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

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.