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

Hi, First let me introduce myself, I am Mike, I am 16, I made this account with a friend for us both to use. I live in New England and found this forum through google because I felt it was neccessary to ask some snowblower experts and people who have various blowers what I should purchase.

Basically my mother decided she wants a snow blower so my dad doesnt have a heart attack in the case that I am not home to shovel(he has a valve problem). At first she wanted to go with the Arien 7.5, but I did some research and figured with the thick snow the plows pile up at the edge of our driveway, the 9.25 HP deluxe model would be better. When researching I also came accross an 11.5 HP blower from craftsman with power steering, and a 10.5 HP blower from Yard Tools that had "power steering." First let me mention I have a small, 30 by 20 driveway, and a 50 foot sidewalk. I also want to add that to make money this winter I will be doing neigboring houses so I want something relativly reliable and durable, though none of this is extreme use. I compiled some general info and was hoping for some input on what I should get.




The Ariens 7524E Compact: http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/compact_sno_thros/7524_e/
Price: $749 at HD
Pros: Compact, Cheap and Kraft Macaroni Colored
Cons: No console, small intake, So so power
What I would like to know: Is this really practical if I am going to do neigbors driveways and walks too? Will this clear heavy New-England snow, especially stacked by plows? How annoying does the lack of console shute controls get(the ones at HD don't even have the hand crank)?


The Ariens 926LE Deluxe: http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/deluxe_sno_thros/926_le/
Price: $999 at HD
Pros: Durable(seemingly), Large 4 Bladed impeller, Console mounted controls, Kraft Macaroni Colored
Cons: Lack of differential or any type of assisted steering system
What I would like to know: Is this really practical if I am going to do neigbors driveways and walks too? Will this clear heavy New-England snow, especially stacked by plows?


Yard Machines 5MLG729: http://www.yardmachines.com/servlet/BrandProductDetail?ID=1597&CAT=14&SUB=74
Price: $999 at HD
Pros: 10.5 Ponies, "power steering," Seemingly same features as Ariens 926LE, fairly priced, coolest color scheme
Cons: Polymer shute, suspicious brand, the cheaper one at my local HD had looked pretty flimsy, didn't seem to "heavy"
What I would like to know: Is this really practical if I am going to do neigbors driveways and walks too? Will this clear heavy New-England snow, especially stacked by plows? Is this brand really any good? How reliable is it? How long until the "polymer shute" cracks?


Craftsman 11.5HP Snow Thrower: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=LAWN&pid=07188115000&tab=des&bidsite=CRAFT#tab
Price: $1,049 at Local Sears
Pros: 11.5 HP, "power steering," Craftsman name, Looks like it might be tough
Cons: 12 inch 3 blade impeller(outdone by 926LE), I see some plastic, Not Ariens
What I would like to know: Is this really practical if I am going to do neigbors driveways and walks too? Will this clear heavy New-England snow, especially stacked by plows? This has more power, but does it function as well as the Ariens system with the larger 4 bladed impeller?





I am interested in peoples(especially owners and expersts) responses to my question. Are there any other recomended brands for this 1k price that can be purchased locally? Currently I am leaning towards the Ariens as most of my friends have them and one found a 25 year old one at a yard sale and it runs great. Any other info I should be aware of feel free to add.

Thanks,

Mike of BBgarage

Hello Mike!

Warning !  Do not be fooled by the  "rugged" looks of the craftsman. I owned one and got rid of it after 2 yrs. It broke on me 4 times in this period and I ditched it before the warranty expired.  The power steering is a nice option, but it had alot of plastic parts and the steering cables freeze up if it's not stored in a garage.

The toros have plastic on them, but it's impact resistant and doesn't tend to snap like the stuff on the Craftsman's. Toro's are a good machine as well.

I personally own an Ariens 11528le it has a differential release lever that makes it easier to turn, I think Ariens has a 9 horse DLE model with the same steering feature. I live in Northern NewBrunswick and we get lots of heavy snow, thats why I went with 11.5 hp.  Ariens is all heavy guage steel and is well built.  If I was planning to make money with a machine I would definately go Ariens. It also has a three year warranty.

I also forgot to mention,  two weeks ago we got approx 8 inches of wet heavy snow and the my machine worked like a charm, and yes it throws snow 50 feet as advertised. Even my neighbor who owns a 9 hp Honda was impressed with the distance my Ariens threw snow.

Sorry, I live outside of Boston in newton, none of my neigbors driveways are enormous, but I would like an efficient machine. I would really like some arguments from people in favor of the 926LE over the 7.5HP compact(my mom really wants). We usually get plowed in pretty deep. My automotive teacher also told me today that he heard that the Ariens home depot recieve are not as well put together as those from a seperate tractor dealership. Any imput on that?

Thanks a bunch

Mike of BBgarage

The Ariens 926LE from HD is the same as any Ariens Deluxe Series 926LE, don't confuse it with the Ariens Professional Series.

The Craftsman 11.5hp you pictured is the same as a Poulan or Huqsarvana,

The smaller Craftsmans and Yard Masters I believe are MTD's  

If I was to chose again with those choices I would go with the Ariens 926LE for the money. The Pro series as great as it is, its not worth the extra 500$ for general home use.

The assembly of the blowers is generally done by the retailer.

With a big box store such as Home Depot its likely that the assembler is someone just putting it together accordig to the manual. On the other hand a dealer tends to service what they sell so they have a more intimate knowledge of how to put the thing together. Its more lokely to be a mechanic with servicing experience. Some will even do the initial break in for you. Dealers also tend to have the "DLE" models which are the professional line while Home Depot has the "LE" models which isthe home owner line. Both series are good but the pro line does have some slightly nicer features.

BBgarage wrote:
The 926LE will handle very large storms and deep drifts better, since it has more power and a wider, higher blower housing. Or smaller storms faster. The L head engine on it is well proven. The 926LE is likely the most popular model. 

The 7524 costs a few hundred less; has an OHV engine that uses less fuel and is probably quieter; and is significantly lighter. It's probably the second most popular model around here.

There is an Ariens dealer in Newton. They're next to the Joanne Langione dance studio on Border St in West Newton.  Prices are normally the same or close to the same as at HD for the same model.

Is your mom really going to use it? If not,  and the extra cost is not an issue, the 926LE will do more work.

Would that dealer match HD? That sounds great, one right near me(do you have an address). Besides the Diff and hand warmers, what more does the PRO have if I was going with the same engine? As far as "mileage" is concerned, I could care less, we are replacing a minivan with a V8 magnum. Thanks for the great info.

Now would it be possible to purchase it in box from the dealer, possibly cheaper? I actually would like to assemble it and get an idea for how it all works(drive system wise), I definatly can, Ive rebuilt engines(car and 2-stroke), and built mopeds from scratch.

I also would figure the heavier ones would be easier to use once they were running, as less "push" is involved.

Why is the L head considered superior to the OHV, is it becasue its more proven? I would think the OHV would give more power as the mixture is introduced more directly.

Not to sound stupid, but are there any power upgrades that can be done besides removing the air filter and muffler(done to all my 2 stroke engines(3) that wouldnt cost much and wouldn't void the warrenty?

How my oil does the 926 take, I cant imagine that much. Also, is the drain plug on the bottom or am I going to have to tip this thing over?

BBgarage wrote:
There is a dealer locator at Ariens.com. This place was called Andy's, I have no idea if they are good or not, what they charge, or what they have for stock.

BBgarage wrote:
Pro has automotive style differential, lockable from the handlebars; cast iron auger gearbox; OHV engine (now being sourced from B&S as well as Tecumseh) ;  only sold and supported by dealers, and probably a few other things.  MSRP is $430 more. Your choice may be moot as dealers are starting to run out of stock. Usually they have a few of the Pro models left because people buy the cheap ones first.

Mid-December is not the time to be tinkering with one. You can take the bottom cover off and see how it works, or look for threads with pictures of the guts, or look at the Parts Radar on the Ariens website to see how they're made. Tinker with it next Spring when it's warm, sunny, and parts can be ordered at leisure. Or buy an old one and fix it up with a new engine and drive components.   Like this:



BBgarage wrote:
The L head is not considered superior, it's lower cost. It's proven durable in this application, but probably louder. "Mileage" = less pollution. You're 16, right? It's your world.....

BBgarage wrote:
No.
They don't have air filters. The muffler is part of the system on snow engines that heats the intake charge to makethe engine run well in very cold weather. Removing the muffler will just get a noise complaint from the neighbors without improving performance. You should wear eye and hearing protection if you like having them.

I ported and polished the intake manifold on my 824 while awaiting a new carb, but there's no guaranty (nor way to measure) that had any effect. It might even make performance worse since smooth walls might cause charge to condense - I just removed the gross casting flash and squarish corners.  You've got to test before and after to understand if you've improved things. Factory engineers went to school for years and have years of experience in their applied field.  Most of the time you're best off leaving it alone.

Most two strokes have carefully tuned exhaust tracts that are used to introduce fresh mixture.  There's a good chance removing the muffler will cause it to lose power, as well as making you a source of derision to your neighbors. Go ask your Science or Physics teachers.  You'll have to take Calculus and Physics at a minimum to start tweaking them in a logical way.

BBgarage wrote:
It's in the manual but uses less than a quart. Many folks use synthetic once they replace the oil after break-in. It's trivial to replace. No filter.

Would a cast iron gear box fit the Deluxe?

Well tommorow we will be picking up our 926LE from HD. They said they get them in in the morning, but I can wait until 2-3 and get it assembled, or buy it in box earlier and do the assembly myself. I am opting for getting it in box because A: I love assembling things, and B: I need it as early as possible.

Final Questions:
Is there anyone who things the 926 doesnt have enough power for the boston area? My neigbor was using a 1 stage he just bought and it stalled out at least 5 times in 8 inches of snow. He told us he was very dissapointed with it. I was shoveling by hand at my house and going between 2 or 3 times faster than he was.

I think home depot said they have the OHV model with a whole quarter of a horse power more!!!!, and it is the same price there(999), so I suppose that is good. Does anyone know for sure?

What exactly goes into the "assembly," Is it envolved, or just bolt on 2 things?

Does HD offer any "package" deals, as we are probably picking one up for my mother's boss too?

What is the most snow anyone has used there 926 in effectivly?

Will it handle ice bolders(re-ask)?

Thanks again,

Mike.

I will report back tommorow at the latest. I will take some assembly pics(unless they have em ready when I get there).