Abby's Guide to Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more)
Username Password
Discussions Reviews More Guides
Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Experience needed: Choosing between Simplicity and Ariens - Professional models

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

Search For:
Funinthesnow


Joined: Mar 1, 2007
Points: 2

Experience needed: Choosing between Simplicity and Ariens - Professional models
Original Message   Mar 2, 2007 8:12 am
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. 

Replies: 8 - 8 of 8Next page of topicsPreviousAllView as Outline
nibbler


Joined: Mar 5, 2004
Points: 751

Re: Experience needed: Choosing between Simplicity and Ariens - Professional models
Reply #8   Mar 2, 2007 3:01 pm
The remote trigger will allow you to turn easily in either direction but only one way ( left) will be "powered". Its just toggling the release of the wheel lock on one side so that only the right wheel is driven when the traction control is engaged. The Ariens has a true differential and the trigger has to be held down to lock the differential and make it hard to turn. I've heard that most people hardly ever lock the differential because it does what they want in "normal" mode.

Both machines are considered top tier so I have a hunch either will do the job with little or no problems.

As far as features are concerned the Simplicity is more comparable to the Ariens 1332LE in that both use a remote axle release system. The Ariens DLE machines use a true differential.

Despite what the Consumers Reports article says about the "Power Boost" feature it does NOT sense how deep the snow is. Its actually a variable diameter pulley system. When the machine is under enough load the pulleys change diameter and you end up with a lower "gear" ratio that gives you more power but less speed. I've never used it so I don't know how useful it is. I simply either slow down or take less of a bite per swath.

In any case both machines are really nice. It sounds like you have tried both out and have a preferance for the Simplicity. If service and parts availablility are the same then I'd say go with your preference.
This message was modified Mar 2, 2007 by nibbler
Replies: 8 - 8 of 8Next page of topicsPreviousAllView as Outline
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Guide   •   Discussions  Reviews  
AbbysGuide.com   About Us   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy   Contact Us
Copyright 1998-2024 AbbysGuide.com. All rights reserved.
Site by Take 42