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 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.