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

I had possed this question in the previous thread I had created, but I am posting it again here in hopes of getting some quick feedback.  I have purchased the 28inch model, but could change my mind if I call in the morning before they deliver it.

As far as my Simplicity goes, the dealer had both the 28 and 32 inch pro models.  I really debated between the two, as there was only a $200.00 difference.  I thought the 28" would be the way to go for the best power to width ratio, and the motors are the same as far as I can tell.  Dealers seem think it is only a tweak in the carb, or higher RPM that gives the 32"  the extra hp.  I don't mind the smaller cut, as either is bigger than my old machine, but what got me wondering was the tires.  between the two they are the same height, but the 32" has a significantly wider tire.  Will it drive through the heavy stuff much better, or does the added width of the auger make it equal again? 

I could probably call first thing in the morning and switch to the 32" if it was much better.  I was thinking the 28" should be equal because of the narrower width, it also felt like it had a little more weight up front than 32" which I hoped would help the augers to bite in a little more.  I thought that was odd since it was smaller up front, but the dealer thought so as well as we were looking at them.

I was also wondering if others typically use the wieghts that can be added on, and/or chains on the wheels?  Does anyone feel they make much difference, or recommend to get them or not?  Also, I asked the dealer to fill it with a synthetic oil.  Seems everything is going that way so I figure why not.  They said they would pick up some Ams Oil from the dealer down the road from them.  For future use, does anyone recommend something like Mobile One or Ams oil, others?  Perhaps a particular type of grease as well?  Wish I thought of asking the dealer what grease they use, I could have asked them to switch that as well if needed.  I'm sure it will be good enough to get me started, then I'll hit it with the grease gun anyway.

I like the 28 inch, just thought I would see if someone experienced with these things thought I should really go with 32 inch for some reason while I still have a choice.

I would chose the 28" model.  Spend the $200 difference on as snow cab and possibly front end weights, or chains.  If you are somewhat handy, you can cut and drill your own front weights out of steel bars.  Check out what Simplicity uses for its weights and try to match that.  They have determine the proper weight to balance effectiveness and maneuverability of the snowblower.  If you are adding a snow cab, add that additional weight of the kit to counter balance the weight of the cab.  As far as chains, I think you have to use the snowblower to see if you really need it.  Modern tire threads are pretty effective without resorting to chains.

As you said, the 28" has better hp to width ratio and more front end loading.  This helps in cutting through EOD drifts.  The tire width difference is probably inconsequential, the 32" is equipped with larger tires to compensate for more resistance of the front end and the heavier bucket or chassis.

But probably the best thing to do is to go out to the dealer and handle both models yourself and make the final decision.  

Thanks, that was pretty much what I had been thinkin.  After handling them at the dealers, I'm sticking with the 28 inch.

pgil-

Congats on the new machine.

On the oil-When we bought my son's Simplicity 1060 a few years ago if you bought and used the Simplicity branded oil you got double the warranty on the engine. The oil is synthetic and formulated for snow blowers. What we received  was actually branded Snapper. We were told to save our receipt for the oil to prove we used it. They may still have the same program.

Just a thought,

Marc

The 28" should be more than sufficient.  I have a 28" non-pro Large Frame Simplicity and it's a very stout and effective machine.  Being that it's new and free of snow, you should give it a good once over when you get it home.  I'm sure you've read the lubrication posts.  Suggest you do the same with yours.  One thing you should know about the auger gear drive in the Simplicity is that it uses a different kind of lube.  At least mine does.  It's not a gear oil.  It's actually a liquid grease.  It's called Benalene grease and I'm finding it hard to locate here in Canada.  Here are some other recommended substitutes if Benalene is hard to find:

3. If necessary, add John Deere High Temperature EP Grease 100 gr (3-1/2 oz) maximum when gearbox is empty or an equivalent, such as:

· Benalene No. 372

· Shell Darina 1

· Mobiltem 78

· Texaco Thermatex EP1

 

Thanks, just got back in from taking delivery and giving it a try.  Very impressed, kinda makes my old Ariens 8524 look like a toy, although I have to say it worked well when it worked to.  Right now the temp outside is getting to close to 0 degrees for me to really look at to much.  It came serviced ofcourse, so hopefully it will be good enough till things warm up a bit.  Just cleared the end of the driveway and put it away for now.  Starting to think about the snowcab in the near future.  Is there a special one to work with these channel handle bars?

Just called my dealer, says he has a simplicity snowcab on hand for $190.00 and he thinks it comes with the weight kit to balance the machine back out.  Good way to go?

With the channel framework, you probably don't have much of a choice.  Maybe someone out there knows different.  Considering you just bought the machine, the dealer should cut you some slack on the cab.  See what kind of deal you can get.  Remember that you likely don't have an alternative so you will be at the mercy of the dealer.   

Pete   Can you tell where the dealer is that has the  Simplicity pro still ?

montyss wrote:

A bit late for the OP, but I've been thinking about this as I debated my next (if ever) purchase.

28" vs. 32":  aside from storage issues why not go with the larger one? It's only 4 inches so it may not save you a pass down a long driveway, then again it just might. Wider would save a pass on most driveways, and that is a big point for 50' or longer driveways. (Mine is 110') 32" is a nice width for a single pass on a sidewalk, my 28 is just a little bit too narrow.
Personally, I'd have a 42" if I could store it - the space at the front of my garage between the door is 36" so my 28 is fine and a 32 would be no trouble. 40 or more would stick out, forcing me to move it to the back of the garage, and then face the possibility of having to take out a vehicle to get the blower out to the driveway. That's the deal-killer.

I don't understand the worry about enough HP for a wider one, isn't that why we have gears? There's a certain amount of snow out there, and the wider one will pick up more to feed to the same impeller. If it's too much, you just slow down a little. If you're bogging down the engine at that point you'd want to slow down anyway. I only see this as an issue for the first pass. I think we all go less than full width on subsequent passes if it is so deep the machine is struggling. In my opinion, I think it's a non-issue, but I'm willing to be proven wrong.  Am I?

From my perspective the power to width ratio isn't too meaningful except for the first cut into a new snowfall.  If the snow is deep I rarely take a full cut on subsequent passes in order to keep snow from falling to the cleared side of the front chute. 

The choice between the 2 models is not a decision to sweat over.  They are both BEASTS, and each will handle whatever falls from the sky.