borat

friiy wrote:
I agree that a heavier flywheel will maintain a more linear  torque supply.  Particularly under load.  The heavier flywheel's momentum will not be as sensitive to load variations as a lighter flywheel.  I cannot see how this could possibly reduce horse power though.   Once the engines are spinning at equal rpms, power output should be the same.   If the heavier flywheel restricted the ability to achieve equivalent rpms, I'd agree with you.  Otherwise, I'm having trouble understanding how it would inhibit power output.   I know with drag racing engines, savvy racers will put in a lighter flywheel to aid in acceleration by having the engine spin up fractionally quicker.  Overall, engine power output was virtually no different between the two flywheels once the engine was at full rpms.   

Very impressive.  That looks like a very powerful single stage attachment.  Am I correct?

Considering the wheel/axle relationship is static on one side and occasionally at slow speed on the other, friction will not be an issue.  I therefore recommend a grease that will resist being washed off from melting snow.  Go with any decent quality marine grease.   It sticks like gorilla snot and will need fewer re-applications. 

Don't fret about the possibility of me being offended.  I'm not.    It's nothing  you said that I'm objecting to.   It was the "best of the best" quote that I found more than a little pretentious.   Trust me, I believe that Ariens make some of the finest machines out there.  Particularly their Pro models.   Anything less than that are, more or less on par with , or slightly less robust than comparable models from Toro, Snapper/Simplicity and their derivatives.   The main points that differentiated the lesser Ariens from the Simplicity/Snapper models  was the Tecumseh engine and aluminum gear case.   However, that appears to be changing.  I've noticed that Simplicity is going with aluminum gear cases on their small 8 h.p. models.  Their large frame models, 9 h.p. & up still have the cast iron gear case. 

Regarding your questions concerning what I like/don't like about the Simplicity, that'll be a brief synopsis.  I like everything about it other than the reverse speed.  It's painfully slow.  Other than that, everything works well and I've had no problems with freezing controls, rusting parts or anything else for that matter.  Now, that does not automatically equate to it being a better machine.  It's as good as the best brands out there and I'll stand by my ratings primarily due to the features (durable mechanical controls, B&S engine, cast iron gear case, very solid chassis, all metal mechanical components ) that, to me, make it a slightly preferable machine.  Much mechanical failure can be attributed to maintenance.   Or more correctly, lack thereof.   I'm certain that very many, if not most, purchasers of first class snow throwers, do nothing to them simply because it's an ???? machine.  People get false sense of invincibility because the have bought one of the best.   Not so.  When I bought my Simplicity, I knew it was a very well crafted machine but anything made on a factory assembly line should be given a thorough inspection once you get it home.  Even on the Simplicity, I found things that I wasn't happy with.  Mostly lubrication issues.  No grease on the drive chains, no grease between axle and wheels other than the driven wheel engagement mechanism and generally dry control cables and other mechanical interfaces.   So, with a bit of initial attention, many problems can be eliminated before they happen.  A note of caution though.  Don't get too goofy with oil & grease anywhere near the friction/drive wheel and drive belt surfaces.   Slopping grease or oil on those surfaces will be very, very inconvenient. 

I hope I've addressed your queries. 

         

Briggs & Stratten do the same thing.   Sell an engine of specific displacement with different horse power rating.  I've come to the conclusion that most of it is, as previously stated, for marketing reasons.  Bigger numbers will demand more money.   I did a very close comparison with the B&S 305 cc engine parts list between the 9 h.p. and 11 h.p. rated engines.  Every part that would have an effect on power was exactly the same.  Item for item, part number for part number.  The engines spin at the same speed and are of the same displacement.  With no difference in parts, either the engine is 9 or 11 h.p.   From my experience with my 9.5 rated B&S engine, I would conclude that the engine is producing the higher amount of the two ratings.  I have previously had two 10 h.p. power snow throwers.  Both machines were well maintained and worked as intended.  My 9.5 engine that I have now, throws considerably further than either of the other two ever did.