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

Briggs and Stratton was not going let time stand still and let Toro have all the limelight.

http://www.simplicitymfg.com/products/snow-throwers/compact-single-stage/

Looks like the offspring of the venerable Toro 2450/3650/221/421 auger paddles, the Honda HS621 bucket and chassis, and the handle/console design of the Honda HRX mowers.

And you can get it with a headlight, a first of its kind for a single stage snowblower.  :)



Also available in the Snapper appearance package. 

http://www.snapper.com/products/snow-throwers/compact-single-stage/

And maybe a John Deere appearance package will be available in a year or two later, with Deere's usual icing on top .

Looking good.  Can't wait to check out this thing in person.

aa335 wrote:
I agree, I did confirm this directly from Ariens Tech Support today. That snowblower is contracted to Briggs for Ariens thus the look alike. 

FrankMA wrote:

I love  single stage paddle drive machines but not at $700. At that price point I would prefer a compact no frills  2 stage. You can get an Ariens ST22 LE delivered new for $799 with electric start and a light. That's an internet deal to the lower 48 States.

Marc

mml4 wrote:

Yeah, that's a little pricey but if you really want or need a single stage with some bells & whistles, this one seems to fit the bill. Just having the light makes a huge difference. I always wondered why this one "extra" would be considered an option instead of a standard feature. Do the manufacturers think people only clear snow when there's daylight??? Seriously, It gets dark around 4:00 - 4:30 pm and the sun does'nt rise until about 7:00 am or so during the depths of winter. There are no street lights where I live and when it gets dark you can't see your hand in front of your face!

mml4 wrote:
That's a personal preference.  Not exactly apples and apples comparison.  One is a high end single stage, the other is a entry level 2 stage.

I bet that single stage will run circles around the 2 stage while cleaning the snow down to the pavement in most applications.   Except for the end of drive pile, where the metal auger on the 2 stage unit is more suitable for that task.

My personal opinion is that I rather have a refined single stage snowblower that does 90% of what a entry level 2-stage can do.  They are close in price, but operating and handling them is massively different. 

aa335 wrote:

I might agree with you if I didn't live on a Cul De Sac. There is no place for the plows to leave the snow so the EOD can reach "Homeric" proportions even in a 4" to 6" storm. This results in a situation where the EOD is 90% of the job and requires a 2 stage even if it is of modest size. I love my single for the spring but if I could only have one it would have to be a 2 stage.

Marc   

Good point. If you had to pick just one, the one that does 90% of the jobs is the right one.

I had a chance to see this new Simplicity SS922EX single stage snowblower in person.  It was priced at $599 for the top of the line model.  The bucket looks like it was made out of molded plastic, however, on close inspection, it's actually made from thin stamped or possibly hydroformed steel that is powder coated black.  Even though it looks thin, the powder coating does seem durable enough to withstand paint scuff that is normally seen on the inside of the bucket after several seasons of use. 

The rubber auger blades have a ribbed pattern which was designed stiffen and prevent bending when encounter heavy wet snow.  I think this is a good move since a stiff paddle on the Honda HS621 makes it very effective in moving slush.

The new Simplicity also has the chute rotation lever that is ergonomically close to the auger bail.  It moves the chute left and right quickly, however, the detents are a little notchy.  I prefer the Toro Quick Chute for the linear travel, more detents, and less notchy character.  But the difference in the Simplicity can be easily adapted to and will become natural over time.  The balance of the Simplicity snowblower is pretty good, easy to tip back and turn left and right.

The build quality seems on par with the Toro 221Q, not even close to a Honda HS621.  However, the fit of the Simplicity is mediocre, there are large gaps between the plastic over and the bucket housing.  The belt cover looks like it was designed as an afterthought by someone else, didn't seem to fit the curves and shapes of the rest of the snowblower.

I didn't have a chance to try it out in person, no snow was in sight, but if the 4 stroke engine is strong, I think this would be a good performer.  The price is attractive, considering a Toro 421QE with the 4 stroke engine and electric start is $800, versus $599 for the Simplicity, and the Simplicity comes with all the same features and has twin halogen headlights.

I'm quite impressed with this machine overall design and price.  It is yet to be seen how it perform against the proven incumbent Toro 221QR.  The Toro is a well rounded design with known performance, better fit and finish, but more expensive.

This Simplicity looks promising and it's on my short list of single stage snowblower.  Looks like I have some decision to make.  :)