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

Hi everyone. I stumbled on this site a few days ago and I love it.  It's great to read real, honest assessments about new machines. After years of back pain the doctor told me I have a couple of crushed discs and arthritis in my back. So shoveling snow is getting to be less of an option for me. After reading this great site I am sold on Simplicity, but I am wondering about durability between the Large frame and Professional models. I don't have much of a driveway right now, but I don't want to have to trade up when that changes in a few years. I have ruled out Honda, they are too expensive and parts are absurd. I also want to buy from an American company if I can. My area gets an average of 80 inches of (usually) heavy wet snow a year. I am leaning towards the L1428E, or actually its John Deere cousin, the 928E, since the JD is $250 cheaper, and the dealer is only 30 miles away, vs 65 miles for the nearest Simplicity dealer. Any thoughts or suggestions are much appreciated.

Any bolt or fastener, specialized or otherwise can be had from sources other than a dealer for a fraction of the cost.  It might take a bit of hunting to find one but you can rest assured it's out there.  If people were to get a little more familiar with businesses that specialize in fasteners, bearings, drive belts, filters etc. they'd save a bundle.  I use them at every opportunity.    Dealerships are my absolute last source.  I'll make a part if I can to avoid a dealership.  And there is no way I'd bring my machine to a dealer for service.  That's like playing Russian roulette with five bullets in the gun.