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

Well, made the decision; Ariens 927LE. Delivered today. The price was right.  I really like the ergos and balance on this unit, and the axle lock release is very very nice. I wasn't seeing this feature on other blowers in this size and price range (<$1,000). It's a Tecumseh L-Head as opposed to the Briggs that I hear is coming, but I'm an old Harley guy and no stranger to side valve engines. The engine design is obviously older and a little less effecient, but it should last many years if you take care of it. It didn't seem all that loud at full throttle as I've heard, however I plan to wear hearing protection regardless. I've read some opinions on the chute control, however it seems to work out fine for me. I'm 6' with long arms and don't feel at all uncomfortable with cranking the chute around. If may just be me, but the Simiplicity design on their large frame blowers just felt awkard. At any rate, the dealer indicated Ariens plans to fully stand behind their 3 year warranty......... hope not to have to test out that statement.

Let it snow.

pvrp wrote:

Thanks Paul!

Here's one of my Harleys.  A fully restored & hopped up 1976 Yamaha RD400.  Estimated 60 h.p. and weighs 316 lbs. 

For a 33 year old bike, it's astonishingly quick and handles like it's on rails.   I've got a '74  RD350 that I'm presently building.  It should be the same power but will only weigh 270 lbs. 

I prefer light, powerful, good handling vintage bikes.  Thes old RDs fill the bill.  They were famous for their handling and performance when they were introduced in the early '70s.

   

Borat, that is a gorgeous Yamaha.  I know what you mean about their quickness, as I've ridden many of 'em.  My first bike was a '71, and they got a lot quicker after that--I rode a '74, I believe it was, and I just couldn't believe how quick it was.  Lots of fun.  Things change as one ages, though....now I ride a '98 Gold Wing, cough cough. 

JeffM wrote:

Thanks for the compliment.  Took me seven month and a lot of money to get it that way, but to me it is worth every cent and hour I put into it.   It is such a blast to ride.  Even at my age, I still like an adrenaline rush.  As you are probably aware, those old machines had a light switch power band.  The 350s were worse than the 400.   With the engine mods I've done to the 400, I get a wider power band with a real wicked kick in the a$$ at 6000 rpm.  It pulls like a freight train all the way to 10,000.  That's where I have the rev limiter set.  (I put in state of the art electronics which allows me to set my ignition curves and numerous other features.)  It's incredibly steady at speed if the rider isn't twitchy.   My wife has been ragging on me for buying/fixing these old rice rockets.  She wants us to get something more sedate for cruising.  The only cruiser I'll buy is a Valkyrie.  A yellow one at that. 

I have a 1974 RD350 in the basement now getting the treatment.   Pics to follow in a couple months. 

If you thought the old machines were quick, imagine the same bike, thirty pounds lighter with 50% more power.  That's what the RD400 pictured above is estimated at. 

borat wrote:
Yeah, but I wouldn't clear my driveway with that   

Paul