged via electric clutches. The hydraulic system delivers a pump flow of 2.25 gpm (8.5 lpm) at a pressure of 500 psi (34.5 bar).
Dimensions and Chassis
The machine sits on a 56-inch wheelbase with a ground clearance of 15 inches. It has a total length of 83 inches and a variable width between 43.3 and 56.5 inches. With a shipping weight of 1300 lbs, it provides stability for operations such as the 60-inch mower deck attachment.
Conclusion
The Simplicity 4040 is a robust, hydrostatic-drive garden tractor suited for landowners requiring a versatile machine for mowing and light utility work. Its combination of an independent PTO system and a flexible transmission makes it capable of handling various seasonal implements.
Production Information of Simplicity, 4040
- Garden tractor
- Built in Port Washington, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | Simplicity |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Simplicity, 4040
| Ground clearance | 15 inches [38 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 56 inches [142 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 48 inches [121 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel)(optional) | 56.5 inches (max) [143 cm] |
| Length | 83 inches [210 cm] |
| Rear tread | 29.2 inches [74 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 1300 lbs [589 kg] |
| Width | 43.3 inches (min) [109 cm] |
| Ag front | 4.00x12 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 29x12.50-15 |
| Ag rear | 8x16 |
| Lawn/turf front | 20x8-10 |
Engine Specifications of Simplicity, 4040
- Air-cooled horizontal-shaft opposed-twin
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
|---|---|
| Sparkplug | Champion H-8 |
| Fuel system | Marvel-Schebler downdraft carburetor |
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Compression | 7:1 |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Air cleaner | Paper element |
| Displacement | 816 cc [49.8 ci] |
| Power (gross) | 16.5 hp [12.3 kW] |
| Oil capacity | 3.5 qts [3.3 L] |
| Oil change | 50 h |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.25x3.00 inches [83 x 76 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.007 inches [0.178 mm] |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.016 inches [0.406 mm] |
| Starter | Electric |
| Idle RPM | 1200-3850 |
Transmission Information of Simplicity, 4040
Transmission variants 1
- Three-speed gear shift with hydrostatic transmissions. Hydrostatic must be in neutral to shift, although use of the foot clutch is not required or recommended.
| Transmission | Sundstrand 15 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 6 qts [5.7 L] |
| Type | Hydrostatic |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse (3-range) |
Mechanical Specs of Simplicity, 4040
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Disc brakes
Power Information of Simplicity, 4040
| Rear PTO(optional) | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
| Front PTO | Independent |
| Clutch | Electric |
| Front PTO Type | 3600 |
| Rear PTO Type | 2000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Simplicity, 4040
| Pressure | 500 psi [34.5 bar] |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 2.25 gpm [8.5 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Simplicity, 4040
| Rear Type | 0 |
|---|
Electrical System of Simplicity, 4040
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 52 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Flywheel alternator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
Where it sits
With 16 HP, the Simplicity 4040 sits just below 4041 (19 HP) in Simplicity's range. Its power puts it in the 95th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Simplicity 4040 have?
The Simplicity 4040 delivers 16 HP.
What years was the Simplicity 4040 produced?
The Simplicity 4040 was produced in 1972.
What transmission does the Simplicity 4040 use?
The Simplicity 4040 uses a Sundstrand 15 transmission.
How much does the Simplicity 4040 weigh?
The Simplicity 4040 weighs 1300 lbs [589 kg].
Is the Simplicity 4040 4WD?
The Simplicity 4040 is available in 2WD.