Simplicity Mower Deck Fix - Broken Already?

[@deadmanwalking-9e]

Sry that happened to you. My wife and have a simplicity prestige. Haven't had any issues yet other then trying to get the tractor up and into the shed, but the locking diff was what we have to use to get it in their. I did check with my dealer here in MN that deck should be covered under warranty. Not sure if you tried that yet or not. Otherwise looks like a good fix. 👍

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I have not tried to get covered by warranty. I may be silly but I would rather just fix myself; however, if the engine locks up or hydro goes out I would definitely be trying to collect on the warranty.

[@vg2950]

@@TheLawnEngineer keeping us up to date on problems is nice. When i am ready for a rider your reviews will help me make a Good decision. I would use warranty to fix, but will dealer pickup my mower?

[@deadmanwalking-9e]

Typical they do. Depends on the dealership you work with.

[@Dr2Rock2]

Does that high lift blade by the discharge throw better that the OEM?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Yes, it does. It came with the Simplicity bagger kit, the only negative is it loads the engine slightly more and is a bit louder.

[@RickRath-q8c]

A Rivet? How strong can that be?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Rivets are a great fastener. Most skyscrapers are held together with rivets.

[@RickRath-q8c]

@@TheLawnEngineer yeah! My boat’s riveted and planes are riveted but those rivets are better quality. ironic, my Simplicity 46” left deck bracket weld broke along with a 4 x 6” chunk and both chain bolts holding the back of the deck snapped ripping the electronic connection out and my lawn is not rough. I’m not sure whether to weld or replace the whole deck. Money restraints lean towards a weld to expedite another acre of mowing.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

@@RickRath-q8c That is an unfortunate experience. Good luck on the fix, I'm sure a new deck isn't cheap or a quick delivery.

[@mikekress7584]

Did the rivet hold up overtime?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Yes, the rivet held up fine.

[@JacobAHull-nx6rx]

I can weld that for ya..i got a welder at home. Nice improvising

[@TheLawnEngineer]

That would have been helpful =)

[@josephlahood4647]

First thought was galvanized carriage bolt and lock nut. Head inside

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Good though, I think I’ll do that if the rivet doesn’t hold up

[@josephlahood4647]

@@TheLawnEngineer actually i commented before saw you're plan. Rivets work but two maybe and you still have the sharp flares. You can always drill out to 1/4 if it doesn't hold and use a carriage

[@charlesbeall2589]

Might just be me but I find it much easier removing the blades before hacking and scraping on the deck!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Not required but it is a good idea to remove the blades.

[@Bigeasy43]

Not as durable s old. Broad mower. Briggs&Stratton has reduced quality. No more Kohler engines.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I agree, still better than most but you can tell they are trying to squeeze out more profit.

[@misterme795]

simplicity is absolute junk anymore. should haved looked around for a jd 455 or simplicity powermax. they are twice the tractor my 10k prestige is.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

That’s too bad. Thanks for sharing your experience so others can learn from it.

[@MySledgeHammer]

Interesting my neighbor has a JohnDeere 455 and he has had no but issues with it. Most recent his power steering went out on it costing him over $700 not counting labor. His plastic hood cracked very bad and a new hood was very expensive so he took a pass on it. I don’t think in fact I know none of the newer tractors are equivalent verses the older ones regardless of the brand. But actually Simplicity tractors depending on the model aren’t equivalent verses a JD but they aren’t as expensive either. I have a 1964 Simplicity Broadmoor that is still relatively like new with its original Briggs Stratton engine but its transmission bearings started going bad come to find out its right rear axle shaft fractured. But most likely it went out from me wanting more HP so I replaced its 11 hp engine with a much larger 18 hp. I also added larger tires and wheels which helped get the power to the ground and much better traction plowing snow and dirt. “More Horse Power” means I should have replaced my tractor with a newer larger one but I just didn’t have the bucks to do so. But the much newer tractors lack the cast iron transmission housings and engines that the older ones had. Plus the newer ones engines horse power isn’t rated the same way. I did purchase a nice new John Deere compact tractor that so far is doing just ok. But it has spent some time back at the dealership with fuel injection issues on its engine. Thanks