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

I recently sold an old Craftsman 11hp 26 inch snowblower for $50 less than what I paid for it 5 years ago because it just couldn't keep up with the snow up here north of Boston in Swampscott, MA.  I have been looking at Ariens and Toro Snowblowers and stumbled across what looked like a good deal at Home Depot so I put a hold on the machine, and was hoping to get some advice from the savy members of this board.  I was looking at the Ariens 926LE($999), and stumbled across a reconditioned 11528LE without a scratch that has never seen snow selling for $950 there.  The reconditioned machine carrys the full Ariens warranty, and looks brand new, just the price has been reduced.  I know I don't need the extra width and hp, but more power is always good, right?  The professional series is just not an option because of price.  Should I buy the new 926LE or the reconditioned 11528LE?

I have had good luck with my 11528 so far, once some initial gitches were worked out (see my reviews).  When they say "re-conditioned" do they say what was done to the machine? If there is a full warranty, I'd go for it. Just understand that you will likely need to do the initial run-in for the drive/brake belt and there may be some initial adustments needs as HD often doesn't do them properly. They are outlined in the manual and fairly easy to do.

Later: The review of my 11528 is no longer in the review section for some reason. If you go to another forum at the following, you will see my review near the bottom of the page under name "Guest".

http://64.130.14.114/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=3f9d7398cc810a13595053192580d9a6

Mike,

Contrary to what you've been told, reconditioned units do not get a warranty (hence the lower selling price). It's likely there was a simple setup issue or shipping damage that was repaired. Probably nothing serious.

When you try to register the unit, it may be registered under the orginal purchasers name, and warranty coverage will not be granted (but, if it wasn't originally registered...).

I'm not sure about transferability of the Tecumseh engine warranty though. You may want to call them.

Myself, for a $350 savings, I'd still buy it. Perhaps if I wasn't handy with a snothro or mechanically inclined, then maybe I'd pass.

PK

Hi Mike

Both machines are excellent and will throw alot of snow. I have an 11528 LE and I'm very happy with it's performance.

Listen to Snowmann, he really knows his stuff and won't steer you wrong!

                                                                                                                             -Rob

Jonathan,

Thanks for the informative article on the 11528LE at the other web site.
If I may ask, where did you buy the hour meter?
I have a 926 PRO. Can I install an hour meter on this Ariens?

Gary

"This is an update on my Ariens Sno-thro following one season's use. I installed an hour meter on the blower prior to using it and kept track of snowfall amounts."

if it is this year's model with the trigger release go for it.

Gary,

I got the hour meter from Sears (brand name is SenDEC). I have another one on my Craftsman riding mower. The sensor wire wraps around the sparkplug wire. I then ran it up along the other wires (secured it with twist-ties) to the dash and mounted it with two screws under the headlamp. It's a bit of a tight fit winding it around the spark plug wire as there isn't alot of clearnce because of the engibne shield, but it can be done

Jonathan

I also installed an hourmeter on my 1332 Ariens DLE.......I posted pictures of it last year...should be here somewhere....

Frank D.

did a search...no longer comes up....

Frank D.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice, I called Ariens, and they will warranty the machine as a new machine so I bought the 11528LE.  Of course all the snow storms have missed us since buying it.  Already got the confirmation email back on the warranty.  The machine is waxed, gas, and waiting for snow.

Thanks Again guys, you are the best!!!