I'm considering updating from a 1993 Ariens ST824 to a newer machine. Recently, I've been looking at a few Ariens Platinum and Pro models, a few of Simplicity's Large Frame and Pro models, the John Deere 1330SE, and Toro's 1028OXE and 1128OXE models, as well as considering used but recent models with a Tecumseh OHV engine or Briggs OHV.
Wheel and chute controls are an issue with a lot of people, so does anyone have experiences with these?:
Differentials
1) Does anyone have any experience with either the Ariens Automatic Traction Control or John Deere 1330SE differential? Does the Ariens not know when to go to locked wheel drive, or when
to come out of it back to differential? Will this design hold up after many years of usage? Does the JD stay in differential mode, or does it have the locked-wheel option? How do these
blowers feel in operation?
2)
How does Simplicity's "Easy Turn" feature feel when turning left or right? Don't you also have to stop the machine to go into and out of this mode?
3) Same questions about the Ariens Deluxe models with that left-hand release feature.
Chutes:
1) Then there are those new electric chute controls on the Simplicity Large Frame models and John Deere 1330SE. Does anyone have any stories about these?
2) Toro has their "Quick Stick" feature, but how long can it last before the plastic parts break ?
3)
Ariens "Quick Turn feature seems pretty nice whenever I've tried it out at a store, but I'm not sure about that cable release lasting long, and many guys have complained about having to
constantly re-adjust it, or it flops around too much. Also, the chute deflector cable seems to freeze up a lot with some users. An comments here?
4) Why can't Ariens go back to a crank system that doesn't allow the chute to wander around at all?
This message was modified Jan 28, 2011 by coasteray
El Toro! 1028 LXE - Tecumseh 358cc 10hp Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
