Simplicity quality

[OntarioCanada]

First of all, I should introduce myself as this is my first post. I have begun to research for the purchase of a lawn tractor for maintaining my 1/2 acre property.........grass cutting mainly, and maybe get a trailer to haul yard waste to a ravine close by where we dispose of yard waste. My yard is basically flat with the usual obstacles (swingsets, trampoline, trees). I came across this site and have been reading a considerable amount to try and help me make a decision on the purchase. Anyway, as the name suggests, I am in Ontario, Canada, about an hour or so east of Toronto on the 401 and have really been enjoying the reading. People will always have their opinions, which I respect, but even then there doesn't seem to be as much "bashing" of products here as on other sites I have visited.

Anyway, sorry to ramble on here, but I have looked at the major store brands and am looking to spend a bit more so have been leaning towards a John Deere X300. As said by many, you get what you pay for, and this is not an introductory level machine and shouldn't really be compared to those which are.

A couple of days ago I came across a Simplicity which I had never heard of until then. The price is a little more when compared to the "introductory level machines, but also seems to be more robust in terms of frame and front end. It is the Regent18/38, with a single cylinder Kohler. The price of the particular model I looked at was $2400, while the JD X300 is about $3150. Of
course we have to add the dreaded 15% taxes Apparently the JD has come down considerably in price according to the salesman due to the Canadian dollar).

I haven't seen Simplicity mentioned on this site a considerable amount, which sort of makes me wonder about it. The particular place I went to that sold the Simplicity is also the only dealer within an hour or so from me.

Any comments on the Simplicity?

Thank you in advance,
Paul

 

[ccsial]

Welcome to the site Paul.

I have never owned a Simplicity but I know several people who do and like them. They have been a reliable machine for them. There are a lot of Simplicty tractors in this Northern Illinois area.

Al

 

[zionview]

My son has a 1982 Simplicity 7116 Hydro, which he got from my Dad. It works well, needing only ignition parts and normal maintenance in 25 years. We also had an Allis-Chalmers B-112 which has the same differential. Both had the deep mower deck-great for long or wet grass. Can't speak for all of them, but these two worked well. I had 2 JD's during that time and didn't get the service out of them.

 

[bontai_Joe]

Simplicity also makes AGCO and Massey Ferguson lawn equipment. Same tractor, different paint.

 

[Baucom]

I have a MF 2823 (same as Simplicity Prestige) with a 23 hp Kohler Command and 54" deck. As far as quality and ergonomics, it compares very favorably with my dad's JD 345. IMHO Simplicity manufactures a top notch machine that can match JD on quality and performance; it's just a shame that more consumers aren't familiar with them (it's a marketing thing--when's the last time you saw a Simplicity commercial?)

 

[Mr. Paul]

I own a Simplicity Conquest. This is the third one I have owed. I had a Regent, Broadmoor and now the Conquest. Within in the the line up the Regent is the "intro model". If I was going to buy my first I would buy the Broadmoor. It has active traction control which is a big help when the ground is moist. The big deal on Simplicity is their mowing deck. It is the best on the market and is true free floating deck. When it comes to dropping the deck it is a matter of 2 min. at the most. Their quick hitch is best in class.

 

[OntarioCanada]

Mr Paul,
How long of a period have you had three tractors? Did you just upgrade from one to the next or did you get rid of them for a particular reason?

 

[davitk]

I think if you buy a decent quality lawn tractor, you may well never have to upgrade. Heavier parts last longer, and if it does a nice job (Simplicities around he have always had a good reputation) why trade it. On the other hand, my first lawn tractor was a Huskavarna, kept bending blades and replacing parts, I was so happy to sell that! and buy my Kubota TG1860.

Good luck and have fun shopping!

 

[Mr. Paul]

Mr Paul,
How long of a period have you had three tractors? Did you just upgrade from one to the next or did you get rid of them for a particular reason?

Over a period of years. All the tractors are still running. I have given them to people I work with who are less fortunate than I. So in a span of 15 years I have had the three. I just purchased the Conquest this spring. I wanted the bigger transmission and the diff lock. When I pull my plugger it is so much easier with the diff lock.

 

[jdgreg]

Paul, I have had a Simplicity Legacy (60", 25hp Kohler Magnum) for 8 yrs. I have about 3 acres to mow, and I'm not easy on it at all. The only thing I've ahd to replace is normal wear and tear items. It's been extrememly sturdy and reliable for me, and I wouldnt hesitate buying one again.

 

[OntarioCanada]

Thanks for the replies.

I went back to the dealer and looked at the Broadmoor. Unfortunately they do not have a Regent on hand to compare. The person in sales said the Broadmoor is by far a better driving machine and would be her choice if willing to spend the difference. The Broadmoor is going for $4300, while the Regent is $2300. Not sure if the difference in quality and price is worth $2000 for just cutting grass on my 1/2 acre property. A John Deere X300 for $3200 is a pretty fine machine also.

Apparently there is going to be a price reduction on the Broadmoor early in the new year (Canadian Dollar she says), which she believes will be about $400.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[green yanmar]

my dad own's a 197? 7116 soverign what agreat little tractor,plenty of power we use it for lawn care,yard maintence(regrade gravel d-way in spring,spread loam etc)and snow removal.we had a snow storm 2-3 yrs ago 10-12inches of snow and had no problems push the white stuff.i had a couple of 80# steel plates my 200 # and chains what a fun storm that was!normal maintenance stuff except the bolts that hold the two halves of the tractor together worked loose and i wiped out the gears in the bevel gear box,about 300 dollars for parts did the work myself not to bad,but imho i would buy one again no question.also look for a used machine if money is an issue we bought this machine about 9 yrs ago for 500 bucks doesnt owe us a dime!

 

[GeaugaDeere]

For price comparisons, you may want to look at Snapper's line of riding mowers, or even Massey Ferguson or Agco Lawn. If you go to Snapper's web site, it lists those brands, and several others, as Corporate Family Sites.

Simplicity bought Snapper several years back, then Briggs and Stratton bought them out. They're basically the same tractor with different names, and they're all top notch products too.

 

[Hardscrabbble]

I know several people who own Simplicity equipment and have been real happy with them. Simplicity is now owned by Briggs & Stratton.