Simplicity GTH 4.00 star(s) (2)

GTH18
Model Year: 1991

Very strongly built and heavy, but unduly complicated particularly the deck which is difficult to remove and reattach. 18 horse Kohler horizontal shaft is strong. Doesn't have a neat way to change oil without getting oil on the frame and a major pain to grease the spindles. 22 years and nothing but maintenance and some replacement nuts and bolts on the deck due to working loose and falling off plus ran over water meter cover and knocked the hydraulic hose off the pump. Have replaced the starter only replaced one deck belt right after purchase due to burning up on a stick. Broke the deck height adjustment lever and no easy way to fix. I use a large adjustable wrench to adjust which is not a problem since there is a hydraulic lift on deck to make some small adjustments

Pros: Pretty reliable, easy to drive and steer, easy to go over rough spots with deck lift.
Cons: Expensive to buy and repair, hard to grease, for some reason hard to start usually have to prime.

Simplicity GTH18
Model Year: 1992

18HP 2 cyl. horizontal Kohler is very strong and reliable, the 48" deck is difficult to remove and reconnect, it doesn't have swivel wheels, and is not a drive over. Not cheap, but doesn't break often, the deck belt dates from 1993. All shaft driven both deck and rear end. Has power steering too.

Pros: Reliable.
Cons: Cost.