mdrew9

First of all, what is the difference between a thrower and a blower with regards to snow?

Which is the best? Assuming I have a fairly large driveway that is flat and I have a sidewalk to do. I don't really want to be undergunned. Last year we had a pretty big snow storm and I borrowed a Troy-built 8.5hp DS and felt like it was just enough, maybe could have used a little more. So whats good out there? Simplicity, Toro, Troy-built, Honda, John-Deare, MTD, Ariens?
I am looking for something under $1k that must have push button start, other than that I am open to suggestions.

JayR

Husqvarna....

__________________
I really don't care what you have to say about me, just as long as you mention my name

GP-TJ

I have 9hp ariens that I got 2 years ago. I think it is the 926le model. I have the tecumseh sno-king single with cast iron sleeve. The engine is pretty much the standard. They are now putting newer technology engine on them. Mine is the proven engine that has been in use for years. It works pretty well. Mine does not have the differential though. I can either drive one wheel or two by pulling a pin. I use it with both wheels driving all the time. I think it went for about 900 - 1000.

I believe Ariens calls their units Sno-thro's but they are snow blowers. The difference is whether they are one or two stage. One stage is a fast spinning rubber paddle that throws the snow. The two stage is what I have and probably what you borrowed. There is an auger in the front that feeds the impeller that throws the snow.

Just remember. If you buy a snow blower, it won't snow.

GP

Rover74

It depends on where you live. Here in southern RI, we tend to get a lot of wet and slushy snow. This is where the single stage blower comes in handy. I have used the Toro Snow Commander for the past 5 or 6 years and have not had any problems clearing the slop out of the drive ways. Under those conditions, double stage blowers tend to clog a lot more. The only draw back to a single stage is trying to clear out the bottom of the drive after the plow has come through, especially if it ices up. But if you stay on top of it, you shouldn't have any issues. Good luck!

__________________

74Formula233

I did extensive (trust me, extensive LOL) research last year before my purchase and bought an Ariens from Pat's Power in Exeter (NOT Home Depot......though they ARE the same Ariens as a dealer, theirs are assembled "shoddy" quite often and all out of adjustment......horrible....for literally only a FEW bucks more, go to the dealer!!!)

I found out a LOT of eye openers about Cub Cadet, John Deere, Husqvarna, Toro, Troy Built......etc etc etc......watch out. You'd be surprised how many of these are the same exact machine, made by the same exact company, just with different paint jobs.

I went with the Ariens 9526DLE Professional. I was throwing snow last winter up and clear OVER my father's shrink-wrapped 26 Fortier, on its stands, and with it's huge frame built to support the wrap LOL.

As an engineer, let me tell you, this.....the Ariens is built like a brick shithouse.

For the record, I own a Husqvarna zero-turn. NOT the cheapo home-owner "Z" version (also made to low standards), but the "EZ" model, which is a totally different animal. I wouldn't touch one of their snowblowers. They are the same as the crapsman, with different paint.

Wanna know how to help gauge a good snowblower? Look at the transmission (mine is cast iron), look at the size of the auger in comparison to the opening. Ariens fills the opening well, while most others are half the size of the opening. So you bite a chunk of snow and sit there while the auger catches up. Look at the gauge steel used in the chassis and wear-points. Look at the tire type (get one with REAL tires, not the jokes that need chains that will tear everything up).

VERY IMPORTANT......look at the chute controls!!! So many are awkward to adjust the chute side to side (cranks and other jackass controls).......the Ariens, you have to try to believe how easy and nice it is! And you'll find yourself adjusting the chute often, most likely.

****EDIT....added some info******

Another thing.....DON'T BE FOOLED BY HORSEPOWER MARKETING!!!!!!!

Mine is a 9.5 HP Briggs. ALL of the engines from the 9.5 up to the 13 HP (in this case) are the SAME ENGINE....SAME.....SAME SAME SAME...... just have different carburetion! This is basically the case with the TUCK-A-SUCKs as well!

The 9.5 I have literally throws snow better than most (unless you're talking an Ariens of the larger HP, which I can't speak for) 12-13 HP models. It's not in the horsepower, it's in the design of the machine, and the build quality! Pay attention to those things, and almost ignore the horsepower.

I threw heavy, wet, dense snow with this thing so damned far, it was incredible LOL......my driveway alone is 200' long, plus a 6-vehicle parking area, plus paths around the yard. I'm done so quick, I feel "guilty" LOL.

FYI, for under $1,000, they have a nice 7.5 HP model (I think it's 7.5, check their site).

It would be more than sufficient for most people! Again, don't be fooled by it's size or HP! Dead serious. Even that one would outperform, say a 12 HP Crapsman. Different animals.

__________________

mdrew9

Awesome, great post. I was reading some commercial plow websites and they seemed to be very fond of the Ariens. Are there any models I should stay away from?

GP-TJ

Eric:

I think my unit is the same as yours with the exception of the quick disconnect differential. I have been happy with mine up to this point. I also checked around pretty extensively and found the same things as Eric did. I never found anyone dislike the Ariens. The Husqvarna stuff is made by AYP whose parent company is Eureka. There was a recent change to the company that I am not sure about. AYP makes craftsman, yardman, etc. The lawn tractors were the same up til this year also I believe. Same tractor but different paint.

Another word of advice. Check your local power equipment dealer. You can avoid some assembly issues with the big box stores. I got my lawn tractor from a dealer and haven't had any problems. My snowblower was from HD and I basically had to reassemble it to make it right. I am anal though.

GP

Stress Reeliever

Where do you live and how much snow do you tyically get? I live on the shore and usually don't get more than 6 nches and it could be frequently wet. I went with the single stage Honda Snow Thrower. 5 HP. Id does a better job than the old Snapper I had with the 7 HP on it. This machine is awesome. Small package with a lot of power.

mdrew9

I live just outside Hartford. We get 40-60 inches per year.

mdrew9

So I have been looking at throwers all day, it seems having a cast iron transmission makes staying under $1k out of the question. Even the Deluxe Ariens models don't have that.