Buying new mower help me decide

[Black Bart]

I'm going to buy a new mower and have it down to a Z445 with KW engine and 54" deck or Simplicity champion with B&S engine and 52" deck.
I can get the Simplicity for $100.00 less than the JD but that really don't factor in that much.
Simplicity has 4 wheel suspension JD don't
Simplicity has 5 gallon fuel tank JD has 3 .5
Simplicity has full roller at rear of deck JD does not.

JD has 22" rear tires Simplicity has 20"
JD has a Hydro-gear drive the Simplicity has dual commercial pumps with hydraulic motors at the wheels.

Past 20 years I have been mowing with a 725 Grasshopper with 72" deck but I'm selling it and I want to replace it with something a little smaller.

I have a JD 430 diesel but only use it for blowing snow.
I have a JD 180 that is a nice little mower but I want to get another front deck machine.

I want to buy from a close dealer where I can get good service so I'm only considering these two brands so please NO suggestions on how I should buy something else just looking for advice on these 2 mowers.

I think I would prefer the KAW engine over the B&S but the suspension on the Simplicity looks nice what would you buy.

 

[BKBrown]

Welcome to the Forum !

Not knowing either machine - one thing you might think about is that as you get older, you will appreciate anything that makes your ride more comfortable.

Good Luck with your choice !

 

[Black Bart]

Welcome to the Forum !

Not knowing either machine - one thing you might think about is that as you get older, you will appreciate anything that makes your ride more comfortable.
[COLOR=#WFF][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#WFF]Good Luck with your choice ![/COLOR]

Well I'm 77 years old and have had 2 failed back surgeries so yes ride is a big deal .

 

[Briana]

Hi Black Bart! Welcome to LawnMowerForum.com!! :smile:

Good luck finding your ideal mower. You've certainly come to the right place! :thumbsup:

 

[KennyV]

Everything is looking better with the Simplicity except the rear wheels... "JD has 22" rear tires Simplicity has 20"...". I have always liked a larger tire...

but all other things are indicating that the Simplicity is the best choice...
Welcome to the forum and follow up with what you get... :smile:KennyV

 

[Sprinkler Buddy]

Everything is looking better with the Simplicity except the rear wheels... "JD has 22" rear tires Simplicity has 20"...". I have always liked a larger tire...

but all other things are indicating that the Simplicity is the best choice...
Welcome to the forum and follow up with what you get... :smile:KennyV

I would go with the Kawi.

 

[C&R Lawn Care]

Ask to see if you can get the simplicity with the kawi motor if so that would be a great mower also another nice motor is the kholer commandor I'm sure they can get you it.

 

[Black Bart]

Ask to see if you can get the simplicity with the kawi motor if so that would be a great mower also another nice motor is the Kohler commando I'm sure they can get you it.

I was interested in the Champion but they were sold out of them,

They have more on order should be arriving in a few days they are going to call me when it comes in so I can look at it.

I will ask about another engine but since B & S owns Simplicity not sure if they will offer a competing engine.

At my age I don't think I will ever wear it out regardless of what I get.

 

[KennyV]

I will ask about another engine but since B & S owns Simplicity not sure if they will offer a competing engine.

At my age I don't think I will ever wear it out regardless of what I get.

I wouldn't worry too much about B&S ... they have been around since 1908... that's 103 years... they will be around for a while longer...:smile:KennyV

 

[Black Bart]

I wouldn't worry too much about B&S ... they have been around since 1908... that's 103 years... they will be around for a while longer...:smile:KennyV

Yes their web site claims they sell 11 million engines per year that is a lot of engines.

I don't really worry about the Briggs but I would prefer a Kawasaki.

I bought a new 180 JD in 1986 and it has a Kawasaki and I have not put a wrench to it in 25 years.

Don't burn oil don't leak oil it just keeps going and going.