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

I started another thread for feedback on the Ariens Deluxe 24 Platinum vs. Honda 724 but I just took a look at a Simplicty P1524E and was intrigued.  It goes for $1750, feels really solid, has a lever to unlock one of the wheels for easier turning, heated grips, a light, and an electric button to turn the chute.

But I dont know anything about Simplicity brand equipment. 

Any feedback on this model, Simplicity in general, and how it compares to the Honda or Ariens?

I am a little concerned about an electric button to control the chute.  I can understand that its convenient but seems like if anything is going to go wrong that would be it.  Otherwise, this one feels like a tank.  I am now leaning towards this one and getting ready to pull the trigger.

Again, thanks in advance for any feedback you can give.

Simplicity is a real solid brand. As I have stated, they manufacture the John Deeres such as the 928 and 1130's. Simplicity has a very solid reputation.

My self, I would go with the Airens pro series.

It's your call, and your money.

Bill

I bought my son a Simplicity 1060DLXE in 2005 as a house warming gift (manual chute)- Great machine. That being said I would go with the Ariens because I don't trust the electric chute. It is a gimmick that is a reason not to buy this unit. I'm sure it works well but what happens if it breaks? The reason to buy a premium unit is reliability- An electric chute is an unecessary feature that is a problem waiting to happen at the least opportune time.

Marc

I looked at all the brands this fall and was ready to get the Ariens, untill I looked at the Simplicity. I felt that the stronger gearcase, heavier construction and some other features gave the simplicity a nod. I was nto sold on the powered chute and controls untill I looked over some posts here, most have very little problem with the feature, so that seems no tto be a concern. That said though, I found a year old one for $1000 (1428 though) adn decided to get that.

The manual controls on it are not quite as nice as my old Arines( I miss 200 deg rotation), but the throwing distance and power and overall control of the unit is making me very VERY happy.

Happy Blowing!!

Doug

I got a Simplicity 1428 this fall and I have only had the oppourtunity to use it just 3 times this winter. The first time I used it, it took a while to get used to the electric chute. This morning I had the great chance to use it again and I can say I absolutely love it.

Before I bought it  I did as much research as I could. I knew the previous Pro models had the electric chute and I talked to my dealer's mechanic about the reliability. He and I get along very well and I do not believe that he would bs me. He said that they have had no issues with this feature. He did say to make sure after using it to make sure that you clean any snow or ice off the chutes rotation gear and any contacts.

This machine rocks!.

I have this Simplicity 1524.  This winter is my 3rd (or 4th?) with it.  It's an awesome machine that I highly recommend to others. The Power Boost really makes a difference when you get into a dense drift, the impeller is incredibly solid and the box frame steel gives the whole thing nice weight and excellent stabiblity.  I never use the electric start -- the Briggs OHV is an easy start on the first or second pull.

The heated handles are useful (completely unnecessary, but very nice nonethless -- I can frequently go out in very thin gloves, making everything easier).  What I really like about the handles is the thick tubular steel and rubberized cover.  The 1524 is a very manueverable machine and the handles add to that in a surprising way.

[Everyone here has an opion on electric chute controls.  It's a simple design with a pretty standard windshield washer motor.  And Simplicity has been using it on their Pro machines for many years -- it's not new on this line.  I do squirt some WD-40 in the switch to keep it from mechanically icing up, but otherwise, I don't worry about it.]

The mechanic that has been working there for 11 years told me they have never had anyone come in with issues related to the powered chute.  They may have been BSing me but I got the impression they were being honest. 

I bought it and they delivered it two hours later.  Get to test it out in the morning.

Good for you, I am very certian that you will be pleased for years with your purchase.

Simplicity is overall a well built brand (at the higher models espically)!!

l spent several weeks researching brands and decided on the Simplicity 924E (2008 model). I looked at Troy-Bilt, Poulan, MTD, Sears Craftsman, Airens, etc. This is my second winter season using the Simplicity and I am confident I made the right choice. The frame is all-steel and the chute is also steel, not plastic like many other brands. The 9 hp Briggs & Stratton motor runs flawlessly. As someone else stated, the Simplicity is built like a tank. I highly recommend this brand.   

Yeah baby its built like a tank....I said that and its true.I have the 11570e pro model and that dang is a workhorse out in the snow.No cheapy plastic.Someone measured the thickness of the steel and it's thicker than even the Honda.And as primitive as the friction disc might be compared to the hydrostatic transmission,its a reliable design.Been around for ages and easy to fix compared to a hydro tranny.

So I got to use the 1524 a little today.  We got about 6 inches of wet packed snow and the Simplicity went thru it like nothing.  But I have a question about it that I hope someone on here can answer before I talk to the place I bought it at.

I noticed that when I stop and let it idle, with both levers released it sometimes makes that aweful sound like when the auger is disengaging.  But it doesnt do it once.  It will keep doing it.  I walked around the front and noticed the auger was still turning albeit slowly.  So I turned the throttle down a little and it stopped making the sound and the auger stopped.  Is this normal?  It sounds like the auger clutch is not fully disengaging when this happens.  Any advice appreciated.

DaHo wrote:
It may be as simple as the adjustment on the idler pully, it maybe keeping too much tension on the auger, therefore keeping it moving sightly. I have noticed that on mine the auger stops rather quickly.  I am thinking that there might be some kind of brake on the unit, albeit I have not checked with the owners maunal, it is a nice feature for when I am blowing and the kids decide to run out infront of my work area, snow stops right now.

Thanks.

I spoke with the shop today and they told me that the units arrive with the auger set very tight.  They used to try to loosen them up a little before delivery but then when the belts wore in they would slip under heavy loads and need to be tightened back up.  Instead he suggested I use it 4 or 5 times and then if it is still too tight he can come down and make a quick adjustment.  I tried it this morning to clean up the small amounts that fell after I did the driveway last night and it was not doing it.  I did notice that the auger kicks in when I barely touch the lever too which would be in line with what he was saying.  I'll keep an eye on it.