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

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

I don't think anyone has. It just came out. I am too curious on how it will do. They hard part is finding who sells it.

I'm really curious how it actually performs in SNOW.  Everything on paper seems and seeing in person seems to indicate that may be good snowblower.  Some cost cutting measures are evident and fit and finish is not up to par with Toro and Honda.  But how well does it actually work? 

The older (2 generations ago) Ariens / Simplicity 322 / 522 /  722SS looks well-built with slick one piece shape molded auger, but the performance was disappointing.  Underpowered, overweight, and did not cast a tight stream of snow.  I hope history does not repeats.

Finally, Snow Blowers Direct  has the new Snapper:
http://www.snowblowersdirect.com/brand/snapper.php
But not the Ariens Sno Tek.

Being that Simplicity/Snapper is now run by Briggs and Stratton whose objective is "mediocrity above all else", I personally doubt that it will be any different than other B&S derivatives.   Short of the Pro line, Simplicity/Snapper snow throwers are not the machines of years gone by.  

borat wrote:

Well I don't see too many machines out there that don't have a B&S engine on them. Chinese junk has some weird off brand engines and Honda and Yamaha (where available) use their own engines and Subaru makes engines for a few models.

The B&S on My Toro seems pretty good so far.

I agree with Borat.  B&S has over-diversified and has became mediocre.

Steve, I think Borat was referring to machines that B&S design or put together, not specifically B&S engines.  Now that they own Simplicity and Snapper, those brand identity are eroding,  just like Cub Cadet and Wheel Horse used to be a respected brand.

kellyinkc wrote:
That's the old Snapper SS521.  Not the new one.

Hard to believe that snowblowersdirect tout that model as #1 seller.  I would not buy anything from there.  Their prices are ridiculous.  Your local dealer can cut  you a better deal.

aa335 wrote:

Ok thanks aa335, I still llike B&S engines, sure Honda, Yamaha and Subaru might be better but they don't come on a Toro.

B&S engines are fine, meaning they work.  Ole side valve isn't exactly smooth or quiet, but probably lasts forever.  It came on my Toro Super Recycler lawn mower.  I don't get excited looking at the engine or itching to modify it.  One thing that annoys me about this engine is it doesn't like warm starts.  What gives?

Besides costs, I'm sure if you want a another engine on your Toro snowblower, it can be done.   A GX340 probably look pretty good and sounds great on a 1028 chassis. 

aa335 wrote:

I think I'll keep costs down and stick with the Briggs. I'd love to get a Yamaha but we just don't get enough snow here to justify buying one. 5-10 years and I'll be moving to warmer climes anyway. That said a GX340 would look cool on my Toro.