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

Since engines can outlast the snowblower does it really matter if the snowblower has a tecumseh engine since they r stopping production soon?Or just wait till Ariens starts outfitting their snowblowers with Briggs and Stratton engines?

Your observations are enlightening.  Have you actually closely inspected the auger gear housings to see if they have become thinner over the years?  I have also noted that almost all of the brands are switching from heavy duty cast iron gear cases to aluminum.  I noticed that this year, Simplicity is also offering a model with an aluminum gear case.  Not a good sign, in my view.  I don't disagree with the use of aluminum in the construction of gear cases provided the material is of sufficient alloy composition and thickness to resist deflection from gear loading.  I'm not certain but I would suspect that all gear cases are not the same.  There are probably different grades of  gear cases and less expensive machines cost less for a reason.  As we see the modern machines evolving toward planned obsolescence and disposability, one would be wise to hold on to the old tanks, keep them well lubricated, adjusted, fasteners good and tight and re-engine as required.    

The Toro and MTD gearcases seem to be the same thickness over the years.  Some of the earlier MTD gearcases were fairly pathetic as least what they mounted on Snowflites.  The gearcases were fairly thin, essentially a box split in two horizontally not vertically, and not bolted together well.  The helical gear teeth were on the side instead of the top.

 

   Toro gearcase size have gotten a bit bigger in total length and width.  They have flange bearings like most not roller bearings as in high end Ariens machines. 

 

    Physical size of the gears is fuzzy.  Just because there is a bigger helical gear does not mean better.  The quality of the gear material would make a difference.  Just what each manufacturer puts in their gears is a puzzle but given the ration of dead gearcases it would be fairly safe to say Toro, Ariens, Snapper and Simplicity will outlast MTD or AYP made machines.  Ariens low end line seems to be at least on par or better than MTD or AYP judging from dead body count.

 

    Below are some pictures of gears and gearboxes from a late 80 to early or mid 90’s Toro 521 and MTD 826 is from mid 90’s machine.  The Toro gearboxes have since gotten a bit larger, the impeller drive arm a bit smaller and I’m not positive about the thickness of the auger blade support shaft but these days they are still hefty. 

   The MTD friction disk rubbers are thin compared to Toro and Ariens and the rubber does not seem to be as good quality.  The MTD rubber is thin width wise and thickness compared to Ariens, Toro, Simplicity and Snapper.

   I have opened a Simplicity gearbox and the helical gear was substantial.  It’s teeth were large and did not run the full length of the gear.  There was extra body to the gear to the side of the teeth probably for added rigidity.  The Simplicity gear is quite nice.

    The vast majority of engines are Tecumseh’s and great engines.  They are not all the same I’m finding.  In comparing a few same age 8hp’s I’ve found lighter crankshafts in some AYP made Craftsmans compared to the better maker machine engines.  So just having a Tecumseh mounted on an MTD versus a Toro or Ariens does not mean they compare in quality.  But even with a lighter duty engine a Tecumseh on an AYP or MTD will probably outlast the body.

Toro and MTD

Toro and MTD

Simplicity gear.  It's quite bit bigger than an MTD gear and minimally matches the size of the Toro.  The curved or indented section at the top of the gear does not indicate wear.  It's the shape of the gear.  The wear indicator is the flat on the top of the tooth.  They wear from one side through to other.  When the flat on the top of the tooth is gone i.e. has a sharp edge then the gear is too worn to use. 

Excellent analysis Trouts2.  

I've never had the need to crack open the auger gear cases but you certainly can see how the more robust gears differ from the lesser makes.  Some of those gears look so small, you wouldn't think they could run a can opener.   It's always good to have pics to assist explaining such differences.  I know it takes more time and effort to put the pics in but it's appreciated.  Thanks for your commitment to the forum.