Can't Decide - Simplicity ZT4000, Exmark Quest, or Exmark Phazer

[jonboy04]

I mow an acre lot with a lot of small trees (less than 4 feet apart). I have a simplicity broadmoor (10 years old) that finally bit the dust. I want a ZTR that is commercial quality with a smaller cut (44" or less). I want a striping kit and rear bagger.

I need some help in determining the quality, longevity, and recommendations on the above machines. I am not interested in other products. I understand the high quality of the Exmark products, but the Quest is fairly new (and on the high end of length of cut length for me - 48"). The Phazer fits right in and is commercial grade. I have been extremely happy with my Simplicity and love the striping effects of my current mower. I know the Phazer and Quest do not have the striping kit options. Is there after market options for those machines?

The Simplicity has the striping kit as a standard. I know the deck does not ride on the rollers and I will not have the same look as the rider, but I still would like the option. I have not seen a lot of feedback on the Simplicity's so I am a little wary. Any help would be appreciated! :dizzy:

[Capemay Eagle]

Well if you have your mind set on these brands, then I would go Phazer. You can get a striper roller from http://bigleaguelawns.com but it is going to cost you about $300.00 plus shipping.

I would not count out Huster or Scag..The Fastrak and the Freedom Z are some of the tops of homeowner Z's.

[jonboy04]

Well if you have your mind set on these brands, then I would go Phazer. You can get a striper roller from http://bigleaguelawns.com but it is going to cost you about $300.00 plus shipping.

I would not count out Huster or Scag..The Fastrak and the Freedom Z are some of the tops of homeowner Z's.

I am not sure if we have local service and support for those brands. I guess that is just as important. We had a local Simplicity dealer that just went out of business and was a major contributor to that brand loyalty. Awesome service cannot be overstated. I will check around and see what we have for sales, service and support for those brands. I appreciate your feedback!

[John Gamba]

I am not sure if we have local service and support for those brands. I guess that is just as important. We had a local Simplicity dealer that just went out of business and was a major contributor to that brand loyalty. Awesome service cannot be overstated. I will check around and see what we have for sales, service and support for those brands. I appreciate your feedback!


Look at Gravely Home owner HD line.

[nmurph]

ditto what Caper says about Hustler and Scag, especially Hustler as it has the best warranty.

[jonboy04]

Anyone with experience with the Simplicity's?

[jonboy04]

[QUOTE=Capemay Eagle;2297423]Well if you have your mind set on these brands, then I would go Phazer. You can get a striper roller from http://bigleaguelawns.com but it is going to cost you about $300.00 plus shipping. QUOTE]

Thanks for thre reference on the striping! This helps, knowing that I can still get something for either the Phazer or Quest.

[Capemay Eagle]

Exmark is among the elite in ZTR's. If you have a dealer nearby that you deal with then I would just go with that, but I would test a few other first before you lay down the cash. Most likely you age going to be using this for many, many years so make sure you get the one that fits your needs and comfort. I looked at quite a few before I made my decision. I looked at a Wright stander, Great Dane, Toro, Snapper 450Z, and a Scag Freedom Z. I really wanted the Scag Freedom but it was just a bit out of the price range, I did not want to finance anything. It was hard coming home to the wife and trying to explain that I wanted a lawn mower that was going to cost $6300 (4995.95 mower $1300.00 bag kit) after we just bought a new lawn tractor the summer before. But in the end I settled for the Hustler MFT 42". It was priced right, great homeowner warranty and the build quality and support are outstanding and it was just size for my yard (1 Acre). If you are not in a hurry take a week or two to look around..

[jonboy04]

Exmark is among the elite in ZTR's. If you have a dealer nearby that you deal with then I would just go with that, but I would test a few other first before you lay down the cash. Most likely you age going to be using this for many, many years so make sure you get the one that fits your needs and comfort. I looked at quite a few before I made my decision. I looked at a Wright stander, Great Dane, Toro, Snapper 450Z, and a Scag Freedom Z. I really wanted the Scag Freedom but it was just a bit out of the price range, I did not want to finance anything. It was hard coming home to the wife and trying to explain that I wanted a lawn mower that was going to cost $6300 (4995.95 mower $1300.00 bag kit) after we just bought a new lawn tractor the summer before. But in the end I settled for the Hustler MFT 42". It was priced right, great homeowner warranty and the build quality and support are outstanding and it was just size for my yard (1 Acre). If you are not in a hurry take a week or two to look around..

Thanks, I will probably do some more quick checking. I am without a mower and will need to get one soon. The first mow of the season is right around the corner - like this weekend! If I could piece together the best of them all I would. The Phazer is looking about right except the 34" does not have a rear bagger system - what? The Quest is a little bigger than I would like. I haven't heard anything yet on the Simplicity's. I did look at some local dealers for the Hustler. They look like the mower business is a very side line piece of the other things they do (A plow business, a lift truck company - yikes!) So, I do not what to settle, but I want good local service from a place dedicated to lawn equipment, a great product and something that will last. Too much to ask for?

[Capemay Eagle]

Anyone with experience with the Simplicity's?

Just search the forum for Simplicity there are lots threads from the past about these machines

[stevepk]

I'm also a big Simplicity fan. Dad's had them back into the 60's. When I started looking for a Z-turn I went straight to Simplicity. I quickly found them to few and far between and over priced when I did find one. Started looking at Exmark and ended up with a Toro which are owned by the same company. I'm very very please with my 99 Z-Master. IMHO the Exmark/Toro is a better machine than the Simplicity and that hard for me to swallow......................

Steve

[jonboy04]

I'm also a big Simplicity fan. Dad's had them back into the 60's. When I started looking for a Z-turn I went straight to Simplicity. I quickly found them to few and far between and over priced when I did find one. Started looking at Exmark and ended up with a Toro which are owned by the same company. I'm very very please with my 99 Z-Master. IMHO the Exmark/Toro is a better machine than the Simplicity and that hard for me to swallow......................

Steve

Thanks, I find myself in the same boat. I think I have settled on a Exmark Quest. The support for the machine has to be there as well as reliability. I do find that in the Exmark. The lack of information on the Simplicity's has me a little concerned.

The Quest has a rear bagger system which I need (6 bushel).
BTW the Simplicity mower I had would frequently clog in the chute when I was bagging. Does anyone know if this is an issue with the Quest? It does not have the powered system. I do not want to continue to wrestle with that . . .

Quest 48" cut - oh my . . .
The biggest drawback is maneuverability. I have a lot of small trees, but they won't be small forever. I can overlook that for now. Also, it won't fit in my two car garage with both vehicles it it. I guess it will have to sit outside all summer - not what I was planning on.

The Phazer has a bag collection system that is mounted to the side.
The side discharge unit is 3 bushels and looks very awkward. I am wary of that setup - plus it looks like it would take up a lot of additional room to maneuver.

Neither has a striping Kit
I think the suggestion from Eagle on a aftermarket kit would suffice.

Simplicity?
Even though they have what I am looking for (44" cut, large fuel capacity, striping kit, commercial grade, fast), there is not enough supporting information or dealer support to go that direction.

So there you have it. I think my sails are set and Friday maybe my first mow of the season.

[Capemay Eagle]

I know I said it already but the Mini Fastrak is the perfect mower for your needs. It is small, It has a rear bag unit, but it is small, and it is very affordable. It is a perfect machine for your yard and storage it also comes with a three year warranty. Besides that if you get a set of gator blades or a mulch kit, you really will not need a bag kit. The only reason I got a bag kit is for fall clean ups. You said you have a dealer near by, I would go check one out before you make a purchase.

[Capemay Eagle]

If you are looking for a alternitive to a stripe kit, here is what I made for mine.

[Capemay Eagle]

Here is a pic of the my MFT 42"

[jonboy04]

If you are looking for a alternitive to a stripe kit, here is what I made for mine.

I am currently looking for options with striping and I like what I see with yours. How does it work? In other words, does it do a good job? It doesn't look like much can go wrong with it - which I like!

[Capemay Eagle]

I am currently looking for options with striping and I like what I see with yours. How does it work? In other words, does it do a good job? It doesn't look like much can go wrong with it - which I like!
It works pretty good. Probably not as good as a roller but it is the same method. You could also use a mud flap off truck. I have seen some pretty nice stripes from these chain stripers.

Also here is a pic of my bag unit. Like I said it is small, but it is easy to install. It is also easy to take on and off and it is solid, not cheap plastic like a lawn tractor.