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

You didn't mention how many neighbours or how long their driveways are.

I do 20-30 short driveways and being able to turn quickly and easily while adjusting the chute direction is the main requirement for any new machine that I get. Next on the list is fast ground speed since I think that has more impact on clearing time than an extra 2" of housing width.

I've seen some postings about  the cheaper machines using a plastic gear at the bottom of the chute as part of the rotation mechanism. The posting indicated the plastic tends to break. The only experience that I have is that  one of my neighbours had a problem with his brand new machine. It might have been a set up problem since he worked on it and hasn't reported any problems since after 1 year of usage.

I have no idea why the 926LE doesn't have the remote axle release while the 11526LE does. Speculation on this board seems to be that the the two machines are indentical except for possibly the engine and even there some people are wondering if its not the same engine. It might be worthwhile actually looking at a 926LE unit just in case its an advertising information "error". Talking with the dealer's mechanics might also indicate whether you can install the release control on the 926LE. If so it might be worth the price.

Personally I've been lusting after the Ariens 926DLE ( D = Differential -= Easy turning). I had a look at ground speeds and the Ariens seemed to come out fastest..

You don't say exactly where you live. As different areas get between 30 and 130" in a season., that makes a difference.

I'd bet half or more of the Ariens sold in NE are the 926LE. The 824 used to be the bread and butter of the Ariens lineup and they are everywhere, as are the older 5-7hp models. Tthe Ariens line got an upgrade extensive this year. A differential is nice, not essential.  You get most of the functionality for $1,000.

The 7524 is only 160 lbs, and still more powerful than the vast majority of the older machines most of us are using.  It  would be relatively easy for your mom to handle. The mid-sized Toros are a little less expensive and a little lighter than the Ariens because of the extensive use of plastic. Friends don't let friends by Craftsman snowblowers anymore.....

Forums like this tend to be stocked with enthusiasts ready to spend your money on  a F350 turbodiesel pickup; Kubota AWD tractor; and an Ariens 11528 Pro - "just in case". As a practical matter the 7524 will clear most snow just about as fast.  The end of driveway stuff is always tough.

The heart stuff is no joke. My dad died of heart failure a few hours after using a snow blower to clear the walkway despite strict doctors orders to the contrary and a son half a mile away who could have done it for him. Those WWII vets didn't exactly take care of themselves.

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).

1) u may be a ble to get a 10% off copon from the Hd wed site is u say your moving(per snowman). they also sell these on ebay, but hd would not take the one i bought.

2)oil: 26 oz. it comes filed and ariens recomends that u chnage it after (i forget 2  or 5 hrs).

3) DRAining. unbelievably simple.

4) set up u will hav no problem.

good luck

According to the Arieans website the 926LE comes with either the 9.25HP Tecumseh Snow King engine or the 9.5HP Briggs and Strattton Power Built OHV. According to the B&S web site  B&S Power Built is NOT the same as the B&S Intek Snow. Both are part of their commercial power line but they are listed as separate from each other. Also the B&S site doesn't list a 9.5HP size only 8, 10 or 11 for the Power  Built and 6.5, 9 and 11HP for the Intek Snow. You  can see all the options here:

http://www.commercialpower.com/display/router.asp?DocID=76230

Then who should I believe, HD, or B&S? I am gonna check HDs site for coupons(good idea). I also asked HD if they had the Ariens 9.25 and they said they were gettin in an order of 9.5s.

What exactly is required for the "assembly" setup? I was kinda hoping it would be complex, as I find that stuff interesting.

We picked it up and gassed it up. It runs wonderfully. I had to try adjusting the skids a few times but I finnally got it. At one point the auger stopped working and I got a little worried. But then I relized the genuses from home depot didnt tighten the cable enough and it had vibrated the thing the cable attatches to loose, easy fix. On really packed snow it took a few passes to dig down(the stuff people have walked on the past day or so), but it got through, and it did all the fluffy stuff with ease. I am very happy and am looking forward to more snow and more money. :)

I should also mention it came pre-assembled(hence the loose thing), and it is the 926LE

BBgarage wrote:

If you are offering a snow removal service and accepting payment for it...you may be in "business", which means providing receipts, recording payments received, claiming income for tax purposes and most importantly...accepting financial responsibility in case someone sues you if they get injured. I hope you have special insurance to cover this.

AZ

If my neigbors sue my I have a lawyer(dad). You work for the IRS?

BBgarage wrote:

No...I certainly don't work for the IRS. I'm pleased to hear that you've already retained legal counsel. If you haven't already sought his advice, I hope you do so. Every year at this time there is a plethora of wide-eyed idealists who think..."I'm going to make a ton of money plowing-clearing snow". They are almost as numerous as the snowflakes. In fact...that's a good name for them. Fortunately it doesn't take long for them to find out that it's real work and requires dedication, real effort and real customer service skills. Which usually results in their quickly losing interest and sticking it to daddy for any costs involved. I hope I'm wrong and that you really do succeed.

Today on the plow forum I read a story about a guy who spent $2700 on an insurance policy to cover his plow work. Then he went right out and got a plowing contract  for four businesses, obviously winning the contract by underbidding the other guy. ONLY THEN did he discover to his horror that his insurance was good only for residential work, and that a commercial policy will cost him FIVE TIMES as much. He can kiss his profits goodbye as he is now obligated to do the work for the quoted price...he may even be LOSING MONEY. You can do as you please, I just hope you know what you're getting into.

Here's the link to the story:

http://www.plowsite.com/showthread.php?t=30374

As I am in highschool I currently only have after school jobs on my street(4 or 5). which should pay 100-200 a storm depending on the size. I am not planning on starting a major business this year, maybe some stuff around the neigborhood in walking distance, but no "official" jobs. If I get a pickup with a plow I may just list myself on craigslist as an un-official person who will plow a driveway for 10 bucks. So the people wont expect much but its cheap, and local.

Thats next year though. For now its in my local few blocks.

Thanks for the advice,

Mike

Whatever happend to "doing it out of the goodness of your heart"?

I remember doing my neighbours driveway with a shovel just to be nice, not to make money, and even when they tried to give me some I would never take it because I felt bad. Besides didn't your parents buy this snowblower? not yourself? So your raising money for your family, or keeping the earnings on the side for yourself     

Jeesh.  Tough crowd. 

Good luck with your side job.  I hope it serves you well.

Nice machine.

Well I chipped in 200 for the deluxe model instead of the compact. Here is the way I view it:

A.  How is cleaning up my neigbors yard for free going to benefit me? Of course I offered to do the old ladies for free, but she said she wouldnt let me do it unless I excepted money. My other neigbors make an offer and I tell them it is really generous and OK(unless its too low, which I havent experienced yet). No one goes down on an offer, once its made(where I live). The one persons who I had time to do today(most people had shoveled out because we got our blower the day after the snow storm) gave me 35 bucks for 15 minutes of work, they were a little worried and kept offering me more, and I thought that 35 was fair, so in a "business" sense made a poor decision in accepting, though I guess I was being a little kind.

B. No, from here on I keep all the money for myself. I even tricked my parents into covering fuel tank refills(5 gallon tank)!


I do, however, have another question: What is the optimal adjustment hight for those skids? I have mine sticking down about 1 cm, but its definatly leaving a small amount of snow on the ground. What is recomended by you guys?

AZinOH wrote:
Shhhhh! I know plenty of guys around here who have convinced their wives their new 4WD pickup truck will pay for itself  through proceeds of plowing.  Funny thing, some of them never get around to buying a plow.

My personal opinion is that in most situations plowing is usually a hobby.

Good luck with your new snow machine. I'm glad to hear you are helping out those in your neighborhood who need it. You may even find you feel good about yourself , and gaining new respect from others.

So...what's the goal of this 100-200 per storm? Wait...don't tell me...let me guess. A new Xbox perhaps? More video games? Some unnecessarily fancy clothes? That's what I thought. I know what it's NOT for...a savings account.

"How is cleaning up my neigbors yard for free going to benefit me? "  Kid, if you have to ask this question you are already on the slippery slope. (That's a metaphor...I don't expect you to understand). Helping people who need it without having money as the prime motivation has the effect of forming good relationships with good people who will help you later on. Perhaps even a good personal relationship.

"No, from here on I keep all the money for myself. I even tricked my parents into covering fuel tank refills(5 gallon tank)!"

So...you're already practicing your deception skills on Moo and Duh? That bodes well for the future...not. I hope you're not headed for a career in law or government.

"As I am in highschool I currently only have after school jobs on my street".   I hope the parental units are demanding schoolwork take precedence over making money, but I suspect you've already "tricked them out" on at score too. Don't get into this habit with your customers, kid. Customers tend to have long memories....especially when they find out they've been tricked.

Am I being too harsh?   Well, too bad. This is really just a cyber-wrist slap compared to the realities that are coming.  Which reminds me...

MAKE SURE YOUR SNOWBLOWER DOESN'T EAT THE NEIGHBOR'S NEWSPAPER. I'd hate to see someone's New York Times get stuck in your impeller, followed by you LOSING SOME FINGERS by trying to get it unstuck. That tends to really reduce your dating prospects. 

Hi Mike,

Enjoy your new snow thrower. From our discussion group, you have received good advice.

From my experience, and reading what you have posted on this thread, you will take care of the older folks in your neightborhood who can not afford the $35 or less. You never really know how they will repay you, which could be a surprise, when you do something you feel good about. My experience is that it is "better to give than receive" in that when we do give, we may just receive much more than we give.

Make some money. If spend it on an X-box, etc. enjoy them. What I like to about you is that you are doing something worthwhile, trying to make a few bucks, not asking your parents for spending money, which are making your folks proud. They want you to be a sucess.

You will only be sixteen one time. I have always liked this saying: "Life is a journey, enjoy the ride."

Gary

Thanks gary...

Actually I am putting it in a savings account. I figured out that if I want a new videogame system I can "trick" my parents into getting it as a gift for some various reason for my younger brother.

I also don't "decieve" my costumers, only my parents.

The savings account is, however, for a car. I have not decided whether I want a pickup truck, which would not mainly be used as a plow, but could be(I do a lot of projects which require hauling), or if I want a coupe(integra).

Thanks for the help guys

Mike

mike,

the conseunsus on the skid show height is the thickness of a paint stirrer.

don t forget to do the 2 hr break in adjustment. it will give u a chance to tighten anything  that hd  didn t and u  will also see the various internal components.

if u r buying gas in 5 gal slugd make sure u get some stabil into the jug.

If the old ladies ae living in newton they can affford the 35$.  and unlike a plow u will not eat up their lawn.

Aight, so I gotta make em much lower. I would say I have another hour of use before changing the oil. I bought some specially formulated 4-stroke blower oil for 2 bucks a quart(2 quarts).

I was thinking it was probably the skids that were leaving the 1/2 inch of snow, so I will raise those much more.

As for the old ladies affording stuff, there is no house on my block under 700K, so ya, they can afford it. But I will still "offer" it out of the goodness of my heart.

BBgarage wrote:

Oh great, even better, ecspecially when your father has a heart issue.

Yeah, I am so deceptive its gonna kill him. He is missing one of the leaflets on a tricuspid valve, so there is slight regurgitation. It is being monitored and poses no immediate threat. The doctor said running and excersize was fine but he didn't recomend intense shoveling.

I just raised the skids and the blower seemed to be skipping. it would stick, and pop up, stick, and pop up, etc, etc. I checked and realized on one of the skids I had overtightened a bolt stripping it and making it loose(I will pick one up at the hardware store tommorow). As a result this runner was sliding all the way up. Could that have been causing the skipping?

maybe if its out of balance.

either get a stainles steel screw and nut or go to andy s; farina; ferraros and get the rt screw. its to new to start playing around.

The bolt and nut is pretty standard, 1/4 inche carraige. I can pick it up for a few cence down the street at National Lumber or Home Depot.

The machine was fine the other day but the skids were too low, I put them up now, and I guess since one slid all the way up the piece of metal behind the auger keeps catching things.

If the scraper bar is too low on one side then that is probably why you're getting the skipping that you describe. The scraper catches on something, traction system pushes harder and then the bar releases.

The height adjustment depends on what  type of surface you are clearing. Smooth pavement  can have an adjustment that is pretty close. If yo were going to clear gravel then the scraper bar needs to be higher up to prevent it from catching gravel and feeding it into the auger to be shot out the impeller.

Have fun you got a seet machine.

No gravel, but definatly not flat pavement. So I adjusted them so they are a little farther out than a "paint mixer". However one keeps sliding back up so I need to fix that.

solara wrote:
It's a 5/16" plated carriage bolt, they're hard to find in 3/4" length but 1" works fine.

Thanks. Would zinc work alright?