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

Well, I'll be making a move on most likely one of these machines. My situation is such that I don't live near an area where I can witness these first hand, so I'm depending on stats and opinions. My driveway is maybe 100' long with 60% being 16'wide, 40% 2 car width. Lots of snow and drifts (near Vail, CO). The apparent advantages of the Ariens is: clearing width (26" vs 24"), impeller and auger (Ariens 2" wider), forward speeds (6 vs 5, minor issue?), standard hand warmers. I assume the Simplicity will be easier to manuever, based on weight and width (thinking of the wife). I don't know much about the turning differences. Why then should I consider the Simplicity over the Ariens (the Ariens is also $80 cheaper to my door). I'm guessing this was covered in another thread, but I couldn't find it. Thanks for any and all opinions. - Roy

Whups.

Something else that I noticed, the Ariens has a 14" impeller while the Simplicity has a 12". This means that for a given impeller RPM, the Ariens will eject snow at a higer speed. To do the same job the Simplicity would have to have a higher impeller RPM which means the bearings would wear quicker.

Thanks for the replies, nibbler. I got the (old or wrong) Simplicity model # from an outfit called Small Engine Parts Warehouse (SEPW.COM). Anyway, I went with the Ariens 9526 DLE through a company out of Denver (Almia). I should have it in two weeks. Thanks for all the advice. - Roy

Thats exactly what I've been lusting after. If my current machine ever wears out thats what I hope to get.

i have last year's ariens 926DLE - this thing may be heavy, but it is incredibly well balanced.  your wife will have no problem with it.  it turns on a dime, even at speed - it's easier to throw around than a lawnmower.  and you'll be very pleased with the handwarmers too. 

it's built like a tank - rock solid and no issues.  i've not seen the simplicity up close, but i'd buy another one of these in a heartbeat.