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

I live on the east side of Cleveland, which means we get hit by Lake Effect snow. I have been without a snow blower since moving up here(2 years ago) as the single stage that used to be fine outside of the snow belt just can't cut it up in the snow belt. I am not looking for anything fancy, just a good, solid reliable two stage gas powered snow blower. I was hoping to spend between $600 to $800. Steering is nice, but not needed. Models I have been looking at are: Cub Cadet 524 WE($699) and 524 SWE($799, S adds steering). Ariens Compact 2-Stage 24" Model 920014($799), Ariens Compact 2-Stage 22" Model 920013($699) I am not too sure on the Cub Cadets. They are MTD engines and I am not sure if they are reliable or not. I have heard the Subaru on the Ariens are supposed to be solid. Any advice from users would be great, including other brands or models I have not listed. Thanks in advance.

Ok. Of the two I am looking at: Ariens Compact 2-Stage 24" Model 920014($799) has a Briggs & Stratton motor. Ariens Compact 2-Stage 22" Model 920013($699) has a Subaru SX motor. Which of the two motors are the more reliable? Keep in mind the 169cc(the Subaru) should be plenty for my driveway, I am more interested in which is the better motor for reliability and durability. Also, what is the difference between the Ariens Compact and Sno-Tek lines? I can tell the motors are different, hell, I can't even tell who makes them as they come up with names like LCT Storm Force. I am guessing Made in China for those motors. Once again thanks in advance!

divisionbell77 wrote:
My preference would be for the Suburu SX engine, right up there with Honda and Yamaha in terms of quality and reliability. I'd go with the Ariens over the Sno-Tek just because you get a better engine and a few more bells and whistles. The Sno-Tek line is a price point for those who need a decent snowblower at a reasonable price without any frills. I think I would consider a Sno-Tek if I really needed a new snowblower and my budget was thin. IIRC, Snowmann (who works for Ariens Co.) had posted that they are built on the same chassis as the Ariens Compact line and share many of the same basic features.

divisionbell77 wrote:
I'm in the same price range.  May I ask where you are finding these prices?  Or are these prices not including shipping?

Thanks.

Hi Division - I recently picked up the compact 22 920013 with the subaru motor. I got it for $699 retail price. I had looked at some Toro's 726 and 826 (a little over your budget) as well as the compact 24 and the sno-tek machines. The main factor in my decision was the subaru motor. From everything I've heard they are on par with Honda motors so I was looking for a machine that would last me a while and be worry free. Power is said to be comperable between the subaru and the bigger 205cc briggs thats on the compact 24. For my needs the 2" bigger bucket on the 24 was not worth an extra $100 especially when it may mean an extra pass or 2 and maybe 5 mins total. Depending on the size of your driveway you may feel differently.

As Frank pointed out...The sno-tek machines are basically an ariens compact machine painted black with a different motor. These machines use the LCT engines which are 208cc and actually appear to have a little more power than the briggs (9.5 ft/lb vs 9.00 ft/lb) but you also give up the electric start. Note sure how important the electric start is to you but the sno-tek machines look pretty solid as well. They have a plastic chute with a metal deflector also. Maybe be worth a look for you.