First of all let me say thanks to all the regulars on this site for taking the time to give their valued information on the many different types of snowblower situations we find ourselves in. Great job to all.
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
