Snowblower Snapper / Simplicity 42" Snowthrower

BillNole · Oct 24, 2010

I picked up a 42" Single Stage Snowthrower I found on CL yesterday morning and mounted it to my Snapper LT200 that afternoon. Removing the mower deck and mounting the snowthrower took about 2 hours, which was about half what I expected. Very good directions from Simplicity helped! Now, all I need is tire chains and weights... and a foot of snow!

The snowthrower was unused and still in the box and I got it for... $425.

Considering my dealer wants over $1K, I'm pretty pleased even though I have no need for so much snow removal power in my current situation. (Really, I'll probably have to do a couple of neighbors clearing just to warm up the tractor!) But, I couldn't pass this up, since I plan to keep this setup for the next 10-20 years. Plus, the thought of riding instead of walking and wrestling with my 2 year old Ariens 824E just makes me smile and will probably become neccesary at some point in that time frame. (We're all getting oldER...) I'll probably sell the Ariens to offset what I paid for this one once I'm convinced it will work out.

I have the Snapper 2044 with 22 X 10 - 8 wheels on the back. I plan to visit my dealer to buy the wheel weights and perhaps suitcase weights also if the wheel weights aren't enough. However, I can't seem to locate any chains, other than the ones my dealer has for $120, which I won't buy. I've come across a lot that are close and am assuming I can get another size and modify as needed, but would rather just get the right ones to start, if someone has any suggestions. Anyone?

Also, does anyone take the trouble to use any type of engine block heater for the engine and/or hydro tranny? I plan to change to synthetic oil, but our Northern IL winters get below 0 regularly enough and I'll be storing this in an unheated shed and starting warm can't hurt.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

BillNole · Oct 26, 2010

I remember reading or hearing something about an automated lift option for this snowthrower, but can't find any information. Does anyone know if this is an option from the manufacturer, or something someone cobbled together? I did a little research and it appears I can put one together to a total of about $150, including all the brackets and switches necessary, but would like to know if there's already one available.

Anyone have any experience or information on this?

Thanks in advance! :thumbsup:

BillNole · Oct 29, 2010

Hello! Is this thing working? How do you tell if it's working? Knock-knock-knock... Cricket-cricket-cricket... Hmmm...

Maybe some other time.

wedge40 · Oct 30, 2010

First welcome to TBN.
Second. Not sure how much snow you get, but a single stage thrower can be a real PIA. If the snow is wet, it may or may NOT throw it very far and if it does throw it, it will only be a few feet. Cold "dry" snow wont be as bad.

Wedge

Toyboy · Oct 30, 2010

My former Case 446 had a single stage blower and it worked fine for a whole bunch of years in wet and dry snow. Since you've been using a walk behind you already understand that the heavier/wetter the snow, the smaller or slower the overlap on each pass. The two things I'd always did was spray the inside of discharge chute with silicone and the drive chain w/motorcycle chain lube.

Being familiar with your area (originally from the Windy burbs) you can get hammered or light snows depending on the wind. Have fun this winter.

BillNole · Oct 30, 2010

After shoveling for years (and learning the REAL difference between wet and heavy or dry and fluffy!) and then blowing with an Ariens ST824E for the past two years, I've figured out enough to do a pretty good job of approaching with a game plan as opposed to just attacking and getting frustrated. I had a small Toro single stage walk behind for a couple seasons that did a good job most of the time and then the Ariens two stage that would through a truck over the neighbors house, if it would fit in the chute. They both had quirks, but they also both did a good job for what they were.

I'd have preferred a two stage, but they don't offer them for my LT and I found this one for less than half price, brand new! I plan on using this for the next 10-20 years and don't anticipate it will give me troubles with our snow, as long as I don't ask it to do something it isn't suited for.

Mine is a small and short driveway and this setup is overkill, but with the deal I got, that became a non-issue. With my bad back and aging hips and knees, I won't have to count on anyone else to get me out of the house with what I have now.

I think it's funny how many different opinions there are surrounding single stage vs. two stage blowers. My experience has been that both did exactly what I expected AND wanted them to do. I simply had to go about things myself accordingly.