Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > John Deere 1330 long term review or NEW Recommendation
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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OmFlyer
Joined: Dec 3, 2011
Points: 11
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John Deere 1330 long term review or NEW Recommendation
Original Message Dec 3, 2011 7:29 pm |
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Well I've spent a lot of time researching new blowers and came very close to bring home the JD 1330se today but got cold feet after reading about the slipping drive issues. I'd be very interested to hear any long term reviews on this unit as it appears unchanged since 2010. I do have a JD dealer 10 miles from home so prep and support should be better than a Lowes units? Also if there is another blower 30ish inches I should consider please let me know. I live in northern MI with a 150' drive see a fair amount of snow. I dont mind paying a premium for quality if it makes for years of trouble free operation. Thanks for your input
This message was modified Dec 3, 2011 by OmFlyer
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coasteray
El Toro! 1028 LXE
Tecumseh 358cc
10hp
Location: NE Washington State
Joined: Mar 3, 2008
Points: 142
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Re: John Deere 1330 long term review or NEW Recommendation
Reply #37 Dec 11, 2011 5:26 am |
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Based on the recommendations the Ariens Pro 28 seems excellent, but back ordered around here at the moment. Dr Woof and Others, Do you feel the poor performance issue with the Deere 1330 was attributed to the Easy-Steer feature? I'm wondering if the similar Snapper/Simplicity models without the Hillard Auto-lok would have the same control issues? If the tried and true trigger release works on the Snapper/Simplicity this still may be a viable option. You have to ensure the Easy Steer mechanism is fully engaged or disengaged when using it. I use the easy steer function only to move the machine around. Never when actually working. After disengaging the drive to maneuver the machine you have to ensure that it fully re-engages before going back to throwing snow. If used properly, it works well and the machine is no more difficult to manage than any other machine that has both wheels driving when moving snow. What's important is to ensure the drive engagement mechanism has the proper lubrication. Too thick of a grease will either slow the re-engagement or not allow it to engage at all in real cold weather. I've got grease on mine and I'm going to be cleaning it off and will be trying motor oil. That's what's recommended for lubing the shaft that the friction wheel slides across. Considering that the easy steer operates in a similar manner, oil should be fine there as well.
For those who don't know, here are some photos of the John Deere and Simplicity snow blower catalogs that illustrate the similar terminology for turning features. I thought maybe someone would find it enlightening. Here's the the John Deere 1330SE "Easy Steer" feature from their printed 2011-2012 snow blower catalog:  It's the Hilliard Auto-Lok differential. Both wheels have power From the specifications chart. Bottom of photo. as the operator turns either left or right. Obviously, the outer wheel turns faster as compared to the inside wheel. No triggers, no engaging and disengaging. As scopes01 has already mentioned in reply #6 above, the John Deere method of utilizing the Hilliard system is different from how Ariens utilizes it. Here's the Simplicity set-up, called "Easy Turn". This is from the 2008 (left) and 2011 (right) printed snow blower catalogs:   Not a two-wheel differential; locked two-wheel drive until operator decides to pull the left From the specifications chart. At bottom of photo. trigger for the above effect. Having seen both brands of snow blowers at dealers, I prefer the overall build, look and feel of the Simplicity models, except I distrust the electric chute functions that both brands now employ on certain models. I think the straight-forward mechanical controls are more trustworthy.
This message was modified Dec 18, 2011 by coasteray
 El Toro! 1028 LXE - Tecumseh 358cc 10hp Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
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Stainless
Joined: Nov 17, 2011
Points: 24
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Re: John Deere 1330 long term review or NEW Recommendation
Reply #40 Dec 11, 2011 10:41 am |
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With a trigger release, does it only provide a dramatic improvement in turning ease for one direction? If the left wheel is released, I guess turning left would be quite a bit easier than turning right?
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Stainless
Joined: Nov 17, 2011
Points: 24
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Re: John Deere 1330 long term review or NEW Recommendation
Reply #42 Dec 11, 2011 10:48 am |
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With one wheel disengaged, it turns easily in both directions. If the left wheel is disengaged, it would seem to me that turning left would be easier than turning right. When you're turning right, the right wheel is still receiving power, correct?
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