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

I am planning to purchase a new snowblower this week and would be grateful for your suggestions. I have researched a number of brands that are available here in the Chicago area including Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Ariens, and Poulan. I understand that American Yard Products (AYP) manufactures most of the lower and mid-range brands that are sold at the big box stores (Lowe's, Home Depot) and that companies like Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, MTD and Poulan simply add their own labels to basically the same product. I especially noticed that Craftsman and Troy-Bilt are identical. One of my concerns is that many of the contributors in these forums state that the Tecumseh motors are loud and vibrate strongly, and that Tecumseh is going out of business this year. Most prefer the OHV Briggs and Stratton motors because they are smoother and quieter than Tecumseh. Would you agree? Troy-Bilt claims that their motors are "Troy-Bilt", but are they really Tecumseh or B & S? The only brand in this price range that I have seen equipped with the B & S is the Craftsman. Poulan definitely has the Tecumseh "Snow King" motor.

I have an 80 foot long by 15 foot wide driveway that connects to a main street. The city snowplows tend to pile up the heavy wet snow at the end of my driveway when they make their passes down the street. Living in the Chicago area means I can get some significant amounts of snow, but most are typically in the 4 to 8 inches range.

Regarding features, I am concerned that the "joystick" equipped models (Troy-Bilt, Craftsman) with exposed wiring will gather ice while in use and freeze up making the chute control worthless, so I prefer the simple crank control. And the plastic chute's durability concerns me too. Most of thse models have 6 forward speeds and two reverse speeds.  

I would like to spend less than $1000, which means the Ariens, Toro, John Deere, and Honda are out. What brands (Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Poulan) would you recommend? What horsepower would you feel I need to clear a driveway of this length? And what about the swath size - 24", 26", 28"? Finally, do you prefer the B & S motors over the Tecumseh motors?

Thank you, I really appreciate your advice!

 

Summerwinds-

Just checked the Simplicity web site-

Current model # for the 1060DLXE is P1524,(listed as commercial)

Current Model # for the 9560E is L1226E(listed as large frame)

They are also making an intermediate model called the 1924E which has an aluminum gearbox. The other two models have cast iron gear boxes.The Ariens LE models and the Toro as well as the Honda have aluminum gear boxes so it is not a terrible design but the cast Iron are stronger.

Marc

One of my neighbours bought a YTD machine with a plastic chute. He had problems with the gear at the bottom that was used to swivel the chute. Aside from that its still working after 3 years of 2-3 driveways er snowfall use. I have a all metal chute with a crank and am lusting over something I can turn a little faster. An Ariens with a Toro "Joystick" would prabably be "best".

As far as B&S vs Tecumseh is concerned I think the difference in noise levels is way over blown, both are single cylinder no muffler engines, one may be quieter than the other but neither is quiet. Ear protection is a must. Parts for Tecumseh will be available via third party for years to come as well as transplants ( tis better to recieve than to give). At the same time I put a new B&S on a machine that had an old Tecumseh and there was a noticaeable increase in power. Could be new vs old but I think the B&S had more available power.

Chute Size: Assume a 2" overlap on the swaths, calculate the number of swaths. Generally you want to have an even number so you end up at the same end of the driveway as you started. That means one swath difference is not significant. I tend to lean towards a smaller intake since that means you have more horsepower per inch of intake. It also means the blower is lighter, more agile and easier to maneuver.

I have a 26" machine with an 11HP B&S. It works very well but is a bit heavy and awkward. I do a lot of short driveways so my next machine will be a lot more maneuverable. It would be nice if I could get the chasis without the motior, I could then do a transplant.

Maintenance wise is mostly a matter of end of season stuff:

1. Clean and lube ( do it upon delivery as well);
2. Drain the gas tank;
3. Oil in the spark plug hole, turn engine over by hand, replace spark plug;
4. Change the oil;
5. Store under cover but with air circulation.
   

Regarding your query concerning Simplicity snow throwers. 

I have the Simplicity 9528.  Which has a 9.5  h.p., 305cc B&S engine, 28" swath.  It's the best snow thrower that I've ever owned or operated.  I've only owned Craftsman machines but I've operated numerous others.  Simplicity is a hard core, rock solid machine.  Very durable and well designed.   By the way they're built, this machine is a lifer.   I can see this machine outlasting more than one engine.  Which is fine.  A new engine, if ever required can be had for as little as $300.00.   Keep your maintenance up and a Simplicity will give you many years of reliable service.  Here's some pics:

Gentlemen,

After listening to all of your good advice I have decided to purchase the Simplicity 924E. This model is a bit smaller at 24" but has the B & S 9 hp engine. It should be more manueverable at 176 pounds compared to a similar Ariens at 250 pounds. Cost will be just under $1100 with tax & delivery. Sounds like a good deal and I like the fact that many of you are so impressed with the Simplicity brand.

Thanks again to everyone. I will let you know how it works when I use it after the first significant snow.    

 

summerwinds! you made a wise choice! the lighter machine will handle easier and most of the time that is a plus,however in deep snow a heavier machine tracks better. also if the front is too light  in very deep snow it will tend to want to go over the bottom couple of inches instead of plowing or cutting through it. probably true of all machines though. one other comment i have is that for 22 yrs my ariens always done the job. every year after sitting all summer the very first time i go to start it it starts very hard.i bought mine with the 110 volt electric start and i just plug it into the wall and it starts much easier this first time.once this initial start and run is over the rest of the year it starts first or second pull by hand.i never did anything during storage but put stable in it and shut the fuel petcock off.i do try to store it only half full though so i can top the tank off with fresh gas before the first initial start.

 Marked! I will come back to check this soon!thanks a lot.:-)
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