Simplicity is simply a family tradition...

[JustBob]

I ordered a Simplicity Prestige a couple of weeks ago, it should be delivered tomorrow.

My grandfather never owned anything but a Simplicity mower, at least two that I recall, and my dad owned one as well although his was strictly for garden duty. I had a JD G100 that was totaled by my insurance so I decided to go with the Prestige as a replacement (had to be a garden tractor model). None of the dealers within 500 miles had one in stock, so I bought it without testing, riding, or even seeing one. I hope I have not made a mistake, as I want this to be the last mower purchase I make.

I cannot wait to get in the seat and try it out! How are the newer models compared to the ones from the 70's and 80's?

 

[KentT]

They mow just as well, if not better. Snowblowers are better than the old ones -- they're now almost all two-stage. They're a bit more hassle/expensive to use with ground-engaging equipment like tillers and plows, in part because of having vertical crankshaft engines. All the main components such as hood are still steel, and not plastic nor fiberglass that will get brittle, break/crack and disintegrate over time. All in all, they're still great machines... and much more safe and comfortable than the old ones.

 

[JustBob]

Delivery has been delayed till Friday, will post some pics tomorrow.

 

[JustBob]

If anyone is interested, here some photos I took after delivery today. It is a 2013 Simplicity Prestige - 52" fabricated deck - 30hp Briggs EFM engine.


Thankfully, the hood is still all metal. Heavier gauge than I remember them being...

The LED head lights work much better than the automotive style tail lamp bulbs...

Got the 52" fabricated deck, much heavier than the stamped steel version...

The mesh seat actually keeps my rear and my back pretty cool when mowing...

So far it has performed above my expectations, really nice even cut, comfortable, and quieter than my older JD G100. The shocks make a noticeable difference when mowing, cutting grass will be much less of a chore this summer!

 

[Depmandog]

"I'll say leave me alone I'm singin all night long it's a family tradition". I think your family tradition is much better than Hank's!

Nice looking mower! Do you mind sharing price or a ballpark number?

 

[whistlepig]

Very nice! I like the shocks. The deck looks like it was made for a tank.

 

[murphy1244]

I have a Simplicity Conquest and this is the best built and cutting machine out there. 170 hours mowing and snow blowing. Like the mesh seat.

 

[JustBob]

"I'll say leave me alone I'm singin all night long it's a family tradition". I think your family tradition is much better than Hank's!

Nice looking mower! Do you mind sharing price or a ballpark number?

It was just a hair over $7,500, more than I wanted to spend since I was originally going to get a JD X530 or 540 since I have several JD dealers close to home. After comparing the JD to the Simplicity, and really wanting a Simplicity, I went with the prestige after seeing the commercial decks that are available.

I will try to post more pics and details tomorrow night.

 

[mikehaugen]

Are you saying this was MORE than an x540? I have just recently been looking into them... hopefully in the next year or two. I was first considering an x540 as well. Seems like deere, simplicity, and kubota are the only serious garden tractors left, and even kubota may not be in the same league. What happened to cub and toro/wheelhorse?

 

[mikehaugen]

Btw... thanks for the pics and price.