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

Our 10 yo MTD has more problems then it is worth repairing, so we have been looking. We seem to have focused on the Ariens because they seem more rugged and better engineered. Plastic or metal chute doesn't mean much to me; but the metal seems thicker, pieces more rigid, controls more connected.

The 'Professional' models seem out of reach financially. That left the Deluxe and Deluxe Platinum.

The Platinum includes a bigger motor (342 vs 305 cc), a one lever chute direction/deflection control, heated hand grips, and the 'automatic' overruning clutch detroit locker like differential. It is $300 more and probably worth it.

However, last year Ariens build some of the Deluxe models with a 287cc Subaru engine. That engine is overhead cam instead of just overhead valve, has nearly double the gas tank size, and just looks better built. Unlike Briggs and Stratton, Subaru publishes full performance numbers. It looks like an impressive piece. It is basically the same price as the 2010 305cc model with identical features.

Now that is the choice. And it appears to be coming down to 342 B&S vs. 287 Subaru and is the 'automatic differential' any good.

I have my concerns about the differential. the overrunning clutch basically runs power the INSIDE wheel in a turn. On a race car it promotes understeer. On a snow blower it would mean you have to push the outside wheel on its larger radius. The Deluxe has a release on the left side only. In the store it seemed a little erratic; does it work ok in real life? It would mean the outside wheel would be powered on left turns, the inside on right. Is that better than the automatic differential?

The Platinum has hand warmers; are they useful or just a novelty?

And most importantly, how are the Subaru and Briggs and Straton motors? Is the Subaru better as it seems or is the difference very small?

Thanks,

David

When you say the B&S engine is smooth, what are you comparing it to?

Also, those codes aren't working, I think they were for bath products.

They were for bath products, but they worked 2weeks ago when I bought my 24" platinum. I am comparing the Briggs to the tecumseh's they replaced. The Subaru seems like a good motor, albeit possibly a bit louder due to the OHC. Either one will last a long time with maintenance. The diff is a bigger deal IMO. Turning a 28-30" unit w/o a differential is a PITA. I demoed the auto diff and it was flawless. ALL the Ariens pro models use the same drive-it wouldn't be on all of those if it was crap. Tough choice, but I think the auto diff is a major plus. There is not going to be a shortage of power with either engine. Do you have a dealer that stocks parts for the Subaru? Who will be able to work on it? Just things to think about.

It is not quite no differential, just a manual one. The auto differential powers the INSIDE wheel. That is fine for drag racing, but maybe not the best scenario for powering around a turn. The Deluxe has a release for the left wheel, that lets you make left hand turns with the outside wheel powered, or right hand turns similar to the Hillard AutoLok on the Platinum. However, you need to unlock manually; in the store it seemed hit or miss.

I tried your code and a newer bath code expiring October 6th...no cigar. Getting the Platinum for $1424 (plus tax)  including delivery would be a deciding factor. Maybe they fixed the problem.

The other option is to sign up on the home depot site for a new homeowner package. I did that first and they send a 10% discount coupon for in store purchases via email the same day. You can buy the 30"platinum in the store. The 24" is only available online thus the need to use the code that must have been corrected. Hope that helps. I hate paying what everyone else pays!

I just got an HD coupon code for Bath stuff in a HD email today.  It's slightly different than the one given but it seems to work.  I put an Ariens Platinum 24  ($1299) in my cart along with a bath fixture that was over $1000.  I then applied the code which deducted $100.  Then I removed the bath fixture from my order but the discount stayed.  Perhaps you should try your local coupon code from HD.  I'm sure it is a nation-wide promotion.  I would have bought the thing right there until I discovered that the 249cc motor on these may be aluminum bore units (no cast iron sleeve).  I'm waiting to find out if the "Ariens Polar Force" variants of this Briggs 1150 series engine have it or not.  I've heard that the Snow series are alum bore but the Snow series "Max" are C.I. sleeved.   Waiting for comfirmation.  Some say that it doesn't matter as the machine will wear out before the engine anyway, but I'd like to hear what others have to say about this whole situation.

Ariens doesn't use the 'Max', now called 'Professional' in any of there snowblowers. However, it probably doesn't make a difference.

slinger wrote:
Briggs no longer offers a cast iron cylinder liner on their snow engines, not even the "Professional Series". It's not really necessary.