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

Well I am set on buying a new snow blower but I am trying to figure out which one.. I am looking at the new  Ariens Deluxe 27 and last years 27LE. Both are priced the same at the dealer $999

I am also looking at a 08/09  Snapper 1428 or a 08/09 Simplicity 1428 either one $999 as the dealers are willing to match the price of the Ariens. I ruled out the 09/10 machines from them as I am not sure of the motors for the chute rotation. Both these machines have the 305cc Snow MAx engines. I do like having the remote control for pitch  on the machine compared to Ariens not having it, it seems like a mistake by Ariens not to include it on their machines as it seems like a long reach to me to change it on the Ariens

The 08/09 27LE has the Briggs Snow Max 305cc while the 09/10 Deluxe 27" has the Briggs Snow series 250cc motor. Are there any differances between the Snow Max and Snow series engines other than the obvious of one being bigger. Are there any new design improvements to the 09/10 machine over last years model that would make me want to get the 09/10 model.

The Snapper/ Simplicity have cast iron gear boxes while Ariens has an Aluminum gear box. What are the internal differances between the insides of the units.

When you look at the units side by side on the floor its hard to tell any differances in design as far as engineering goes and most salespeople have no clue

What are the strenghts and weakness of these machines.

I was doing the same research recenlty and found more, stronger, features on the Simplicity. I just got a heavier feel from the 1428 that I ended up with, and if you can get it for $999 that is not a bad price either.  Neither is a bad unit, and until I tripped accross the Simplicity, I almost did pick up the Ariens too. The Features of the manual control also for me were an advantage. I also felt that the larger motor will be more advantagous in th elong run. One thing that I will do is over buy on something like this, who ever has said, boy that just put snow too far away, i did not want to throw it that far, The other reason for that is the EOD slush, realstically, that is what we almost all buyt these things for. if the muni's woudl avoid all our drives, then single stage woudl rule the world, but last winter I had a 4 1/2' EOD that was 6 feet from the end of my drive, never would have shoveled that, but also learned that my old Ariens just could not keep up, thus the new Simplicity.

I also put an Easy Tach on mine, to monitor RPM's and hours, great addition for the $35 that  spent

But again, I got a good deal and felt there was heavier hardware on the Simpicity, I did not want to have to do this again for 15 or 20 years.

Good luck!

Other than displacement, the main difference between a Snow and a Snow Max is the Max engines have cast iron cylinder bores. Snow engines are aluminum. In the long run, I suspect that cast iron bore will last longer and lends itself to being re-bored if and when the engine wears itself to that point. The only advantage of an aluminum bore is better heat transfer. Personally, in a snow thrower application, either engine will do just fine. Chances are, that with proper maintenance,both engines will give many, many years of solid service.

While having a cast iron maybe a selling point and comfort to would-be buyer, I'm not sure if there's a definite advantage, real or practical, of having a cast iron gear case over cast aluminum  Quite a few manufacturers now have cast aluminum gear boxes, Honda included. 

You pay your money and take your chances.   Pay or buy more if you want warm and fuzzy feel.  But why buy Z rated tires to put on a car that tops out at 125 mph.

With that said, I'd recommend going with the more powerful engine in every case.  There's no such thing as blowing too far, you can always throttle down the engine.

Just to add my piece. If you can get the bigger engine for the same price, I would go for it. The 13.5 ft/lbs of torque sure makes a difference in heavy wet snow and the EOD.
I have the new 09/10 model Simplicity 1428 and put it to use the other morning in 6 to 7 inches of heavy wet stuff. The 305cc engine didn't blink.

On March 31st, the last snow fall of the season, we received between 24 to 30" of heavy wet snow. Brutal stuff. I cleared two and a half 110' x 18' drive ways with 25' x 25' foot turn arounds at the top. I burned two full tanks of fuel in the my Simplicity with the 305cc engine. I was thoroughly impressed with the machine. I really enjoyed seeing it plaster wet snow two thirds of the way up the light poles down at the street while most of the other guys were barely getting it off the drive way with their machines. I was never much of a Briggs and Stratton fan. However, after seeing how well the 305cc engine performs and how nicely it runs getting the job done, I've learned to appreciate it.

All I can tell you is that I'm extremely satisfied with my Ariens 927Le. I purchased it last year and it was a joy to operate all winter long. Picked up snow, slush, and the odd flyer with nary a problem. The remote control for the pitch is not something I ever regretted not having, and I just look at it as one less thing to worry about breaking...
My tecumseh Sno King with 318 cc is terrific and I have nothing bad to say about any aspect of my Ariens.
As long as you maintain your engine and comply with all oil-changes..etc, I also don't believe there's any great difference between the aluminum and cast-iron gear boxes.
Hope this helps.

Well I finally bought a new unit. I bought the Snapper 2009 L1428E modle #1695681 I found a place going out of business and they wanted $1000 for there last one, I offered $800 as a starting point figuring they would counter offer but they excepted it. They are doing set up and I will be picking it up on Saturday, Bring on the snow.

btw574 wrote:

Good choice and an excellent price!

That was a great deal!  You're going to have a great snowblower.

skier1 wrote:

I am thinking about picking a L1428E Tuesday Sept 7, 2010 on a pre season sale. Coming from a Yardworks 10.5hp 28 I want to make sure whatever I get next last longer then 7 years I got out of that one, and hopefully throws snow a hell of a lot better. I have some questions about your post just wondering how the purchase has worked out for you? Also I am wondering about the Easy Tach you installed, do you happen to have a link to order them online or any links with info on them? Cheers,