ZTR's: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

[rstrickland]

ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

Hi all,
I just bought 10.5 acres and will have roughly 2-3 acres to cut. I have been watching discussions on ZTRs and went to buy a CC Z-Force 50 when the dealer suggested the Simplicity Consumer Z "ZT18H" web page
I have not been able to find much on the Simplicity Line and would like some advice.

I have roughly $5K to play with to include a small trailer.

My options were the:
Toro Timecutter Z
Cub Cadet Z-Force 50
and now...
Simplicity ZT18H 44" or Simplicity ZT20H 50"

I appreciate any advise you guys have to offer!

 

[cphilip]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

Add this to your list to look at...

http://www.hustlerturfequipment.com/products/fastrak.html

Should be able to shave $500 off these MSRP's if you shop around. (I cannot find MSRP's for the Kohler option engine but that would be around $500 less off these listed)

FasTrak, 16HP Honda / 44" FST16HON44A (926527) $5,099
FasTrak, 18HP Honda / 44" FST18HON44A (926519) $5,299
FasTrak, 18HP Honda / 52" FST18HON52A (926592) $5,499
FasTrak, 20HP Honda / 52" FST20HON52A (926501) $5,699

 

[Bird]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

Of all the brands you're considering, do you have a local dealer (not a box store) that will service them in the event you need parts or work that you either can't do or don't want to do yourself. Price and the local dealer is the reason I bought a Toro Timecutter last August without knowing whether it's better or worse than any others. I don't have a very large area to mow, but am having to mow every 4 to 5 days now because the grass is growing so fast.

 

[KentT]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

Can't compare them with hands-on experience, but just wanted to "pipe in" with the fact that the Simplicity is actually made by Ferris -- which has long experience in commercial ZTRs...

It's truly a commercial quality machine designed for the homeowner.

 

[Dargo]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

Unless your yard is silky smooth, with no bumps, you will really prefer the Ferris built Simplicity big time over the others as far as comfort goes. If you don't think suspension makes a difference, go out on the road and post the makes of all cars or trucks that do not have suspension. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif The whole idea of a ZTR is to enable you to mow your lawn much faster than with a lawn tractor. Lawn tractors don't have suspension because they don't go that fast, and some can be used to pull. No ZTR will be used to pull. I still say that in 5 years there won't be a competitive ZTR mid mount mower that doesn't have suspension. It appears that I'm not the only guy in the country with a lawn that isn't perfectly smooth. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[cphilip]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

< Can't compare them with hands-on experience, but just wanted to "pipe in" with the fact that the Simplicity is actually made by Ferris -- which has long experience in commercial ZTRs...

It's truly a commercial quality machine designed for the homeowner.>

I disagree. although an old company Simplicity has not made ZTR's but for a few years. And certainly not these homeowner models. And claims to have its own facilities and does not mention ferris at all in manufacturing these. In fact Simplicity owns Ferris. 2001 I think was their first one of these. And its identical to the Snapper model sold now. I do not know if the snapper got the suspension which is a nice feature. But because Simplicity now owns Snapper and makes that very same unit (Almost I think) with a Snapper name on it. Or Snapper is using most of the parts from them. I cannot tell which yet but its obvious. If you want to see a Simplicity... and do not have a dealer... go look at Snapper. Same thing fairly much. And its not commercial quality although it is quite good. Very good in fact. But its overpriced for what it is upside the Hustler at about the same price. And has not as good a warranty. It is not as good as Commercial quality thats for certain. Does have decent hydromotors but that the Cub does not. But the Hustler has those too. The Hustler is almost, if not, commercial quality. Go look and see. I looked at all the ones he lists.... very closely... and in some cases got to see them sitting side by side. I got dam tired of looking at them to tell ya the truth. I can say it appears a good unit. However it does have a stamped deck and a lot of stamped steel plates rather than welded thick metal deck and frame like the Hustler FasTrak. The Cub does not come up to it quite. But then again... it does not come up to the Hustler. <font color="black"> </font>

 

[gamble77]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

I am not familiar with those models of Simplicity. I do think that the Cub Z-Force is the best ZTR under $4000...

A few questions, does that Simplicity have a hydro-gear (IZT) trans or does it have a true commercial type drive system? I see that the one unit they picture doesn't have a middle anti-scalp roller. Its so hard to tell without actually seeing the unit. The Cub does have a pivoting front axle and rides well for what it is.

We have had good luck with them, and this year with the Kohler motors they have only gotten better, and better looking with the black frames.

 

[cphilip]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

The ZT series I don't think does. Its IZT or GZT one I believe. The Citation Series from Simplicity is a better beefier welded deck, not stamped. Only has rear suspension though. But I do not know it's drive type either. It might be commercial pump type. I think most of these homeowners ones are compairing that IZT or GZT drive type. And Simplicity used to claim the Citation as the Homeowner series. And still says that but its out the price range. Now they got a lower priced one with stamped deck and a few other stamped parts. The ZT series. Nice though. It was second on my list for certain. Cub was third. Snapper (bigger one) fourth. I believe the Hustler fasTrak is the best $4000 unit. Prices in at that with Kohler engine option. But thats just me. Give and take. Same drive and all compairing all things same platform and similar engines. Better warranty on the Hustler (4 years parts and labor and some parts lifetime) and can be bought for $4100 if you know where to look.

Mainly I think he was compairing ITZ and GTZ machines though.

 

[cphilip]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

I stand corrected! The Simplicity ones ALL list Hydro-Gear 10A Pump, 12P Motor. A plus for them on thier side it apears. Did not see that on the Snapper clone at all.

And in fact the upper one.... the Citation... looks like the best $5000 unit to me.

 

[Spiffy]

Re: ZTR\'s: Simplicity ZT18H or Cub Z-Force 50?

Unless just grueling territory and abuse, I think you'll be happy with most of the machines in the budget you're proposing.

I did find the $4-5K area interesting in that compromises need to be made to hit the target $$$, but for 3 acres there are several good machines, you just need to find the dealers you want to work with, then pick the trade-offs that affect you the most:

fab deck, heavy welded frame, tire size, HP, engine brand [each to their own there /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif, but if you are concerned about HP don't forget the torque curve is actually more important than listed HP], transmission, warrenty,....,...

I can't comment on failures, but the EZT units I looked at just didn't give me a "warm fuzzy"; the IZT would have sold me, but when I had the chance to jump on a true commercial unit, I sure liked the looks and driving feel of independant pumps - not to mention, I'm convinced [but that's mostly IMO] it'll outlive the integrated twice.

That all being said; in answer to your oringinal question the ZF50 had the "$4K mower" bang for the buck in my area, but I didn't get to see the Hustler, Simplicity, or many of the options you've been presented here.

Have Fun! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif