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

Dutch445 · Sep 15, 2005

IMHO,
the larger 24" tires on the GT235 will help with traction, and you may not need the diff lock. Also, the Kawi is quite a nice motor, not that the Vangard is bad.
On the simplicity, I believe the deck rides on rollers.... which becomes a maintenance issue down the road. Deere hangs their deck from the tractor, and used 4 gage wheels to catch the deck and keep it from scalping if the tractor wheel drops into an indent in the lawn.
I do beleive the trans is Heavier on the Deere also. (K71 vs K66?)
It may not matter to many, but Deere is Deere is Deere...
so many other companies are being bought and sold that it's tough to know who is going to have parts available down the road for some of these smaller companies.
Have you had a chance to drive both units? Have you had a chance to find and drive a 5yr old model of each?
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Dutch445 · Sep 15, 2005

One more point,
you haven't mentioned the dealers for both machines... have you been able to compare the dealership as far as service/parts etc? Are they close... do they have good reputations? Good service staff?

it does make a difference,,, when it's June and they tell you
it'll be 3 weeks before they can get you in when you are broke down..
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

KentT · Sep 15, 2005

( On the simplicity, I believe the deck rides on rollers.... which becomes a maintenance issue down the road. Deere hangs their deck from the tractor, and used 4 gage wheels to catch the deck and keep it from scalping if the tractor wheel drops into an indent in the lawn. )

Well, just to counter that concern about maintenance issues, here's some shots of my 1969 Simplicity Soveriegn 3112V with its original deck rollers. It's been mowing now for over 35 years, and does a beautiful job....

Front shot

Side shot

Parked

Those full-width deck rollers and front-axle mounting points on their free-floating deck is what earned their reputation as the "best cut in the business"....

Dutch445 · Sep 15, 2005

Nice machine,,

and I wasn't knocking the mower by any means, just trying to be objective, as I have owned both styles...

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

LBrown59 · Sep 23, 2005

www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?p=1143235#post1143235

for more views on the subject.

HRS · Sep 23, 2005

Now that's a cool looking mower you've got there. Love those headlights. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

beenthere · Sep 23, 2005

I have not read the responses, but today my neighbor who has a Simplicity called me to ask about my Deere. I told him I liked the All wheel steer (he was under the impression I didn't).
He said he was finally fed up with his, and was getting a good deal on a trade. Tomorrow morning he picks up his new Deere.
He said he has spent the last four years either without a tractor (bad engine) or always fixing the deck.
I thought it did a great job of mowing, and at least as good if not a bit better than mine. However he repaired his many times mowing just his 1.5 acres compared to my 8 acres of mowing.
I expect you can be happy with either.
But, you deserve green, IMO, and someday you may get what you deserve. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

aesanders · Sep 24, 2005

I've seen Simplicities older than any deere lawn tractors still running fine. Not sure what your neighbors probelem was, but maybe he was abusing the machine. Just because one person has problems does not make them unreliable. All makes will have issues if not taken care of properly, and all have an occasional lemon.

KentT · Sep 28, 2005

( I've seen Simplicities older than any deere lawn tractors still running fine. Not sure what your neighbors probelem was, but maybe he was abusing the machine. Just because one person has problems does not make them unreliable. All makes will have issues if not taken care of properly, and all have an occasional lemon. )

Not only that, but the engines for all the tractors being discussed here are made by other manufacturers (Kohler, Kawasaki, Honda, Briggs&Stratton, etc.) and warrantied separately by those other manufacturers. The engines are not made by either Deere or Simplicity... however, they are serviced by the tractor dealer.

Bottom line -- "blame" the engine manufacturer for engine problems, not the tractor manufacturer....