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

I am looking at buying my first snowblower and would like to get your comments on which of these two machines I should buy, it is a toss up. I like the steering capabilities and the joystick of the Toro, but I also like the size and power of the Ariens. Is the Ariens 1130dle easy to turn at the end of the drive way, and also how reliable is the l-head engine. Thnaks

I'd buy an Ariens over a Toro primarily because Toros are usually priced higher for equivalent models and do not offer any more value for the money.   As far as L head reliability.  Don't worry about it.   They're stone axe reliable and not too far removed technologically either.  The L head technology is probably 120 years old vs. cutting edge technology of over head valve engines which is  a mere 105  years old.   So, both designs have been around for a long time.  The major negativity of L head engines is noise and vibration.  Some tend to use oil and they're not as fuel efficient.  My preference is overhead valve engines.  They're smoother, quieter, produce more torque and are generally more powerful.   If the engines in both makes are L heads, go Ariens.   However, you can get an as good, if not better machine with a Simplicity.  It has all the premium quality features and an overhead valve B&S engine.   

The Ariens 1130DLE has a differential which makes it very easy to turn. It works the same way as your car's differential.

Both machines are considered very well made although I tend to lean towards the Ariens all steel construction, the plastic parts of the Tor have garnered some good reports.

The OHV engine design is considered "better" than the L-Head design but of course it depends on how you define "better". The Tecumseh Snow King L-Head engine has been the standard for consumer blowers for many years and seems to hold up quite well for years with proper maintenance. I have heard that L-Heads are more sensitive to low oil conditions but that is just a matter of following the manufacturer's direction to check the oil level each day before you start the engine for the first time. You are supposed to do the same thing for OHV so its six of one half dozen of the other. Quieter is a relative term, neither engine is quiet and you should wear ear protection no matter which one you are using. I've had a look at both manufacturer's web sites and Toro doesn't specify what type of tecumseh engine, looking at the picture it looks like an L-Head ( no shroud around the muffler) so I suspect the engines are identical. OHV tends to show up in the "professional" machines. The Ariens has a 14" impeller while the Toro has a 12". This means that if both impellers rotate at the same RPM the snow will leave the Ariens a fair amount faster and therefore fly further. The problem is neither list the impeller RPM but I would be surprised if they were very different from each other.

Either will do a good job, I'd buy the Ariens.

Thanks everyone for your feed back and it is helping me. The only thing I was wondering is why the 1130dle doesn't have diferential lock, like the next model down, it would be nice at the end of the drive way when going through those snowbanks.

I was also wondering if the Ariens, after you start the auger and the drive system can you take one hand off the levers to change the controls, say to turn the chute. Will it still continue to go forward and blow snow.

The Simplicity 9528 (now 1428) has both traction lock trigger release as well as one hand operation. 

sberoy wrote:
All Ariens models 624 and larger have the control interlock you're referring to.

The 1027LE doesn't have a differential, only a remote locking and unlocking axle (locks and unlocks the left wheel for easier turning).

There is no need for a differential lockout on the 1130DLE because in locks and unlocks automatically as needed. Traction like a solid axle and the maneuverability of a differential at all times.

PK

I just want to thank all of you who helped me with my choice, I purchased a Toro 1128oxe today, and it should arrive tomorrow. I really liked the Ariens also but they didn't have much of a selection of the pro series at the local dealer. The main reason for opting out for the Toro was I got it for a good price and it comes with the Tecumseh ohv engine on it. I also like the chute controls. So thanks.