Toro vs. Simplicity single stage snow blowers

8 years ago

Moving into a new home in NOV 2017 and am going to need a snow blower for limited southern OH use. Depending on the winter I would anticipate using it 5-10 times a year and possibly less. Approx. 50' of length x 2car garage wide. Very slight slope in drive. If I were a younger man, the trusty shovel would work fine, but the back won't allow this anymore!

Went into our local dealer over the weekend looking at the Toro lineup. Interested in one of the 721 series. I don't need electric start (body is not that broken down yet) but if it came with it great. The ability to move the chute from the back while operating is a nice feature vs. having to reach around to the front of the machine each time. I think the model I need to have this feature is the 721QZE which is right around $700, but if I don't go for that feature I can move down to the 721R for $200 less.

The salesperson also mentioned the Simiplicity 1222 lineup. I am not familiar with them, and was hoping that someone with a lot more experience than me can lend some guidance. I liked the steel auger and the chute movement. Just not sure on the brand. The model that I think lined up best was 1022EE that is priced right in between the 2 Toro machines.

Any help and advice from the group would be much appreciated.

Featured Answer

tomplum

8 years ago

The two machines you mentioned present an interesting comparison. I'm out of the snow biz, but spent much time at a Toro dealer . When Toro came out with the Power Curve - they changed the industry. You can't clog them. Challenged with the packed stuff that the plow leaves you, but can generally do it with enough persistence. Then enters the Simplicity with the serrated auger inserts. Gimmick or functional, that is a big question. Have you used this type of machine before?

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Comments (6)

ssewalk1
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Simplicity , Toro , Ariens are the top 3 conventional blowers on the market . Honda and Yamaha are two of the best from Japan . Cub Cadet and Husky also provide a niche market . However since you have your eye on Toro and Simplicity I would have to lean towards the Toro Power Max 826 OXE @ $821.00 on sale this mth. I have owned one for 4 yrs and its bullet proof . - 40 degree Canadian winters with over 118 inch's of the white stuff seasonally without a wimper . I run 5-40 synthetic and have never needed the electric start , 1' pull starts every time . The Simplicity H1226e would be the alternate same spec,s @ $1299.00 .
exmar zone 7, SE Ohio
8 years ago
What part of Southern Ohio are you moving to? I'm in Jackson, South of Chillicothe and haven't seen snow in two years. Have a GT with a dozer blade and a snowblower taking up space in the barn. The small driveway you have, take a chance and if it ever does snow again, call someone to plow it. JMHO.
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ssewalk1
8 years ago
- Average single drive plow Rate $20.00 as long as you have sufficient area for snow removal , exmar is right .
Chris
Original Author
8 years ago
Tomplum. Thanks for the info. I have not used a single stage, but did have a Deere two stage for quite a few years. Moved to a house that HOA too care of all, but now building in a different community. Hopefully someone on this forum can comment on the simplicity unit.
ssewalk1
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Chris just a point of info, the original post model references were for 2 stage Toro & Simplicity units . Single stage blowers ate a thing of the past . Slow cumbersome units which only moved snow a few ft a head . Anyhow since your comparing apples to pears Cub Cadet offer a new patented 3 stage series which I have tested . Although initially thought to be a gimmick , they do very well in hard snow (crusted) application . Especially on grader deposits within your front drive . My toro would remove but I prefer my Meyers plow for such harsh snow removals . As for serrated auger tines that Tom refers , pretty much all manufacturers today provide this form of auger drives . Much better at breaking down packed snow or small ice & crust formations . Further to the Simplicity line up they are quality products , no better or worse than Toro . It usually is the Dealer that sells the product in the final decision . Get out and check both units and ask pointed questions and listen to the dealers response . P.S. Toro does offer 3 yr warranty only 2 for simplicity , also steel chutes rust and all most all blowers have steel auger drives !