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

Took the wife to the Deere dealer. The 1330SE is quite a machine. Electric adjustment of the chute for both direction and deflection; a very easily controlled and fast movement without any movement of your hand from the grip. However my wife complained it was hard for her to handle; I couldn't understand why.

Our Ariens dealer had closed by then, so we stopped by Home Depot. My wife found the Deluxe 30 easier to handle. Why? The weight, 250 vs. 260, couldn't be the issue. With its cast iron gear case, the Deere/Simplicity may have had a little more weight forward. However, I think these pictures tell the story, although it is a little hard with the Ariens.

Look at the handlebars. On the Deere/Simplicity they bend up right behind the motor. On the Ariens, they stretch out further to the rear. The bars may also be a little stiffer on the Ariens. However, the key is leverage. The bars further behind the wheels allow the operator to balance the weight of the machine relative to the wheels with less effort.

The Deere and the Ariens both have 342cc Briggs engines and Hillard AutoLok differentials. Now the Deere/Simplicity has a cast iron gear case that looks like it came from heavy construction equipment, electric chute controls, standard drift bars, 16" tires (vs. 15" on the Ariens). While the Ariens impeller is 14" vs the Deere/Simplicity's 12", the one on the Deere/Simplicity is mounted on a large thick plate and overall looks like armor plate. The blades are also different, with the Deere Simplicity having a shorter scoop. Net; the dynamics of the two impellers are probably a bit different in ways that a straight size difference doesn't account for. Both use the same 342 and impeller in machines up to 36" at Ariens, 38" at Simplicity. Net, they both probably work.

Oh, the Deere is $100 less than the Ariens Platinum, a little more if you count the drift bars.

The handlebar design wasn't a factor we were expecting to be a major factor. It may turn out to be.

The Deere catalog lists the 28 inch model as weighing 255#, the 30 inch model as weighing 260#, and the 32 inch model as weighing 265#. These are Simplicity models; and the simplicity listings are even funnier. Simplicity lists their 28 inch large frame as 255#and their 28 inch professional model with their huge C – channel handlebar as weighing the same 255#.

I called the Deere technical line today because the owners manual was not online. It turns out that the 30 inch dear snowblower weighs 323#, not 260#. That makes it 73# heavier then the Ariens Deluxe 30 inch. That would account for some of the perceived higher weight: it is heavier!

Another difference it the location of the axle. On the Deere, the wheels seem to be centered near the leading edge of the engine; on the Deere, toward the middle of the engine. The Deere clearly has more nose weight holding it down; what isn't clear is which has more wheel weight, improving traction.

The combination clearly shows why the Ariens is easier to manage from the handle bars. However, when the temps are low, the wind is blowing, and the snow thick and heavy, traction and holding the nose down count for alot.

DavidNJ wrote:

After using the hydrostatic on my mower I would definitely have to reconsider that option had I thought about it in 2008 and bought my Sears Husky.  I change my speeds all the time and find my blower sometimes goes too fast in forward.  I would love to be able to crawl really slow.  Husky has had hydros for several years in their snow line.  IIRC 2008 was the first year for that option in their lineup.  My snow throwing application at my cabin possibly differs considerably than what your needs are.

I think that is the big hydrostatic advantage: low speed. I estimated to go 1mph you would need a 170:1 reduction at 3600rpm. I just took a rough estimate of my MTD: about 95:1.

The hydrostatic would have allowed any ratio by sizing the pump and hydraulic motor appropriately. That is the advantage. While maybe 60-80% efficient, a belt, a friction disc running on a very small radius, and a big reduction gear or chain have losses too.

I would agree it is a big advantage. Probably for tracked units especially where their high traction makes the appropriate against high resistance snow and the open top to their scoops let them absorb snow taller than the scoop.