Probably something Simp did to make the machines sell for the Baker Brand name. Other companies did that in the past. Can't name one until i think about it. Old brain gets foggy, ya know?

Who's Baker? Not a name I'm familiar with as far as OPE.

Oh yeah, the prize:

{{gwi:298568}}

Needs an engine (already threw a 7HP on there for the short-term), a couple bearings, and skids. Good shape other than that, although Simplicitys seem to rust fast. For a 1996 it's a little crusty around the edges.

That looks like my 3 year old Simplicty pro.They just do not have to change something that works and holdup like these do.I gave far more then you did for yours.But still worth every penny I paid for mine as well.I have gave mine a work out this year finaly.Cleared my long lane of wet heavy snow last night in the dark.First time I did it after dark and heavy wet snow it worked great as always.No plastic in these machines and thats hard to find these days.

You're probably on top of all this, but be obsessive about chassis and drivetrain lubrication. Even the stuff that doesn't turn. I've now owned two Simplicity snowblowers (you can see the orange '80s parts machine in the background) and both of them have gears or bearings that have rusted up.

I'm probably going to have to replace at elast $100 in stupid parts like a new axle because this 12-year-old machine rusted up inside and won't come apart for routine maintenance.

Yes I know what you mean.I brought mine home new and removed the rims and applied antiseiz to the axels.I do this at the end of each season before storing.I remove the tin shield under carriage and grease and oil lube everything.It all get a coating to prevent rust.Thats also when I change the engine oil.I give the paint a coat of wax.Lightly oil non painted hardware.

After each use during blowing snow.I use a leaf blower to blow off as much snow as possible.I do not have a heated shed.So as soon as it begins to melt I wheel it out on a sloped ramp of the shed and let the water drain off.Then I use the blower to blow off as much water as I can.When I get a dry nice day I like to take it out allow it to get some air movement and sun to dry it better yet.I then also start and run it to help make sure the belts get dry and do not set wet between snow falls.

Well, just a progress update. Every bearing and bushing in the Baker was pretty worn out, probably from lack of maintenace more than anything. The main drive gear was also extremely rusted to the axle, so the axle had to come out with the help of a Sawzall. Better a $40 axle than an $80 gear. On the plus side, other than stuff like that, Simplicity replacement parts are fairly inexpensive.

One of the auger flites was also rusted to its shaft. Managed to bust that loose today after clamping the whole assembly in a vise and driving it off with a hammer.

All in all I have $120 in new parts coming in. Given that I'm replacing every wear item in the machine it should work like new. Probably will live with the ratty old 7HP engine in the off-season until I find a cheap upgrade.

I have to say, overall, were I in the market for another snowblower I wouldn't buy a Simplicity. Compared to similar Ariens models the drivetrain is extremely under-designed and full of fast-wearing parts, in addition to using a tilting pulley I don't like. Lots of other small stuff they cheaped out on. On the other hand, I like the Simplicity main chassis (despite an apparent rust issue) and controls better. I'd say the gearcases are a wash, they're both well built.