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

I have been looking at toro 826, ariens 927dlx, simplcity 9528 and JD 1130 [which I understand is a simplcity in JD green]. I have a 250ft driveway mostly one car width. I know there is some differences in sizes , but they are close to my budget of $2000 canadian taxes in. Will the 826 handle the heavy wet snow as easy as the larger Simplicity and JD models. It is hard to get a straight answer out the salesman,so I will ask questions on here.  Cast iron gearboxes vs aluminum, does it matter?  The chute rotation gears in the toro are plastic , in the ariens they are plastic and steel  vs. both steel gears in the simplicity and JD . Is that a concern for the future? What are your thoughts on these models longevity? Help me pick the right !st snowblower.

bdresch wrote:
It's obvious you are targeting my comments. You might want to note that I was asked for my opinion. I don't see anyone asking for yours.
I don't recall using the word "junk". However, if that's the way you feel about the lower end Ariens and Toro models, you're entitled to your opinion and you'll get no argument from me.

I do not agree with Borat. Craftsman, Husqvaran, and MTD make inferior machines compared to the popular three: Areins, Toro, Simplicity. I recently purchased a toro and did extensive research to compare all three brands in my area. Just for kicks, I checked out the craftsmans, Huskys, and even an MTD throwers. There is no contest between the cheap machines, and the better offerings. Just take a look at one in person, you don't have to be an engineer.

As for Simplicity, Ariens, Toro.... they are much harder to differentiate. They are all pretty much the same in terms of quality, since all three compete with each other and will do as much to increase the bottom line. Are they cheaper built than in the past? Yes. Are any of them that much worse? No. When you consider all the variables between the three companies, the only thing that changes are three things relative to the consumer: price, features, and dealer support. (notice quality is excluded since all three are quality) Yes Toro is the most expensive of the three but if price is no issue and you like specific features than go with a Toro. Ariens are the least expensive of the three, depending on what price range you are looking at.

For example I was looking at the:
(I now prices are different, but just to give you and idea)

826OE @ $1200 after rebate ($1400 reg)
Simplicity L1226E @ $1100
Ariens 27 Deluxe @ $1000
Ariens 24 Deluxe @ $900

In the end my decision came down to features. I did not want traction control on the ariens specifically. I think traction changing components are a complex weak point even on the Toros, though I think Toro's design execution is the best. I didn't really care for the one sided remote lockout on both Ariens 27dlx and Simp. But I did like the quick chute on the toro. The Simplicity felt more robust in that it was heavier, but looking closer it was simillar in build with the other two. I did not like the electric chute rotation on the simp.

In the end I went with Toro because of the chute, and some other features that I liked (better engine, heavy duty bushings on the axle, bigger auger gearbox, intake area, weight distribution, and I like toro so I was obviously a bit partial to them). Also the rebate was a big factor. Dealer kind of sucked, but I won't need him since I work on my ope myself.

But I don't think my Toro will last any longer than the other three options I had. One thing I can be sure of: if properly taken care of, then all the machines will last at least 10-15 years, and they will be enjoyable to use in that time period. The cheap machines will probably last a while too, but won't be as enjoyable.

So in conclusion:

find good dealers (if you plan on them for service),
decide on the price point,
get a machine with features you want,

If I had to do it over again, I might have gone with the Ariens 24 Deluxe.

Yo OPEcrazy:

The prices for the machines you have listed vary considerably from those posted by the original poster. You are obviously looking at the lowest value models of the the higher grade manufacturers. Those machines and prices do not reflect the same grade of machines that original poster had listed. For instance, none of the machines you've listed would compare with a Simplicity 9528 in any way. All of the machines you've listed appear to bargain basement models being sold in box stores. I still maintain that a higher end Husqvarna or Craftsman would be very close in build quality, reliability and performance to the machines you've listed.

The only major difference between the models I listed and the more expensive ones are the features. The chassis's are virtually the same. I used my example as a reference for the OP.

In addition the OP mentionoed the toro 826 which is the snow thrower I purchased, so that makes my imput somewhat relative.

Just because the big box stores sells a snow thrower it doesn't make it crap. But crap <I>can</I> be sold at a big box store. There is no way you can compare any craftsman to a toro, Ariens, or Simplicity. Even the biggest most expensive craftsman is still the same design as the lower end ones, once again because companies keep the same chasis and add or subtract features. Huskies are better and maybe come closer to a Toro/Ariens/Simp, but still use thinner steel, and smaller gearbox, auger, and impeller.

For example- Toro shares the same frame, tractor mechanism, and chute, only differ in engine size, steering lockouts and two bucket sizes: 26,28 inch. You can't say the 826 is crap compared to the 1128 because they are the same design.

Simplicity does the same thing, only adds a steel gearbox after their least expensive large frame. Then the next change in the line-up happens with the Pro series different frame design.

Same thing with Ariens (24 Deluxe and up).

There are some other differences between a Simplicity 9528 and the machines you've listed.

9528 has a 4 blade impeller, easy turn, one had operation capability, snow max engine, bigger wheels, and weighs 255 lbs. The 26" Ariens is 228 lbs. That's 27 lbs. lighter. The Toro is even lighter at 222 lbs. The difference in weight tells me that we're not just looking at gizmos, there are obviously structural differences between the the classes of machines. I don't have all the machines available for me to measure shaft thickness, chassis steel thickness nor the thickness of impeller and auger components. However, just by comparing weights, I would venture to guess that some of the above features are probably not the same specs as the heavier machines.

For what they are, the machines you've listed are not bad machines. I just don't think they'd be up to the task as well as the larger frame machines under very difficult circumstances. I will say that the prices aren't bad either. Other than the Toro.

ope please....dont even try comparing toro to simplicity.Until now toro offered the tecumseh L-head engine on the machines except for the 1128OXE.And even on the 09 models,all of their machines have the same size tire,not the case with simp.Toro loves plastic.And save your breath on how it's hi tech NASA grade plastic.Plastic will always be plastic.If it does crack ...you're in for a big replacement bill.Steel doesnt crack.It might ding or rust but thats easy to touch up.Also Simp uses cast iron gear case on their Large frame and Pro machines.And I have spoken to numerous ope dealers.They laugh at Toro using left ,right power steering.It makes the machine more susceptible to breakdown and its not necessary.Toro is a good yuppie machine lol.

Well of course the Toro will be the lightest of the group. Did you see the amount of plastic used on one? Theres a lot. If you factor the plastic, aluminum gearcase, and lack of any traction system that could equal anywhere from 10-15 lbs. That is not necessairly a good thing, since in some cases you want a heavier machine, but Toros are aimed at a different consumer. They are marketed as the "sports car" of snow throwers so more for residential or light commercial work. That is the reason they are evenly balanced on the wheels, to make them more maneuverable. Once again, just because its aimed for "light" comercial work does not mean it is cheap. Just a different design.

When refering to the Simplicity, is that the L1428E? The second model in the large-frame throwers?

Now back on topic:

Granville, considering the machines you have been thinking about I would either go for the Toro or the Simplicity. I would stay away from Ariens. Also I wouldn't go for John Deere even though it is a bit cheaper. John Deere partnership is very interesting and I think Simplicity cheap out on some internal compounents to sell them for less. Especially since JD wants to make some money too. I see them sold at Lowes, with other MTDs.

The only problem is the Toro is a totally different machine compared to the Simplicity L1428E. I think the Simplicity would out throw the Toro.

mikiewest wrote:
Well I guess we all have our own opinions. And I am a yuppie for purchasing one. ;-)

Plastic is plastic, but without it lots of stuff wouldn't exist. Toro offers five years on all their "plastic" HDPE. Oh, and plastic doesn't rust and cause snow sticking.

But that doesn't matter anymore since I recommended the Simplicity anyways for the OP conditions.

Like I said,steel will rust but it doesnt take much time and effort to touch it up and u wont have a sticking problem...The snowblowers that r 30+ yrs old r steel not plastic my friend.

I find that using the the term "sports car" of snow throwers amusing. What kind of marketing ploy is that? Who, in their right mind would swallow that line? It's funny how some people can be herded in a certain direction simply by suggestion. If a sales person was to lay that line on me, I'd laugh at him. It's a snow thrower. A machine designed to throw snow so you can get to your "sports car". I'm certain there are enough people out there willing to delude themselves into thinking they're having more fun throwing snow than the poor fellow next door with the Ariens or Craftsman or whatever. The Toro guy, in his own mind, may be having more fun, but the other guys, in most cases, will have their driveways cleared just as soon as the Toro guy and some even sooner. But hey! The Toro guy will burn some donuts in the driveway for us when he's done!

Personally, I think Toro machines are fine snow throwers. Plastic and all. I just find that they're over priced and the dealerships that I'm exposed to tend to be arrogant. That is the part I find hardest to accept. Arrogance for what? There are numerous machines out there just as good and some better for less money. What's there to be arrogant about. Even Honda dealerships don't have attitude as bad as the local Toro dealer.

By the way, the 9528 is the same as the 1428 which is the first size large frame Simplicity with the cast iron gear case. It's more like the "tractor" of snow throwers.....