i would go with the jd just because of the kawasaki in this case....they're amazing.

ccb

The Vanguard and Kawasaki engines are basically a push, don't even consider the Kohler Courage. The best advice is to get your butt into the seats of each and see which one fits you best. The JD seems to have a slight edge as far as transmission goes, the Simp gets the nod for quality of cut. Try out each and see which one does it for you most.

Juice581,

I too am about to make the same purchase. This will be my second lawn tractor, first a JD LT series. I looked at the Simplicity line. As you can see I chose the JD. Simplicity, I feel is a nice line. My opinion, and its just an opinion, the JD has some advantages over the Simplicity line.

I have read the Simplicity line cuts excellently, so do the JD's. My 42 deck did an awesome job. I have read the JD mower is a more durable, rugged mower. So depending upon your property/terrain, one may consider one over the other. The Simplicity just looks delicate with the hand crank hanging out there on the edge of the mower.

JD Kawasaki engine definately has its advantages as you will read about. The X520 has the Liquid Cooled Engine and that engine too has its advantages of longevity and durability, does not run as hot, has a more consistent temp range.

My problem is I can not choose between which to buy; X520 or X534. But will definately be one of these two!

Oh, I will definately upgrade the 48 deck with the rotating wheels so you can slide the deck out with the wheels working with you vs. against you, and the multching kit so you can mow with both sides of the mower and it is also healthy for your lawn!

Have fun, hope you can make your mind up more easily than me!

For me, it came down to the dealer. Simplicity lost a sale, JD gained a sale. Either machine is the right choice.

Both are good.

About the Simplicity deck being flimsy... That's just not the case. It is very heavy duty. That hand crake is not a disadvantage. It is easy to change the mowing height and makes a great handle when pulling the deck out from underneath the tractor. If anything this is a plus.

Well, the X500 series is a fine tractor line but so is the Conquest.

10 guage steel for the frame and the mower deck is as rugged as they come. The deck can be removed in a few minutes and put back in an equally short time. And don't let anybody fool you about the crank to adjust the deck height. It's not flimsy and it works just fine.

The Conquest is one rugged tractor and my 8 acres of hills and rocks will atest to that!

Dealer support and a test drive should be your determining factors. Either way, you can't go wrong.

Enjoy the journey.

eal51 in western CT

I would try out the CC 2500 and 3000 series before I decided .
Test and price all 3 brands :Get the low down on them all then chose.

Thanks for the help guys.

Don't let anyone fool you that a Simplicity is a delicate machine it's anyhting but and I don't know where such a conclusion came from. I was at the same choice and I chose the Conquest. I've owned Simplicities in the past and that helped my decision because they are so rugged. But either machine would be an excellent choice.