Simplicity Lancer front mount mower

Mark_in_NH · Jun 21, 2004

( An HOUR later he came into the house and said "that's just like driving a video game!" I think you will find the same experiences switching from the old gear drive Kubota with RFM to the new front deck Lancer.)

Bob,
Thank you but that sure didn't help settle my anticipation stress levels. LOL /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I actually and honestly Never mowed with the B8200. I played with it briefly a couple of times but thats all. With no power steering and R1 tires, I didn't really want to tear up my lawn by playing. All mowing was is being done with my 52" Scag walk behind.

slammer · Jun 21, 2004

I am really anxious for you to get the Lancer. I love mine but rarely talk to anyone else that has one. The "style" is big overseas but is just now catching on over here.

Slam

Mark_in_NH · Jun 22, 2004

( My local dealer here is selling the Lancer new "on special" for $2,900. )

Dave,
That sure seems to be one heck of a good price, well below MSRP.

slammer · Jun 22, 2004

I have been checking around, average is about $3400. And while I did'nt find any for under 3K (bargain!) I found many above MSRP. Some as much as $4200!!!

Slam

yooperdave · Jun 23, 2004

I test drove a Lancer today. The dealer even had a Lancer demo unit on the lot with 8-10 hours of use for $2,700.

I really was not impressed /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. I really like Simplicity equipment in general. My parents have a Husqvarna front mower, and theirs has a pivot in the middle which really allows for a near zero turn radius. The Lancer does not have this, which really makes the back end shoot out when turning.

The hydro also did not impress me when backing up - very weak; maybe an adjustment is required. There also were no avaliable attachments such as a snow blade or snow blower.

I have used JD, Kubota, and Husqvarna front end mowers, but would not recommend the Lancer regardless of price.

Simplicity did have a nice 16 hp tractor with a mower deck for around $3,000 which also had a pretty tight turning radius.

My $0.02

Yooper Dave

Mark_in_NH · Jun 24, 2004

( but would not recommend the Lancer regardless of price. )

Well that comment certainly doesn't make feel all that comfortable with my decision. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

slammer · Jun 24, 2004

The hydro also did not impress me when backing up - very weak; maybe an adjustment is required.

That may very well be the case as my Lancer will move almost as quick backwards as forwards. I have had no trouble with mine at all. I will say this though, I was uncomfortable on it the first time I ran it. It is very differant from both the ZTR's and tractors. The rear steer can be disconcerting if you have never run a forklift or rode the bumper cars at the fair. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

When I bought the Lancer I was also looking at the Husqvarna 155. The 155 is articulated instead of rear steer. And it does turn a little shorter. But it was also very cheaply made in comparison to the Lancer and a Maintenance mans nightmare.

The PTO belt on the Lancer changes easily with no tools and the deck belt requires one wrench. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif That to me is a great feature.

Slam

yooperdave · Jun 24, 2004

The Husqvarna has had more than its fair share of ongoing problems. When it works, it is a pleasure to use. I would not buy another Husqvarna mower.

I agree that the Simplicity is well built. I did feel though that their tractor was able to mow as close as the Lancer with more predictable turns. My Kubota & JD front end mowers did not give me the same "where am I going?" feeling as the Lancer when turning around a tree.

I really thought I was going to buy a Lancer when I walked on the lot. The dealer was the best, and his price was also the best.

Yooper Dave

slammer · Jun 24, 2004

My Kubota & JD front end mowers did not give me the same "where am I going?" feeling as the Lancer when turning around a tree.

Dave I agree with the above. But by the time I finished my first half acre or so that "wandering" feeling went away. Now the mower is a pleasure to use.

Slam

Mark_in_NH · Jun 27, 2004

slammer,
I have question for you that has nothing to do with this particular thread. But with your knoweledge maybe you can answer it for me.
I am trying to locate the model number on the "Peerless" transmission on my Scag walkbehind mower. All research so far, leads me to believe that I should be finding a number on the trans. that starts with 700-
The ONLY number that I can find on mine is 3628-P1.
I need to either replace the shaft in mine or replace the entire trans. Any ideas ?

yellowsocks93 · Jun 27, 2004

Yooperdave,

What has broken on the Husky 155? I might buy one soon or the V twin model if I can find one.

slammer · Jun 27, 2004

( slammer,
I am trying to locate the model number on the "Peerless" transmission on my Scag walkbehind mower. All research so far, leads me to believe that I should be finding a number on the trans. that starts with 700-
The ONLY number that I can find on mine is 3628-P1.
I need to either replace the shaft in mine or replace the entire trans. Any ideas ? )

There are at least 2 differant models of hydro Scag walk behinds. Get me the model number of the mower itself and i'll look it up for you.

Slam

yooperdave · Jun 27, 2004

Hi Nick,

I would like to think that our Husqvarna has lots of personality /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

The front wheel fell off early in its career and I almost killed myself. The corporate office got a nasty gram from me and sent some replacement parts.

The starter has always been a problem. I used to think that the battery was dead or needed charging, but the problem remains undiagnosed. I am always happy when the starter engages the engine.

The exhaust pipe fell off the engine early on. I bought some grade 8 bolts and reassembled and really tightened the assembly up.

The gear shifter also needed some attention.

I love the concept of front end mower with articulation, I am just leary of the HUSKY package.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

Mark_in_NH · Jun 27, 2004

( Get me the model number of the mower itself )

Oh, Sure, make this difficult for me. Where on earth would I start to look for that information ?
This is an older scag mower, model year or year of manufacture is definately unknown. I bought this mower about 4 years ago, in a very well used and half **** repainted (red)condition.
What little I can tell you at present is that it is a Scag , belt driven, 52" cut with a 12 HP Kawasaki engine.
Now. Aren't you glad you joined this web site ?

slammer · Jun 27, 2004

(
Oh, Sure, make this difficult for me. Where on earth would I start to look for that information ?
Now. Aren't you glad you joined this web site ? )

Who is making this difficult on whom here??? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
FWIW there should be a small metal plate riveted to the frame of that monster somewhere. I honestly cannot do anything without that model number. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Slam

yellowsocks93 · Jun 27, 2004

Yooperdave,

Thanks for your thoughts on this mower so far. One other question is the one that haunts me the most is if the engine is up to par. Has it held up for your parents? Seems like an OK unit to me by the specs I have seen one in person but not very up close and now I am super close to taking the plunge next few weeks here and I am leaning towards ordering one in. Oh one more question: Does the mower deck lift up or does it always stay in the lowered position like the small Deere front mowers? Thanks a bunch!

Mark_in_NH · Jun 28, 2004

slammer,
Thanks, I will look for that plate tomarow in the daylight and let you know what I find. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

yooperdave · Jun 28, 2004

Hi Nick,

The engine has been fine once the starter decides to engage it.

The mower deck does lift up a few inches during transport.

Yooper Dave

Mark_in_NH · Jun 29, 2004

Lancer update.
My mower is atleast at the dealers. I was still unable to see it yeasterday because it was still sealed in it's shipping crate. It is schedueled for assembly and prep today and the salesman said that he would be happy to drop it off at my house on his way home, so as to save me another trip. I expect to have it delivered in the next day or two. As long as I have it for Saturdays mowing I'll be happy.