Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

HERE FIRST, WORLD PREMIER OF THE 2006 LINEUP.

Many thanks to Snowmann for his help and expertise in the field of Ariens snowblowers.

Below are the details for the Extensive upgrades made to the 2006 models.

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Change/New Model Summary for 2005/2006 Ariens Snothros

Compact Snothros

 All new pistol grip style controls/handlebars/dash for better maneuverability.

• Chute crank has been relocated to operator position
• More powerful 7.5hp model added to lineup
• Impeller size increased to 12” from 10” for increased capacity
• Discharge chute has been re-profiled for increased throwing performance
• Directional tires w/aggressive tread for improved traction
• Pin lock feature was added to both sides to provide an alternate wheel position for chain clearance (for those who prefer to use aftermarket wheel chains)

 

New 926,000 series large-frame Snothros

 Deluxe Models w/pin-lock axle (ST926LE)

 Upgraded Tecumseh LH318SA engine from 8.5hp to 9.25hp

• All-new 926,000 series transmission with 1” diameter high-carbon steel solid-axle and heavy 12-gauge steel frame (over .20" thick at engine deck)..
• Directional tires w/aggressive tread for improved traction
• New Quick-Turn chute rotation (no more cranking)
• New Halogen high performance headlamp

 

Deluxe Models w/trigger-activated remote axle lock/unlock (ST11528LE, ST1332LE)

 All-new 926,000 series transmission with 1” diameter (A311 stress-relieved) high-carbon steel axle and heavy 12-gauge steel frame (over .20" thick at engine deck).

• New trigger-activated remote locking/unlocking axle feature
• Directional tires w/aggressive tread for improved traction
• New Quick-Turn chute rotation (no more cranking)
• New Halogen high-performance headlamp

 

Professional Models w/Traction Control and trigger-activated remote axle lock (ST926DLE, ST11526DLE, ST1328DLE, ST1332DLE, ST1336DLE)

 

• All-new 926,000 series transmission with 1” diameter (A311 stress-relieved) high-carbon steel axle and heavy 12-gauge steel frame(over .20" thick at engine deck).
• New Traction Control w/trigger-activated remote axle lock feature
• Directional tires w/aggressive tread for improved traction
• New Quick-Turn chute rotation (no more cranking)
• New Halogen high-performance headlamp
• All-new Cast Iron auger gearcase
• More power for several models (former 9hp 26” model upgrades to 9.25hp, former 11.5hp 28” model upgrades from 11.5hp to 13hp).

 Thanks Again .

I just checked the Ariens web site and it doesn't look like they have the updated descriptions yet. Looks like my lust for an Ariens Pro just got fanned some more. Sigh.

As far as computers are concerned, if they are on the truck going to the retailer they are "out of date". Of course there is a premium for being "bleeding edge" and for most people it doesn't make any real difference.

For snow blowers the update cycle is a lot slower and a nice machine that is several years old is still a nice machine. Enjoy.

Ariens website will be updated within next two weeks if all goes as planned.

I was still hoping for Honda or Briggs snow-tek power. That would have been the deciding factor to upgrade.

As Briggs has acquired competing snowblower brands, I doubt Ariens would switch at this point.

Unrelated but interesting:

TOP 4 U.S. EXPORT DESTINATIONS FOR SNOWBLOWERS

2002
Canada	$8,851
Sweden	$2,478
China	$2,386
Russia	$1,121

TOP 4 U.S. IMPORT SOURCES FOR SNOWBLOWERS

2002
Japan	$6,467
China	$6,334
Canada	$4,240
Finland	$2,897

I wonder if it would be possible to order an Ariens without an engine and put on your own?

Either that or buy one, put a different engine on it and then sell the one you took off?

I imagine that you could ask them to do that for you, but you might have to pay shipping.  Probably limited or no warranty also.