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

I am looking for a 28" monster.  Which is the better unit?

	Simplicity P1728E	Ariens Pro 28
Auger / Impeller
Clearing Width	28	28
Throwing Distance*	45' w/Power Boost™	50'
Intake Height	19.75 in	23.5 in
Auger Style	Serrated Steel	Serrated Steel
Auger Diameter	14	14
Auger Gear Case Material	Cast-Iron	Cast-Iron
Impeller Diameter	12	16
No. of Impeller Blades	4	3
Skid Shoes	Reversible	Reversible
Engine
Make	Briggs & Stratton	Briggs & Stratton
Model	Professional Series™	Ariens Polar Force™
Type	4-Cycle OHV	4-Cycle OHV
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.75 Gal.	1.48 Gal.
Displacement	342 cc	420 cc
Ft.-lbs. Gross Torque	16.5	21
HP	11.5 HP	15 HP
Starter	Electric with Recoil Back-up	Electric with Recoil Back-up
Fuel Cap	Carbon in Cap	Unkown
Chute
Chute Material	4" Steel	Unkown/Steel
Chute Rotation	200° Electric	200° Quick Turn
Chute Deflector Direction Change	Remote	Remote
Drive System
Type	Heavy-Duty Friction Disc-Drive	Disc-O-Matic
Speeds	5 Forward / 2 Reverse	6 Forward/ 2 Reverse
Wheel Lock Release	Easy Turn™	Automatic Traction Control
Tire Size	16" x 4.8"	16" x 4.8"
Tread	X-Trac™	Directional Snow Tread
Handles / Controls
Heated Hand Grips	Standard	Standard
Options
Clear Out Stick	Included	Included
Drift Cutters	Tool-Less Design	Tool-Less Design
Engine Block Heater	Optional	Optional
Headlight	Amber Halogen	Halogen
Dimensions
Weight (lbs.)	255 lbs	318 lbs
Warranty
Consumer	2 Year Limited	3 Year Limited
Commercial	1 Year Limited	1 Year Limited
Retail Price	$2,199	$2,199

Seems like you get a little more for your money with the Ariens.

I'd say the Ariens specifications is quite impressive for $2199.  It's heavier, much larger engine, very tall intake height, manly tough chute crank, very large diameter auger, very large impeller, and the biggest engine on a 28".  In fact, no has even put a 420cc engine on a 36" snowblower yet, but this 28" has it.  Most bang for the buck.  Uniquely overkill for a homeowner, more appropriate for commercial snow removal crew.

You can call in the plow guy while you're away, so that the wife doesn't have to do any snowblowing, because I don't think she's going to be operating this machine.  318 lbs dry weight / 15 hp snowblower doesn't fit the description of user friendly machine.

Kind of what I was thinking.  I took the wife down to the dealer and let her feel some out.  Her favorite one for feel was the Simplicity Pro series. It had best handlebar height for her.  But for $2000 its hard not to look at the Ariens.  You sure get a lot for your money.

I say you would be getting more machine for you money with the Ariens Pro 28

I totally over looked the Ariens Pro when purchasing my Toro. IMO you cannot lose with either one but like already stated the extra weight, tall intake and monster motor makes it hard to even consider the Simplicity. I personally do not like the way the simplicity pro's look so I would go with the Ariens hands down.

I agree.  Talked to the dealer.  The Simplicity is $2399 msrp and $2199 sale price.  The sale price on the Ariens is $1999.   $200 cheaper and more machine.  Makes the decision a little easier. 

I went to the local outdoor power store and did this very comparison with the sales guy today (8/11/15). First of all, the engine specs on the Simplicity above are understated as it's 420 CCs as well. Also, the warranty is the same 3 year consumer, 1 year commercial. The sales guy talked up the Simplicity over the Ariens Pro 28 for a couple of reasons. The transmission is better for one. It has an automatic torque adjustment based on how much work you give it. When you hit the end of the driveway and run into that wall of solid snow left by the snow plow, it "shifts down" and applies more force to the auger so you don't get the engine stress like the direct drive on the Ariens. He also commented on the auto turn feature being a huge pain on the Ariens. They're on their 2nd generation and it still causes the unit to fishtail down the driveway. It auto turns like a dream on a driveway with no snow but give it an uneven surface of snow and ice and he said it's all over the place. Go on snow blower direct's website and read the reviews. Overall he said they're comparable, but as the guy who sees repairs come in and hears customer complaints, he felt the Simplicity edged out the Ariens.