Looks like Snapper is manufacturing the Simplicity intermediate line of SnowThrowers. I thought it was the other way around. I am slightly disappointed as I purchased a Simplicty unit (not yet delivered) that I thought was made by Simplicity. Here is part of an email thread I had with a Simplicity rep: The thread started with a question about the engine. In the initail response the rep stated that Snapper was building the units for Simplicity.
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From: Simplicity Rep
To: Steve
cc
Subject Re: Briggs engine in Simplicity Snowblower
The blower is essentially the same as the intermidiate blowers built
by Simplicity through the years. The housing is Simplicity and the
auger drive is Simplicity. There have been some improvements as far
as fold down handles and a gear reduction for the reverse drive have
been implimented since Snapper has building them. The units are still
tested up here in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan where they average
300+ inches of snow. We still utilize the friction disk drive for the
traction drive system. I also believe the Simplicity has a metal chute
where the Snapper has the plastic. I certainly understand your
frustration.
We try to differentiate between the Simplicity and Snapper models by
offering
different options and upgrades for each company. As a gereral rule the
Simplicity
is going to be more expensive and have a few more options to justify
the extra cost.
We assemble certain product types at either location based on the
strengths and
capacity of each facility. Because we brand our larger tractor Snapper
and produce
those extra units here in Wisconsin, we must rely on Snapper to help
with some other
production areas. Any product built for Simplicity by Snapper is still
tested and
approved by Simplicity in Wisconsin.
Service Representative
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>>> <STEVE> 12/19/05 2:23 PM >>>
Kristopher,
Are you saying that Snapper is manufacturing the 8560E units for
Simplicity? I thought about purchasing the similar Snapper unit. But
I
figured Snapper, based in Georgia, is more known for their lawn care
products than snow removal. To my thinking, with Simplicity's
reputation
for excellent snow blowers and being in Wisconsin, you know a little
about
making snow blowers. If this true, then I am disappointed that I
ordered
Simplicity 8560E. Especially since the Snapper dealer is only 2 miles
from
my home while the Simplicity dealer is further away.
It is very annoying as a consumer to learn that the product I thought I
was
purchasing from Simplicity was actually by made by another company.
Does the 8560E have the same drive type units as the other larger
Simplicity blowers? The literature simply states Friction Disk.
To: STEVE
cc
Subject: Briggs engine in Simplicity Snowblower
Dear Steve,
Unfortunately I am unsure if the 8.5 Intek has a cast Iron sleeve.
Snapper
is currently building this unit for us, and because it is new for
2006,
I have
very little information on the engine. The snapper and Simplicity
units should
be the same, as they just brand the same blower with different
stickers. There
are subtle differences between the two, but the engine is not one of
them.
If you know the engine model and type from looking at a
dealership,
you
should be able to go to Briggs and Strattons web page and download the
Illustrated parts manuals. My guess is that therer is no cast Iron
sleeve, but
I can't say for sure. I know some of the smaller Tecumseh engines that
we used
for years did not have them, just the aluminum bore.
Service Representative
