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

I bought this machine because I needed a rugged machine that would last me. I would rather purchase a "Tim Taylor" machine rather than fuss with an inferior one. This beast has 13hp, 36" wide, locking diff, heated hand grips, light, elec start, ect.... I have a 100 foot paved driveway. It has snowed 4 times since I purchased it, and it has broke down on me 3 times.  everything from a factory recall that i wasnt notified of, so it burned belts (4)!!, to nuts & bolts falling out, chute breaking, auger stops turning, wheels stop driving, etc.... The dealer has a special place for it in his shop that they dont fill when it is at my place. I believe this machine would last forever,  if i dont use it. The dealer stood behind me 100% when I told them enough is enough I wanted something done, money back, or a replacement. Now it has snowed today, 20", I have a bad back and have to shovel while the ariens company sits on my $3000.00. Anybody else have this problem?

borat wrote:

Borat I think that a "part" of the reason has to do with a very poor marketing strategy on the part of companies like GM.   Unlike Toyota and Honda, who are focused on building brand loyalty, GM seems to be more interested in launching a new model every 4-5 years. 

For example Toyota came out with the Camray in 1983 and that model continues to flourish today.  By contrast in 1983 I bought a Chevrolet Citation (mid sized family car).  Chevrolet made the Citation from 1980 to 1985.  Then they replaced it with the Chevy Celebrity which was produced until 1989 when it was replaced by the Lumina, which was subsequently replaced by the Impala.  

Detroit strategy to launch a new model every few years makes brand loyalty impossibility.  I loved my Chevy Citation but it's hard to be a repeat customer or recommend a model that’s out of production.  Toyota's strategy was to stay committed to the Camary model and simply keep making it better. Obviously someone that bought a Toyota Camary in 1983 and loved it can still be a repeat buyer and a brand advocate today. 

I chewed up a gutter downspout with my Honda, but had to stop and unwind a set of Chrismas lights that got tangled in the auger.  Wire is strong.  I also chewed up 2" chunks of solid ice and spit them over 40', so I don't think the augers are flimsy but I'll let you know if I break one.  I also chewed up a plastic snow shovel,  it bit the handle into 3" dowels, but choked on the large plastic blade and I had to stop and chew it  out with a sawzall. 

Why was I hitting all this stuff?  Because the trac model digs down, and doesn't ride on top like the Ariens.  Tracks don't ride up over snowbanks, and Ariens is famous for it so I don't believe that point either.   I don't like the Honda because I like Honda.  I like what works.  Period.   I'm sure the Ariens would work for someone who is just blowing a path or whatever.   But 3 grand?  Sorry.  Overpriced for what you get and I hope you like working on them because they shake themselves apart like an old Harley.

NHMatt:
My two year old Ariens 9526 DLE simply has not had ANY of the problems or issues you you are so keen to describe at length. I buy new snowblowers every few years because it pleases me to do so. The last three have been Ariens of various sizes and horsepower, kept on average three years. Essentially no problems with any of them. Obviously your experience has been different. I truly hated my Honda 928 for five years until I couldn't stand it any more. COMPLETE AND ABSOLUTE PIECE OF CRAP, JUNK WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. Different people buy different snowblowers based on their perceived need. You obviously have a real, meaningful relationship with your Honda. Whatever turns you on. My Honda 928 didn't do all the remarkable things yours does. It was simply NOT a good machine, tool, whatever you want to call it. You seem to really enjoy, appreciate, like your Honda snowblower. That's good. If you're into machinery, it's good to own and use a machine that does the job for you. Like you, I totally don't care about the brand of snowblower that I own/use. Maybe next time I'll try a differnt brand, who knows?

terrier wrote:

I'm a little perplexed with your comment about replacing your machine every three years because it pleases you to do so.   It's obviously apparent that economics plays no part in your decision making process.  Virtually any machine will last three years and perform more than adequately.  Replacing an Ariens every three years sounds like a bit of an expensive habit.  Not that I'm questioning your decision to do so.  It's your money.  I prefer to buy one hight quality machine, take care of it and run it for ten years or longer.  The thousand plus that I'm not spending on newer snow throwers in that duration buys me other things to enjoy.  I would wager  that 90% of the participant of this forum are long term owners and would rather have one good machine for many years rather than turning them over every three years.  It is an unusual concept.  I heard of it for leasing cars.  Never snow throwers though.   Glad it works for you.   

terrier wrote:

I'm actually surprised that the Honda 928 which was disliked so much was the one snowblower that was kept the longest (5 years versus 3 years average for the Ariens).  Maybe it's the tracks that doesn't work for you.  The Honda could have sold after 1 year and would not lose much money since they have good resale.  Why keep it around for so long?

On the other hand, a newer (and better?) Ariens was bought on average every 3 years.  Snowblowers don't change that much in the last 10 years, maybe a few more plastic components, more powerful engines, and few more creature comforts such as electric remote chutes and grip warmers.  I'm just trying to understand your logic, that's all.  But it's your money. 

borat wrote:

From recently and limited exposure, either on forums or publications, the Tacoma is an excellent truck.  With a few exception to the "big 3" fans off-brand bashing without substantial evidence, I consider those are outliers data points, noted for completeness, but are statistically ignored.

At this point, I'm considering whether I really need a truck or a AWD SUV (read tall wagon) would suffice. 

terrier wrote:

You're just jealous.  Jealous of the love my Honda snowblower and I share.  What we have together is special.  You WISH you were so happy with yours, which is why you seem so keen on trading them in every 3 years for the newest floosy.  I bet another piece of equipment broke your heart and that's why you won't commit.  Was it a fickle weed wacker?  A jealous and tempermental leaf blower that tossed you down this jaded path?  I don't want to know.  So you buy one every three years because it pleases you?   Whatever turns YOU on buddy, but I'd say I'm like most people who'd rather give money to a dentist than spend money on something you already have.   Also, you have yet to explain why you didn't like the Honda.  Not one example, just a blanket statement "big piece of crap!" is supposed to persuade.  Didn't "work" for you?  You sure you read the instruction manual?

nhmatt wrote:

nhmatt,

made me laugh for a moment.  The "fickle weed wacker" was the best.  I enjoy your posts, you tell it like it is without holding back. So the truth comes out that you have a love affair with your snowblower and keep it close to you at night.  :) 

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Terrier,

With all due respect, I had my doubts from the beginning but it has become obvious that Terrier DOES NOT own or has ever operated a Honda HS928TAS.  Sorry Terrier, you can complain that the tracks are not for you or maybe it is too expensive to buy and repair, even if you don't own a snowblower of any brand. 

No one has complained about lack of traction, riding up on snow, or throwing distance.  In fact, these 3 things you complained are contradictory to what the Honda owners have voiced that it does very well.  The tracks have plenty of traction (too much at times), the buckets puts down more weight in front than any modern walk behind snowblower that I have come across, and the auger/impeller and chute design are highly efficient at throwing snow.  To sum it up, it digs like a gopher and spits it out like a geyser. 

If you REALLY had owned the Honda for 5 years and / or ACTUALLY had 15+ years of total Ariens snowblower experience as you had alluded to, I would reasonably expect that you would have more eloquent and substantial complaints in addition to the "biggest piece of crap." 

Cough (Ariens dealer) cough....

Maybe an infiltrator from the "Ariens Brothers - OPE on the Net" forum trying to get a rise.