Simplicity consumer Z

[dondinct]

I've been reading most of the posts for the homeowner zero turn units in the forums on lawnsite. One unit that I haven't heard peopple talk about is the simplicity Z. at $4k it seems like a real competitor at that price break. I know the pros on here all swear by thier $6K units, but i'm not willing to spend that. The Hustler fasttrak looks nice and I've seen a Cub Cadet superZ that looks nice... any coments on the simplicity or the cub cadet in the $4K and under price range?

[Smitty58]

I bought the 20hp 50" z, now have 30 hours on it. I love it, it cuts great ,stripes ,and it much more effecient than my w/b. I've read that the vanguard engines don't need rebuilding until approx 2500 hours ,only time will tell. So far I love it and would recommend it.

[mowhigh]

If you have a Country Clipper dealer nearby, check out the JAZee models. All have kawi/kohler option, standard heavy duty flip-up deck for easy clean-up, a simple single joystick control and 19,000 blade tip speed for a professional cut. The JAZeeOne starts just under $3200 and would easily handle 1-2 acres. (www.countryclipper.com) Good luck!

[dondinct]

There is a Clipper edaler in my area and I'm going to look at them. That flip up deck feature is nice. Not sure is the joystick is a good or bad thing though. I think it will be about the same price as a Simplicity Z if you compare engines and deck sizes. I'll have to ride one and see how it goes.

[dondinct]

I looked a little closer at the specs on the clipper... It looks like ~$3400 gets a Kohler command 16hp /42" deck combo. The Simplicity Z has an 18hp Kohler command and a 44" deck at ~$4000. The Simplicity has commercial quality hydro units and looks to be built much better, with front suspension and a cage around the motor. It just looks like a hight quality unit. To me it looks like a well spent extra $600. Give me some feedback on this.

[jrditty]

I just bought the Simplicity Consumer Z a month ago. I have the 18hp, 44" version. I love this mower! It is built just like a commercial - great parts. My father in law has a $6900 Bunton and I was mowing with that for a little while before I bought the simplicity mower. The simplicity mower mows much better and has the same feel as the Bunton. I would highly recommend the Simplicity Consumer Z, if you can find one. I had to travel 2 hours to find a dealer that had one available. Buy with confidence!

[dondinct]

JR
How is that 18hp Kohler motor ? Does it sound nasty ? does it have enough power ? is it smooth ? Do you regret nt getting the V-twin with 50" deck ?

[jrditty]

I really argued over which one I should get (18hp/44" or 20hp/50") as well. I don't regret getting the 18hp/44" mower at all. The 20hp/50" is $600 more then the 18hp/44". I mow my 1 acre in about one hour (lots of trimming around trees as well) which is pretty good time. I probably would trim some time off of that with the 50" but it wasn't worth the $600 for me.

The 18hp engine has been great. I feel it's more then enough for what I need. It sounds great and is very smooth. I wouldn't trade it for the 20hp engine for $600 more. I have no problems at all with this mower. It feels like a commercial mower and is a steal at $4000. I would be glad to answer any other questions you may have.

[jrditty]

The striping bar is a plus too with these mowers.

[dondinct]

I have to agree that the simplicity is built like a tank !! I looked at the hustler and although it's nice, I like the simplicity better. Does the front IS make for a more comfortable ride, or is it just a gimmick ? Have you tried the mulching option?

[jrditty]

I don't think the front suspension makes that much of a difference. I don't think it's a gimmick either but not anything that makes much of a difference in the ride. It may, though, if you had more bumps in the yard, I don't know.

[robertyb]

I drove one while testing out a few mowers. the IS on the Simplicity is looks only. The frame is one piece on the front instead of two piece like their commercial mowers. Drive a Ferris 1000 IS and you will see the difference, actually you will feel the difference. Both are made by Simpilicity.I was offered the 23HP 52 cut Ferris for $5,995.00. A $2,000.00 difference I agree but looked like a deal at the price.

[dondinct]

After looking at several ZTR's in the $4000 range, I took a step back and rethought the idea of a lawn tractor. I went to a John Deerre dealer and drove a 118 model ($2000). This rig ran smooth and sweet. I know that a tractor doesn't have the zero turn, but I cut with a tractor now, and the lost time due to no zero turn isn't all that great. With the easy forward to reverse along with the blade still turning, the JD is a sweet machine at $2000. Plus, you can get a nice inexpensive bagger and a nice trailer... both for about half the price that ZTR mfg's charge. I know this forum is heavily biased towards commercial equipment, and I understand that equipment will last probaly 20 years of homeowner use. The fact is, you get a LOT of machine for your dollar when you buy a decent tractor. For my approximate 1 acre a week, being cut at least twice a week, I've looked at a lot of options. The first was a fixed deck 48" walk behind. I'm tall and the Exmark ECS equiped units were the only ones i could use and not be hunched over. The48" metro was about $2700... Then I said to myself... for that much money, I should make it easire and more fun and get a rider.... I then went down the zero turn rider path. I looked at Simplicity, Hustler, Ferris, Cub Cadet, Jazee, toro, areins, exmark. What I found was that anything under about $3500 seemed really cheesy, with a lot of corner cutting. $4000 seemed to get a reall nice consumer unit. $5000 and above got a really nice unit. In the under $4000 catagory, everyone seemed to use the integrated hydro units except for simplicity. With all that said and done, i'm coming to the conclusion that I'll save $2000 and buy a JD 118 tractor !!!! It may not last 20 years, but by then I'd be sick of it anyway !!

I know this post will generate some feedback from peopple that think a commercial piece of gear is the ONLY way to go. So, give me some feedback.

[Up North]

dondinct, bottom line with most equipment whether it is commercial or consumer is if you take care of it, change oil, clean up after each use, regular maintenance, etc. it will last you a long time. Sure every once in a while you will get a lemon, but for what you are mowing, 1 acre once maybe twice a week, the JD will do fine for you. Commercial units are built for everyday all day use, but you still have to do your maintenance and take care of it. I have a little JD 111 with 11hp. Briggs that is 25 years old. I rebuilt the engine last year and put in a different tranny (due to broken axle). God only knows how many hours on that machine as I used to mow 5 acres once a week as a kid with that unit. My dad made sure I cleaned it after each use, changed the oil frequently, and did all the PM on it. It still starts, runs, and cuts just fine. But I have retired it this season simply because it has some sentimental value that I won't get into, but it just proves that if you take care of your investment, you should be able to get years of use.

[DylanG]

I've been struggling with this decision. Before I even moved in to my new house I had decided on a JD 120. Then I started talking to my new neighbors and other people who have multiple acres to mow. Every single person with a ZTR told me that it was worth the money because of time saved. The people who had lawn tractors that they used only for mowing all wished they had a ZTR. I've never had more than .25 acre to mow so this is new to me. When the advice I get from those with experience is so consistent then I listen to it.

Here's how my friend put it: "How many Saturdays would you be willing to give up for $3000? 10? 20?" The number for me is probably around 20 which is only one year of mowing. When I looked at it that way the choice became clear and I actually increased my budget to $5k so I could get a decent prosumer ZTR with a 50" deck.

[dondinct]

Up North
I think you hit the nail on the head with your reply. Good maintainance is what makes things last. The newer motors out today seem to be made very well. The JD model I looked at as a v-twin Briggs Intec. That is a low end motor compared to lots of others, but the low end is very respectable these days !!

[rushrush1]

I have the simplicity 50 in and it does a great job. You guys are right about the shocks in front , not worth the expence. Check out snapper's version, same mower without shocks. Only improvement I see is a fabricated deck. But that would put you into exmark money. As far as ZTR's bieng worth the money, if you can get your hands on the money it's well worth it. Had 42in murry and 1.25 acres (around 2 hours with trimming) the ZTR (everything cleaned and put away in less than 1 hour). Just depends on how much your time is worth. That reminds me I need to get up and get away from this computer. lol Good luck