Simplicity vs John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers
Both Simplicity and John Deere mower brands produce durable and reliable zero-turn mowers for your residential or commercial needs.
Trying to choose between the two zero-turn mowers? Our well-detailed Simplicity vs John Deere zero-turn mowers comparison article can help!
In this article, we compare the two top-rated zero-turn lawn mowers by evaluating metrics such as cutting performance, design, ease of use, warranty, and engine power.
Simplicity Brand Overview
The Simplicity manufacturing company is an American-based firm based in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The firm specializes in building lawn and garden equipment under different brands.
Founded by William J. Niederkorn in 1922, they began to produce two-wheeled tractors in 1939.
During World War II, they temporarily changed to manufacturing controllers and surface grinders for electric fencing.
They started building riding lawn tractors in 1957 after World War II. In 1965, Allis-Chalmers purchased the firm but Simplicity’s management bought it back in 1983.
John Deere Brand Overview
The John Deere brand manufactures forestry machinery, heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, and other lawn care equipment.
Founded in 1837, the firm has its headquarters in Moline, Illinois. They developed the world’s first self-scouring steel plow to replace traditional cast iron plows.
In 1868, the American establishment was incorporated and became Deere & Company.
Their lawn equipment is well-liked for its durability and innovative design. The company has played a vital role in the evolution of lawn and garden equipment.
Key Differences Between Simplicity and John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers
The main difference between them is that Simplicity zero-turn mowers come with a wider range of mower decks (36-72 inches) while John Deere zero-turn mowers have a broader range of horsepower ratings (20HP-37.4HP)
Best Simplicity Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
1. Simplicity Cobalt Zero-Turn Mower
The Simplicity cobalt mower features a 4-wheel suspension system to help reduce vibration to the operator and chassis. This will give the user a smoother ride at fast mowing speeds.
Its 61-inch fabricated cutting deck allows for excellent discharge and superb grass-cutting performance on your lawn.
Furthermore, the deck’s reinforced leading edge also protects the deck. The gas lawn mower has an 18-inch high back seat with armrests for comfortable mowing operations.
It runs on an 810cc Vanguard engine to enhance reliable and efficient mowing operation.
The controls of the gas-powered mower are conveniently located, easy to use, and extremely durable.
2. Simplicity Contender XT Zero-Turn Mower
The Simplicity model comes with a 52-inch heavy-duty mower deck for efficient cutting performance on medium and large-sized yards.
It runs on a 724cc Briggs and Stratton engine that is built to perform well in tough conditions.
In addition, the Briggs and Stratton Commercial series engine provides superb debris and dust protection for an extended lifespan.
It has fifteen height-of-cut positions that can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit your desired cut.
Other features include hydro-gear transaxles, adjustable rear coil-over, and an 18-inch high back seat.
3. Simplicity Citation Zero-Turn Mower
The zero-turn mower features an 18-inch suspension high back seat for comfort. Its 52-inch mower deck enhances superb grass-cutting performance on medium and large-sized yards.
It has 16 cutting positions that range from 1.5-5 inches to suit your mowing needs.
The mower’s hydro-gear transaxles have enough capacity to deliver up to 225 ft.-lbs of continuous torque.
Other features include an electric PTO switch, rollover protection structure (ROPS), anti-scalp wheels and cup holder.
4. Simplicity Courier XT Zero-Turn Mower
The Courier XT model is equipped with integrated LED headlights to enable you to mow in the dusk with much confidence.
It runs on a 724cc Briggs and Stratton engine to ensure superb performance in harsh and demanding conditions.
The gas-powered mower features a 52-inch mower deck to enhance efficient mowing on lawns.
It has 13 height-of-cut positions that can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches to enable you to cut the grass to the desired grass height.
5. Simplicity Courier Zero-Turn Mower
The entry-level zero-turn mowing machine is powered by a 724cc Briggs and Stratton engine for a smooth and reliable mowing operation.
Its suspension comfort system enables you to feel twenty-five percent less impact while operating.
It is equipped with a 15-inch mesh seat for added comfort. The mower has deck options that range from 36 to 52 inches to suit any yard size.
Furthermore, the fabricated mower deck has fixed rollers to ensure excellent cut quality.
Best John Deere Lawn Mowers
1. John Deere Z915E Zero-Turn Mowing Machine
The zero-turn mower is equipped with airless radial technology to eliminate downtime and reduce the cost of operation.
It runs on a 25HP commercial-grade engine to ensure a powerful mowing operation.
The mower has a suspension seat for added comfort while the rollover protective structures ensure operator safety.
Its deck options range from 48-60 inches to ensure efficient mowing on lawns. The mower’s cutting positions can range from 1.5-5 inches to suit your mowing requirements.
2. John Deere Z515E Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
The gas lawn mower is equipped with an 18-inch back seat with armrests to ensure comfortable mowing operations.
It runs on a 24HP V-twin John Deere ELS engine to deliver superb performance in tough conditions.
Its 60-inch mower deck can cut tall grass at faster speeds. It has eighteen mowing heights that can be adjusted from 1-4 inches to suit your mowing needs.
3. John Deere Z530R Zero-Turn Mower
The John Deere Z350R model comes with a 54-inch cutting deck to ensure efficient mowing on medium and large-sized lawns.
It runs on a 24 HP John Deere branded Kawasaki engine to ensure a smooth mowing operation.
The Z530R model features a 22.5-inch sewn seat with armrests for comfortable mowing operations.
Other features include LED headlights, rollover protective structure (ROPS), MowerPlus app and connector.
4. John Deere Z355R Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
The John Deere Z355R model comes with an 18-inch high back seat with armrests to enhance optimum user comfort while carrying out mowing operations.
The mower can maneuver on level and long tracks of land, trees, shrubs, and flower beds. It is equipped with a 48-inch accel deep cutting deck that can ensure clean cuts on your lawn.
The Z355R model is powered by a 22 HP John Deere engine to tackle tough mowing conditions. The gas-powered mower is perfect for yards that are up to two acres.
5. John Deere Z354M Zero-Turn Mower
The mowing machine is powered by a 22HP V-twin John Deere engine for efficient mowing performance. Its 18-inch-high back seat ensures ultimate operator comfort.
The John Deere Z354M has a 42-inch mower deck to deliver excellent cut quality at higher mowing speeds.
Its 18 mowing heights range from 1-4 inches to enable you to cut the grass to the desired grass height.
Other features include an hour meter, cup holder, and dual EZT transmissions.
Simplicity vs John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers: Head-to-Head Comparison
Here is a well-detailed comparison of Simplicity vs John Deere zero-turn mowers:
Design
Simplicity zero-turn mowers such as Cobalt and Contender XT models have an 18-inch high back seat for convenient and comfortable mowing operation.
Most of their models also feature suspension systems to enable the user to have a smoother ride and also to allow for increased responsiveness.
Their easy-to-use twin steering levers enhance precise maneuverability.
Simplicity mowing machines are well-known for their zero-turn radius which enables them to cut in large open lawns and tight spots.
Other features include a cup holder, hydro-gear transaxles, and a Roll-over Protection structure (ROPS).
On the other hand, John Deere zero-turn mowing machines are equipped with ergonomic features such as cup holders, and suspension seats with armrests for added comfort.
The rollover protection structure provides improved safety while the dual transmissions provide durability and efficiency.
Other features include rubber floor mats, premium control levers, foot lift, and hour meter.
Engine Power
Simplicity zero-turn mowers run on Briggs and Stratton and Vanguard engines. The horsepower ratings of their zero-turn mowers range from 23HP to 37HP.
John Deere zero-turn mowers are powered by Kawasaki and John Deere branded mower engines. They have horsepower ratings that are between 20-37.4HP.
Cutting Performance
Simplicity zero-turn mowers have a deck size that ranges from 36-72 inches while the mower decks of John Deere zero-turn mowers are between 36-62 inches.
Simplicity zero-turn mowers can easily navigate in large open lawns and tight spots thanks to their zero-turning radius.
Their height-of-cut positions range from 13-16 positions. Some models such as Contender XT and Courier XT have cutting options that can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches.
The mower decks of Cobalt and Cobalt LE models allow for superior cuts and excellent discharge.
Simplicity zero-turn mowers have front-wheel gauges and rear rollers that can help to provide smooth cuts and allow you to create ballpark lawn stripes.
John Deere zero-turn mowers work well on tall grass and can navigate around flower beds, trees and shrubs.
John Deere zero-turn mower models such as Z355R and Z345R have 18 mowing heights that range from 1-4 inches to cut your grass to an ideal height.
Both zero-turn lawn mowers are ideal for rear/side discharge, mulching, and bagging capabilities.
Fuel Tank Capacity
The fuel tank capacity of Simplicity zero-turn mowers ranges from 3-11 gallons while John Deere zero-turn mowers have fuel tanks that are between 2.1 to 11.5 gallons.
Warranty
Simplicity zero-turn mowers are backed by 4-year warranty service. John Deere zero-turn mowers come with a 2-4 year warranty.
Ease of Use
Several Simplicity zero-turn mower models have easy-to-use twin steering levers for precise maneuverability.
In addition, their suspension system also enhances comfortable mowing operations.
The Courier zero-turn mower comes with an integrated parking brake that adds even more convenience and ease of use.
Simplicity zero-turn mowers are easy to control once you know how to handle their throttle.
On the other hand, John Deere zero-turn mowing machines come with lap bar panels that enable homeowners to adjust their mowers’ speed settings while the color-coded controls ensure easy identification.
Similar to Simplicity zero-turn mowers, some John Deere mowers such as Z530R and Z530M models come with a high back seat for convenient mowing operations.
Cost
The cost of Simplicity zero-turn mowers is between $2,999- $16,499
The price of John Deere mowers ranges from $2,999 to $28,019. This means that Simplicity zero-turn mowers are cheaper than John Deere zero-turn mowers.
Maintenance
Both Simplicity and John Deere zero-turn mowers require regular maintenance.
You need to inspect the blades, tire pressure, engine oil levels, air cleaners, and oil filters and change the oil and spark plugs when necessary.
Pros and Cons
Simplicity Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros:
- Simplicity zero-turn mowers come with twin steering levers for precise maneuverability.
- They come with suspension systems to ensure operator comfort.
- Simplicity mowing machines have durable engines, fabricated decks, and drive systems.
Cons
- Simplicity zero-turn mowers are a bit expensive.
John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros:
- John Deere zero-turn mowers ensure convenient and easy mowing operations.
- They are powerful and maneuverable.
- John Deere zero-turn mowers are reliable and durable.
Cons
- They are a bit pricey.
- Some of their mowers such as the Z335E and Z345M models do not have a large gas tank.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both Simplicity and John Deere mowers come with solid mower decks, ergonomic seats, powerful engines, and better warranty packages.
After considering their unique features, we recommend John Deere mowers because they have a wider range of horsepower ratings to handle your mowing tasks.