advice re simplicity

[debushau]

I am looking at getting a lawn tractor. I don't have a very large area to mow - 1/2 an acre or so but it's just on the cusp of being too tedious to mow with my walk behind mower. I'm no mowing enthusiast either so cutting some time off the mowing chore would be welcome. I have some sort of a Deere mower from big box (JS40 I think) but it's junk. It stalls, it rattles, wont go up hills, it doesn't cut well.

I enquire about Simplicity because the local hardware store stocks lots and lots of them and has dozens of old and parted out Simplicity tractors in their backlot. These guys are also Stihl experts and I've liked all the Stihl equipment I've bought there. My other local choices from specialists are Deere and Cub Cadet. Then there are the usual MTD, etc., from big box.

I guess I am looking for some recommendations for my needs. Perusing the Simplicity site, I got a little stick shocker after seeing the prices that you see in the big box stores. However, I am willing to invest in something well built that will last and do prefer to use my local store.

 

[polo1665]

Simplicity tractors have a reputation (around these parts anyway) for being a top of the line model lawn or garden tractor. I have owned my Simplicity Sunstar for about 5 years now. It is an early '90's model with about 700 hours. The only problem I have had has been stripped out spark plug threads, which I attribute to the dealership where I last had it serviced.

While they are more expensive than much of the competition, I would recommend them.

 

[Wolfy]

While I have no experience with newer Simplicitys, I have several vintage models, I can tell you this for sure: Nothing cuts like it. They are built like tanks. They are not always easy to work on. I would buy another, for sure.

 

[debushau]

Maybe I should take a look around for a used model - I have seen them pop up every so often. How many hours can you put on these things before they wear out? I know it's a condition question but those B&S/Kohler motors last only so long.

 

[polo1665]

Maybe I should take a look around for a used model - I have seen them pop up every so often. How many hours can you put on these things before they wear out? I know it's a condition question but those B&S/Kohler motors last only so long.

Like I say, mine has got a little over 700 hours and is 20 years old. It's got the Kohler Magnum 20 in it and runs pretty darn well.

 

[Wolfy]

I'm not sure about the hours, as they don't have gauges, but with regular oil and air filter changes, they have lasted since the Vietnam era. One of mine was built in 1968, it has a 12hp Briggs & Stratton motor that starts instantly. If you are mechanically inclined, older tractors can be a pleasure to own.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Go to the Ferris Industries web page and look at the corporate history. If I read it correctly, it is owned by Briggs & Stratton.

 

[debushau]

Found and acquired a Sunstar. Appears to be a 96/97 model from the paint scheme. Has about 600 hours but has a B&S Vanguard engine - so I assume the Kohler was replaced at some stage. 48 inch deck, power steering, snow blade, wheel weight, chains, well cared for. Seems like a sturdy machine, looking forward to working it out.

 

[KentT]

Go to the Ferris Industries web page and look at the corporate history. If I read it correctly, it is owned by Briggs & Stratton.

Simplicity bought Ferris, Snapper and a vac company (Giant Vac, maybe, not sure) but then was bought by Briggs & Stratton themselves...

 

[tony binkowski]

hi, i own a simplicity citation zero turn. i went from garden tractor to zero and shaved 35 minutes off my mow time. i put in 63 trees and it made the tractor more time consuming! i know the prices are more than one would like to spend, but when u see the lawn after mowig u will know where that $$$$$$$$$$$$ went towards!!!!! thx tony