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

What is the Easy Steer drive system?  The literature says: 

Is it similar to the Ariens auto differential? 

I've heard that the units are built by B&S which translates to Simplicity.  They do have cast iron gear cases like the Simplicity.  The chute control is different than the simplicity and so is the turning method so they are not exactly the same.  I'm trying to compare the Simplicity L1530E to the JD 1130SE.  Any help would be appreciated.

Rick

I was able to talk to the service depart at the local John Deere dealership that spoke very highly of the 1130SE even though they don't have any to sell in the store.  They have been sold out for months.  What was funny is that Lowes pays the JD dealership to come to Lowes and set these units up.  Lowes employees don't set up the JD products like the Home Depot employees set up the Ariens products.  The JD dealership also provides local service for the unit and the service manager said that they have had no return on the product and it has been a trouble free unit.  That was nice to hear.  The Easy Steer was a popular option the manager said. 

While the chute rotation isn't quite as convenient as some models of quick turn cables etc, I would have to agree that the design with the worm gear, while not being high tech is probably very durable. I haven't seen anything that makes this JD a no go product.  While I won't likely be able to tell the difference between the Briggs snow max 14.5 and the 15.5 bigger is usually better.

Rick

Rick

That certainly looks to me like it could be a differential.  This
would be interesting since Simplicty doesn't offer one to my
knowledge.

You can buy a engine block heater as an accesory.  First time
I've heard of that on a snowblower.

You know Clay, I think you've found the perfect strategy.  If you
keep it up you'll have had a different machine for every storm
and all you'll have to do is return the last one and the winter
won't have cost you anything

Paul

I'm driving my wife crazy.  I have never returned this much stuff in my whole life and this is not standard operating proceedure.  My old snow thrower  lasted 21  years and I didn't want something that wouldn't be around.  Truth is for under a grand that Craftsman 14.5 is still a heck of a machine.  This was 50% more than the first one.  The problem is that each machine has become more expensive.  The first one was around a grand, the second one $1200 and the third one $1500 after tax.  By the way Lowes does have a 30 day return policy and if this thing treats me like crap or I have 3 service calls in 3 weeks you don't even have to guess where it will end up.  So yes, I will take all of the ribbing anyone wants to give me.  I have had a very unique selection process but I don't recomend it to anyone else.  The first unit I bought out of state, but was able to return it locally, the second unit was bought out of state and returned out of state and the third unit was bought about 30 miles away.  Luckily gas prices have been down too.  The first unit I did an oil change with synthetic oil and lubed up the wheels with grease etc.  While it might sound fun to some, this has been a royal pain in the rear.  I just want a machine that works and I can get parts for after the warranty ends.  Is that really too much to ask for $1500 of my money?  If I wasn't going through this myself and I was reading my threads, I would be laughing my rear off at me, so I don't mind the friendly poke in the ribs.  I probably deserve it.

I did turn on the heated grips and they made me smile tonight.  More to follow after we get some snow and I can play with it for real.

So how does it turn ?    

Paul

I'm very happy with how it turns and I don't have to pull a lever.  I was also very happy with pulling a lever on the Craftsman 14.5, which turned with power to one wheel and it let you choose which wheel had the power unlike the Simplicity which always releases power to the left wheel so that the right wheel is under power.  In other words with the JD, you can turn to your left or to your right with similiar ease.  I like it. 

Truth is that it is still too new to tell.  Give me a couple of 8 to 12" snow falls and I can write a better review with very realistic thoughts.  I don't want to say it is the greatest thing since sliced bread, because I really haven't even used it in the snow yet, just running it up and down the side walk.  I'm looking at taking that B&S snow max with 15.5 pounds of torque and 342cc and seeing what it will do with a heavy snow and lots of it.  Proof will be in the pudding as they say.  Until then, I have a positive outlook with a sense of reality as well.  I just like that the local service place told me that they can turn around most jobs in 2 to 3 days if the part is on hand and if not about a week with parts shipping.  When it takes 3 weeks minimum to get your machine looked at, I don't call that much of a warranty. 

Price is good and construction looks impressive and I have local service.  I'm betting on all of that being a winning combo.

One interesting thing happened when I was removing snow from the driveway and parked the car in the street.  Two plows came by in tandem, one right after the other and plowed in the car in the street.  This would have taken hours in the old days with the 5 horse.  I walked right through that stuff and the engine was so powerful I blew the snow from the center of the street, over the car and into my front yard.  The job was done in minutes.  Very happy with the 15.5 torque rated snow max engine. 

Rick

Clay, I for one will not poke fun at you.  You just want to make sure you get what you want for the money. 

I, on the other hand am truly messed up.  I have an unhealthy infatuation with outdoor power equipment.   When I got married I was young and so broke I couldn’t even afford to buy a lawnmower...had to borrow one from neighbors.  I lived in an area that got lots of lake effect snow and had to shovel a long double wide driveway because I couldn’t afford a snow thrower.  And I had a big garden that I had to till by hand.  I used to say that someday I’m going to be able to afford power equipment.

Well its years later and I made my money.  Now I have a big 2 stage 11.5hp Ariens snow thrower...and I just bought a 7hp Ariens single stage blower for lighter snows.  What’s messed up is that I have a small driveway and I now live in an area that rarely gets snow.  We’ve only had two plow-able snowfalls in the last 4 years.  But if a storm like the Nor’easter of 1996 ever comes through again. I’m READY. 

To make matters worst I have a John Deere rider, a Snapper Ninja SP mulching mower and three Ariens SP walk behind mowers (one is a commercial Ariens) all to mow a yard about the size of a postage stamp.  And to top off the insanity I have 4 tillers...a Troy-bilt, a Sanpper rear tine, an Ariens front tine, and an Earthquake mini tiller...all ready to go in case I actually decide to put a small garden in someday.