Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Going to get a snow blower and keep changing my mind faster than I can eat a burger at a greasy spoon. Like to be able to load the machine in my van and transport it to do some sidewalks for some disabled friends. I was thinking of a used Honda,(if I can find one) with it's lower profile could fit. Anyways, the goal is to get an excellent machine for a gravel driveway, good for slush. The other half of my brain tells me to get a steerable unit like the Toro or Craftsman. Though not track driven read some nice reviews about the steerable snowblower. I guess I will get the measuring tape and check out the clearences in the van. Would like your advice or comments. BTW, my driveway is long and tired of the plow guy making a mess every year, thus seriously thinking of doing it myself with a blower.

I was set on buying a Craftsman model this morning. However, the controls are way to stiff. The salesperson tells me that they will get loose over time, but I don't have the patience for it. Too bad, the Craftsman has a TON of features for the price.

I then checked out Ariens. The chute controls were stiff or didn't work properly at HD or at a dealer (some worked properly at the dealer, other didn't). Ariens really should make setup of controls easier so that dealers and owners don't have to sweat over getting it to work properly. Bad design IMHO. The Ariens units look like ancient designs. Ugly as heck. Not my cup o' tea.

The Bolens/yardman models had way too much plastic and rubber IMHO. However, their chute controls were only second to the Toros.

Checked out the Toros. Wow. I couldn't believe how easy they were to handle. I just don't like the Tecumseh engines on the 1128LXE model, but might have to settle for it as only Craftsman carries B&S OHVs in my area (Simplicity: Where are you?). I do like the plastic chute and the wide opening at the impeller. They are also balanced just right.

Is it difficult to change out an engine on a snowblower? I read somewhere that the Tecumsehs and B&Ss have the same mounting slots. If it can be done, I might buy the Toro now and swapout the engine a few years down the road.

Cheers, Sabesh.

I gather from you last post that you don't have a Simplicity dealer near you? Even if it's a bit of a drive, it's worth it. I have one of their intermediate machines (755E) and I love it. When I was shopping for a machine a few years back, it had the most sturdy feeling handlebars and it was the only on in it's size/power range with the "one hand" feature (i.e. hold one control down and the other one locks down).  It was more expensive than a similarly sized Ariens, but the price was within my budget and the extra expense was worth it. I have not had one problem with it and it has not needed any service or adjustments.

Having said all that, I wish I could have afforded one of their professional/commercial machines. Talk about sturdy - the handlebars are massive pieces of steel bar stock at least 1/2" thick, and these beasts weigh 270 lbs. on up. Back then they had Tec engines, but they have since switched to Briggs. I think one of these machines is worth a look if you really want something serious and you can justify a bit more of a drive to find a dealer. If you make the drive, chances are you'll never need to go back since these are really robust machines. Snapper is also owned by Simplicity and from what few pictures are on their website they appear to be the same machines (at least the pic of the intermediate machine anyway) although I'm not sure if Snapper has the commercial units or if they are exclusive to Simplicity.

Good Luck!

Chris

 

Thanks Chris. I spent 4 hours this morning trying to locate a Simplicity dealer with no success. I guess means I'll have to take a harder look at the Toro (The Missus likes it too). Cheers, Sabesh.