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

KentT · Jun 7, 2005

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

Well, according to the VP of Operations at Simplicity who gave my son & I a tour last June, their ZTR IS made by Ferris, as is the similar Snapper.

Simplicity owns Ferris, Snapper, and Giant Vac... and shares production with all of them. For example, Snapper makes the mid-level snowblowers that has the Simplicity name. Simplicity is now making most of the lawn/garden tractors that have the Snapper name on them, but not all. It's easy to tell the difference if you look at them...

Simplicity also sells L&G equipment under the Massey-Ferguson and Agco brand names, which they have the rights to...

cphilip · Jun 7, 2005

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

That may very well turn out to be. But they go on an on about how they maintain there very same production facility and how experienced thier workers are and all that on their company history. I don't know that it would matter. I would even venture a guess that they do some models at one place and some at another. But they don't say that in the Simplicity bio. However I think the point should be that they have thier own very good pedigree. So It would not detract from them at all if they made it at the facility of Simplicity. However note the use of stamped metal decks in the new line of that ZT. A departure from the Ferris line and all that. However also note some key "Ferris like" components. Must be a sharing of something there? I should think. Not to say that they do not cooperate and perhaps share suppliers because they sure look like they do. But its hard to get passed thier claims on thier site of doing thier own production in house. Not that doing so implys an inferior product. Quite the opposite. Simplicity has a good rep too. So matters not to me. My point is the departure for Commerical construcition in this new ZT line. A departure from thier previous Citation line. And its cross over to the one that they are producing at Snapper. Sharing some parts obviously. But all three of those manufacturers have good reputations. No matter if they don't build them right there. Thats a formidable three for certain. I would expect all of them to be quality machines. But in some cases I would hold the line on what "I" would call Commercial level. And normaly I hold that line on stamped metal parts. Some others may not.

gamble77 · Jun 7, 2005

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

They are all owned by Briggs & Stratton

cphilip · Jun 7, 2005

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

Your kiddin me? If so then this just gets weirder and wierder.... I give up! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Spiffy · Jun 7, 2005

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

Gamble is right. I think the B&S deal to buy Simplicity was proposed last fall and I presume did go through.

I don't don't suspect sweeping changes for a little while; even then, perhaps mainly a transistion to Vangards.

But even that really doesn't change the fact that all the commercial names are now competing for that $4 to 5K market. I won't say the result is bad machines [actually many good ones, especially for 3 acres], but you just can't buy mowers [or very many things] based on name anymore.....just ask anyone about the LT Cubs or JDs at big box stores!

Dargo · Jun 7, 2005

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

( just ask anyone about the LT Cubs or JDs at big box stores! )

Man, is that right. My dad had an old Cub for 15 years and it served him well. The hunk o junk he bought early last year that had the same name (but nowhere near the same quality) isn't worth the price of the crate it came in. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Sorry if that offends, but I know several other people who feel very strongly the same way. The BBB is loaded to the gills with complaints on them.

cphilip · Jun 7, 2005

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

I have to agree with that. The stuff I seen Snapper offer is starting to concern me. Not the regular old line stuff. But the newest line stuff. Its going to be a Wally world soon enough. And I am going to be destroyed. But its all coming it seems. I hear ya.

rstrickland · Jun 7, 2005

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

Thanks everyone for their help and assistance. I will follow-up on the Simplicity, as well as look into the Fastrak. The 18Hp is selling locally for $4899. The same folks that sell the Simplicity, sell the Fastrak. Hopefully I will get an honest opinion from the salesman.

I really don't have a handle on the most important features to compare; such as IZT, suspension, B&S or Kohler, Stamp and etc.
Would you consider Simplicity's suspension more important than Fastrak's name brand?
Does the Simplicity's Kohler motor outweigh the Fastraks transmission?
Which would be more comfortable, but more importantly, which would be more reliable?

The Cub was a hard sell to the wife, the Simplicity and now Fastrak will be harder. It will truly be an investment of time (mowing) and money. Now the question is... Simplicity or Fastrak?

Thanks again for all your help; I find all the posts from ZTRs to Tractors VERY helpful!

cphilip · Jun 7, 2005

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

Well they both have a Kohler engine. So thats equal I should think. Allthough the fastrak offers a Honda option. But they both have Kohlers.

make sure you do go by and look at the Cub Cadet though. So you have a reference point. And perhaps one more if you can.

The thing I was impressed with in the Fastrak was the 3 and 4 year warranty and the thick metal construction. Plus it came in a tad cheaper for what it was. Not certain what mower your pricing up there. But the room is fairly good to go below MSRP on these Hustlers.

The Simplicity, if your still talking the ZT model, its plus is its reliance on the seperate motors and pump. At least it lists having that in the specifications for it. Which most here seem to favor. And its use of independent suspensions. The Fastrak has a spring based seat frame though. That helps. No independent suspension of the frame though. The Simplicity, at least the ZT uses a lot more thinner stamped steel like in the mower deck.

Trade offs. Each and everyone of them have that. Its going to come down to things you think more of and what you cherish more than another.

You have the luxury of looking at both side by side. Most here would envy that situation. Decide when you look. And good luck.

Spiffy · Jun 7, 2005

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

 And I am going to be destroyed 

I don't think you have to worry about B&S's interest in Simplicity causing your demise; I'm guessing the commercial lines [not the consumer versions thereof] will continue fairly unhindered. Now how the names eventually arrange themselves, and how hard [or perhaps, how soon] B&S pushes their own engines....that will be interesing.