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

Has anyone had the opportunity to try one of Ariens tracked models? How does it fair against a Honda. I do not know is Ariens models tilt up an down like Hondas. i here Ariens has steering and Honda does not.  I here a lot about Honda but nothing about Tracked Ariens. I want to hear your opinions

Dr_Woof wrote:

This is my 1st season with my new to me Honda HS928TA and I really like the track drive and have always liked the hydrostatic tranny (owned an HS624WA for 10 years prior). I was a bit apprehensive about going the track drive route after reading all the horror stories about the poor manuverability and handling but it truely comes down to applying the right technique. I could see where someone who is not physically capable or small in stature would have some difficulty because it is more work than a wheel drive. The tracks definitely offer more forward torque (especially on the EOD garbage) and provide better traction on inclines.

While I like my wheeled Pro28, I don't know if I'd stay with it in a tracked version from the money perspective?  I wanted a SOLID, American-made, blower at a (somewhat) "reasonable" price.  I got that with both my wheeled Pro28 and the Toro 210R.  And I won't lie to you that the little Toro gets more use (but the Pro28 saves me from a hernia/heart attack at the EOD almost every storm).

But now that we're in the $2500 range, I'd probably look at the Honda.  MOSTLY because of the hydro. 

If the Husqv w/hydro was near me, I would have loved to felt that in my hands.  But I didn't have one near enough to me.

"The Husqvarna 16530EXL features a hydro drive system and can easily consume 23” snow drifts, while clearing 30” swaths through even the wettest of snowfalls. Its 16.5 gross torque Briggs & Stratton Endurance engine is designed to start reliably in cold weather. Standard features include a drift cutter, weight bar, power steering and a deflector extension. In addition, the 16530EXL comes with a halogen light to illuminate your pathway when the days are short. Hand warmers add comfort while tackling your chores in adverse weather conditions."

Of course that is also wheeled, but at the same $ level as my Pro28... ???

JohnWI wrote:

Speaking of the feel of a machine I'm curious if the handle bar height is adjustable on the Honda Track blowers.  I was just at a Tru-Value hardware store and they were demonstrating their snow blowers.  I tried out a Honda Track unit and I agree that the speed control of the hydro is neat.  However I felt uncomfortably "bent over" while operating it.  Is the handle height adjustable?  I didn't have an opportunity to ask the tech because my wife's patience had worn out and it was time to go.  In her defense we did have to wait a while before I got my turn.

Honda does offer an extension kit for the Track Drive models. I think it is a 2" or 4" extension that raises the handle height. I'm 5'9" and it works OK for me although 2" higher would be better. I believe they are built to accommodate the Japanese stature.

Paul7 wrote:
There's a handle extension kit that raises it about 2 inches (I think).  That's the max it can go without stretching the existing cables.  It's not adjustable, just extendable.

http://www.mayssnowblowerrepair.com/hb_extensions.html

http://www.mayshonda.com/eshopprod_cat_6411-71869_product_939449.Handlebar_Extension_Kit.htm

FrankMA wrote:
Yes, you are right on.  They are built for older Japanese demographics.

See my previous post.  The kit does offer a 2" extension, so that would be perfect for you.

Bus 708 I've got an Ariens pro 9526 I think its called. Its got the 9.5 hp. overhead valve motor with a "26" width. I really like mine, they are slower than the comparable wheel models, someone said 40% slower but I don't run it around town I just use it at home and its plenty speedy for me. I looked at the honda models as well and they are excellent machines also. I bought the Ariens because it turns alot easier as in regular mode, if you will, onlt the one track pulls so you can turn it nicely, if you really need the traction you can lock the other track and then it really goes but doesn't turn as well. I have a honda single stage that I use normally for the lighter snow falls and just take the big one out when conditions are there for more power. I hope that helps? Coldfingers

Thanks coldfingers,

My big delima is steering. There are no showrooms here for me to test one. I herd the new pro tracks have a diferential. Yours you said has lock outs. If you unlock one side it will want to turn with the driven track RIGHT?? Wouldn't you be fighting it to turn or go streight? I herd with diferentials you dont worry about it steering . it steers like auto triggers. I just hate to have to munky a heavy machine to turn it. 

There was an older post by Snomann that mentioned that the new ones have auto traction control for wheels, but the old style handle mounted lockout levers for the tracks.  He said something about the automatic not working right with the tracks.  That post was from a while ago I think, so they could be different now.

The cheaper model with tracks that I looked at didn't have an overhead valve motor on it and then it had the levers on both sides to help turn it around. The pro model that I have doesn't have the levers but has a lock you turn on the right side to lock both tracks. I don't have trouble with it pulling to one side much unless you catch something. I usually have it locked in the down position and then when I get to the end of the driveway I lift it up and it turns nicely.