Simplicity Cobalt 30HP 61" ZT

[fantastic]

Smart Move on Cleaning out all Air Flow Area's - sure seems Zero Turns get Loaded up more Debris , then Tractor Types ..

My First Zero slightly used - looked like some one was Haying with it ..( Thinking Theirs Broke ) went Down after 2 weeks Fixing
& Parts then Shopping 4 New Zero Tune - His Lawn was 30 Days High - He must have had few Near-By to Mow also - as I see No
Trailer @ His Home - After some Looking Closer at What Went Down - He Bought Larger Unit with Deluxe Seat . .

I could have Gotten Better Deal over in Nashville , Tn _ 2.25Hrs Out .. 1 way .. , but $1500 Off Unit with 5hrs . . isn't to Bad .. Locally . .

DUAL TANKS - Super Duty ~ Today New that be what $14,000 - Ouch . .

The guy that sold me this said it was equivalent to the $13999 Ferris ZT he pointed out on their showroom floor. Seemed to be correct. Crazy to think about that even if this thing is at 1/2 life $3,200 in today's money for something that works at this level was what is supposed to be an all around good buy. Looks like someone changed one pump & the hours for the year seemed reasonable at 43 hours annually.

It seems these commercial engines do a much better job at preventing buildup under the engine cover. Still I had to see for myself after catching the clogged oil cooler that is really easy to clean. Yeah, I think some folks overdue it. I do wait 2 weeks at times to mow & the commercial set-up will make that easier to handle while staying cooler. I was reminded by the "Made in Japan" stamping on the engine B&S did that. Not sure who they use to build them... maybe Kawasaki?

 

[thastinger]

The guy that sold me this said it was equivalent to the $13999 Ferris ZT he pointed out on their showroom floor. Seemed to be correct. Crazy to think about that even if this thing is at 1/2 life $3,200 in today's money for something that works at this level was what is supposed to be an all around good buy. Looks like someone changed one pump & the hours for the year seemed reasonable at 43 hours annually.

It seems these commercial engines do a much better job at preventing buildup under the engine cover. Still I had to see for myself after catching the clogged oil cooler that is really easy to clean. Yeah, I think some folks overdue it. I do wait 2 weeks at times to mow & the commercial set-up will make that easier to handle while staying cooler. I was reminded by the "Made in Japan" stamping on the engine B&S did that. Not sure who they use to build them... maybe Kawasaki?

Your era Vanguard was made in Japan by either Daihatsu or Mitsubishi. They are made in the US now. They are good engines, likely to outlive you so long as you stay on top of the air filter maintenance.

 

[MountainManDan]

JAPAN - MAKES VERY NICE ITEMS : HONDA & YAMAHA ~ MHI



Yeah , For Sure Over do it - I didn't Like that & Dealer Pulled all Covers Blew it all Out & reset valve Gaps as I Complained
about only 1 side being Noisy , but did Both Sides & Cleaned it up .. Big Purchase for Us - Dealer even Delivered it ..
Filled Up Tank 5 Gallon @ $3.89 - which down to $3.21 Today . . ( I'm Just Happier ) have Smoother Nicer Ride . .

Did 10yrs on slower Tractor - over every Dip & Hole in Yard with many Trees to Go around , Think I dropped 15min. Off Mow Time ..
Vanguard are Much Better Brand of Briggs - Had one 18HP Vanguard in Ingersoll Used for Snow Clearing - that Thing
Went where 1 Ton 4 x 4 Trucks couldn't Go . . during Big 2.5ft Snow Storms - Phone was Ringing Off Wall . .
BIG TIRES & CHAINS were on During Big Storms

 

[fantastic]

Your era Vanguard was made in Japan by either Daihatsu or Mitsubishi. They are made in the US now. They are good engines, likely to outlive you so long as you stay on top of the air filter maintenance.

Thanks, Looks like it was a 30 year partnership with Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd & these 896cc engines were part of B&S "Big Block" engines. Sounds good to me...ha! More powa! Wiki show Toyota started investing in 1967 & in 2016 the largest shareholder.
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/e...ove-product-from-japan-to-georgia-and-alabama
Based on this sheet my engine code is "12" (doesn't say which manufacturing plant on this page though)
https://www.vanguardpower.com/hubfs/Vanguard/NA_Images/FAQs/pdfs/Engine Model Key Rev2-11.pdf