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

Looking at either the Ariens Professional 28 ($1999) or a used 2009 Honda HS1132 for ($1700). My main concern of the Ariens is the Briggs engine. My main concern with the Honda is the maneuverability and cost of future repairs. Anyone have any input. My wife says just buy the brand new Ariens. I wouldn't mind a used Honda (even if it is 3 years old)

Ctrlaltelite wrote:

Go for the Ariens. That's supposed to be a very good commercial quality engine. Who knows how well the older Honda was maintained, and yes if you need a repair it will be expensive.

Went with the Ariens yesterday and very happy I did. Think I was getting too caught up with the Honda engine part. Briggs has been in business a long time, and I'm sure Ariens wouldn't put just anything on their sno-thro's without facts backing up reliability and longevity. $1700 for a used 3 year old Honda seemed kinda crazy after thinking about it for a few days. Got me a can of DuPont Teflon Snow & Ice repellant for the chute and auger to prevent clogging. Plan on a 5-10 hour engine break-I'm before switching to a synthetic 5w30. Never thought I'd spend $2000 on a snowblower but MAN, do I feel GOOD! And can't wait to take care if that baby real good for the next 30 years. She shouldn't ever feel hungry, because here in Buffalo, there a lot for her to eat.

Went with the Ariens yesterday and very happy I did. Think I was getting too caught up with the Honda engine part. Briggs has been in business a long time, and I'm sure Ariens wouldn't put just anything on their sno-thro's without facts backing up reliability and longevity. $1700 for a used 3 year old Honda seemed kinda crazy after thinking about it for a few days. Got me a can of DuPont Teflon Snow & Ice repellant for the chute and auger to prevent clogging. Plan on a 5-10 hour engine break-in before switching to a synthetic 5w30. Never thought I'd spend $2000 on a snowblower but MAN, do I feel GOOD! And can't wait to take care of that baby real good for the next 30 years. She wont ever feel hungry, because here in Buffalo, there's a lot for her to eat.

I am in Buffalo to. Bought a platinum ariens and now kicking myself I didn't spend xtra 500 for the SImplicity. Look at the simp pro series at schaubs in west seneca. That is a machine.

Congratulations on your new machine. Mine is 20+ years old and runs like a monster. Always run stabilizer in the fuel and off your fuel vale to let it run out of fuel. It prevents problems. Also give it a good lube especially the axles.Change your oil after your first 5 hours, and at the end of the season. DO NOT OVER FILL THE ENGINE OIL. Briggs engines do not like an overfilled crankcase. It builds up to much crankcase pressure and will force past your seals. Spray some WD-40 all in your auger area and your shoot. It prevents rust and snow wont stick . I'm sure you will be happy with it. They are very easy to work on and are super reliable. The worst thing that happened to mine was I has to replace my drive belts once an a few shier pins . Keep a few shier pins around. Everyone brakes them from time to time. Let us know how you like it .

Honda snowblowers are not perfect.  I had problems but they were minior issues.  First year (Nov 2009), I did have a buyer's remorse thinking who spends that kind of money on a snowblower that gets used 6-10 times a year. You will know if you have made the right decision when after a few years later, you like the way your snowblower works and remove the snow.  For me, I like the way my blower starts and blows the snow.  When I clear out the pond, it is very impressive and satisfying for me.  I just wished I had a SS so I can really buff out the imperfections on ice.  I will need to consult Borat on customizing it for high RPM operation.  A lot of people go through this decision process but you will not know whether you really have made the best decision until a few years down the road.  It is only money and it is not like I can take it with me to my grave.  Just ask trouts.

"It is only money and it is not like I can take it with me to my grave."

Nothing like being the richest man in the grave yard. Right?  I mean, richest "dead" man.