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

Last year I bought a John Deere 1130SE snowblower and for the most part I was extremely happy with it's performance. I love the hand warmers, electric chute rotation, easy steer and the front end weight just to name a few.  The only problem I had, which was pretty significant, was the intermittent transmission slipping.  After sealing the transmission housing with silicone and some weather stripping, the problem was completely gone.  The remainder of the winter was very pleasing and I always looked forward to using the 1130.  I also had a second snowblower that I'm trading for a new 1330SE.  So now I'll have the 1130 and the 1330.  The 1130 will be for my business parking lot.  Some of the interesting features of the 1330 is the addition of an electric deflector control and dash area integrated headlights.  So now the chute is totally electric (both rotation and the deflector).  The slipping transmission should be resolved from water getting into the rubber/aluminum disc drive.  To fix this problem, Deere added a rubber gasket between the engine mounting plate and the transmission housing.  I'll try to post some pictures in the future.
BTW, my second choice would have been an Ariens since they seem to give people on this website support from at least one poster.  I wish Briggs, Simplicity or Deere would give the same support.

It is interesting to see the many options for the chute controls. It's also very hard to tell how well these work until you're actually behind the machine blowing snow.  As an example, my first reaction to the Toro was not very positive because all that I saw was a bunch of plastic.  However people seem to really like it and I haven't heard of any complaints.  I like the new Deere electric controls because I should be able to control everything with a push of a switch with each thumb.   

Thanks Catt!

Your post is what broke the camels's back for me. I had been lurking around several boards contemplating the 1330SE.. and finally made the move...

my unit is sitting in my garage...

Still waiting for my first snow... (Long Island, New York)

Thanks for the great pics!

Congratulations!  I tried my 1330 out on Saturday.  We got 7" of very heavy and wet snow.  The 1330 went through it with no problems.  I think you'll really like the easy steer and the electric chute controls.  The front end is pretty heavy, but that makes it dig down to the driveway, which I like.  I had added a fuel gauge to my 1130 and did the same on the 1330.  Here's a picture from the 1130.

WOW! what a great idea. I didn't even know they made such a thing.

Where can I find it? is it a John Deere product?

I just ordered the roller skids that were mentioned somewhere on this site...

can't wait to throw those babies on

7" of snow already... guessing Canada??

I'm in Minnesota. Let us know how the roller skids work for you.

 The cap is a Briggs & Stratton part number 698109.  Here are a couple links:

http://www.mowpart.com/p312481/Cap-Fuel-Tank/product_info.html

http://www.lawnmowerpros.com/detail.asp?id=698109

Hey Catt...

Thanks for the extra info.... I ordered the fuel gauge tonight (11/18) and just bolted on the roller/skids. I drove it up and down my driveway and it "feels" soooo much better with wheels. I had to drill and extra hole as the 1130's skid holes are about 1/2 inch closer than the slots in the roller/skid. Not a problem, all is looking good. Where the heck is the snow???

How reliable do you guys think the electric shoot controls will be? I like the blower but to be honest those little electric motors make me nervous. I'd appreciate any comments regarding them it anyone has experience with them.

Hard to say for sure as it will only be known over time. These are similar to the motors used in automotive electric windows which are pretty reliable.  I'm sure it can be argued either for or against so I won't even try.  However I like gadgets and on cars as an example, it comes with the risk of something failing, but don't take away my power steering, electric locks, power windows etc and etc.

Good Points! Just trying to make my mind up between an Ariens with manual controls and Deere's electric.

It's a very good question and if you want absolute reliability and the potential for cheaper repairs, then go for the manual operation.  If (IMHO) you like to make life a little more interesting than I say go for the electric chute.  I'm sure you'll have fun blowing snow this winter with either.