Who Makes Simplicity Mowers? Briggs & Stratton! [Detailed]

The entry of Simplicity in the mower industry begins with “the Wonder Boy”, the first one manufactured by the company. Though Simplicity has been a familiar mower manufacturer for a long while, its ownership changed a few years ago. So, Who Makes Simplicity Mowers?

After acquiring the company in 2004, Briggs & Stratton manufactures all types of Simplicity mowers and their major components. The manufacturing materials are also sourced from trusted suppliers and assembled carefully in the USA to maintain the production standard. 

In this article, we will discover the company behind Simplicity Mowers production and learn other relevant information.

About Simplicity Manufacturing Company – Who Makes Simplicity Mowers?

For high quality, durability, and innovation, Simplicity is a renowned brand in the gardening and lawn tool industry. Even after a century of establishment, this American company is still primarily involved in lawn and garden equipment manufacturing. It has achieved trust in users’ minds for producing outstanding products, customer services, and commitment.

A Long Journey of Simplicity:

It has been about a hundred years since Simplicity began its journey. Simplicity purchased many relevant companies in this odyssey to expand its production and distribution. However, finally, Simplicity became acquired by a giant power tool brand.

Here is the journey of Simplicity in the exact sequence:

• 1922 – William J. Niederkorn found Simplicity.
• 1989 -Simplicity purchased Middlesworth, a manufacturer of zero-turn mowers.
• 2000 – The company announced to purchase Ferris Industries.
• 2000 – In the same year, they also purchased Giant-Vac.
• 2002 – Simplicity purchased the Snapper Company.
• 2004 – Power tool manufacturing giant Briggs & Stratton acquired Simplicity.

About Briggs & Stratton:

Briggs & Stratton is the present owner of Simplicity, and they manufacture all mowers under the brand’s name after the acquisition. Briggs & Stratton Corporation was founded by Stephen Foster Briggs and Harold M. Stratton in 1908. 

The company began its journey as a gasoline engine manufacturer. However, Briggs & Stratton Corporation is now a specialized company in manufacturing garden equipment and small engines.

Some key products Briggs & Stratton manufactures include:

• Small engines for outdoor power equipment
• Lawn and garden equipment
• Generators
• Pressure washers
• Power tools
• Replacement parts

Read also: Who Makes Gravely Mowers?

Variations of Simplicity Mowers

The mower line of Simplicity is decorated with varieties that include basic to advanced-level mowers. Besides, the brand produces other gardening tools for commercial and home use. Let’s check them out. 

1. Walk-behind mowers.

Despite their basic operation and smaller size, Simplicity’s walk-behind mowers are powerful, durable, and convenient. They are designed for effortless use and handling challenging mowing jobs. 

Walk-behind mowers by Simplicity have decent mowing features like side discharge and rear bagger. They are the best option if someone look for a cost-effective and efficient mower.

2. Riding mowers.

They are often considered the advanced version of basic mowers. Instead of pushing the mower, you can ride on it like a small car while mowing. These Simplicity mowers have comparatively powerful engines and durable constructions. You will find them in different sizes based on your need.

Similar to a small car, these mowers have variable speed transmissions with other facilities such as zero-turn radius, rear bagger, and side discharge. They are comfortable to operate and more reliable than push mowers for tough mowing jobs.

3. Zero-turn mowers.

For complex lawns, Simplicity produces zero-turn mowers particularly. They have excellent maneuverability, which means they are able to make tight turns to save time. Moreover, these mowers are powerful enough for professional mowing tasks.

Due to having features like zero-turn radius, rear bagger, and side discharge, these mowers make mowing jobs much easier. They are ideal mowing machines for professionals and homeowners who need quick mowing with comfort.

4. Garden tractors.

Garden tractor by Simplicity is a versatile tool that can do several tasks, including mowing, plowing, and hauling. They have a car-like construction and powerful engine for jaw-dropping performance. These tractors are more suitable for large properties and commercial use.

Simplicity’s garden tractors are equipped with several useful features, including the zero-turn radius, rear bagger, side discharge, and excellent mulching ability. If you are a professional landscaper, have a large lawn, or need to make tight turns, these tractors will be well-suited.

5. Snow blowers.

In the Simplicity product line, the snow blower is also a key item to clearing snow from your lawn. Though they are not directly involved in mowing, they are an excellent mowing assistant during winter. These tools are equipped with powerful engines and sturdy construction for optimal performance.

Simplicity manufactures two-stage blowers to provide you with wide clearing paths. Their variable speed controls and comfortable design make snow-blowing effortless. They are a good option if you have a large walkway or live somewhere with heavy snowfall.

Read also: Who Makes Exmark Mowers? Hint: Toro! [Brand Overview]

The Engine That Push Simplicity Mower

After 2004, Briggs & Stratton manufactures gas engines for Simplicity mowers. Those engines are labeled Vanguard®, a premium engine brand by Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power.

About Briggs & Stratton engine:

These engines are used in various models depending on the mower’s functionality. They are designed carefully so Simplicity mowers can perform well and handle the toughest mowing jobs.

Key advantages of Briggs & Stratton mower engines:

♦ Powerful performance:

Briggs & Stratton mower engines are quite powerful for optimal performance. They come with 16 to 30 HP ratings suitable for any mowing challenges. Besides, these engines are fuel-efficient that save users money.

♦ Longevity:

Compared to many mower engines, Briggs & Stratton are heavy-duty. They are usable for years without major issues. Moreover, they require low maintenance, which reduces hassle and time.

♦ Steadiness:

Briggs & Stratton mower engines are reliable and will rarely malfunction suddenly. They let users mow larger lawns confidently. Additionally, they are easy to start, even in cold weather.

Where are Briggs & Stratton mower engines made?

Briggs & Stratton annually manufactures around 9,000,000 engines, including mower engines, in the USA. On their official website, they have mentioned that these engines are manufactured in the following locations. 

• Poplar Bluff, Missouri
• Auburn, Alabama; 
• Statesboro, Georgia; and 
• Sherrill, New York.

Electric Mower by Simplicity:

Recently, Simplicity has been trying to introduce electric mowers in their product line. However, the information regarding their engines is still unavailable. Simplicity is using Vanguard lithium-ion batteries in their electric mowers as the power source.

Some electric mowers by Simplicity are:

• Simplicity 750e Zero-Turn Mower
• Simplicity 625e Walk-Behind Mower
• Simplicity 48-Volt MAX Walk-Behind Mower

The Production Plants of Simplicity Mowers

At present, all Simplicity mowers are manufactured in Port Washington, Wisconsin, in the United States. It is one of the brands that maintain a complete American-based production system. 

Like other companies,  Simplicity does not produce their mowers using third parties. Here are a few reasons why Simplicity produces its mowers in the USA:

• A commitment to high quality:

Simplicity wants to keep its manufacturing authenticity. It is one of the goals of the company. Therefore, the commitment to producing high-end products influences the Simplicity of manufacturing mowers in the USA.

• Trusted sourcing:

For manufacturing materials and small components, Simplicity depends on several trusted providers. For years, the company has developed a strong network of suppliers and partners in the USA who assist them in meeting high standards.

• Quick engagement:

Mowers users in America are already familiar with Simplicity and its advanced technological inclusion. Manufacturing mowers in the USA allows them fast introducing new technologies and features to the market.

Sourcing of mower components:

Except for the engine, Briggs & Stratton sources different components for Simplicity mowers from trusted suppliers in the USA. The sourced items include cutting decks, frames, transmissions, and other mechanical parts.

The company never published the name of those providers. Though various components are sourced, the design and technical instruction of those components come from Simplicity’s engineers. Moreover, Simplicity produces some complex parts for mowers in their own manufacturing plants.

Manufacturing plants of Simplicity mowers:

After gathering all equipment, the process of assembling and building mowers begins in Simplicity’s manufacturing plants. 

According to Wikipedia, most Simplicity mowers and other garden tools are manufactured and assembled in Port Washington, Wisconsin. 

There might be other manufacturing plants involved in Simplicity mower production. But the company has never said about them officially.

Warranty for Simplicity mowers: Residential and Commercial

Simplicity provides warranties for mowers to maximize user satisfaction. Since they have different types of mowers, the warranty period may vary. 

For residential mowers, Simplicity offers a 3-years warranty. In contrast, they offer a 90-day warranty for commercial mowers. During the purchase, the dealer will inform you about the warranty duration. 

Now the question is – in which cases the warranty will be applicable? Here are the situations:

• The mower has come with a defective part. 
• It needs a repair under warranty. Third-party repair can violate the warranty.
• The mower has started malfunctioning suddenly.

Remember that Simplicity is not responsible for covering all kinds of defects in the warranty. Here are some examples that the warranty does not cover:

• Damage due to misuse, neglect, or improper maintenance
• Normal wear and tear, such as blades, belts, and tires.
• Issues due to the use of aftermarket parts.
• Damage due to third-party assembling/disassembling despite having an active warranty.

As a user, you should also be aware of which components and parts Simplicity provides the warranty. Here is the list of items covered under the mower warranty:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Frame
• Drive system
• Chassis
• Electrical system

Transferring the Warranty:

In general, the warranty will only be valid for the original buyer of the mower. The warranty is usually non-transferable. But Simplicity often handles some exceptional cases. 

For example, if you sell your mower to a family member or friend, Simplicity will allow you to transfer the warranty. For transferring it, contact the Simplicity support team.

Getting the warranty:

If you are having issues with your Simplicity mowers, ensure that you have the following information on hand before filing your warranty claim:

• Your name, address, and phone number.
• The model number and serial number of your mower.
• A description of the problem you are experiencing.
• The date and location where the problem occurred.

After gathering all this information, choose any of the following options to claim the warranty and get relevant services.

• Simplicity customer service: Visit the customer service page on Simplicity’s official website and use the Dealer Locator option to find your nearer Simplicity dealer to claim the warranty. You can contact them through call and email.
• Your local Simplicity dealer: If you already know the local Simplicity dealer, contact them directly. They will help you with the process and will contact Simplicity on your behalf.

Product Registration for Additional Services

Simplicity encourages users to register their products with the company. They recommend registering a newly purchased mower within 30 days. Registering the product will give you access to some additional benefits. For example:

• You will enjoy an extended warranty, even after the expiration of the regular warranty.
• Simplicity will send you email notifications about product updates. So you can keep your product up-to-date and active.
• Their team will help you troubleshoot any problem with the mower and resolve it.
• You may get discounts on products, parts, or services as a registered customer.

Read also: Who Makes Worldlawn Mowers?

Are Simplicity Mowers any good?

Simplicity has been a top brand among mower users in the USA due to its unique aspects. Here are some key reasons behind it.

• User-friendly features.

People prefer new and user-friendly features, and Simplicity is so good at adding them to its mowers. Its mowers come with a variety of features for easier operation and maintenance. Some features that make them user-friendly include precise control, side discharge, and mulching function.

• Outstanding performance. 

Simplicity mowers can handle any mowing challenge using the power of Briggs & Stratton and Vanguard engines. Simplicity builds reliable and high-performance mowers. So, you can do your mowing job confidently, no matter how tough it is.

• Superior cut.

One of the key strengths of Simplicity mowers is their superior cutting abilities. They are equipped with a precision cutting deck to ensure a well-manicured lawn. Thus users get a clean and even cut of grass.

• Comprehensive warranty.

Simplicity is so confident about its mowers. So, it is one of a company that offers a comprehensive warranty. They take care of your mower if any manufacturing defect exists within the warranty period.

• Complete Lineup.

Simplicity has one of the most complete product lines in the premium residential mower industry. It means that the company produces mowers for most customers, even with a precise need. Whether you need a push mower or a riding tractor, Simplicity has a model to suit your needs.

• Extreme durability. 

Unlike many other brands, Simplicity has focused on quality rather than quantity. For example, they use high-quality materials, such as cast-iron decks and steel frames. Such things make these mowers very durable and enduring in challenging mowing surfaces,

• Comfortable and convenient. 

Most users feel that Simplicity mowers are very comfortable to operate. The combination of their hydrostatic transmissions, ergonomic seats, and user-friendly controls make them super comfortable during operation.

Common Problems with Simplicity Mowers

At the end of the day, Simplicity mowers are machines. So, they may have several issues like other machines. Here are the common ones you may notice.

• Engine issues: Simplicity mowers’ engines often get some minor to serious issues. They may include dirty air filters, blown head gaskets, overheating, etc.
• Electrical problems: electrical issues in Simplicity mowers are infrequent. But they may occur at any time. These issues often include blown fuse, shorted wire, loose wiring, etc.
• Steering issues: Though rare, they can occur and make you fall in trouble suddenly. These issues include a loose steering wheel, bent steering linkage, etc. 
• Blade problems: Blades are sensitive parts of Simplicity mowers that can have several issues over time. However, the common ones include dull, bent, and broken blades.
• Transmission issues: Simplicity’ mowers also can have some transmission issues, and they can be minor to serious. For example, a slipping belt, broken transmission, etc.

Simplicity Vs. Other Brands: The Comparison

We compared three top mower brands: Simplicity, John Deere, and Honda. Here is what we have found after the comparison.

Aspects	Simplicity	John Deere	Honda
Brand Reputation	An American company known for its lawn and garden equipment	A long-established American brand with wider recognition.	A Japanese company, renowned for producing high-quality engines and machinery.
Cutting Technology	Free Floating™ for even cut.	Advanced cutting systems, such as the Accel Deep™ deck.	MicroCut™ for finer grass clipping.
The engine used	Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard® engines.	Kawasaki and Briggs & Stratton engines.	Honda engines.
Design	Simplicity in design for ease of use.	Rugged design for durability.	Sleek and modern design for user-friendly controls.
Product line	Riding mowers, tractors, and zero-turn mowers.	Riding mowers and lawn tractors.	Various walk-behind models.

The Best Alternative to Simplicity Mower

Depending on the mower variation, features, and performance, John Deere seems to be the best alternative to Simplicity mowers.

John Deere’s mowers have nearly the similar features and conveniences that a former Simplicity user usually expects.

Here are the key points that make John Deere the best alternative to Simplicity:

• Similar standard:

John Deere mowers are also manufactured in the USA. They maintain a similar standard of Simplicity in mower production. Even the company uses the same grade materials in manufacturing mowers.

• Nearer performance: 

Simplicity and John Deere mowers offer nearer performance, making them alternatives. Both mowers have powerful motors with close HP ratings to handle the toughest mowing jobs. Besides, they are focused on producing fuel-efficient mowers.

Who Makes Simplicity Mowers – (FAQs)