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

I have had a Honda HS55 snowblower (with tracks) for around 20 years.  It has been great.  I replaced the gas tank once over the years but otherwise have done nothing to it.  It still starts first pull.  It is tiny but seems to outperform my neighbors machines.

It owes me nothing but it is starting to have transmission issues and is generally worn.  I dont think its worth trying to repair and renew it. So I went shopping for a new machine.  I have been steered to the Ariens Deluxe 24 Platinum ($1300) and the Honda 724 (wheels) ($1999).  I am leaning to the Honda simply because of the great experience I have had with my old machine.  But the Ariens appears to be a pretty nice machine also and I could make use of the $600 savings!  I am having a hard time deciding on which is the better choice here.  I dont know much about Ariens machines in general.

I'd love to hear any feedback on this Ariens machine in terms of dependability, how Ariens last, performance etc and any thoughts on whether its worth spending the extra cash on the Honda?

Also if anyone has that Honda 724 I would appreciate feedback on that as well. 

Thoughts?

Huge thanks in advance.

Last nights snow storm wimped out and only left about 5 inches of snow.  It wasnt much of a challenge for the new machine.  For the most part, the snow was fairly light and icy.  I think the SImplicty threw the snow farther than the specs say.  It is a beast.  I had it in 5th gear the entire time too!

After using the little Honda for the past 23 years, the Simplicty 1525 was a lot more to handle.  It is much more machine and feels like it.  I cant throw it around the way I could the Honda.  I will have to get used to that.  But it is managable and the wheel lock trigger works nicely.  It makes the job of clearing out the driveway much quicker and since it throws farther there is less overspill to clean up.  

The powered chute control is very nice.  No more cranking the worm gear!  It is fast and easy to control too.

There was some heavy slushy stuff at the EOD which it went through easily.  Of course it didnt throw it all that far but it also didnt miss a beat.  I dont see this machine bogging down even in the largest of storms. 

I am looking forward to using this after a much large storm.  For now, I am super happy with the purchase and expecting this to last at least as long as the little Honda HS55.

samdog wrote:
Yes, along the same line you can have 6 or more Big Macs for the price of one good steak.  It's just beef, right?

I do like the idea of having two snowblowers and having the son help out together though.  Priceless no matter even if they're just using shovels.  :)

aa335 wrote:

sorry aout the banner..just copied it off the ebay ad...oops

No problems, as long as you're here for a good cause and not on Arien's payroll.

Actually being a Quality Manager for an automotive supplier for 28 years..I would like to be on the Airens payroll....it'd be a nice change of pace

bevans wrote:

Personally I purchased an Ariens 926037 PRO with a Briggs 1450 engine. I had a7-8 year old MTD 5hp 22" cut and although it did throw snow, it was nothing compared to this machine.

I looked at John Deere 928 annd 1130's. These are made by Briggs and Stratten power and are just painted green and yellow. Good machines but not near the machine the Ariens is. Now bear in mind I live 25 minutes from Port Washington where the Simplicity machines are made, and 20 minutes from Brillion where the Airens machines are made.

I like the Airens just due to the fact it has a true differential without any cables for turning.. It turns easy. It is durable and powerful. My neighbors all have John Deeres but I had used them before I got my machine and there is a big difference in the turning ability. Don't get me wrong the John Deere/Simplicity's are a nice machine, just I think the Airens is much better.

Also, I am NOT affliated with either of these companies, just a 50 yr old guy that wanted the best value for my money. I paid $1,600 for mine. If you want here is the information

MCHENRY POWER EQUIPMENT

3622 ELM STREET

MCHENRY IL.  60050

815-344-7660 

Ariens, my friend, does NOT have true differential (http://209.61.159.196/ope/discussions/49098-0-1.html) - hasn't since before 2004.  The JD is Simplicity, of course, made now by Briggs and Stratton, and is easily a better machine than Ariens - by a LOT.  The JD 1130SE, btw, has the exact same Hillard system as the Ariens.  Turning is identical, therefore.  Honda is likely best, with Husqvarna and Simplicity right there, Ariens, not even on the list - and I say that living 20 miles from Ariens, having owned 2 including an early 80s model with true differential, and watching that machine fall apart fast, never having thrown snow more than 12 feet.