Snowblower: Honda vs. Ariens

[Virtus_Probi]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Where are you finding an Ariens with a Briggs engine? (unless this is something new) For the past number of years the Ariens line has used LCT "liquid combustion technology" OHV engines.

In regards to Hondas, yes they are nice. IMO they throw snow better than any of them. I just don't care for a hydrostatic trans on a snowblower. I like to be able to freewheel and pull them backwards. With hydro, you have to drive it everywhere which takes too long IMO.


The higher end Ariens' get Briggs & Stratton, lower end get LCT.

 

[wings&wheels]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Where are you finding an Ariens with a Briggs engine? (unless this is something new) For the past number of years the Ariens line has used LCT "liquid combustion technology" OHV engines.

In regards to Hondas, yes they are nice. IMO they throw snow better than any of them. I just don't care for a hydrostatic trans on a snowblower. I like to be able to freewheel and pull them backwards. With hydro, you have to drive it everywhere which takes too long IMO.


From the website for the Ariens professional 28 Hydro: "Ariens Polar Force by Briggs & Stratton 420cc (21 ft/lbs")". I was a bit surprised also.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

On a normal home you don't want the unit too big - its too hard to muscle around. Hey if you aren't getting any exercise running the snowblower - where are you getting exercise? I use a 28" Yardman ( MTD) and its still running fine after 20 years - same spark plugs. and Almost no maintenance. Just some sheet metal banging out and a nice summer day bolt tightening and lube. OC every 2 years. Why would you use many spark plugs? They should last 500 hours at LEAST. Got the ORIGINAL champion on the 8hp snow king and still starts right up - by recoil. My MTD gave me GREAT service for a 700 dollar Walmart bought machine.

 

[FlyNavyP3]

Ariens in my experience USED to be a great machine, the new ones also IMHO are JUNK made to a price point. I don't think there is any contest here, Honda machine all day.

 

[Virtus_Probi]

So, all the 3 stage models I was drooling over are made by MTD and Ariens snowblowers are all garbage now, too.

My list of options grows thin!!!

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Virtus_Probi
So, all the 3 stage models I was drooling over are made by MTD and Ariens snowblowers are all garbage now, too.

My list of options grows thin!!!


I would avoid the MTD models. Husqvarna group built machines are as step above MTDs, with any Ariens built machine a step above that. Toro, high-end Simplicity and Honda being the top of the mark.

If you want to buy new, on a budget, the Ariens Snowtek line is nice. I've got a 28" model that's served me well. Check all easily adjustable and serviceable hardware on one. Much better than Husqvarna group and MTD, at the same or lower price.

 

[Kory]

I was at Home depot the other day with my kid and after owning my Honda for 3 winters and it was striking how cheaply made the Ariens were in comparison. It really stood out after being used to nothing but Honda.

Get a Honda if you can afford it. I'm a cheap [censored] but spend big money on things I'll have a really long time and are important.

 

[Traction]

I looked at the new ones, but fail to see anything good about them compared to my 45 year old John Deere 726 that my dad bought new in 1972 for $315 with his employee discount. I've been using it since 1989. It is a true work horse that has been used a lot with no trouble. No safety features to speak of either. You can latch the drive handle on and it will go down the driveway by itself. I think if I ever need another one I will look for another John Deere from that era, which still sell used for more than this one was new. Unlike the later ones, when Ariens started making them, the earlier ones were obviously built to last, and most wear parts are still available.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Traction
I looked at the new ones, but fail to see anything good about them compared to my 45 year old John Deere 726 that my dad bought new in 1972...


You wont. Like everything else OPE, none of them are iron beasts anymore. The closest thing were the Simplicity Professional series, if they're still available.

Even the highly regarded Honda snowblowers are not built with thick steel and heavyduty materials It's all thin metal and the whole thing does flex. Hondas are just very smartly built and throw a lot of snow well.

 

[02SE]

16 years out of a Honda doesn't sound that great to me. I have an MTD with a Tecumseh engine which is the same age, and all it's had is a couple plug changes, some fresh oil every year, and a few wear items like skids replaced. Still runs and throws snow great.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: 02SE
16 years out of a Honda doesn't sound that great to me. I have an MTD with a Tecumseh engine which is the same age, and all it's had is a couple plug changes, some fresh oil every year, and a few wear items like skids replaced. Still runs and throws snow great.


If you don't try to use them beyond their capability and give them decent care, an MTD will last longer than 16yrs like you say. I still use my 18yr/old Yardman/MTD as my backup machine.

 

[02SE]

I'd say it's been used well beyond it's intended purpose. It's been abused more often than mot. The Plug changes were mostly because I got the plugs for free, and I thought why not change them. I only replaced the skids this year, because the old ones were worn away.

I have a mower with a Honda engine, and it's been okay, other than it burns oil.

I used to work on consumer cars for a living. Honda engines/products used to be made better, IMO. Now, I'm not convinced they are worth a premium over other makes.

 

[wings&wheels]

Wound up getting a Honda 928 and will probably sell the 724 when its back running to recoup some of the cost. Looks to be an ignition/timing issue with the old one.

Our driveway is ~500 feet long with a parking area so these blowers get a workout. I will say that 16 years overall isn't great, but it is not a major failure and it truly received nothing beyond oil. spray grease, plugs and a shear pin in those years.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[whofan]

If I could go back in time I`d buy a Yamaha Snow blower.
These old blue machines are still the best of what`s being made today.
I do like my Toro power max snow blower.
The early two stage with the Tecumseh snow king engine.
My research on Honda is the Two stage blowers are brand new models and people say the previous designs were better. The new ones clog up. If Ariens would put the Honda engine on their machines then.......... Most of these products have Chinese engines now. But these engines are getting favorable reviews from those who service them.