deere or simplicity

bach · Aug 31, 2005

I recently purchased a new home and now have 2-1/2 acres to mow and a sizable driveway that will need plowed in the winter. The mowing area has a few areas where the slope is 20-25 degrees.

In searching these forums and net research I have narrowed my choices to either a JD GT) 235 or Simplicity Conquest.

They both have equally strong points, the Conquest with the Dif Lock may be the deciding difference. But I respect the knowledge of the members here and would appreciate any thoughts on either model as the deciding factor.

Thanks.

rcaretti · Aug 31, 2005

Although I have less acreage to mow, I have the same problem with having to mow on slopes. I wish someone would make a reasonably priced tractor with front brakes. Maybe there is one out there that I've just not seen.

I am not to far behind you in buying a tractor, as a Murray which was given to me is 21 years old. But it keeps running with minimal problems and that's what has been holding me back.

I've looked at Simplicity and they seem well made. I think they were bought out not too long ago. If I went with a Deere I'd try to not buy a big-box cheapo model.

My choices are probably a cub cadet, craftsmen, or deere garden tractor at this point.

aesanders · Aug 31, 2005

I've got a Conquest. Couldn't be happier with it. I looked at the gt 235 as well and liked the Conquest a bit better, but both are good. I don't think you could go wrong with either. I would get the one that felt most comfortable to you.

As far as the differential goes, it work great. I have some pretty good slopes. If I ever start losing traction, I just step on the differential lock and wham the tractor start moving.

One suggeston though, get the widest deck available for the 2.5 acres.

bach · Sep 1, 2005

You know the deck size was my next question. The dealer has a 44" and a 50" available at my price point. I guess the 50" is the answer.

Glad to hear the Dif lock works well, that seems to be a major selling point for my application.

Thanks for the feedback.

jayhaitch · Sep 12, 2005

I've looked at both too. Tough decision, both felt very comfortable. I liked the Deere HST pedal arrangement a bit better, and disliked the deck height adjustment more on the Simplicity, but Simp was more bang for the buck.

Phoenix1 · Sep 12, 2005

I recently bought the Simplicity Legacy XL. I wanted an FEL and this has turned out to be a great little machine. Got the 60" deck which is as smooth as they come. If your acreage has any hills, the 4WD is a great feature. I will use the FEL for snow also so the 4WD is almost a neccessity.

Looked at JD, NH, Kubota and this was infinitely more bang for the buck.

Big_Lug · Sep 12, 2005

I have had a GT235 for 6 yrs now and still greatly enjoy using it, along with my wife. She does 75 % of the cutting. I have 2 acres taht I mow with it. Has never broke down or been in the shop. I am on only my second set of blades. It really has been a good mower.I find it is very comfortable, unlike the cheaper mowers.

rockyridgefarm · Sep 12, 2005

I have had a GT235 for 6 yrs now and still greatly enjoy using it, along with my wife. 

Should I comment? Nah... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

JohnSinVA · Sep 13, 2005

The Conquest is way more bang for the bucks than the GT235. Had I gone the new tractor route on my budget this is where I would have put my money, and that's with a JD Dealer in the family. Get the big block Vanguard and the 50" deck and you'll have an extremely capable machine. You can get a 54" deck but install and removal of that deck requires you to raise the front end. The 50" will slide between the wheels no problem.

Bowhunter · Sep 13, 2005

( I have had a GT235 for 6 yrs now and still greatly enjoy using it, along with my wife. 

Should I comment? Nah... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif )

LMBO. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif