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

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 the Toro 1128OXE, as well as 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 to share?

Differentials:

1)  Does anyone have experience with Ariens' "Automatic Traction Control or John Deere's 1330 SE differential ?  Does the Ariens 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 trigger 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, 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.  Any comments here?

4)  Why can't Ariens just go back to a crank system that doesn't allow the chute to wander around at all?  Ariens, I hope you are listening.

 

coasteray wrote:

I'll answer the Toro questions

First off steer clear of the 1128OXE and get the cheaper 1028OXE it doesn't have the problematic scraper bar that the 1128 has. If you have a pristine flat driveway then the 1128 might be ok, if the scraper bar doesn't jam on you.

Toro has teh trigger steering and it couldn't be easier. If my wife who is 83 lbs. can operate a 250 lb. snowblower it's got to be pretty easy. We tried out the other brands and they were not as easy for her to use.

I've thrown rocks through my "plastic" chute and no problems. Most chutes line their metal chutes to prevent clogging. My plastic chute doesn't clog, not even in slushy EOD snow. This is my second year with it and it works as good as it did when I bought it. Plastic is not all the same. This isn't cheap plastic like they use for water bottles, it's hardcore stuff designed for years of throwing chunks of ice. The quick chute is a breeze to use and adjust.

You should try out all the models you are considering and see how easy/hard they are to turn, how well you like the chute controls. Plastic is better in the snow as it doesn't rust. 2 years and very happy with my 1028OXE, others have a lot more info on the other brands.

I had a brief encounter with the JD 1330SE when looking for a replacement for my JD 826.  It was a great looking machine, but just did not get the job done for me.  Problem was with traction getting into hard snow.  It just didn't.  The dealer came out and looked the situation over and agreed to take it back whereupon I opted for a Honda HS928 which works well for me.

The "snow hog" type tires on the JD 1330SE (and most other newer machines) were a problem.  They did not get traction when the going got tough.  My old JD 826 with chains on smoother tires way outperformed the 1330 here.  Chains are available but not recommended for the snow hog tires and some dealers even say they make things worse.  The Honda I ended up buying has tracks and these really improve things in difficult situations.  Takes some getting used to and a litle harder on the turns but OK once you develop the technique.

I did NOT like the easy steer system on the 1330.  It seemed to want to wander all over and took a great deal of effort to keep it straight.  This was especially difficult when taking a partial cut - the blower would  keep veering to  one side into the unblown snow.

I was a bit leary of the electric chute controls on both the Honda and the 1330, but they both seem to work well and don't get iced up and frozen.  Saves a lot of effort here.

This is my second winter with the Toro 826OE. My previous MTD had a chute crank with a manual height deflector (stop and adjust). The Quick Stick is possibly my favorite feature of the Toro. It makes lightning fast adjustments to throw direction and height. No crank or electric motor operates this fast. When the wind shifts and snow comes back at me, I can one-handedly aim the chute without stopping. With practice I can see the wind shift coming and re-aim pre-emptively. Parts of the Quick Stick shifter are heavy duty plastic and other parts are metal. The chute gearing is entirely metal under a plastic cover. Over 2 winters now, I'm at about 100 hours operation with zero problems. The Quick Stick has been completely reliable. 

I am also very pleased with the tight clearance and recirculation feature of the impeller housing matched with the non-stick, heavy-duty plastic chute.. Even in slush and EOD the unit has never jammed 

It does not have a steering system so I won't address that other than to say that power steering is pretty much required if a female is going to operate it.

coasteray wrote:

I purchased an Ariens 926 Pro this year that has the Traction control gearbox. I can honestly say after 3 bouts with Ol Man Winter the machine is very manuverable and  powerfull. I was somewhat apprehensive at first since my previous machine was a MTD track drive with trigger controls and it turned on a dime but after using this machine I am not dissapointed.  The quick turn chute is fast enough that I don't have to worry about blasting my car or the mailbox. I can't really comment on the other machines since I never owned or operated one but as far as I am concerned Ariens is a hands down winner.

Starwarrior

Admin,

   How can NJwarrier be posting?  I thought he was booted?    

He has multiple accounts. 

Thanks everyone for replying to my inquiries.  The comments about Toro, John Deere, and Ariens are definitely helpful.  I may find myself deciding between Ariens and Toro when it comes down to it.  I have to consider what the local dealers sell and service, as well, and definitely Ariens and Toro are easy ones there. 

coasteray wrote:

Happy to help, be sure to let us all know what snowblower you decide to go with. Post pics if possible.

aa35: He has multiple accounts. 

Obviously.  The comment is to the admin.  Why is he letting they guy have multiple accounts?

trouts2 wrote:

There's nothing in the terms of use that restrict having multiple accounts. As long as he doesn't violate the TOU, he can have as many as he wants, not a crime.