History of Antique Simplicity Snowblowers

Simplicity added snowblowers to its lawn and garden care products in 1961.

Simplicity is a Wisconsin based company that manufactures lawn and garden care equipment. Simplicity was founded in 1922 by William J. Niederkorn. It began making snow blowing devices in the 1950s and 1960s. In the early 2000s, the company acquired a number of other lawn equipment companies, expanding its size. In 2004 Simplicity was bought by Briggs & Stratton.

Snowblowing Attachments

Simplicity produced its first snowblowing attachments in 1955. These devices attached to its walker model, and marked the beginning of Simplicity's expansion into snowblowing technology.

Snow-Away

In 1961, Simplicity made its first single-use snowblower, the Snow-Away. The Snow-Away cost $285 at the time, and used a 3.5 horsepower motor.

Paddle Style

In the 1970s, Simplicity introduced a snowblower with a paddle style impeller.

The 1980s

In the 1980s, competition among snowblower manufacturers increased due to the growing popularity of international companies like Honda in the United States. In 1988, snowblower sales fell due to a dry winter with light snow fall.

References

• Funding Universe: Company Histories: Simplicity Manufacturing
• The Gibson Snow Blower Shop: Vintage Snowblower Showcase