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

After seeing both machines but not using either my gut feeling is that the Arien926DLE is more of a rugged machine than the Honda.  Heavy gauge steel, large impellers, bigger augers, the list goes on and on.  My question is why are the Honda's more $$.  Is it because of the transmission?  That is the only thing I can think of?

I have been blowing snow for 10 years on a Craftsman, 8hp, 28"cut....   1978!!  Just changed the two belts and the impeller bearing but didn't get to the bearing quick enough.  The shaft has been worn down considerably where it goes though the bearing.  The impeller is still banging a bit on the box but no where near as bad as it was before.  (I thought if I ignored it perhaps it would go away)  I don't think that there are too many storms left in the old baby.  So have to pick one of the above.  Was all excited about the Honda until I visited the Arien dealer this morning.  Now.... I am all orange!!!

Thanks for any advice.

Jon

The Honda will throw snow farther than the Ariens , this I know for a fact but the Honda will not throw as much snow (you have to travel slower) and the snow will come out the sides. This too I know for a fact (neighbor has one).   The Hondas are really reliable (another neighbor has one thats 18 yrs old) but so too are the Ariens.The only difference that was obvious was that you can't move the track drive Honda without it running, and it is harder to maneuver than the Ariens with the differential unlock lever. 

Of course you can't ignore the price difference either. Here in Canada  a Honda 9hp 28in is $3500 including taxes.  An ariens 11.5 hp 28in is $2000 including taxes.

As I said it's all about what you want and need.  Don't forget how good and how close is the servicing dealer for both these machines.

COLOUR!!!

Orange wins.  Ha!  

Thanks again.  I will continue to monitor this site.  It is great!!

Jon

Gary, the Honda costs 2700 plus 15% tax.  The Ariens is 1900 plus tax.

Dennis.. the picture never came through

Jon

Couldn't help but notice your from NB.  There is a spot in Napan called Bremner Farms. You can get a 11.5hp LE Ariens for 2000$ taxes in if you pay cash or visa.

Jon