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

Okay,

I'm not technically inclined(I'm all thumbs) so someone please help with this topic

Simplicity and Ariens pro talk about cast iron gearboxes, Ariens deluxe has aluminum.

Not sure what craftsman, Toro etc have

I'm assuming iron stronger than aluminum, but is this a real cause for concern/ analysis paralysis? or marketing

I'm looking primarily as size, power, turning help, features, not sure where gearboxes should fit into my analysis

Thanks,

RT

The real thing you want to look out for is the pitch diameter of the worm gear, not the casting material. The strongest auger gearboxes out there are Ariens XS aluminum and Cast Iron, Toro Powermax, and Simplicity. Although the Toro is a good box, it is rather disconcerning that they do not have shear bolts. Bad idea...