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

I am looking for a new blower. I have about 1400.00 to spend . I am looking at the 2 machines listed above. I had an Ariens 824 for 28 years but have never had a Toro. I prefer the Toro dealer but both dealers are ok. Any Ideas on which is a better choice or other suggestions ?

Thanks Ivan

im45us wrote:

If the Toro has the dual skid steer and the quick chute I would go with that since those really make a difference in how the machine handles. I really like my Toro it works great doesn't bog down, although if I'm going too fast it will ride up a bit. It chews into even hardened snow banks with gusto and even shoots out stuff that had been plowed up a month before. Mine is teh slightly larger 1028 but the 826 should do just as good a job and the auger system they use is amazing.

According to SnoBlowers Direct the Toro has no steering.  If it did I probably would have bought it.

slinger wrote:

Although the Toro has a smaller impeller, they have the same tip speed and should have comparable snow removal rates and throw distance.  The Toro has a Toro-unique impeller housing designed to return unthrown snow to the scoop, reducing the load on the impeller so that can be focused on snow removal. The Ariens Platinums has two sticks on the console, one direction and one deflection; the Ariens joystick is plastic that feels that way, although no one has reported problems.

The Ariens has a differential that powers the inside wheel in a turn. It is automatic and has no cables or other mechanisms. The Toro levers let you power the outside wheel on turns, often marketed as power steering. It also lets you disengage both wheels for a quick pull backwards.

I believe Snowmann said Ariens only specified the ball bearings for the Chinese made engines while they were concerned about quality; he reported they switched to sleeve bearings. The engines are probably identical for all purposes. The Ariens has more metal in the construction.

Both are fairly light on the nose making them easy to handle.  The Ariens has a more 'metal' construction. Looking at my 14 yo MTD, both the plastic and metal survived. In some places corrosion under then metal required a wire brush and repaint...but those parts are metal on both. On the other parts, the plastic didn't break but looks more worn.

Either is probably fine. If you are a dainty 5-2, maybe the power steering is a good thing. If you have more deep snow or some tight areas, the 24" may be better. If the 26" makes a difference over 24", the question would be why not 28" or 30"?

Snowmann wrote:

The Polar Force Ariens spec 205cc and 249cc engines (built by Briggs) do however include the ball bearing crankshaft journals. Competitive Briggs snow engines (all 3 Briggs trim levels as well as the Briggs-built Husqvarna Endurance series) do not have this. They have sleeve bearings.

You have to move up to the 828 OXE before you get the dual trigger steering.  The 826 has none.

slinger wrote:

You are correct. The rest of that post said they had spec'd forged crankshafts and have no switched to cast as the quality was found acceptable.  My memory faultered. My error.

slinger wrote:

Well then I'd suggest that he go for the 828OXE even if it's a bit more it's worth it. Lots of dealers have sales and many dealers (not all) will work to make the sale if they know you are buying now.

828 looks like a nice unit.  For the additional $200 (more than the 826) you get the highly coveted dual trigger steering and a 2" wider bucket, the other features are about the same as the 826.  It would be a great choice if you are looking to spend that much and want a machine that big.  The Platinum 24 will set you back about $1200 whereas the 828 goes for around $1700  (not taking into account any special deals as previously mentioned above).

The Toro site says the 826 has the freewheel steering.

I asked the question at the beginning. I am in Mass and I just got rid of a 28  year old ariens 824 that was getting tired.My driveway is small but my end of drive way is about 40 or 50 feet so that is why I need the bigger machine. The dealers I want to go with have a limited selection . Price for the Ariens was 1319 and 1400 for the Toro. I can check other dealers but these 2 are some of the best on the north shore. Not sure if I can mention names?

Looking at the Toro website I don't see much difference between the 826 and the 828.Two inches wider and a little more heavy. Steering seems to be the same on both.