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

I am looking for any experience with the Simplicity 1530.  I have not owned a 2 stage blower before and looking for some suggestions.  I live in Iowa and get the bottom of the driveway filled beyond the ability of my single stage unit.  A dealer has two of these units for sale that are used.  One is two years old and the other is one year old.  These are a bigger unit than I was looking to purchase new and was considering a 26" to 28" model. 

I sent the dealer the information snowman posted when commenting on the Simplicity 1226 and the Ariens 27LE.  Here is what I got back.

-The crankshaft itself is forged and it has cast counterweights
-Pto side of crank is supported by a ball bearing and the flywheel side is the normal Briggs sleeve bearing
-It has hardened 3/4" diameter axle shafts with differential release for low effort turning
-Friction disk is 4" in diameter with a rubber thickness of 5/8", and Drive disk is 7" in diameter
-Auger belt is single belt system using a 5/8" section kevlar belt
-High speed drive disk shaft and friction disk shaft both are supported on both ends by ball bearings

Standard information from the Manufacturer.

Model L1530E, 1695334
Engine Make Briggs and Stratton
Model Snow Series MAX
Engine Type 4-Cycle OHV
Approximate Horsepower 13.5hp
Ft-lbs Gross Torque 14.50
Starter Electric with Large Mitten Grip
Recoil
Fuel Tank Capacity 1 Gal
Clearing Width 30 in
Throwing Distance 40'
Intake Height 19 3/4"
Auger Style Serrated Steel
Auger Diameter 14"
Auger Gear case Material Cast Iron
Impeller Diameter 12 in
# Of Impeller Blades 4
Skid Shoes Reversible
Fresh Start Fuel Cap Standard
Chute Material Steel
Chute Rotation 200º Quick Chute
Rotator
Chute Deflector Direction Change
Remote
Drive System Friction Disc
Speeds 6 FWD, 2 REV
Wheel Lock Release  Easy Turn
Tire Size 16 x 4.8"
Tread Snow Hog
Handle Type Tubular
Panel Type Steel Dash
Control Type Free Hand
Clear Out Stick STD
Drift Cutters STD
Headlight 27 watt Amber Halogen

Any help is appreciated.

lance, i own a L1428E which i purchased last december. I also looked at the 1226 but decided on the 1428. The 1226 has 11.5ft.lbs gross torque the 1428 has 13.5. i am very happy with my simplicity blower. I can blow circles around my neighbors. simplicity is one of the few manufactures that sizes their motors to their width so that you'll never find a simplicity blower that is underpowered. . no matter what simplicity blower you decide on im very confident youll be more than satisfied.