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

I did a search and found a few references to this machine but no answers.  Any one have one of these?  15.5 snow max engine, heated hand grips, 30" wide.  I can't find a listing for auger diameter or impeller diameter.  I called John Deere and the guy that was suppose to be the snow thrower expert didn't know either. 

What is the Easy Steer drive system?  The literature says: 

Easy SteerŪ drive system giving continuous power to both wheels and auto speed adjustment

Is it similar to the Ariens auto differential? 

I've heard that the units are built by B&S which translates to Simplicity.  They do have cast iron gear cases like the Simplicity.  The chute control is different than the simplicity and so is the turning method so they are not exactly the same.  I'm trying to compare the Simplicity L1530E to the JD 1130SE.  Any help would be appreciated.

Rick

lanningjw, you might want to check your light bulb.  The case of the regulator is grounded when strapped to the starter.  When that ground is lost the voltage will spike to much more than 12V and could have burned out the bulb.  Once it's grounded the voltage would be back to 12V provided the voltage regulator isn't damaged.  My guess is the regulator is still good and you only need a new bulb and new strap to hold it.

Catt wrote:

Ok its a regulator that is attached with the metal strap that goes around the starter. Sorry, I had no idea what they were, glad you knew what I was talking about.  So, I'll go get the correct sized strap and a new bulb, then I will see the light!

Your happy with the performance of the 1130?

I'm very happy with my 1130 now.  It blows great and and it scrapes very well.  I actually look forward to more snow.

I had my headlight burn out on the 2nd time out.  I replaced it and my new headlight only lasted one use before it too burned out.  That's two burned out headlights in 4 times out.  I checked the voltage and it is 13.3 which isn't too high.  It may be from vibration.  I noticed that the headlight bracket is bolted right to the metal of the machine.  I will try putting a piece of rubber (piece of inner tube) between the bracket and the machine to try to reduce the vibration some. 

Swoods, It wood be interesting to see what the voltage is at different throttle settings.  I agree that 13.3V shouldn't be a problem.  If I get time, I will check my voltage.

lanningjw, Let us know how yours works after the new clamp and bulb.

Catt wrote:
lanningjw, I forgot to add that I find the easy steer feature fantastic.  The 1130 is a pretty big machine, but with easy steer it seems much smaller.

The Easy steer really helped me to be more effective, because I can go down the middle of the drive way, and then do a 180 tight turn while staying under power and continue blowing snow.  

The 1130 has a big powerful engine, the blower weights in at 250 lbs and seems to be able to dig down into the snow because of the balance of the wheels and the front end. I am happy and so are the folks that live around me.

I did raise the skids with the paint stir stick, but it seems to be to high and leaves alot of snow on the driveway, any advise? 

As far as adjusting height, I used a piece of steel I had in the garage (about 2/3 thickness of a paint stirrer), under the auger housing next to the height adjuster.  You may just be able to sand down one end of your paint stick to around 2/3 thickness and it should be about right.  At this height, I leave a pretty clean path on my asphalt driveway.  The one thing I wish it had was some sort of a skid towards the front of the auger housing.  When I go down the sidewalk, the machine bangs into the uneven sections.  It probably wouldn't be too hard to fashion some sort of a skid or something. 

By the way, when I checked the voltage of my headlight wire, it was at full throttle.  This gave me the 13.3 volts.  I would assume that full throttle would be the highest voltage, but I could be wrong.  I can check it later and rev the engine up and down to see if it gets higher.  I did end up mounting some rubber between the headlight bracket and the machine last night.  I had some really thick rubber from an old tractor inner-tube.  I cut two pieces the same size as the bracket (doubled them up for extra thickness) and drilled a hole in the center for the bracket bolt.  I'll try to get another headlight today to see how it works. 

<<<under the auger housing next to the height adjuster>>> I was ajusting the height by placing the stick under the scrapper.  I like your way better, will try this out and let you know the results, thanks Jim