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

I see more LCT powered snow blowers than ever before. I read that Ariens has a venture with them. I also here that Techumseh  Snow King will be retooled and manufactured through them.  Ariens is trying to move away from Briggs and Stratton  for they are their comp.  The use or Subaru with there units in the past was outstanding.  They no longer use them. I get mixed reviews with LCT.  I want a new Ariens compact 22 with a Subaru engine. They are longer offered. My other choice is a  Ariens Compact  22 with a LCT 208 or a Ariens compact 24 with a  Briggs and Stratton 205. I want the 22 but I do not trust the LCT. What do you think. There is a $100. difference in price for the Briggs. Do you trust LCT? 

I see this post is a few months old, but I am the same boat as bus708. I am looking for input on the LCT also, since  I am considering an Ariens compact 24 and Sno-tek which comes with a B&S 205 cc  and  a LCT 208 cc respectively.  I also would have preferred the Ariens Comp 22 with the Subaru.  I have a pressure washer with a Subaru EX21 7 HP and it is a great running, high quality engine. 

I have read good and bad about both LCT and B&S engines.  The LCT has a cast iron cylinder liner ,crank ball bearings, runs smooth and has good power,  but has had some carburetor problems.  The carb looks to be redesigned on the newest version, but I don't know if it fixes the problems.  The Briggs has more proven history, but I have heard some may be failing after 30-50 hrs and look to be lower quality now that they are made in China.   Any other input on LCT and/or Brigg engines from those with experience would be appreciated.

edge10 wrote:
Well, I don't have the experience, but here's a thread with Snowmann's comments on Briggs engines used by Ariens, as opposed to other brands using Briggs.  See the below links.


http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/49117-0-1.html          This one is the original with Snowmann's comments.

http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/56720-A-1.html         This one has a synopsis of Snowmann's comments.


I hope this helps out.