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

I live on the shoreline in CT, where we get anywhere from 0-6 storms (6-12 inches) plus some smaller snowfalls per winter (and this winter is predicted to be on the high side). My driveway is around 150 feet (single wide with a slight incline for 100 ft and double wide plus and flat for 50). It is mostly paved except for a 10x20 patch in front of one of the garage doors (the one that I would likely store the snowblower in).

My budget is $1,000. So far, I am considering four snowblowers:

1. Ariens 7524E ($760), 24 inch with a 7.5HP Tecumseh OHV.
2. Toro 826LE ($899), 26 inch with an 8HP Tecumseh L-Head.
3. Ariens 926LE ($999), 26 inch with a 9HP Tecumseh L-Head.
4. Simplicity 8560E ($999), 24 inch with an 8.5HP Briggs & Stratton Intek OHV.

What would you recommend (and why)? Thanks.

I live in CT as well, the NorthWestern portion. We have about the same size, type drive, with the exception of the unpaved area you have. A few years back I bought my husband a snowblower as a surprise for Christmas. Went with a Simplicity, but the 9 HP motor. Went with Simplicity because after "woman-handling" all the different machines, I just felt it was a good quality, well built, simple snowthrower. I guess I look at the bells and whistles as more things than get break over time, so I passed on them. Going up to the 9 HP got me the Easy Turn feature, which means I can easily use the machine when hubby is not around. (Okay, so I wanted a snowblower, used him as an excuse to get one! Haha!) I'm not a huge woman, not small, can easily start and manuever this machine. That easy turn is really the key. Our machine has dealt with everything thrown at it, with ease, included that lovely end of driveway mess. Now instead of having to shovel every few hours to keep the drive cleared, we wait for the end of storm or clear it if someone needs to drive on it.

I know the other two manufacturers are probably purchased more often, but if I was to do it all over again today, I'd still stick with the Simplicity. I used their 12 months same as cash when I purchased. Had a budget of 1K, went a little above, but well worth it.

I would look at a snowblower with the OHV engine. These are all good machines that you are considering, but OHV is the future and L-head will soon be phased out. Also look at the other features, such as the easy steering feature that OC mentioned. I would lean toward the Ariens 7524E, The 7.5HP is adequate power for most situations and the machine is light enough to turn and manuver easily. The Ariens 2 turn crank  chute is nice. Electric start is nice. I would stay away from too many gadgets such as power chute control.

Thanks for the replies.

I just found a really good Ariens dealer around 15 miles away. He actually suggested that I get the 926LE or, if I can afford it, the 1128LE. His feeling it that the larger 14 inch impeller would be important in wetter snow. Of course, that threw me back into the L-Head or Tecumseh OHV debate, along with possibly getting away with one less pass on the driveway due to the 4 inches extra width if I get the 1128LE. Right now, I'm leaning toward either the 7524E or the 1128E... the 926LE seems like getting half-pregnant (L-Head, no trigger lock differential, a little more horsepower, a little more width, bigger impeller). I feel like a boater who has a bad case of 2-foot-itis :) Anybody care to talk me into it or out of it?

If you are going to make that kind of investment, go with as much machine as you can afford. You don't need a monster, but get as much as you can. Go with the model that has the features for ease of use. You'll wish you had them when you're freezing your tushie off fighting the snowthrower and playing the "I wish I had" game. If you're going to go that far, I'd send you to Simplicity for their 10560E. But if you're stuck on Ariens go with the model that give you the options you are going to wish you had. Do a search here for comments on the models you are looking at as well.

I'm partial to the Ariens.......
Dealer support is very important. If you like the dealer, and the product, then enjoy owning a new ariens.......I believe they are one of the best. I bought a 1332DLE last year.


Frank D.

Well, it came down to the Ariens 7524 and the Simplicity 8560 (I eliminated the Toro and 9 HP Ariens because I prefer OHV to L-Head engines). My wife eliminated the 11.5 HP Ariens because I promised not to spend more than $1,000 (she just doesn't understand the concept of toys).

After comparing the two again (and again and again), I'll be going with the Simplicity. It has a couple of features that I prefer (one-hand operation, an extra 3 inches of height and the slightly more powerful Briggs OHV engine). Of course, there are features on the Ariens that I prefer as well (the 12 inch impeller, easier to operate chute control and the $210 savings). Dealer quality is about equal as well, according to friends who know both dealers.

Thanks for all your help. Maybe I won't hate snow as much this winter!

Congrats on your decision!  Simplicity is a good snowblower....i'm sure you will like it.
Let us know how it works out for you!

Frank D.

I think you will be happy with the Simplicity. I live South of Buffalo where we get up to 250" a year! I bought the 11HP and just love it. I have a long and wide driveway. Yours should be plenty big enough. My 11HP is a little bulky at times, but I need the power at the end of my driveway. They are a really nice machine.

I just looked at the Simplicity's yesterday....although I'm partial to the Ariens, I liked what I saw.....the local dealer is a friend of mine...got a catolog, etc.

There is nothing like having a good robust snowblower here in western NY....!

Frank D.