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

Hi there did you consider the new 2011-12 ARIENS ST28DLE (926038) Professional Series?...I just purchased this model machine for $ 1800.00 plus taxes in Canada and was also considering the John Deere 1330. For a couple of hundred dollars I would definitely consider the ARIENS ST28DLE Pro model. The ST28DLE Pro machine comes standard with a 420 cc Briggs & Stratton Polar Force engine having 21 ft./lbs. of torque and 14.39 HP . This engine also comes with a crankshaft balancer, cast iron cylinder sleeve and a forged crankshaft.  Personally, I would focus on the heavy duty points of a snow blower. The John Deere 1130 and 1330 machine have a short 3"-4" auger shaft sticking out from their gear box from each side. Then to compensate, a support bracket is installed on top of the gear case and screwed underneath the blower housing. This is to prevent the gearbox from twisting during action. The Pro 28,32 & 36 models machine from ARIENS have a full length auger shaft that goes from onside to another, eliminating the bracket support.  The Automatic Traction Control on the ARIENS….it is also a really good feature that is offered. There is a little resistance when you turn, but almost unnoticeable. If you stick to a smaller machine like a 28” housing, it is very easy to manoeuvre than a 36” machine. Also, I happened to take a closer look at the ATC system on the ARIENS Professional series. It is a really cool design. It is a Hilliard Auto-Lok differential system. It has two female internal splines bore on each side of the gear/differential assembly for the axle shaft to enter. Then the Auto-Lok acts like tension device to release the resistance when you turn and yet still have traction on both wheels. John Deere 1330SE model also offers the same feature under a different marketing name called the "Easy Steer"...and it is also a Hilliard product. However, weaker on the design side by John Deere...let me explain.  Now the way it is integrated into the snow machine's design is another issue all together. I have closely looked at both the ARIENS ST28DLE and JD 1130/1330SE Auto-Lok Differential from Hilliard. The main difference is that the ARIENS is using a spur gear around the Auto-Lok differential unit and a pinion to drive the axle for  both wheels. The spur gear surface is a little over 1" wide and the pinion even more. Perhaps, 1.250" of surface for the pinion. I would have to open and measure to get exact size, but it’s about that. This surface contact increases the stability, rigidity and decrease the vibration of the axle. John Deere doesn't have a spur gear around the Hilliard Auto-Lok unit and neither a pinion. They are using a sprocket and chain system to drive the axle. The sprocket is fitted unto the Auto-Lok and expected to give you that Easy Steer you looking for. Unfortunately, it will not perform as expected. You can read the other threads from the other members on this topic.  You will have this machine for a very long time an it worth spending an extra few bucks for a more reliable machine.  ARIENS is made right here in North America and service parts readily available anywhere. Good Luck and regards, Scopes01