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

I'm going to buy a new snowthrower this month. I have looked at several brands and have cut the list down to the simplicity L1226E or the Ariens Deluxe 27 ( models are 2009)but have not limited my search to only these two models and are open to suggestions of any others. Both are priced @ $999.oo for a couple more weeks, or so they say. The Ariens Deluxe 27 offers the "easy turn" on the drive , which the simplicity does not offer at that prcie. Simplicity offers that feature on their L1428E( which also has a motor w/13.50 ft-lbs gross torque for around $1250.00
I am a current owner of a 1970's model simplicity 6hp that has preformed very very well over the years that I have owned it. I bought it used almost 20 years ago and do not want to put any more money into it's up-keep/maintanance.
Any feedback would be of great help,/peace of mind
Let it snow
Tim- from snowy Minnesota

I'm trying to make the very same decision myself.

Snowmann, very informative post, where can one find details like this?

I was leaning towards the Simplicity based on experience and reputation, plus the dealer is 5 minutes from my house, and having bought my tractor, string trimmer, etc there I have a good relationship with them. Your post leads me to believe that the new Simplicities are now just expensive Murrays... When you say Murray derived gear box, what leads you to that conclusion? Kicking tires of both left me more impressed with the Simplicity. Though the electric shoot control does concern me.

Guess the point of my post. In real world conditions how real are the advantages of the Ariens? Home Depot is the only Ariens dealer close and that thought makes me shudder...

Thanks!

Any thoughts on how the Simplicity L1428E stacks up against the Ariens Deulxe 27?  Aside from the $3-400+ price hit that is...   Looks like it will net you a cast iron gear case, easy turn (vs. diff lock on the Ariens), remote deflector control, and electric shoot rotation.

The bells and whistles don't impress me that much but the little lady (quite litterally) is threatening to want to run this while I'm at work.  I think the steeing assist and additional shoot controls would be a benefit for that. 

tempted to look into the pro model but for that price I could darn near get two Ariens 27 deluxes :-)

Thanks!!