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

I've been saving my pennies for a commercial grade snowblower and am now trying to decide between Simlicity and Ariens. I do 10-30 short ( 30-40ft) single width ( 10-15 ft) driveways. Snow is normally in the 5-10" area with occasional forays into 20-24". So far this winter we've only had 3 major accumulations.

I've looked over their web sites, read and reread the glossy brochures and chatted up some local dealers and both seem like good machines.

Here are the similarities:

1. B&S OHV engines
2. Heavy metal contruction
3. Controls seem about equal
4. Hand warmers
5. Lights

Here are the differences:

1. Ariens has differential while Simplicity has "Easy Turn" which is equvalent to the Ariens deluxe models
2. Simplicity has power shift, basically really low gearing for when you get bogged down
3. Simplicity has electric chute rotation

I've lusted after a differental drive for a while now but the Simplicity is less expensive and has features that may outweigh the differential. I've also heard some people casting aspersions on the Ariens recently, mostly having to do with factory setup. On the other hand the few Simplicity folks seem to have almost a religious fervour about their machines.

I know I'll ultimately go with what "feels best to me" but I would like to get other people's opinions before spending a load of money.

I had a hunch that the main thing about the axle lock/unlock system was not being able to unlock either wheel but being able to unlock a wheel. When I switch the pin on my blower it is very easy to turn in either direction. The problem is that I like having both wheels turning most of the time.

I seem to remember that the engine discussion was in the 9-10.5HP range with the conclusion that it was the same engine.

I got a 11HP B&S Intek and it was noticeably nicer than the 10.5HP Tecumseh "L" Head it replaced. In addition the output shaft was 1" as opposed to the Tecumseh's 3/4" shaft. As I understand it the cutover point is 11HP, less is 3/4" 11 to somewhere higher is 1".