Snowmann
The "Large" Simplicity platform and it's derivatives (JD 1130 is one of them) have significant Murray based DNA (frame, traction driveline, handlebars, belt drives, auger and traction clutch systems). The blower head is the only legacy Simplicity assembly. You can compare part's manuals online to confirm this. The "Large" platform Simplicity was the first compromise made with their snow products after Briggs acquired them in 2005. There are a few folks on this forum that are happy with them, but the fact is they are not of the same grade as competitive premium units.
Did the Briggs & Stratton take over effect the build quality while the machines were still being built in Simplicity's Wisconsin plant? From what I've read, B&S shut down the Wisconsin plant in 2007 and moved production to their Georgia facility. Do you think that they re-tooled the Wisconsin plant to produce the "Murray content" machines prior to shutting down the plant? That doesn't seem to make sense to me. My Simplicity is a 2007 model, built in 2006 in the Wisconsin plant. It's built like a tank.
I agree that all of the domestics are going in the wrong direction regarding build quality. They'll be able to extract a premium for their name until their machines become problematic and lose customer confidence. Thankfully, we'll still have top notch Honda and Yamaha machines to choose from despite their excessive cost.
I'll never understand why domestic manufacturers are willing to compromise hard earned reputations and build quality for short term profit. That's what's wrong with our modern manufacturing model. It's no wonder why the Chinese are handing us our a$$es. As our manufacturing quality deteriorates, their's improves. If that's not a recipe for domestic manufacturing doom, I don't know what is?
