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J Cairns |
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private |
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Normal user |
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| Date Joined |
Oct 17, 2006 |
| Date Last Access |
Nov 11, 2006 10:46 pm |
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Re: snow blower question
#1 Nov 10, 2006 10:58 pm |
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I just bought an Ariens 9526DLE. A couple of nice differences in the PRO line vs. the other Ariens models is not so much the iron gear case but the differential axle for easy maneuverability and the Briggs Intek engine. (This link will help you see the features of all of the Ariens models at one time: http://www.ariens.com/pdf/Ariens_Master_Spec_Sheet.pdf). All full-size two stage snow throwers are big and heavy, and this model one is one of the biggest and heaviest. You need easy maneuverability with these machines, and that is why I bought this particular Ariens model. The Pro line is the only one that talks about easy maneuverability on the Ariens site. Bought it sight unseen from a local dealer that I found on the Ariens site. They assembled and delivered it for free. I have not started it yet, but I know that the Briggs OHV Intek engine is supposed to be a lot quieter. The muffler on it is huge. (There is a review on this site about Briggs Intek engines and the person was replacing his old Tecumseh with an Intek. They said it was definitely a better engine.) I also like the narrower width of 26", because when you add the width of the skids, you're over 28", and I was barely able to get it through the side garage door. Also have some narrow sidewalks and other smaller areas and don't want to tear up the grass accidentally. I guess the biggest selling points for me were that no one ever says anything bad about Ariens, it comes with a 3 year warranty, and I plan to keep it a long time. For me, it's worth the extra money not to have to worry about anything going wrong when I crash into those big piles of snow and ice that the snow plow invariably leaves me at the end of my driveway. This puts a lot of strain on the machine and I just want it to work year in and year out. I also want to get the job done fast and easy. To me the extra money will be worth the peace of mind and the ease of use. The hand warmers will also be nice for your father. Since I cannot lift this blower onto my porch any longer like the old one-stage I had, I also got a little electric Toro from Northwest Power Tool for $109 (free shipping). Just enough to do the porch, steps and the deck, so I feel I'm all set. Hope this helps.
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Re: Old Ariens died :( ... however, the new ones look cool! :)
#2 Nov 7, 2006 10:58 pm |
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If it makes you feel better, I just bought an Ariens 9526DLE after looking seriously at the Sears 88790 which had a high Consumer Reports rating and which was just on sale a couple weeks ago for $850. Bought it sight unseen from a local dealer that I found on the Ariens site. They assembled and delivered it for free. I have not started it yet, but I know that the Briggs OHV Intek engine is supposed to be a lot quieter. The muffler on it is huge. I also like the narrower width of 26", because when you add the width of the skids, you're over 28", and I was barely able to get it through the side garage door. Also have some narrow sidewalks and other smaller areas. I guess the biggest selling points for me were that no one ever says anything bad about Ariens, it comes with a 3 year warranty, and I plan to keep it a long time. The Sears is made by MTD Manufacturing, and if you look at their web site, they also make Cub Cadet, Yard-Man, Troy-Bilt and Yard Machines. I had an MTD mower once and wound up getting another one after a couple of years because it was just cheaply made. One person in Abby's guide said they had a Craftsman snow blower for 2 years and it broke. For me, it's worth the extra money not to have to worry about anything going wrong when I crash into those big piles of snow and ice that the snow plow invariably leaves me at the end of my driveway. This puts a lot of strain on the machine and I just want it to work year in and year out. I also want to get the job done fast. The model that I bought also has the power steering so it will be easy to use. To me the extra money will be worth the peace of mind and the ease of use. Since I cannot lift this blower onto my porch any longer like the old one-stage I had, I also got a little electric Toro from Northwest Power Tool for $109 (free shipping). Just enough to do the porch, steps and the deck, so I feel I'm all set. Hope this helps.
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Re: Snowblower guidance (help!)
#3 Oct 17, 2006 10:21 pm |
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I've been reading the emails here with interest as I'm in the same boat as some others, namely can't make up my mind what to do on snowthrowers. Having done some research though, I learned that the Craftsman 88790 is made by MTD Manufacturing, which makes Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man and Yard Machines. If you go to the MTD Canada Maufacturing site, you'll see the different logos of their brands, but if you click on the Troy-Bilt and follow the links, you'll see an exact replica of the Craftsman 88790 in there somewhere. Sears has this blower on sale right now for $850. Anyway, my indecisiveness has to do with noise, specifically, does anyone have any experience with Briggs Intek OHV being noticeably quieter than a Tecumseh L block or a Tecumseh OHV or even a Briggs non-Intek OHV? I have my eye on an Ariens 9526 DLE (new for 2007), which has a Briggs Intek, but at $1700, it is exactly double the price of the Craftsman 88790, which has a Tecumseh OHV. I'm like Sabesh of last year's reviews, where I need to do the chores in early AM or late PM. Also looking at the Toro 1128 OXE (also $1700) as it has a Tecumseh OHV engine (lower models aren't OHV). If the noise differences aren't that great between any of the various engines, then I would consider stepping up to name brand quality (Ariens, Toro) but saving some bucks vs the high-end models. By the way, I have a corner lot with lots of sidewalk that is prone to ice problems, so I was also looking for something that is good at removing ice. Anyway, thanks for listening, and any advice would be appreciated.
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