opecrazy

Borat that story was awesome!

Thanks Snowmann for clearing it up.  I guess I misinterpreted something or the dealer was flat out lying, or both.  At first it didn't make sense to me, but this dealer is respected so I mistakenly believed him.  Maybe he was thinking of the planetary differential?

Are there any manuals that show the ATC?  I would like to see a service or parts manual for it?

To answer some questions you have raised:


If you can afford the bigger Simplicity than I would go for it.  The only advantage it has is the larger bucket, which decreases the amount of swaths.  It can decrease up to one or more passes depending on the driveway width.  Remember the engines are spec'd to accommodate the max capacity of the larger bucket.  If put onto the same machine, in reality I don't think you will see too much of a difference in terms of power between the two engines.  If the Simplicity 24 is a bit less and closer in price to the Toro then go for it instead.

The remote triggers on both the Toro and Simplicity are designed to be used while the drive lever is engaged.  On the Toro you can squeeze both triggers, and the machine will be in neutral.  The drive lever will be engaged but because of the two squeezed triggers the machine will not move.  Once you release the triggers the machine will move forward.  The Simplicity is a bit different.  It only unlocks one wheel but still drives the other one when you squeeze the trigger.  You will only use these features to turn the machines around.  Once in a straight line again you should use both wheels to drive forward.  Minor corrections in steering are very easy and don't require an assist.  Only turning the machine 90-180 degrees.

I think if you go with either the:

Simp pro 24
Simp pro 28
Toro 1128oxe

You will make a good choice.  All three are very capable machines.  But Simplicity/Toro are a bit different in terms of their overall feel in respect to handling.  This is why I think you should try them out, even just rolling them around on two wheels in the show room.  Decide after getting a feel for them, if you haven't already.

Then think of dealer impressions, and finally price between all three.

Snowmann, I was not referring to the remote lockout models.  I was referring to the Automatic Traction Control machines.  I have read and heard that the "automatic" mechanism can get tricked and only supplies power to the slipping wheel, instead of the wheel that has actual grip.

In the scenario I illustrate, the wheel that is on the ice will continue to rotate, while the wheel on the ground will not move.  Once again because of the ATC mechanism.

I double checked their website to make sure and it states that they have a cast iron sleeve.