Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I'm considering updating from a 1993 Ariens ST824 to a newer machine.  Recently, I've been looking at a few Ariens Platinum and Pro models, a few of Simplicity's Large Frame and Pro models, the John Deere 1330SE, and the Toro 1128OXE, as well as used but recent models with a Tecumseh OHV engine or Briggs OHV.  Wheel and chute controls are an issue with a lot of people, so does anyone have experiences to share?

Differentials:

1)  Does anyone have experience with Ariens' "Automatic Traction Control or John Deere's 1330 SE differential ?  Does the Ariens know when to go to locked-wheel drive, or when to come out of it back to differential?  Will this design hold up after many years of usage?  Does the JD stay in differential mode, or does it have the locked-wheel option?  How do these blowers feel in operation?

2)  How does Simplicity's "Easy Turn" feature feel when turning left or right?  Don't you also have to stop the machine to go into and out of this mode ?

3)  Same questions about the Ariens Deluxe models with that left-hand trigger release feature.

Chutes:

1)  Then there are those new electric chute controls on the Simplicity Large Frame models and John Deere 1330SE.  Does anyone have any stories about these?

 2)  Toro has their "Quick Stick" feature, but how long can it last before the plastic parts break?

3)  Ariens' "Quick Turn" feature seems pretty nice, but I'm not sure about that cable release lasting long, and many guys have complained about having to constantly re-adjust it, or it flops around too much.  Also, the chute  deflector cable seems to freeze up a lot with some users.  Any comments here?

4)  Why can't Ariens just go back to a crank system that doesn't allow the chute to wander around at all?  Ariens, I hope you are listening.

 

coasteray wrote:

Happy to help, be sure to let us all know what snowblower you decide to go with. Post pics if possible.

aa35: He has multiple accounts. 

Obviously.  The comment is to the admin.  Why is he letting they guy have multiple accounts?

trouts2 wrote:

There's nothing in the terms of use that restrict having multiple accounts. As long as he doesn't violate the TOU, he can have as many as he wants, not a crime.

Wasn't he booted?

When we get a general or non-specific questions from new users, we should ask them for photos or pictures of their snowblower so we know they are for real or not.  beastiboy sounds too much like New_Yorker or DNJ.

trouts2 wrote:

You should ask the admin directly through pm. I'm sure they won't respond to such question publicly. See TOU.

Deleted double post

Steve_Cebu wrote:
Thanks, Steve.  I like that idea.  At this point, it will probably be next season.  I don't want to wait that long, but due to a new computer, external drive, and monitor coming up soon, I don't have much choice .  I saw your videos on You Tube, and I was very impressed with your Toro's performance.  I also like a few of the Ariens machines, so it's kind of tough to call right now.  One day I think Toro's 1028OXE would be great, the next day I think Ariens' Platinum 24 or 30, or Pro 26 would be great.  I must be confused .

coasteray,

what you are  feeling is very normal and will not get any better after the purchase either.  it is really is no different than buying any new hot toy.

coasteray wrote:

I know the feeling.   That said it's best to go out and actually try them at a dealership. Toro's quick chute takes some getting used to but once you've mastered it, it's great. The way and Ariens steers is very different from Toro's twin trigger steering. I had a Honda 928TAS that proved to be too much of a hassle and my wife couldn't use it at all. It also tended to wander left and right a lot. When you consider that tracks are a pain to move to begin with relative to pulling a lever, the Toro made more sense.

I think if you get to a dealer and Demo as many as you can while there is snow on the ground, you'll be able to make a better decision. Snowblowers steer very differently on dry bare tar than they do on snow and ice. Height of the handles is also a factor, some are short and in the videos with my wife you can see she has to reach up to the handles. They say it's worse if the handles are too short aka you are too tall. This isn't an issue for me, but for tall guys it could be.

You probably wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, neither should you buy a snowblower without testing it first. Most dealers have demo units (not sure about this late into winter) so try everything. Let the dealer steer you into testing as many brands as he sells and compare them. For me the Toro won out in every category. For you it might be Toro or Ariens or Simplicity etc... Heck it might even be a Honda!

I know what you are going through with a new PC. I've been trying to decide between a Sager 8150-S1 and a Sager 8170-S1 no question about most bang for the buck but 15.6" or 17.3" size is where I'm stuck, gotta order this week and that's about a $2k purchase.