Funinthesnow

Thankyou all for the input. 

The Simplicity just felt better handling and it definately went through the heavy, deep snow better.  It was also more compact length-wise which seemed to make it better for handling.  

Any experience with the motorized chute?  Seems to work very fast and I can see how it would be great especially since I have alot of turns to make.  But, is it just another motorized part that can go wrong?  The Ariens has a 12V electric starter which is nice but the Simplicity started very easily.  My 12 year old can start it comfortably.

 

We live in a snow belt in northern Michigan.  We have a 300' driveway and a 46' x 102' ice rink.  I was all set to get the Ariens 1336DLE (13 hp, 36" pro series) until I started looking at the Simplicity P1338E (13 hp, 38" Signature Pro).  I liked the Simplicity because it handled and operated (in my opinion) better than the Ariens.  I also felt it was made just as good or better than the Ariens.  Simplicity is also $500 cheeper. 

Til the retailer showed me it I had never heard of Simplicity.  Based on what I have heard from neighbors and friends - Ariens was in my mind and that was the only way to go.  So . . .

Is there anything else I need to know about these two machines?  I am looking for performance, reliability and the $500 is also a smaller factor.  

Thanks for your input with your experience with these two brands.