How To Repair Recoil Spring Simplicity 860 Snowblower

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I refurbish a handful of tractors and snow blowers as a hobby and labor of love.  This site reflects sample restoration projects I've selected, some of which I promise to complete in the future, and the ethical approach I take in selling selected finished machines from my drove. I perform service and repairs only on power equipment I've sold, and occasionally to aid someone out.

This Library contains articles that inform the homeowner on how to better store for, care for, and shop his/her machine.

Article 24: More Snow Blower Recommendations

Introduction

First, let's discuss power in relation to intake size.  The ideal ratio of ability to intake size on a full-sized snow blower with a 20- to 21-inch intake pinnacle is 8 HP to 24-inches in width.  Every bit the diviner box (sometimes called the snow box) widens, the engine capacity should rise accordingly.  So, adequate combinations include 24- to 26-inches and 7 to viii HP,  27- to xxx-inches and ix to ten HP, and 32- to 36-inches and xi to 12 HP.  Now, because many brands, in particular Sears, overstated power on their products, and because torque, which closely relates to engine size, is a better indicator of power, the FTC now requires that makers of snowfall blowers and riding mowers quote torque and engine size instead of capricious HP ratings.  I generally refer to engine size equally a guide.  For flat-head engines, 300 cc to 320 cc equates to near 7 to 8 HP, 340 cc to 360 cc equates to 9 to 10 HP, and 380 cc to 400 cc equates to xi to 12 HP.  Since Overhead Valve (OHV) engines put out more power per cc, ane can subtract xl cc to 50 cc from these figures to arrive at corresponding power values.

Assessments

With this information in hand, here is our assessment.  Barring very sometime equipment, actually there are only 3 brands of snow blowers that accept sufficient quality and durability to get our recommendation.  The first is Simplicity'southward Signature Pro Professional Series of snow blowers.  These are true commercial-grade machines that are rather expensive.  Their construction and performance are unsurpassed from every vantage signal.  Referring to the start photo below, observe the heavy-gauge steel construction of the augur box and impeller barrel, along with the bandage-iron handles, and C-channel steel handlebar supports.  This kind of quality runs through the entire snow blower from the heavy ribbon-steel augurs and four-bract impeller to the heavy-duty traction drive.

Simplicity'due south Heavy-Duty snow blowers are also a expert choice and would rank closely with our other ii brands' offerings outlined below.  Referring to the second photo below, information technology is credible that these employ a traction drive (drive box with handlebars and controls) manufactured past Murray combined with the Simplicity Signature Pro snow box (front end end with chute, impeller, augurs, and augur gearcase).  These currently employ engines that are reasonably powerful and roughly 50cc smaller than those found in the Signature Pro modelsThis is a expert quality choice that would rank closely with our other two brand choices cited below.

Lastly among Simplicity's offerings, the Medium-Duty snow blowers are entirely manufactured past Murray.  These correspond closely with their Murray counterparts, also offered under the Briggs and Stratton brand,  Altogether, these are less durable with smaller and lighter components, including the augurs (by ii-inches), augur gearbox, impeller, and snow box.  Overall, they are constructed with lighter-approximate steel.  Farther, these employ engines that are rather marginal in ability and are roughly some other 50cc (100cc altogether) smaller than those found in the Signature Pro models.  We practise non consider these to exist in the same league as whatever of our choices outlined herein.

Simplicity Signature PRO 860 DLXE #1694241

Simplicity Heavy-Duty H1226E #1696236

The second brand is Ariens.  Nosotros prefer the 924-Series (the model number begins with '924') total-size snow blowers made from the 1980s through the 1990s.  These are identified past their foursquare-shaped or rectilinear front augur box and black handlebar assembly with front flat panel.  We also include the unique 1979 ST824 (not shown), which features the same rectilinear front augur box linked to a transitional tractor drive.  This drive is distinguished past its commercial-type controls flanked by black bezels that are attached to a white console (with Ariens label) set between white handlebars.  All 924-Series ST824s came with Tecumseh eight hp, 318cc, flat-head engines.  Subsequently ST824 models are more likely to be in skillful shape.  Here's a breakdown.

• ST824 models from the early-1980s have a low-fix black panel and a low, broad, large-chapters chute that is less likely to clog.

Early-1980s Ariens ST824 #924050

• Models from the latter half of the 1980s have the low-set black panel and a slightly taller, only notwithstanding wide chute.

Late-1980s Ariens ST824 #924050

• Early-1990s models have a new high-fix black console and large flat dash with blackness decal gear up betwixt the augur and bulldoze handles, and a somewhat taller, only still wide chute.  At this point, Ariens moved from a 5-speed to a 6-speed transmission and added Sno-Hog tires that exercise not require tire bondage.

Early-1990s Ariens ST824 #924082

• Models dating from the tardily-1990s have a high-set black console with an integrated low-cal, flat dash, now with a blue decal, and a tall narrow chute.  Also, Ariens introduced serrated augurs that were somewhat smaller and shorter in relation to the height of the snow box, peradventure to residual snow intake to capacity.  These were the last 924-Serial snow blowers made.

Late-1990s Ariens ST824 #9240550

Late-1990s Ariens ST824 #9240550 - Dash with Blue Decal

• The early-2000s 932-Serial replaced the 924-Serial.  The 824 Classic picked up where the terminal ST824 models left off, even adopting the square snow box, dash panel assembly with light and blue decal, and tall, narrow chute.

Early on-2000s Ariens 824 Classic #932101

Early on-2000s Ariens 824 Classic #932101 - Dash with Blueish Decal

• A bit later in the early- to mid-2000s, the 932-Series models, such as the Ariens 8526LE, followed with a return to the black dash decal.  More than importantly, this series introduced a new taller, sloped snow box.  As the 2000s progressed this series moved to Tecumseh'southward OHV engines.

Early-to-Mid-2000s Ariens 8526 LE #932105

Early-to-Mid-2000s Ariens 8526 LE #932105 - Dash with Black Decal

• In the late-2000s, the 921-Series, like the Palatial 827, replaced the 932-Series full-size models.  Comparable to its 932-Series predecessors in general layout and quality, it brought the introduction of Briggs and Stratton OHV engines and more aggressive X-trac tires.

Belatedly-2000s Ariens Palatial 27 #921012

• More than recently, Ariens returned to a slightly larger, cast-atomic number 26, worm-and-roller, augur gear box presumably with somewhat larger internals for immovability.

When looking at the different generations of 924-Serial ST824 models, there are various considerations to take into business relationship.  The augurs are thicker and the steel construction is heavier on the older models.  Some of the early 924-Series came with a cast-iron augur gear box, which was significantly larger and contained much larger worm-and-roller gears for reliability and longevity.  A 'differential lock' button that releases traction to the left bike was available on some ST824 models.  It'due south a nice feature to take when maneuverability is a priority, eastward.g., when moving the motorcar for storage or service.

Ariens Differential Lock (on an ST824)

From the outset, an electrical starter was an bachelor option that could help in adverse weather condition.  Some ST824 models offered larger wheels in comparison with , which were preferable owing to their easier operation both in snow and on turf.  [Notation:  At the time, attachments for various seasons were available that could exist used with the tractor drive in place of the snow thrower.  These included such items every bit a rotary mower, leafage blower, power sweeper, and other items.]  For snow, the ST824 required tire chains until Sno-Grunter tires were offered, which practice non require chains.  Some owners retrofitted these tires to their older machines.

Another distinction is worth mentioning.  Although the Ariens ST724 models wait just like their ST824 big brothers, they utilize a slightly smaller tractor drive and smaller 3-bolt (instead of 4-commodities) wheels.  Even so, ST724 models are very sturdy and capable, and an ST724 tin can be a fine choice.

Early on-1980s Ariens ST724 #924048

The 932-Serial and 921-Series are good snowfall blowers, only not every bit substantial every bit their 924-Series predecessors.  At the same time, these are younger and probably exposed to less usage.  Therefore, one of these models is more likely to have a stronger flat-caput or OHV engine, the latter of which is quieter and smoother with fewer emissions.  Ane of the drawbacks of these newer Ariens is the rectangular-to-circular transition betwixt the impeller outlet and the base of the chute.  This configuration leaves edges and "shelves" upon which snow tin accumulate.  This flaw allows snow leaving the impeller to clog at the base of the chute more easily than predecessors with a circular-to-circular transition.

As an aside, we e'er recommend that buyers obtain a Teflon-like spray and apply it in the impeller outlet, which protrudes upwards from the snow blower butt, around the opening at the base of the chute, and upwards the entire chute.  This offers a slippery surface that helps prevent clogging.  Some products that work well include silicone spray, ski wax, DuPont Teflon Snow and Water ice Repellent, Clean Deck Graphite, and Ariens Sno-Jet Non-Stick Spray, among others.  1 can even use a not-stick cooking spray similar PAM!

Some newer Ariens snow blower models offer a trigger on the left handle to release the left bicycle, assuasive the operator to turn the car hands in either direction.  Annotation that when one wheel is released, the axle is free to rotate in either direction.  This works in the same fashion every bit the "differential lock" push plant on some ST824s, but is much more user-friendly since the operator can appoint the trigger at any fourth dimension while using the snowfall blower.  The latest models offer power steering, which really amounts to a trigger release on each handle for each bike.  When the trigger is pulled up for ane wheel, the power goes only to the other wheel, which in turn turns the snowfall blower in the direction of the release.  In practice, this does not offer much of an comeback over a single release.  In deep snow, snow resistance offers a fairly noticeable barrier to power steering, leaving command of turning to the operator via the handlebar.  In light snow, ability steering is not really needed since the operator can turn just as easily with a single release.  Also, some very loftier-terminate Ariens machines have a full differential that allows for turning at any time.

We do not similar to recommend whatever Ariens prior to virtually 1979 because (1) they lack some important safety features, especially the 1960s and 1970s snow throwers where the handle is released like a clutch to appoint the bulldoze, (2) they are much less probable to exist in adept shape internally (bearings, bushings,  pinion assemblies, etc.), and (3) parts are harder to come by.

Compact Ariens snow blowers, which have a 932-Series designation, are structurally smaller and lighter than their full-sized siblings.  These models perform adequately owing to their properly-reduced proportions.  These are equipped with a noticeably shorter augur box and an abbreviated and smaller (in diameter) impeller butt that reduce capacity.  Altogether, the Ariens meaty-sized models cannot have in and procedure as much snowfall as their full-sized counterparts.  These are best suited to light utilize on smaller properties, where 1 tin can move more slowly and even so get the snow clearing job done in a reasonable fourth dimension.  Lastly, despite their reduced size, these compact models have only a marginally smaller footprint and an even smaller reward in price when compared to full-sized models.  This leaves ane to wonder why a buyer would choose a meaty over a full-size.  Photos of 3 similar compact 932-Serial, ST724 models with different handlebar configurations are shown beneath.

Ariens Compact ST724 #932022

Ariens Compact ST724 #932027

Ariens Compact ST724 #932035

Finally, our 3rd recommended brand is Toro.  Toro's line of snow blowers with drum-style augurs, made prior to virtually 2003, are quite good. These Toros are designed and built well, with a very rigid augur box and robust tractor drive.  They apply unique, drum-style augurs that accept a cylinder belongings each of the augurs.  The ii cylinders are sized to the chapters of the impeller.  They limit and control the amount of incoming snow that can enter the impeller butt, thus significantly reducing the likelihood of bottleneck.  The best models date to the 1990s through the early-2000s.

We prefer Toro's 824XL Power Throw full-size model, which shares it's rugged augur box with the premium Power Shift series.  For sophisticated users who need greater cut power at the front end for immigration, e.g., for commercial use, we favor Toro's 824 Power Shift, which allows the operator to shift the wheels rearward (and dorsum frontward) depending upon conditions.  This is washed via a control integrated in the gear shift lever.  When the wheels are placed in the rearward position, downforce at the front is increased significantly to ensure that the snow blower stays planted for cutting performance.  In the forward position, performance is similar to and treatment is actually a piffling lighter than a traditional automobile.  Compared to the Toro 824XL, the Toro 824 Power Shift wheels, when in the forrad position, are set somewhat ahead of the not-adjustable wheels on the Toro 824XL.  The latter essentially splits the divergence between the forrad and rearward positions of the Ability Shift model, placing the wheels directly under the engine.

We like Toro's Meaty 724 and 824 Ability Throw models, also sold under the Lawn-Male child name with Backyard-Boy'southward paint and decals.  We like this selection of models because they are so intelligently designed and easy to dismantle and repair.  Farther, nosotros favor the Toro Compact models over the Ariens Meaty snowfall throwers.  It is becoming harder to detect good examples of these compact machines.  Photos of ii Toros and a Lawn-Boy announced beneath.

Toro 824 Forty Power Throw #38083

Toro Meaty 724 Power Throw #38072

Lawn-Boy Compact 824E #28232

Nigh homeowners should pass on Toro'southward Power Shift models, which are really designed for dedicated commercial use.  These have a somewhat circuitous control with plastic cams embedded in the gear selector that moves the wheels rearward and back to the frontward position using drive power.  The rearward position places much more downforce on the front end of the blower and makes lifting upwardly the front augur box via the handlebar hard and cumbersome, finer knocking out maneuverability.  Yet, it provides unusual cut ability that a professional frequently requires.  Rarely will homeowners always utilize the rearward position.  In the forward (normal) position, the wheels are located slightly further forward than those on a traditional snow thrower, similar the Toro 824 XL, where the wheels reside directly under the engine.  As a issue, the machine is a scrap lighter at the handlebar and nose, i.east., offering slightly less downforce up front end.  Nevertheless, the Power Shift still provides good clearing ability with its wheels forward owing to its actress weight.  Another do good of the Toro Power Shift models is the Peerless gear transmission that is used in place of a friction disc drive system.  Again, this is something that the commercial user will value for its reliability and lower-maintenance lifespan.  On the downside, the unabridged Ability Shift mechanism adds complexity to the snowfall blower.  The bodily brackets that let the wheels to swing between positions are sturdy and well-made, and rarely nowadays any problems if lubricated periodically.  Still, the Power Shift control, specifically the plastic cam assembly, can interruption rather easily if the user is non familiar with how to properly employ the gear selector handle to engage Power Shift feature.  This control mechanism can be costly to repair.  Overall, a Power Shift model is a skillful option for the sophisticated and/or professional user.

No matter how you slice it, older is improve from a blueprint and construction standpoint.  BUT, older can become you into a tin can of worms once you get inside the traction drive box and start replacing all kinds of parts and assemblies, which tin get expensive speedily.  Then, the heir-apparent has to balance the higher quality with the increased risk of status bug associated with buying something older.

Decision

The trick is to find an older snow blower that has been cared for and properly maintained by its owner, such that it has good internal components, or perchance some worn items that are routine to supplant (like a friction disc).  Our top choice would exist either a Simplicity Signature Pro 8 HP, 24-inch or 9 HP, 26-inch.  Among Ariens, as already described, our choice would exist an ST824 (924-Series) from one-time in the mid-1980s to tardily-1990s.  These Ariens perform nearly likewise as the Simplicity Pro Serial at much more attractive prices.  Lastly, we similar Toro's well-designed and synthetic 824 XL Power Throw and Compact 724 and 824 Ability Throw snow blowers.

All article content and images copyright Jay'south Power Equipment.  All rights reserved.

Source: http://jayspower.com/library/2016/1/3/article-24-used-snow-blower-recommendations

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