Snow Blower Follow Up

[Greatwhitewing]

Based on the discussion from my previous thread. I found what appears to be a reliable supplier. I have down selected an Ariens and a Simplicity model.
The Simplicity offers a larger engine, wider chute and few other features but does have a B&S Snow Series engine. I would like to get a Honda but they have too a high an initial cost.

Buying an older unit just takes too much time to find.

Which one would YOU select as a homeowner with a pretty large driveway.

http://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Ariens-920014-Snow-Thrower/p4871.html

Or this one

http://www.snowblowersdirect.com/Simplicity-1696235-Snow-Thrower/p8719.html

 

[zkling]

The FIRST one, ST24LE

Cast iron gear box, longer warranty, recoil backup, briggs engine.

Be careful with vendor supplied specs. May want to go to the actual websites and look up their specs.

 

[RKA]

For a large driveway, I'd want the larger motor and wider bucket.

 

[pipsters]

The time to buy snowblowers is when kids get out of school for the summer and people are moving...not in the middle of the winter right after the biggest snowstorm in recent history...no surprise you are having trouble finding a used one...they are all being USED!! LOL

Depending on what your property is like you might want to seriously consider an older JD lawn tractor and get a snowblower attachment to it. After years of using snow blowers in NH, personally I hate the things. Large driveway typically means larger property so you might already have a lawn tractor or can justify getting one.

Edit...also I too would get the widest one possible

 

[rct]

I also vote for the Simplicity, not just because I own one, but because it has larger tires so i will more easily handle irregularities in the surface or powering thru the snow. Enjoy your new toy. If you can find a nearby station with ethanol-free gas and stabilize the last tank before summer you should do well. When I bought mine, I obtained a spare belt as well and in over 11 years of snow near buffalo it remains on the shelf.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

"find a nearby station with ethanol-free gas"

Fat chance of that living in the peoples republic of massikstan...

 

[belvedere]

The second one, ST24LE

agree

 

[RKA]

So, define larger driveway please!

 

[Greatwhitewing]

So, define larger driveway please!

I could fit about 6-8 cars without any paint swapping. I don't know the square footage off hand. It's irregularly shaped but about 60 feet long and 35 wide (roughly)

 

[Greatwhitewing]

Thanks guys. I was leaning towards the Simplicity too.

 

[RKA]

Well of you want to move heavy snow more than 20 ft, the larger motor will help with that. The odd size space may require that. For example, I have a side entry garage, and opposite the garage doors is a line of ornamentals that don't appreciate being buried in snow, so I end up pushing the snow up to 30 feet into the back yard. The heavy stuff left the 200cc blower short on power. It wouldn't quite get it over the edge of the driveway, so I would have to re-blow it, which doesn't go over well once it's packed down like that. A little more motor would cut my times in half because of that.

 

[sikeward]

I vote Simplicity. I have been using their products for about 10 years now. Never a issue. The tractor mounted snowblowers while expensive, are AWESOME. Here is my single stage in action.

 

[Russianstyle]

After watching my driveway getting cleaned by a 30" ariens, I think I'm going to go with that. FYI, if you do go with ariens, there is a problem with the Manuel level for the positioning of the snow shute. The lever jumps out of position during vibration, so I would invest $200 more and go with the joystick option. The headlight, self propel option, heated handles, and the durability of a good brand name ariens (made in USA) is a no brainer for me

 

[mattygee]

...And get some chains for the tires.

M

 

[reptilezs]

snow chains are not really needed any more. they were for use on older machines that had turf tires.

 

[NJJer]

Ariens/

That Simp model, and now most Simplicity models are just re badged Murrays. I know this as I have been in the industry for over 15 years now since I gave up being an ASE Master Tech.

Any mower or snowblower help needed, just PM me.

EDIT: As far as moving heavy/wet snow, it is much like using a milling machine, feed and speed.

My 15 year old 824 MTD does a bigger driveway than the OP has, and 400+ feet of sidewalk and has never needed a thing besides oil changes and new skids. Your mileage may vary. Some people can break anything.

 

[SARG]

I've had a multitude of different blowers and still have three walk behind and two on tractors. I learned the hard way that a medium size walk behind is much easier to handle than the biggest of the units. I did have a 13 horse monster that I eventually sold .... just too large and too heavy to muscle around.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

Ariens/

That Simp model, and now most Simplicity models are just re badged Murrays. I know this as I have been in the industry for over 15 years now since I gave up being an ASE Master Tech.

Any mower or snowblower help needed, just PM me.

My local guy has some Ariens but I was sure hoping to stay under a grand. I know quality costs money for initial purchase. But these were smaller engines, smaller chute for more money!!!
I'll have to give your advice some consideration.

BTW. I am more concerned about motors and starting since my current POS doesn't start. The Simplicity comes with a B&S Snow series engine and the Ariens says it comes with a B&S engine. Is the Snow Series a lesser quality?

 

[gotmud13613]

I would go with the Ariens, Especially if it has the Briggs & Stratton motor. I work on small engines and those no-name chinese motors are nothing but trouble, worked on 6 so far this year with all sorts of problems from electric starter to coils & carbs. My neighbor has a Simplicity and it spends more time getting fixed than used. Just my 2 cents

 

[NJJer]

My local guy has some Ariens but I was sure hoping to stay under a grand. I know quality costs money for initial purchase. But these were smaller engines, smaller chute for more money!!!
I'll have to give your advice some consideration.

BTW. I am more concerned about motors and starting since my current POS doesn't start. The Simplicity comes with a B&S Snow series engine and the Ariens says it comes with a B&S engine. Is the Snow Series a lesser quality?

Most B&S engines are about equal in quality. IIRC the only diff between those two you listed above is the sticker. One say B&S SS, the other B&S.

Under a grand, well .... try and get one with either a B&S or Tecumseh Snow King, which btw is not being made any more. * That may change as the Chinese are buying up what they can.

Chute size, or intake width? I like a tall, narrow chute. Throws further.

One thing I did not see mentioned, auger gearbox size. Most are small, very few are larger. Don't fret it too much, as the shear pins should save it. If you break it, pay someone to clean driveway instead.


Most machines today are using cHonda engines. Some parts can be had. Some run very well. Some even start and run well. For how long, it has not been long enough to establish a track record.


Where are you located at?

 

[Greatwhitewing]

"Where are you located at?"

Central Mass. The Simplicity I am liking has the 250cc B&S SS engine, 27 wide x 20 high chute and pretty decent tire size.

I could probably talk the wife into a tracked Honda but I pay the bills..lol

 

[NJJer]

I think something around a 24-26" would do you ok, just would take a little more time.

Remember, Simplicity is now mostly Murray. We all know what junk they are.

Something to think about:
At the previous Simplicity dealer I worked for, they would tell customers to push down the on the handles on the Simps., and then on the Toro. The would say "See how heavy the Simp is? That is better quality."

Pure BS that is, and some customers caught them in their lies. They were the same minus 2lbs. less for the Toro.

Reason, the Simps have a shorter handle, and the placement of such in relationship to the axle centerline. Leverage.

I am buying a new one soon, just because. Not that I need one, I want a new one.

Toro 828XLE I know I can find one left over. Look into one.


A few other Toro


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toro-Power-...398?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7e54b3a6


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008S9O97U/?tag=atomicindus08-20


http://www.speedwaysales.com/snow-blowers-toro-c-23_177.html

 

[NJJer]

To get some ideas of what you can get from Toro. WBTW I would choose over any other.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008S9O97U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Terra Nova]

Two different class of machines. The Ariens you linked is the compact version and the Simplicity a full size with 27" width. For a comparable Ariens look for a Deluxe 24" or 28".

Going Ariens will net you a better engine, 14" impeller, and a cast iron gear case.

I'm not an Ariens fan boy and was set on getting a Simplicity a couple years ago because I have a Simp. tractor and a dealer really close. But after my research the Arien's was a clear winner. It takes A LOT to change my mind on stuff like that.

Check www.Abbysguide.com in the snow thrower section. Way more info then you'll care to know! One interesting this is while the B&S engines all look similar the Arien's spec'd motors have several improvements over the other ones on the market (you'll find all that at the link above).

Pro grade simplicities are excellent machines, but they are about twice the price of the ones shown.

 

[RECox286]

When the bride said "we need a snow blower". I said "we need an

Ariens". That is exactly what she came home with, God bless her.

Uncle Bob

 

[Greatwhitewing]

Two different class of machines. The Ariens you linked is the compact version and the Simplicity a full size with 27" width. For a comparable Ariens look for a Deluxe 24" or 28".

Going Ariens will net you a better engine, 14" impeller, and a cast iron gear case.

I'm not an Ariens fan boy and was set on getting a Simplicity a couple years ago because I have a Simp. tractor and a dealer really close. But after my research the Arien's was a clear winner. It takes A LOT to change my mind on stuff like that.

Check www.Abbysguide.com in the snow thrower section. Way more info then you'll care to know! One interesting this is while the B&S engines all look similar the Arien's spec'd motors have several improvements over the other ones on the market (you'll find all that at the link above).

Pro grade simplicities are excellent machines, but they are about twice the price of the ones shown.

That link says Toro Power Max but aren't the newer Toros cheaply made now?

 

[Terra Nova]

That link says Toro Power Max but aren't the newer Toros cheaply made now?

Try this: http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/

It's a discussion board similar to this all about snow blowers. It's pretty low traffic but the search function will turn up a lot of good info. Some industry insiders that post a lot of ins and outs of the machines that you could not find out on your own from brochures

In spite of most of their stuff being throw--away equipment now their 2 stage snow blowers are supposed to be real solid units.

 

[NJJer]

That link says Toro Power Max but aren't the newer Toros cheaply made now?

I have worked for Toro dealers for many years. That being said, I am not partial to any one brand, as now I work on every make and model made. I tell it like it is, and doing such gets me in trouble at times with some manufacturers. Oh well...but it has led to a few manufacturers making changes based upon my suggestions. Yes, I have been on their payroll at times for this.

Toro 2 stage will not let you down. They rarely break, and if they do, most of the time it is due to misuse or plain old abuse.

Simplicity, well they have TSB's if you will for when they come out of the box. Think about that, I have to repair them before they are even started.

Go look at any Toro and try the one with the joystick, you will love it.

 

[Laker]

The time to buy snowblowers is when kids get out of school for the summer and people are moving...not in the middle of the winter right after the biggest snowstorm in recent history...no surprise you are having trouble finding a used one...they are all being USED!! LOL...

This!

I started looking in September. Found a 2005 Ariens 1128 (11HP Tecumseh, 28" width) for $500 on Craigslist. Original price was $1400, and it's built better than anything today under $1800. I was limited to 28" due to where I needed to store it in the garage. With more room I would have gotten the Ariens 1332. Although not one with a battery. Just one more thing to degrade over time without a trickle charger. No interest in a brand new one except for an expensive Honda which I can't afford. I spent $50 on new belts, a friction plate and oil change, and spent a weekend getting to know the machine, and giving it a full tune up. (Duplicolor DE1620 is a perfect paint match btw)

Check out www.adhuntr.com to cast a wider net.
here's one: http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/grd/3597588196.html

We only 2" of snow this past weekend in Philly, but my Uncle's 25 year old Ariens 24" got a workout south of Boston. (Picture below)

 

[Skin]

That link says Toro Power Max but aren't the newer Toros cheaply made now?

The chassis has been built the same for the last 10 years or so. The gauge of metal on the actual scoop leaves something to be desired compared even to a model from the mid 90s and I HATE their lack of proper shear pins or zerk fittings on the augers. Engines on the larger models are all Chinese now. Oh and a lot of exporting to Mexico with regards to assembly. They're spinning the drain which is sad because they use to be top quality. Not a fan anymore.

For a grand or under the Ariens Deluxe 28 stands pretty much alone as far as what you're getting for your buck. B&S engine with ES, ability to unlock/relock the axle allowing turning on a dime, all metal construction, cast iron gear case, and even hand warmers built into the grips.

I could probably talk the wife into a tracked Honda but I pay the bills..lol

Unless you have a serious hill tracked machines are more trouble than they're worth. I don't know one person with a flat drive who doesn't regret buying a tracked machine.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

I do like the Joystick of the Toro. For that money I want American made and I am having a little trouble getting verifiable data the NEW Toro engines are made in the USA.

John

I have worked for Toro dealers for many years. That being said, I am not partial to any one brand, as now I work on every make and model made. I tell it like it is, and doing such gets me in trouble at times with some manufacturers. Oh well...but it has led to a few manufacturers making changes based upon my suggestions. Yes, I have been on their payroll at times for this.

Toro 2 stage will not let you down. They rarely break, and if they do, most of the time it is due to misuse or plain old abuse.

Simplicity, well they have TSB's if you will for when they come out of the box. Think about that, I have to repair them before they are even started.

Go look at any Toro and try the one with the joystick, you will love it.

 

[petee_c]

I've heard the argument that the joystick would be expensive to repair if it breaks. Such as if snow melts and refreeze into ice binding up gears, will the servos break?

I've got the big Honda hs1132 with manual controls. I bought it used, but was speaking to a snow removal guy and he recommended not getting the joystick. I've got a 35*60' drive plus a 23x46' rink to clear.

 

[Skin]

There are no servos in the quick stick. Its just a spring, and a single gear and some teeth. They've been using it for 10 years, no problems.

I do like the Joystick of the Toro. For that money I want American made and I am having a little trouble getting verifiable data the NEW Toro engines are made in the USA.

John

American made is not Toro anymore. Many stampings and much of the assembly is in Mexico. As i told you already the Toro branded engines are chinese. Heck most of the nuts and bolts are made in Taiwan. Its still a lot better than MTD/Murray both of which are largely US made and are pretty much ****. US made doesnt mean higher quality.