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

Does anyone have an opinion on which one is more durable?Simplicity P1628E or Honda 928WAS?Also which one would be better at throwing 2-4 inches of that heavy wet snow??

Both machines can handle 2-4 inches of wet snow (not slush). I have a John Deere, which is made by Simplicity, so I think Simplicity is a good machine. However, Honda snow throwers are in a class of their own from a quality / robustness perspective. Where Simplicity and most other brands use a simple friction wheel drive system, Honda uses hydrostatic drive. You can expect to pay a lot more for the Honda, and for most people, they will see no practical benefit as the Simplicity will do the job and last for a decade or more.

I had a hond 828 and it would throw slush and/or water 10-20 feet.  Absolutely no problem.  If you ran it through a puddle it would throw the water.  Make a couple passes and the puddle would be gone (at least down to 1/2" of water).

Absolutely no problem with throwing soaking- wet snow/slush/anything at all.

nhmatt wrote:

I did the same too about a week ago .  It was like a water cannon.  Couldn't believe it.  However, I probably wouldn't do that again since that water at the EOD had a lot of salt and there was no new fresh snow to flush out the snowblower.

I'm not as up to date in the snowblower world as some here, but I was in the same debate a week ago.  I posted a thread looking for the best blower for my needs and got some pretty good responses.  You might want to check it out "Best snowblower for the long haul?"  I really liked the Honda and thought I would go that route because of the companies reputation for good products, and the positive feel around this forum for them.  However I ended up happily buying the Simplicity Pro after closely checking them out and discussing them with my local dealers.  Here was what it came down to as I saw it, post# 12 from the previously mentioned thread;

Wanted to say thanks to all who responded.  It was a tough decision, and I could still be persuaded one way or other between Honda and Simplicity.  There just both seem to be great machines.  I really wanted the tracks of the Honda.  I just wasn't feeling up to an Ariens, so I didn't really look at them much as far as an option for tracks.  They are probably great as well, but I personally am put off by the cheapening of even some models and the lack of dealers wanting to deal with them in the area.  Just a personal feeling on the matter, nothing against the machines.

When push came to shove I went for the Simplicity P11528E, the 28" pro series.  I went to look at the Honda this morning and tried it out.  It was the 1032, and it is a great machine.  I really liked the fit and finish of all the brackets and plates.  Love the tracks!  Then I left to purchase the Simplicity.  I didn't really care about the price difference, at least not at first.  They want $2500.00 for and Honda 928.  I'm really not knocking the Honda at all, I was impressed, but there were a few things I didn't care for.  I'll list them, seems easier that way.

-Tubular handle bars.  Wouldn't have been a thought If I hadn't seen the big C Channel bars used on simplicity.  I lifted and pushed on the honda bars to compare and wow they did move quiet a bit.  I'm sure they wouldn't break, the dealer had some older ones there and none were broken.  However, the robustness of the simplicity can be seen a mile away.  Honda chassis seem to be closer in design to the large frame Simplicity.  Although the Honda bars are welded to the chasis, not bolts to losen (good unless you did have a problem)

-Cables were nicely laid out and bunched together on the honda, nice professional look.  However, it made the simplicity look easier to maintain.  Maybe not, but at a glance there is alot to adjust under the control panel of the honda.  Also, I really didn't like the flimsy little choke pull on the honda.  I think I would break that leaning into the machine working it.

-Didn't see any grease zerks on the Honda augers.  At first I thought no bid deal I'll just take it apart, drill and tap to install a couple.  Then I thought I didn't want to pay top dollar only to have to tear it apart to do something that should already be there.  Also the smaller diameter of the auger shaft makes it look like the whole front is built a little light than the simplicity.

-Adjusting the Chute deflector.  The honda has a simple lever like most others, works but tends to move itself up as the snow blowing against pushes it.  Dealer said you can tighten it so it won't happen, but is then difficult to operate.  Simplicity seems to solve the problem by making indents that the lever locks into.

-Tracks seem great!  However, the only way to back the machine up really is put it into reverse.  This wasn't that fast when I tried it out, but similar to my experience with wheeled machines.  There are some areas Where I just pull the wheeled machines back as it's much easier and faster.  Can't do it with tracks.  When I tried it out it was snowing pretty good, 3-4 inches on the ground, and we were on clean pavement otherwise.  Made roads and parking lot a little slick.  Set the machine to the lower position, moved the hydrostatic full forward and engaged machine.  It sort of jumped at engagement, the front probably bit on the pavement alittle, and the tracks spun.  Machine stayed put until I pushed some on the bars.  This really sold me on the Simplicity, as I felt I was trading off some build quality and comfort of control layout and manuverability for the unstopable traction, only to see them spin.  I still really feel the tracks are great.  This was I'm sure not a totally fair test of there ability.  The machine was probably only unboxed and not set up properly, and conditions just right to work against it.  However, with my uneven gravel driveway which always has an ice base on it in the winter, I wouldn't be surprised to experience similar results.  Not that a wheeled one will be necessarily better in that situation either, but I couldn't compromise on everything else (in my mind) and not see a significant advantage when I tried it.

-I had spent some time with a good dealer that deals both simplicity and honda.  In short he didn't want to steer me, but felt the honda wasn't worth the extra cost.  Both machines were great and I would be happy either way.  As I said before, I didn't mind the extra initial cost.  The Simplicity was $2000.00 even, and would pay the $500.00 extra for a better machine.  As we looked at some of the older one he explained that there was pin in the hydrostatic trans that sometimes sheared.  Repair cost was over $800.00.  This included an update to the drive that the newer machines already have, and he assured me it solved the problem.  Some of the used ones were 8 and 9 year old machines that ended up getting traded and were for sale.  Owners didn't went to spend that much to repair a 9 year old machine and bought new ( the one owner we discussed replaced the old honda with a new simplicity, not that it says anything bad about honda really).  I really want to bite the bullet and buy something reliable for many years to come.  These older hondas looked to be in fairly good shape, but I understand the logic of owners that traded them instead of doing an expensive repair.  Bottom line, I don't want to have to trade a good machine because repair will likely be to costly to justify on older equipment.  Most parts on Simplicity are considerably cheaper from what I can tell.

-The Simplicity did seem more comfortable with the higher handle bars and controls.  The Honda handle bar height wasn't to bad, but I did really have to bend over to crank the chute around.  I suppose I would get use to it, and didn't really think it was that big of deal.  I did really like the smoothness of the Honda's chute crank.  One thing I'm not to sure on was the Simplicitys electric motor to move the chute.  I would rather have the Honda's mechanical set up.  I decided not to worry about it to much because I know that parts like the electric motor are simply and wiper motor, reliable and easy to replace at NAPA if need be.  The dealer assured me that they had been used reliably like that for some time, I'm hoping so.

The little things like the above mentioned chute deflector with indents to hold position are what sold me on Simplicity.  Honda seems to make products that are great, many of them are second to none, by putting so much thought and engineering into it that it's almost like engineering art work (the brackets and quality of the auger crank is really slick).  However, simple and rugged to me is they way to go for snowblowers, and even then things break.  I think, even though it may be minimal in reality, Simplicity has the edge here.  Not as fancy, but straight forward things that work.  Also most likely any repairs down the road will hopefully be easy and cheap enough to keep running it.

So, in the end, I got my Simplicity pro 28" for $2175.00 out the door delivered and serviced with tax from a good dealer.  Should be here tomorrow afternoon, can't wait!  No, I won't be trying to climb my 25 steps with it.  I am debating if it is a good idea to try it on some really hard snow ice that piled up when it got warm and is now nice and solid at 8 degrees outside.  Perhaps I should break it in on some easier stuff and forget about that pile until spring takes it away.  Any thoughts on that one?

mikiewest- Asking if anyone has an opinion on a Snowblower forum is a humorous question !

I am not a big fan of any machine in the 28" size that doesen't have some sort of mechanism that is either automatic or remotely actuated to aid in making a tight turn. The last time I looked at a wheeled Honda it had no such provision. The hydrostatic drive,GX power etc. are all arguments for the Honda but do not overcome the issue of the axles in my opininion. This is especially true when the alternative choice is a Simplicity with Easy Turn. Even the most ardent Honda fan would have to acknowlege that the Simplicity is a quality machine. 

My choice is influenced by the need for many tight turns when clearing my property. Other users with long runs and few maneuvers to make might think that ease of turning is unimportant. It is also prudent to consider who is using the machine. Your wife or perhaps children will find the Simplicity much easier to handle.

Marc

Makes sense.   I can't make a comment on the ease of working on a Honda, because other than changing fluids there was nothing else needed from me.  Hondas are a much lighter machine(28" anyway), so there's no need for a differential, you simply turn it.  With the hydro transmission you simply push forward and pull back, so tight turns are easy when the wheels are moving.  Think of when you drive your car:  Do you stop then turn the wheels then go forward?  More likely you turn them while you're moving.

Simplicity looks like a real tank, and a lot of pros use them and less use Hondas, probably because the ease of working on them.  Even if it can be said Hondas are more reliable I'm sure its a lot easier to work on a disc-o-matic transmission and replace a belt at 3:00 AM in the middle of a snow storm.

Just purchased the HS928 Honda.  Read that the hydrostatic transmission stops opposite  track when you turn the unit one way or the other.

I tried it on dry concrete and it steered easily as long as it's in motion.  No snow in Pittsburgh yet so I don't know how it handles in snow.  I don't care for the low height of the handlebars and the mystery of the amperage and voltage of the lighting circuit.   I had one seller on feeBay tell me the replacement bulb number they stock is the GE H7614 12V 50.  I replied asking if it's the original Honda replacement because I've read that the output of the lighting circuit is 12VA.C. 18w on other forums. Still doing research on it.

I don't think the one track stops while turning.  Both left and right tracks are locked together by a solid axle between them.

By the way, congrats on the Honda purchase. 

Those Big Heavy "C" channel handlebars are what you need on the Simplicity when the friction wheel tire becomes 'bald' and YOU have to supply the forward motion.  Honda's Don't have friction wheels, which explains why they're worth every penny, No Pushing Required.

New_Yorker wrote:


You gonna mention this in EVERY single post? 

Bill_H wrote:
Forgive him.

He knows not of what he speaks.

borat wrote:

X2

Marc

Just enjoy the snowblower when you have to use it.  Who really cares (sounds too much like a pissing contest) as long as the user is happy regardless of its color (red, yellow or blue), size (21" or 32") and power (electric or gas).

MN_Runner wrote:
Not a pissing match.  It's a simple matter of setting the facts straight. 

New Yorker incorrectly claims that disk drive systems are problematic and unreliable.  Those of us with extensive experience and knowledge of  disk drive systems know otherwise. 

For the benefit of newcomers looking for guidance and facts about snow throwers, it's incumbent upon those who KNOW the facts to set the record straight.   If people do not challenge incorrect or misleading information being posted, why bother having forums?   

There are a lot of good facts and useful information in this forum but also a huge amounts of IMO vs. facts. So the question is how do we separate facts from IMOs?  I think people are smart enough to discern and figure out mis-information vs. fact.

MN_Runner wrote:
Not all participants are informed.  Many come here looking for advice.  We should all ensure that information provided is at least close to being accurate.  Otherwise, the uniformed will be wading through heaps of b.s. to garner the facts.  Misinformation and false/incorrect claims should be challenged.

Not to flog the very dead horse more, I'm posting a comparison which might interest some.  I'm not so familiar with which machines are better or worse for disk slip as I usually back off piles fairly quickly when the wheels slip or will soon slip.

I've got two Ariens 1028 machines.  One has two rust locked wheels and the other one.  I've used heat (map gas) and big plumbers pipe wrenches on them without success.  The big plumbers wrench put so much force on the hubs I was worried about breaking something in the gearbox, no luck.  There's a very steep 40-50% hill next door with a road that was tared, old and weathered so a lot of angled peble tops sticking out.  Plenty of grip.  I gave going over there a shot as going up the hill might free up rust.  It's rough road in places so catching the bucket in places.  The big 6 inch knoby tires grip very well but each time the bucket caught the wheels spun even with pressing down a bit on the handlebars.  No luck on breaking the rust.  I then went into the field next door which has a very potted uneven surface so lots of bucket snags.  The bucket caught and the wheels would spin.  No disk slip.  Pressing on the handlebars would only cause the wheels to dig a hole.  The disk never slipped.  

I picked up a Honda 1132 hydrostatic track last week and tried that out the other day on a 2-3 inch snowfall here.  Not much snow but a chance to use the machine.  My area has lots of snags and I'm not familiar with using a Honda track.  Each time the bucket hungup the tracks kept turning driving the machine left, right or stationary with bouncing.  The hydrostatic easily overpowers the grip of the tracks and keeps them turning.  I tried the machine out in the field and it was the same for the tracks slipping.   

I have had similar experiences Trouts. 

I've had wheel spin and never had disk slippage unless the disk was contaminated. 

My last old Craftsman machine actually broke two axle shear bolts for some reason.  I ended up having to put a hardened bolt through the axle drive to keep it from happening again.  In all of my years of experience, I've never had an issue with a disk drive unless it had water or lube get on it accidentally, which was next to never.   

I had some slippage on my Craftsman due to water the first year I used it.  After installing the larger auger pulley and belt cover it seems to have cured all of those ills. The areas that leakage was occurring are apparently covered by the new cover.  I've had her through many feet of dry powder as well as wet snow and no slipping. 

Stock




Upgraded

Borat, I had it happen as a one time thing.  Put it in the garage, dried it off and never happened again. Some freak chance thing happend.  I actually never think about slippage unless someone mentiones it on the forum.  The only way I think about slippage it's telling you your way over what you should be doing.  You get used to that don't approach it.  That's the way I clear.  If I want more $#%* I buy them. Bigger is better. 

Snowmachine, interesting design.  Maybe you were fussy with the fit which does look good but you swamped out the error so the fit does not need to be so fussy.  Nice.  What's the box on top for?  Is that a dope stash, tool kit or what?  The main box looks welded.  Is it?

trouts2 wrote:
Some of the newer blowers have that labeled as extra shear pin storage.  Looks like it is big enough to keep some tools for changing them out too so you don't have to run back to the garage.

You could be right on there for the fit.

Cover is from a Crown series Husqvarna unit.

That is a tool kit box built into the cover and all is just plastic.


trouts2 wrote:

The box is where you're supposed to keep your shear pins. However, I wouldn't use it because the lid will sometimes open unexpectedly.  Not only that, chances are that you'll need to punch out the piece of the broken pin.  The tools you'll need for that, won't fit in that box.  So, you might as well keep the pins near the tools you'll need to replace them.

Found that out recently.  I broke first shear pin on this blower a couple weeks ago.  I had to go searching for my punch set to get it out.

borat wrote:

borat wrote:
Sounds like a perfect place to put spare shear pins.    Under 3 inches of snow.