I thought I’d just about decided on a different, earlier model , but was then persuaded to consider the 18, as more powerful and all around better. I have joined several FaceBook Allis Chalmers, Simplicity, Agco Allis groups, they seem to have a mix of real collectors and just plain users, like I will be. All seem to have skills to keep anything they own running forever. I am not on their level, I fear.

We’ll be retiring and relocating to NE Tenn next year, and will buy a small home on 1-2 acres. I intend using the tractor for mowing, tilling a garden, snow removal. I found a beautifully restored/refurbished Sovereign 18 for sale at an equipment dealer, only has a mowing deck at present, so I’ll  need to find both a tiller, then a snow blower. I am considering it.

 The owner, an equipment dealer for over 30 years did very gently remind me that there are some difficult or impossible parts to find for the Sovereign 18 - can’t recall just which ones, maybe clutch related? - if I do need to replace them. He suggested, considering my familiarity with garden tractors and lack of skills, that I consider even newer models as being easier to obtain parts for going forward, Prestige and Legacy.

Is this good advice? I am confident in doing some repairs, as I drive a 60 year old truck. But, I am 66 and realistically will be using any tractor I buy  for probably the next 15 years or so, if I actually last that long. I don’t  weld or paint (wish I could learn). 

Is the dealer correct, do I need to be concerned about not being able to find parts if I need them? Should I buy a newer tractor? I really prefer well made vintage tools, but this will be my first garden tractor. 

Finally, what would be the hardest to find parts? I will build a small shop, and could find room for a spare unit, but I’m not going to have a tractor boneyard/ warehouse of spare parts just to keep it running, neither my wife nor I want that. 

Thank you for any advice, and take it easy on me. Sorry for the long-winded intro.