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

I'm planning to buy a new snow blower very soon to replace the Yard Machine snow blower that I've used for the past 7 winters.  I was planning to buy a Simplicity L9528E for $1,299 from a local dealer, and decided to take a look at a 28" John Deere, which I understand is made by Simplicity now and is very similar to the L9528E.  While at Lowe's I noticed a Troy-Bilt 3090 snow blower, which is selling for $1,099.  The 3090 has a 305cc B&S engine, just like the JD, and I assume is the same engine that the L9528E is equipped with?  Now I was planning to avoid all MTD machines, given that my Yard Machine has lasted only 7 winters.  But while looking at the T-B 3090, it had a few nice features that the Simplicity doesn't (i.e. heated hand grips, joystick chute control), is $200 cheaper, and I can purchase this weekend with my Lowe's card and avoid interest & payments for 13 months!  I recognize that Simplicity is generally a better-quality machine than MTD's are, but does anyone have any experience with this Troy-Bilt 3090?  The quality appears better to me than the cheaper T-B's that Lowe's has, but I haven't been able to locate any reviews of this T-B 3090.

Please take my opinion for what it's worth...I'm about to purchase my first blower.  I have done plenty of research (online research, visited and spoke with dealers, friends, mechanics, etc) and the consensus seems to be that the quality of the Simplicity/JD/Snapper (essentially all the same machine) blowers is far superior to any MTD.  The heavier gauge steel, cast iron gear boxes, higher quality impeller & auger, and internal guts will last much longer and give you less problems than an MTD machine, Although there are many stories of MTD's lasting 15+ years it seems there are more stories similar to yours (7-10 year life) so seems like there is more risk with the MTD's.

I haven't seen the T-B you mentioned but I have seen their version of the joystick on other MTD models and it just seems flimsy and unreliable, especially compared to the design they're trying to copy...the Toro.  As for the handwarmers...I guess there's always the option of using warmer gloves or mittens?? 

For me, I know I can get more features for my money with an MTD but I'd rather pay a bit more ang get a sturdy, relaible workhorse I can count on for 15-20 years.  The JD 928E is on my shortlist, the Simplicity & Snapper are too pricey in my area, but the JD is basically the same machine (different tires & chute control is about it).  My other finalist is a bare bones Toro 826.  It has a smaller Briggs engine at 249cc, and a smaller bucket at 26" but it's also $250 less than the JD.  The Ariens 927 was on my list but is impossible to find in my area so I've given up on that unit.

Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for your comments.  I decided to buy the 30" John Deere.  The cost was $1,499, which is more than I originally wanted to spend, but I figure I'll have it for a long time.

AnthonyT wrote:
Congrats on the purchase!  I bough the JD 928E today.  I think the extra we've spent now will be worth it in the long run.  I paid $1300 for mine & the 1038 in my area is going for $1700.  I went looking on Wednesday and they had 3 928's.  When I went in this morning to take a final look before deciding...one of them had a sold ticket on it, another sold over the phone while I was there...leaving only one and no more coming in!  So I made an offer and he accepted.  The Toro dealer wouldn't budge off MSRP on the 826 (don't blame him, he doesn't have to, it'll be sold in the next couple days I'm sure).  SB's are so hard to get this year in Eastern Canada...anywhere really...seems to be shortages everywhere.