Simplicity is owned by Briggs and Statten. Nice machines.
Personally I purchased an Ariens 926037 PRO with a Briggs 1450 engine. I had a7-8 year old MTD 5hp 22" cut and although it did throw snow, it was nothing compared to this machine.
I looked at John Deere 928 annd 1130's. These are made by Briggs and Stratten power and are just painted green and yellow. Good machines but not near the machine the Ariens is. Now bear in mind I live 25 minutes from Port Washington where the Simplicity machines are made, and 20 minutes from Brillion where the Airens machines are made.
I like the Airens just due to the fact it has a true differential without any cables for turning.. It turns easy. It is durable and powerful. My neighbors all have John Deeres but I had used them before I got my machine and there is a big difference in the turning ability. Don't get me wrong the John Deere/Simplicity's are a nice machine, just I think the Airens is much better.
Also, I am NOT affliated with either of these companies, just a 50 yr old guy that wanted the best value for my money. I paid $1,600 for mine. If you want here is the information
MCHENRY POWER EQUIPMENT
3622 ELM STREET
MCHENRY IL. 60050
815-344-7660
Ariens, my friend, does NOT have true differential (http://209.61.159.196/ope/discussions/49098-0-1.html) - hasn't since before 2004. The JD is Simplicity, of course, made now by Briggs and Stratton, and is easily a better machine than Ariens - by a LOT. The JD 1130SE, btw, has the exact same Hillard system as the Ariens. Turning is identical, therefore. Honda is likely best, with Husqvarna and Simplicity right there, Ariens, not even on the list - and I say that living 20 miles from Ariens, having owned 2 including an early 80s model with true differential, and watching that machine fall apart fast, never having thrown snow more than 12 feet.
