QuestionQUESTION: Hello Eric. I have a 30 year old Simplicity Snow-Away snowblower with a 7 h.p. Briggs. It has has fairly heavy use over the past 15 years that I have owned it. I have replaced belts and the auger bearing. The housing is in so-so shape and getting a little rusty. Am I on borrowed time with this thing? I LOVE how it throws the snow! The engine is pretty smokey on startup but runs well. There is no replacement engine recommended for this unit. What do you think about these older machines? Should I start looking for a replacement? I know it is difficult without seeing it...
ANSWER: Well, they don't make them like they used to. With that said they do not make parts anymore either. To be honest you may be better off getting a newer machine that they make parts for. Have you looked at the late model Toro machines?
Eric
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QUESTION: Not many used Toro's in my area. I am looking at a 10 year old Simplicity 1080. Light use, well maintained, asking $700. Many thanks
AnswerHow wore is the bucket? A really wore bucket indicates a lot of use. Are the skids and knife wore out? Another indicator of use?
Is there any plug to check the auger gear box grease? Are the belts dry and wore?
I've been down the road of "fixer ups" several times...used to be worth it but these days parts can get real expensive real quick.
Are there any chains in the drive system on the one you are looking at? Chains will need to be replaced at that age.
Eric
