DaHo

Thanks.

I spoke with the shop today and they told me that the units arrive with the auger set very tight.  They used to try to loosen them up a little before delivery but then when the belts wore in they would slip under heavy loads and need to be tightened back up.  Instead he suggested I use it 4 or 5 times and then if it is still too tight he can come down and make a quick adjustment.  I tried it this morning to clean up the small amounts that fell after I did the driveway last night and it was not doing it.  I did notice that the auger kicks in when I barely touch the lever too which would be in line with what he was saying.  I'll keep an eye on it. 

So I got to use the 1524 a little today.  We got about 6 inches of wet packed snow and the Simplicity went thru it like nothing.  But I have a question about it that I hope someone on here can answer before I talk to the place I bought it at.

I noticed that when I stop and let it idle, with both levers released it sometimes makes that aweful sound like when the auger is disengaging.  But it doesnt do it once.  It will keep doing it.  I walked around the front and noticed the auger was still turning albeit slowly.  So I turned the throttle down a little and it stopped making the sound and the auger stopped.  Is this normal?  It sounds like the auger clutch is not fully disengaging when this happens.  Any advice appreciated.

Last nights snow storm wimped out and only left about 5 inches of snow.  It wasnt much of a challenge for the new machine.  For the most part, the snow was fairly light and icy.  I think the SImplicty threw the snow farther than the specs say.  It is a beast.  I had it in 5th gear the entire time too!

After using the little Honda for the past 23 years, the Simplicty 1525 was a lot more to handle.  It is much more machine and feels like it.  I cant throw it around the way I could the Honda.  I will have to get used to that.  But it is managable and the wheel lock trigger works nicely.  It makes the job of clearing out the driveway much quicker and since it throws farther there is less overspill to clean up.  

The powered chute control is very nice.  No more cranking the worm gear!  It is fast and easy to control too.

There was some heavy slushy stuff at the EOD which it went through easily.  Of course it didnt throw it all that far but it also didnt miss a beat.  I dont see this machine bogging down even in the largest of storms. 

I am looking forward to using this after a much large storm.  For now, I am super happy with the purchase and expecting this to last at least as long as the little Honda HS55.

The mechanic that has been working there for 11 years told me they have never had anyone come in with issues related to the powered chute.  They may have been BSing me but I got the impression they were being honest. 

I bought it and they delivered it two hours later.  Get to test it out in the morning.

I narrowed it down to the Ariens or the Simplicity and decided to go with the Simplicity.  It just felt better in my hands, feels so solid. 

Its sitting in my garage now and the snow is falling.  We are supposed to get a foot  of heavy snow tonight so tomorrow will be great test.

Thanks to everyone that chimed in with all the good info.