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

I just purchased a Ariens 11526DLE.(11.5HP, 26", DLE), delivery is tomorrow.  I noticed in product literature the 9.25HP and 11.5HP Tecumsuh motors have same displacement.  I believe they're 318cc.   Anyone know the technical differences between the two motors and Tecumsuh achieves the additional 2.5HP?

Nibbler, two points...1. The $200+ extra cost of the 11hp over lifespan really isn't my issue, it's a matter of what am I paying for?  Is it vaporware or is it a tangible difference?  So far no one has been able to identify "anything' that explains any significant difference,  certainly not $200+ dollars worth of difference.  I'd love to stand corrected on this, at whch point I'd buy the 11hp.  At this time it looks foolish to fall for the vaperware option.   2. There is "NO" difference between the 9.25DLE and the 11.5DLE, none!   So it's not the blower machinery as you suggest. 

Thanks for the thoughts...

RedCoupe wrote:

I think you're missing the point.  Motor manufacturers provide varying options within their product lines.  When they sticker a motor, they are certifying that the product is configured to provide the specification indicated.  The same block/bore/stroke engine may be stickered at two or three hp strengths - YOU decide which one you want, and they theoretically deliver.  Cases in point - Mercury Outboards.  Fourstroke 60hp, 50 hp ---same gross specs - and the marine mechanic suggests that the MAIN difference is a restricter plate.  However, there's no guarantee that plate replacement will convert the 50hp to the 60 hp - jet size, IC modules, etc. may well be the difference.  So the SAME gross block is DOWNSIZED in sticker power to produce one market product, and run at the HIGH END efficency to produce another.   Same manufacturer - ( I'm looking at a 2002 spec sheet) - 2-stroke 9.9hp classic vs. 15hp classic -  both 262cc - both same weight, gear ratio, bore/stroke, etc.   I would suspect their buy price difference is MORE than $250 and their PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE (sticker rating)  is 50% more for the 15hp over the 9.9hp. 

Of course, you can ALWAYS look at "souping up" the lower-end machine to emulate the higher-end machine.  It may work well....it may also be a disaster because we all know that a small "tweak" in a small engine may make for a BIG problem in engine performance.   If I've learned anything in messing around with small engines,  (and I have a dozen or more in different configurations) it's that I respect those who have engineered them to work as well as they do.  You make a conscious decision as to your  "buy-in" point - and go with that.   Second level "navel-gazing" is just THAT - unproductive.   

Cheers......    *(:>)*

RedCoupe wrote:
Actually if you re-read what I wrote you will see that I didn't suggest  that its a difference in the machinery, I said that you can speculate. I also offered my opinion which was that it was simply a matter of people being willing to pay for something they percieve is bigger and flashier. You can imply from that the I don't think there is a significant difference. I.E,. Its vapourware

As far as there being "NO" difference, there is an obvious one, the stickers are different . I haven't found anything significant, even the weights are identical.  What I got out of the other, longer discussions on the HP rating on the engines was that although there might be a differnce no one had a definitive reason.

My appologies if I misinterpreted your reponse or seemed unnecessarily strong in my comments.  I understand your points and I think we're in full agreement.  The tone of my comments were no doubt influenced by my frustration in seeking a simple clarification from these manufacturers.  This is a new experience for me, forgive me.  I really appreciate your comments, experience in this area and now your patience.  Bear with me and thanks again.