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

and why doesn't the engine have a name?  Everything else looks the same except its black not orange...I these beasties at HD....I wonder if Ariend makes them....hell I wonder if Ariens still makes the Orange ones!

HD has 2 different 24" Sno-Tek models.  One has a smaller engine, plastic chute and manual deflector.

The one that costs $100 more comes with a bigger engine, metal chute and remote deflector control.

Here is a quote from Snowmann:
Keep in mind there are 2 different Sno-Tek 24's at Home Depot (USA stores only I believe). One is a special promotional version 920404 (for $100 less). The differences between this one and the standard 920402 model is that it has a polymer chute, manual chute cap, and a 136cc LCT Storm Force engine instead of the 208cc (7.0 torque instead of 9.5). I believe the 208cc is 6.5hp (as stated on the side of the engine on the emissions decal). Don't quote me on this, but I thought the 136cc was 5.2hp or something of the sort. It should say on the side of the engine on one of fine print decals. It does have electric start, but it's pretty unnecessary. With the smaller displacement, the recoil pull force feels like it is a "dummy" engine with no piston. Very light pull and easy to start. I used this engine all last year and was pretty happy with it. Barely used any fuel too...

you are saying you used the 5HP snow tek and it performed ok?  How did the chute hold up?  Is this something to move on?  Sounds like a good deal.  How fast does an engine wear out...I mean we might get 3 -4 snow falls a year where I am...everynow and then we get 6+ inches and I feel like I am straining my single stage when this happens.  How is the Snow Teck 5hp in 6+ inches...THANKS!

Oh crap...snowman said that... WHERE's TEH SNOWMAN?!!!

I've heard good reports about this line on other forums. You really can't beat the price and like everything else these days, people are looking for a bargain. I checked them out at HD a few times and they seem to be built pretty well for a $ 500.00 or so snowblower.

I have a relative with a landscaping / snow removal business.  He is always picking up 'good buys' as spare equipment.  I had him check the unit out as well as check with the person he uses for repairs.

Neither like the plastic chute...they eventually succumb to cracking.

The major knock was on the Chinese engine and availability (or lack there of) of getting parts.  Supposedly there is one distributor on the east coast with a week wait on parts.

Now they are in the bussiness of snow removal and obviously use the equpiment in a different manner than a home owner.  They also need a quick turn around on parts.  So, I guess you could take all this with a grain of salt.

They reccomeneded waiting till I could affor the $799 (on sale for $729) orange model and likely never worry about purchasing another or getting parts.