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

Hello all, I am in the process of deciding which snowblower to buy as I purchased a house this year in Mass and (hopefully) Ill need to use one a lot! Our driveway is paved and about 100' long with a slight curve to it. I have a couple turnaround areas that are rock (medium sized rocks, not really gravel). The unit will be stored in a shed thats entrance is raised so the unit will need to climb a wooden ramp that's probably 215-20 degrees or so and will have to climb the side yard to get from the driveway to the shed which is probably about the same slope as the ramp. Now -- I just cant shake the coolness factor of tracks instead of wheels from factoring into my decision here. The Ariens 28 Deluxe Track model is the one I have my eye on (although it is admittedly more than I wish to spend). I have a few questions about the track models (I have bounced around the forums but havent seen threads with updated info so maybe todays track models are a little different).

• Are the Ariens track models really hard to turn? They look like they have power turning but Ive read that track models are hard to turn so Im confused there.
  
• Are the track models reliable? I could see where a more complex assembly might break more often, but as long as its pretty reliable Ill take my chances.
  
• Are there other pros or cons I should be considering about tracks besides 1) They look cool 2) Better traction for biting in to banks and whatnot 3) Possible turning issues 4) Reliability. 

And the big question: Should I just be going with the Ariens wheel model for my needs and ignoring the coolness factor or tracks?

Thanks in advance!

PS - and I probably know where most of you stand on this but Ill ask anyhow - if I were to scale back my cost closer to 1100-1200 would it be stupid to go with the Troy Bilt track model over the Ariens wheel model?

Thanks so much for the information Bus708! Im curious though -- if you have a minute take a look at the picture of the Deluxe Track 24 or 27 on Ariens website (ariens.com). They have 4 levers, the drive and auger lever are the big ones on the top, and then they show 2 smaller levers on the bottom. Would these be to maneuver with or am I wrong?

The 921022 Ariens 28LET Deluxe does not have a differential or steering assist. The Pro 28 Track does have the traction control w/manual lockout. The controls on the Deluxe are the auger and traction clutch paddles, the speed selector, the remote chute deflector control, chute rotation crank, and the height adjustment trigger. The unit is also about 40% slower than a wheel drive equivalent. The Ariens track system is robust and simple. A311 stress relieved CD steel, HSLA plate steel, 8 additional ball bearings, etc. Certainly however I would not recommend one unless it is needed. Unnecessary weight and turning effort and they don't roll freely when not under power. If you lived in the Alps this would be a good tradeoff, but it doesn't sound like you do. The nice thing though is it's effortless to bull through snowpiles with a track drive. No muscling it at all, just walk behind it. Lots of traction and weight will do that. Do yourself a favor though and get a wheel drive unit.

Hi ,
SNOWMAN is right with the levers. I think the levers you are referring to is for you to tilt the auger up for travel and snow throwing on a gravel driveway. It should have 3 positions.  UP- NORMAL- and SCRAPE. I agree with snowman. The Pro unit is better. You get a stronger auger gear case and steering. Its a freaking beast of a machine.There are movies on U TUBE folks using them. The wheeled units are there too . They are strong enough to blow 50 + feet. check out U TUBE
Go with pro track 26 or 28 , read there review at Ariens .The wheeled units are your wisest choice. Play with them both at your dealer. Follow your heart. If  you really want tracks go for it. You will be happy

If you think you need tracks get them... If you don't---- don't ...

Have you ever tried to roll somthing around the yard with tracks? Or moved it from one side of the garage to the other,  or try to put it in a tight area?

Do the shop's in the area carry all the parts for it? Or do they only stock the wheeled parts? 

I would rent one first see if it could get everything I needed done...  If it saves you a hour of blowing snow, but if you have to shovel for a hour the spots you can't get it to clear...

Good Luck,

Friiy