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

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

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.

aa335 wrote:
Yeah I saw that, oopps. However a few weeks ago that was not even on the site. That price is rather steep too. They must not have gotten a current photo.
Still no snow to try out the Toro

kellyinkc wrote:

Lots of places are starting to get snow already. We've had flurries already. Some bad storms out west. Your turn will come.

Darn it.  It's that time of the year to put on the snow tires again.  I hate driving on gummy bears for 5 months out of the year.

First video

It's hard to see that the one on the left is a Simplicity.  It's all black, maybe it's a Sno-Tek model.

This is a good video....I was trying to find a recent post about someone else debating whether single or 2 stage.

Granted factoring in drivetrain loss...there are sheer benefits with 2 stages for EOD (metal augers, and the momentum of breaking things up,  fed and then thrown out the chute).
As much as some of ya'll will say , eeeww a black bucket Ariens, the compactness of it is a nice medium to have for those on the edge of single vs. 2 stage with space constraints.