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

Hey guys, new here.

I am trying to research Ariens snowblowers and it seems that the same model # has been used across years, but with different features?  Some sites tell me the 926DLE has a cast iron GB, other sites say the Aluminum?  I cannot go over $1500 so I have been trying to compare the following since some local dealers have left over stock - which would also help me stay under $1500, but I feel like it is not possible to compare apples to apples here.

Any opinions on these would be helpful - and again if there are differences between the year, please let me know.

926 LE

926DLE

8526DLE

1027LE

9526DLE

I haven't used the 926DLE but I have been lusting after one for some time.

The 9HP 26" combination seems to be a "sweet" spot for me. I have used machines of that size and and bigger. The 9HP size is light enough to be maneuverable yet powerful enough to throw the snow. The differential has always struck me as a good idea and everyone who has one and posted here seems to really like it. I hope you enjoy whatever you get.

I just bought a leftover 9526DLE PRO from my dealer. I might be wrong but I'm pretty sure the 926 DLE is also a PRO, but it's the 9.25hp version from 2 seasons ago. I always get confused on blower model year designation. Are the new Ariens coming out now '08's? So that would make my leftover an '07? And therefore a 926DLE an '06? Anyway, I prefer the BS Intek motor to the Tec OHV, so finding one with the BS motor sealed the deal for me and the price  I paid ($1425) with lifetime delivery/pu, free tuneups and oil changes for length of warranty didn't hurt either. I'm also pretty sure that the 926LE is a Deluxe but shares the PRO frame like all previous models did, unlike the 07-08 Ariens Deluxe line which now has its own smaller chassis.

Up until this year only the Ariens Pro line had the differential, hence you have a pro snow throw. This year ( I think of them as 2007/2008, who knows what marketing call them) there is one Deluxe ( 1130DLE) that has the differential and the Pro series is divided into two section, tracked and wheeled. There is another discussion thread that talks about the differences, its mainly a matter of slightly differing swath widths, better bearings and auger gear case, differential ( mostly), OHV engines and a slightly higher auger housing.