When I’m tending to vast lawn spaces, I often turn to my trusty Simplicity lawn mower. In my experience, it’s one of the few machines that truly understands a professional’s needs. I’ve always appreciated the brand for its heavy-duty and top-quality features, but some might wonder if it’s worth the investment or just a costly misstep.
I’ve personally chosen the best Simplicity zero turn mowers, ensuring no compromise on performance and functionality in my reviews.
Reviews of the Top Simplicity Zero Turn Mowers
1. Simplicity 5901744 Contender XT
Simplicity’s answer to the growing demands of larger commercial mowing jobs is 5901744 Contender XT. Unlike zero-turn radius mower units that are used for residential spaces, this unit is powered by a 25 HP Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine that lets users cut grass at a consistent pace and unparalleled performance.
When I used what felt like a full-sized commercial mower, perfect for a 10-acre plot, I was genuinely impressed by its 61-inch cutting deck. I must say, the ride was quite comfortable, thanks to the adjustable suspension both at the front and rear of this model.
The Simplicity 5901744 Contender XT commercially-inspired design also piqued my interest from its steel-welded deck, front edge, and corners that extend its durability.
What I Like
- It's a high-powered machine, designed to withstand rigorous use.
- Maneuvering it is a breeze, even in tight spaces.
- It's particularly ideal for those expansive areas that demand a broader reach.
- Its engine doesn't just perform; it's crafted for longevity and diverse tasks.
- The inclusion of limited lifetime warranties speaks volumes about its quality.
- There's a thoughtfully designed cargo space, ideal for carrying essential tools.
What I Don’t Like
- While efficient, it might be an overkill for the requirements of a regular homeowner.
- While it offers top-notch features, it comes with a price tag steeper than some other Simplicity counterparts.
2. Simplicity 5901743 Contender XT
It’s no secret that Simplicity makes top-notch quality zero-turn mowers, which is why I decided to include Simplicity 5901743 Contender XT in this Simplicity Zero Turn Mower review. Regardless of the condition of your lawn or the season, rest assured that you can have a comfortable ride and reliable cutting performance with this unit’s deck lift system.
These Simplicity zero turn mowers prove how crucial efficiency is with its easy controls. By just pushing a foot pedal and the pin, we were able to adjust the cutting height according to my preference. Its belt system is also topnotch wherein you’ll barely experience a zero turn mower drive belt coming off.
What I Like
- It's versatile, performing well in varying lawn conditions.
- The machine offers a high-powered yet smooth cutting experience.
- I'm impressed by the solid construction of its exterior.
- The mowing controls and configurations are intuitive and easy to manage.
What I Don’t Like
- It comes with a heftier price tag compared to other models.
- It seems to be better suited for tending to expansive lawns rather than smaller ones.
3. Simplicity 2691321 Courier Mower
If you’re running a small lawn care business, mowers with a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine like Simplicity 2691321 Courier Mower is a great option to consider. Despite being closely priced with other residential-grade mowers, this unit operates at 23 Horsepower that’s highly suitable for extensive lawn commercial jobs.
Thanks to its suspension comfort system, I had a smooth ride during my test drive. Beyond that, this zero-turn lawn mower boasts features inspired by commercial models, complete with a 48-inch deck and reliable ball bearings.
Much like other riding mowers I’ve tried from this brand, it conveniently offers rear cargo space, which is perfect for all the tools I want to have on hand.
Other brands to consider:
What I Like
- It's priced comparably to most residential units, which is a bonus.
- It's more affordable than many commercial-grade products out there.
- I find it remarkably easy to navigate in tight outdoor areas.
- The flexibility of various cut positions is a definite plus.
What I Don’t Like
- Its cutting deck is somewhat smaller than what other models offer.
- The warranty terms seem inconsistent and might vary depending on certain conditions.
Simplicity Zero Turn Mowers Buyer’s Guide
Engine Power
The engine’s power is a critical factor in determining the performance and longevity of your mowers. When considering this feature, our resident mowing experts recommend considering the size of your lawn. If you have a homeowner with a larger lawn that includes trees and complex landscaping, opting for Courier mowers can be a great choice.
For experienced homeowners and small lawn company owners, models under Simplicity Contender will surely satisfy your needs. These mowers have engines run with more than 20 horsepower, which suits broad lawn areas and extensive mowing time.
Although I didn’t include them in my reviews of Simplicity Zero Turn Mowers, I’m aware that the brand offers commercial-grade mowers like the Simplicity Cobalt and Simplicity Citation. These models boast impressive horsepower and larger decks, but they’re not always easy to find in the market, unlike the ones I’ve highlighted.
Cutting Performance and Precision
Other than the engine, the cutting performance of your zero-turn mower deck depends on its size. If you want to cut a vast lawn area, you will get a marvelous prosumer unit like Simplicity Cobalt or Contender with a 61-inch cutting deck.
These Simplicity Zero Turn Mower reviews also include options like Simplicity Courier with a seemingly smaller mowing deck around 48 inches. Although more scaled-down than Simplicity Champion XT and Simplicity Citation, this lawn equipment will deliver excellent precision when used in a lawn with conditions aligned with its features. But might pose danger when a zero turn mower used in an improper terrain.
Driving System and Maneuverability
The ability to control speed adds to the maneuverability of your riding mowers. These options are designed with a four-wheel driving system similar to the best Ryobi riding mowers, making the movement smoother and easier to control. Keep in mind that a mower with great maneuverability will get the mowing tasks cleaner, as they’ll be able to comb through the hard-to-reach areas of the lawn.
Comfort
As you may already know, the best Simplicity mowers have a unique suspension system that lessens the operational impact by 25 percent. Unlike traditional lawn equipment I’ve used, I didn’t feel much discomfort driving these lawn trucks, even on the bumpy terrains.
The seat suspensions in models like Simplicity Champion XT, Contender, and Courier really gave us the chance to test the units without feeling all weary or fatigued from the ride. It is the perfect mower for pregnant ones because it gives the user less fatigue.
Price and Warranty
Generally, I wouldn’t consider Simplicity mowers to be the most wallet-friendly on the market. But seeing how they’re packed with high-quality features, I believe their prices are justified. If you’re working within a budget, there are definitely some models they offer that won’t break the bank.
Last but not least, make sure to check if the product you bought has warranties. You may not know it, but a warranty assures you that anything you purchased is in good condition [1].
To ensure that you can enjoy its perks, I suggest only buying directly from the manufacturer or finding an authorized seller to prevent getting a faulty riding lawn mower that won’t start working. You can go to the official website of the brand, and you’ll find a list of their recommended sellers right away.
My Top Pick For a Simplicity Zero Turn Mower:
Simplicity 5901744 Contender XT
After I conducted a Simplicity zero turn mower review, we unanimously agreed that Simplicity 5901744 Contender XT is the best choice among the three options in this list. Although the other two are impressive, Contender XT got our vote for its higher engine power, bigger cutting deck, and top-notch versatility.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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