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

I am looking into buying my first snow blower but could really use some help. First off my driveway is about 22 feet wide by about 50 feet long. With our sidewalks here being almost 3ft wide. I am looking at cleaning my driveway a neighbor or twos, and the sidewalk on my street. Also since I live in a large neighborhood maybe plowing out various neighbors driveways for a little extra cash.

I am looking at primarily two different models right now and cannot decide and I am having some trouble deciding if some of the added features are worth the extra price.

First up is the Ariens Deluxe 27, for those of you that own this snow blower, what is the maneuverability like? How hard is the turning with this thing? Do you guys think this would be to big/overkill?

Secondly is the Ariens Deluxe 24 Platinum, it’s a little smaller and costs more, but has automatic traction control, and hand warmers.

Which one do you guys thing is the better deal? My big question comes with turning and the traction control on the deluxe 24 platinum. Does is make the maneuverability that much better, and with the Deluxe 27 not having it, how hard is it to turn?  Are you able to have only one wheel move at a time on the 27 to help with turning? All help would be great and thanks for the help with some of these questions, which I am sure, are very dumb in advance.

I should have said the Toro 828OXE which does have the freewheel steering. Very easy to steer and has the quickchute as well. As far as plastic versus steel many newer plastics hold up extremely well in cold weather and tend to bind less than metal. Also the plastc chute seems to resist snow sticking to it. I know when I first looked at it and it seemed all wobbly that doesn't make you feel like it's a precision well oiled machine. But it works when you are outthere and it doesn't bind. my Honda was very precise with it's all steel ball gear but cranking it around wasn't any where near as fast as the Toro and the freewheel steering is so nice to use.

I went through the sam thing in Dec. when we had 9"  of heavy wet snow. I looked at them all from Craftsman (MTD) , Troy built (chinese engines) Simpolicity and Snapper (both buit by Briggs & Stratten power group) and oh by the way that is who manufactures the John Deers. And finally the Ariens.

I got the Ariens 926037 PRO model. I paid $1,600 for it in December. It has everything on it. Cast Iron Gear box, true differential, a 1450 engine that throws snow, rock solid construction, and let's face it...when we buy a snowblower is going to last us 10 maybe 15...maybe 20 years. So if I pay $1,600 instead of $1,200 .......$400 more over 10 years is nothing. And at 50 years old I certainly am not going to retire early on that!!

Personally, I don't think any of them are bad when you strat talking in the $1200 plus range.

So you get what you pay for. Do your self a favor and get the best you can afford. My choice was the Ariens 26PRO.

Great throwing power 305cc (1450), true differential, heated grips, drift cutters, 16.5 wheels, quite muffler,and cast iron gear box....look it up. Try them out and make your own decision. 

Just my 2 cents.

Bill

Thank you for all the advice! now I just need to go and look at all of these options in person.