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

I purchased a Simplicity 11570E pro snowblower 2006 model(28"width,11 1/2 hp ohv b&s engine) in nov 2008.I have used it 6 times and its a beast of a machine.I could of got the 09 model but didnt want the electric chute.Honda has nothing on this machine as far as reliability and durability.It might throw snow a little further but who cares.I filled the bucket completely with snow and it would not clog.That 11 1/2 ohv valve briggs with the Simplicity power boost just kept the snow moving.I have blown dry,wet,watery snow with no problem.So Hondas r not the only machine that can blow heavy wet,watery stuff.My handles r welded to that all steel box frame way better than hondas setup.When I turn my handle to the right my chute turns to the right unlike hondas which goes in the opposite direction.And I'll put my 11 1/2 hp up against Hondas 9 hp anyday.Like I said it never clogged and believe me I tried.And as far as that hydro tranny,u can keep it.My friction disc is probably more reliable and how many times do u change gears while throwing snow?Also the Simp. has a cast iron gear box,grease zerks does honda??No...Also try rolling the honda out of the garage even if u put that lever on the bottom of the machine in the release position,it still doesnt roll well.Then u have to bend down again and put the lever in the engaged position to engage the tranny.For once Americans make something as good as and easier to use than the Japanese....And I have about $500 in my pocket since the honda 928was is at least that much more than my simplicity depending where u live.So rock on Simplicty and keep making those great snow blowers.............

As long as you are happy thats what matters. I love my Honda and my Ariens. No need to bash. Chevy? Ford? Both get you from point a to point b. I like apple pie

Another satisfied customer, bought a Simplicity that just as good as Honda and saved $500.  Smart decision, patriotic and puts money back into America. 

Mikiewest, that was one long paragraph.  My head spins from reading it.  I had to read it 3 times to understand all that.  I'd admit I'm a little slow in comprehension.  All right, let me line up those ducks in a row to make it more clear.

1.  The 11hp OHV Briggs powerboost threw snow a little less distance than a 9 hp Honda (OHV) with load sensing RPM governor control.  Imagine that!  More distance with 2 less HP.   Who cares about a few feet in pissing distance? Not you, but other people do care.  Score 1 for Honda here.

2. I never heard of hydro tranny being an issue in the Honda snowblower.  No surprise that it is more comlex and are also being used in lawn tractors.  You like the disco matic with slip/grip when wet, that's okay too.  Just make sure to keep stuff that doesn't belong there off the two surfaces.  "Friction disk" probably more reliable?  Probably.  WE have discussion of people having friction disk problem as many times as they take their snowblower outside.  Show me a discussion of a hydro tranny having problems.  Score 1 for Honda here.

3. I like Simplicity welded channel handle bar, it is simple and strong.  Nothing new here.  The old Gilsons had these trademark handle bars for years.  Cable management could have been done better considering how elegant the handle bar is.  As nice as the Simplicity handle bar is concerned, I don't see how it makes a difference for comparison.  The tubular handles on the Honda flexes a little bit when I put all my weight on it to lift the bucket, but it hasn't broken.  I'll give 1 for Simplicity for strength.

4.  Both Honda and Simplicity throws wet stuff and don't clog.  Wooo HOOO!!!!.  Dang, these guys make awesome snow and water pumps on wheels.  Score 1 for Honda, score 1 for Simplicity.   Tie here.

5.  Grease zerks not on the Honda.  Don't need them.  Look at the parts diagram and tell me how grease would make any difference.  Simplicity got grease zerks, so if you like to pump grease, do it.  Honda owners can drill and install their own zerks and fill grease on every cavity and orifice too, if they want.  A few bucks in parts and 15 minutes of time.  No big deal here.  No points given.

6.  Rolling the snowblower around the garage.  It's a pain the a**.  Feels like pushing a Sumo wrestler off the ring.  Wear good shoes, keep your center of gravity low.  Simplicity wins hands down in terms of ease.  Score 1 for Simplicity.

7.  Saved $500.  Score 1 for Simplicity.

3 points for Honda, 3 points for Simplicity.  I see two best snowblowers here.  Add a few points to patriotism and $$$ saved if you those means more to you.  Add a few points if you like to put money towards foreign countries. 

I like gyros sandwich.  Bet you didn't know that is American as apple pie too. 

I like Ford. Don't like Chevy. I don't like apple pie. I like oranges and orange colored snowblowers. Everything else is negotiable.

Me too.  I like Ford, don't like Chevy.   Only like apple pie if it's home made in gas fired oven.  I like oranges and orange colored equipment, only its free.  I like anything if anyone pays me to like them. 

Might be a little over the top there Mikie. 

Nice to see you like your Simplicity though.  I'm more than happy with mine.  

After almost two seasons of intense operation, I noticed that my snow throwing distance had fallen off a bit.  I tightened the belt and it's as good, if not better than new.  If the snow is just the right consistency, it will throw it easily 40 feet.  However, that kind of snow isn't too common.  Usually, the snow is thrown out in a fine powder that drifts with the wind.  EOD snow has never stopped it and gets launched a good distance.  I don't see anything on my street that throws any further and most don't come close to it. 

aa335:  Another excellent and fair summary of comparison between  two brands. 

 I have a great deal of respect for Honda and overall, believe them to be a technologically superior machine than the Simplicity.   However, I must condition that statement with the very important consideration of "price factor".   Where I live, a comparable Honda is sold for at least $1000.00 more than a Simplicity.  That is where Honda rapidly loses ranking with me.  A couple hundred more.  No problem.  A whole grand?   Don't think so.   That is where Simplicity really earns my respect.  Although not as technologically advanced as Honda, Simplicity machines are extremely rugged and do work very well for their intended purpose, using simpler components for a lot less money.   That, to me, is the essence of engineering accomplishment.   Providing the masses with a reliable implement to do a specific job, with extreme reliability and longevity for an affordable price.  Simplicity is a shining example of very good value.  Anyone can build a million dollar snow thrower.  Problem is that few of us can afford one.   Despite the fact that I can easily afford a Honda, I refuse to buy them simply due to the fact that they're over priced.  I won't support a manufacturer that doesn't offer competitive value.  Accordingly, as long as Simplicity avoids the perilous path that Ariens and Toro have recently taken, I'll continue to whole heartedly support their products.  For the future of sustainable success of snow thrower manufacturing in the USA, let's all hope that they continue to build premium quality machines for reasonable prices.    

oh ok aa so you would rather get ripped off and pay for the "Honda" name.Go right ahead pal.Im just tired of hearing how great hondas r.As if they r the only machine that can do certain things such as.... Hondas always start on the 1st pull.Woo Hoo so does my briggs.hondas dont clog with wet snow woohoo .Neither does my way less expensive Simplicity.For what a Honda snowblower costs,it better clean my snow on its own lol. while I watch from my living room window lol.And you dont even get a headlight.Good luck paying that bill when it needs repair .Oh yea I know Hondas dont need repairs they last forever; ha.Go to ebay and you will see how many people r selling honda snowblowers b4 they get to the point of having to do expensive repairs on them.Oh u seemed to have forgotten to mention that cast iron auger gearcase Simplicity has.What does Honda use??Oh yea aluminum lol....

You must really have some deep anger. Chill out. I like pizza

mikiewest wrote:

Who's twisting your arm to pay Honda prices for Honda name?  And why are you so upset about hearing how great Hondas are?  Did you not have a choice in buying or reading/listening?  Buy what makes you happy and ignore all the banter you so tired of hearing.  Did you not make a conscious choice to pay more for the $1800 Simplicity 11570E PRO snowblower, Briggs & Stratton OHV engine, Simplicity powerboost technology, and the awesome-stronger-better than anybody else all metal handle bars?  Come on pal, you bought a premium machine, with a premium name plate, and a premium price.  You bought the Cadillac Escalade of the Chevrolet Suburban.  By the way, for the price you paid for your Simplicity Pro snowblower, you could have employed the next door kid to mow your lawn and shovel your driveway for the next 2 or 3 years.  That would be so noble, keep your hard earned money in America, create a job in America.  You also don't have to worry about buying American product that may have some parts sourced overseas. 

So what if the Honda doesn't come with head light at those prices.  If you want head lights that bad, you will pay what ever they want or make your own.  Head lights are peanuts relative to the price of the snowblower.

I'm not sure where you got the idea that Hondas sold on Ebay are from people dumping their snowblowers before an expensive repairs occurs.  I see a lot of Toros on Ebay, are those people dumping their S-200 too?  If I was a seller of snowblower, I would not advertise that my Honda is a ticking timebomb asking for money.  How did you figured this one out? Are you a psychic?  Enlighten us, let us know when we put our Hondas up on Ebay and switch over to Simplicity.

Please pardon me, I did not have my fiber today, I will now step down from the soapbox. 

I did forget that you said something about cast iron gear case.  I don't know what material Honda uses for its auger housing.  I think it is aluminum, maybe cast iron, or maybe plastic.  What ever the material, has the gear case known to have issues?  Tell me the gear case material has a problem and I'll make sure my next one is made of better material.  Otherwise, Honda, don't you dare change a thing.  Hondas are already expensive as they are.

All modern small engines start with a first pull, provided they are maintained and primed and choked properly when cold.  I think manufactures have taken care of that as consumers have equated starting on first pull is a sign of quality engine.  Sorry, I don't find this unique to Honda engines.  A lot of people have stated their engines start on first pull, Tecumseh, Briggs, Honda, Kawasaki, Subaru, Toro.

Cut my grass??r u crazy.I have an American landscaper and his crew do my 2 plus acres pal...So they can make money and go buy the best snowblower in the world...A Simplicity.....hehehe.

mikiewest wrote:

Must be true if you say so.

Let's just say (as a simplicity pro owner) I'm not as impressed.

In fact I am so not impressed that if it gives me much more grief, I'll sell it at a loss, and buy the Honda.

I buy my equipment used.  I'm always looking for that piece that's well cared-for and a great price.  I don't pay retail (taxes, resale ect).  I see a ton of Ariens, a very few Honda, and no Simplicity snowblowers for sale.  I like the look, the quality and the balance of these machines, and I'm guessing so do the people who own them because I don't see them being sold again.  Honda's really really hold their value.  Ariens don't.   

That being said, I do think an 1132tas would probably kick the snot out of a Simplicity snowblower, but just not $1000.00 worth of snot.   All things being equal and if I was the new stuff kind of guy I'd take a chance on the Simplicity brand new.  I'm sure Honda makes really good generators too, but $2500 vs $1000 for the same wattage is an easy choice for me.

The Honda motor is as good as the B+S Vanguard motor  (which I have to say I prefer, and have the pleasure of using on my generator) and in a class far beyond the SnowKing or the lower end of the B+S.  Quiet quiet quiet and very lean on the gas.  Don't waste your money on an electric start because if you can't pull the cord on these babies you're probably not in good enough shape to take a walk.  But $1000? Couldn't do it.  I would however, pay someone to keep their Ariens out of my driveway!

That's a little harsh nhmatt.  However, I have to admit that I agree with just about everything you've said.   I too agree that Ariens is only a shadow of the machine it once was.  Simplicity machines are not infallible.  However, as you have pointed out, used ones are seldom available.  Must be a reason for that!  I know that I have nothing but praise for mine.  Particularly for the price.  Nothing compares to it for the money.  It's probably the best snow thrower value available. 

By the way, are you aware that the B&S Vanguard is made in Japan?   

No I wasn't aware it was made in Japan, but I will testify that in 10 years that engine has started on the first pull and is at least as quiet as the Honda on my 1132tas snowblower.  Its an excellent engine.  Too bad its made in Japan, but to not buy the best, in my opinion is un-American.

nhmatt wrote:

At least you can rest assured that your Vanguard is made to the best standards in the industry.  There's a reason the Vanguards cost more.  Japanese labour and top notch quality of materials and components.  Keep your chin up.  B&S are making considerable progress in their small engine quality.  There was a time when I wouldn't consider a B&S engine unless there was no other way around it.  Now that I've been using one for a couple seasons, I'm being converted.  However, I must temper that comment with the fact that longevity and consistent performance are very important aspects,  We'll just have to see how well it holds up.