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krilleater


Joined: Sep 22, 2005
Points: 3

Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Original Message   Sep 22, 2005 4:04 pm
I am about to purchase a new snowblower. I am choosing between the Ariens ST 5520 E 2 Stage Compact 5.5 HP Snow Blower ($600) and the Ariens ST 7524 E 2 Stage Compact 7.5 HP Snow Blower ($760). My understanding is that there are 2 advantages to the ST 7524: extra horsepower and its clears 4 inches wider. I have a gravel driveway that is about 100 ft long and two carwidths wide. It is pretty flat (although there is a slight dip at the road). I live in Danbury, Connecticut  which rarely has snows above one foot (although I think we had 2 last winter). Obviosly, I'd love to save the $160 but I'd hate to make a mistake by underbuying. I'd appreciate any advice.
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krilleater


Joined: Sep 22, 2005
Points: 3

Re: Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Reply #2   Sep 29, 2005 11:02 am
Thanks for your advice RalphS. After giving this way too much thought, I will go with the bigger machine. I figure its better to have too much power than too little. I'll report back after the first snow storm.
MountainMan


Overpowered is Usually Adequate


Location: Connecticut
Joined: Feb 19, 2003
Points: 1564

Re: Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Reply #3   Sep 29, 2005 9:38 pm
When going 2 stage, I always say 8 HP and up. The machine has to propell itself, and there are drivetrain losses. 5 hp is fine in a single unit, but do yourself a favor, and go 7.5. If you get 18" of snow, you will be thanking yourself, Or me
This message was modified Sep 29, 2005 by MountainMan


Ariens 1128PRO- Honda Generator_ Husky 480-257 Jonsered 2050Turbo- Shindiawa T2500 SCAG Mower -little wonder blower-Sears track blower-Coleman Generator- Bombadier ATV-Stihl HS-45 Etc-Etc-Etc
AJace


I have an Ariens 926 Pro because I like Orange



Location: Near Gettysburg
Joined:
Points: 969

Re: Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Reply #4   Oct 3, 2005 1:00 am
They are great prices on both of those units.  Since they are cheaper than MSRP, buy the biggest one. 

Ariens 926 DLE Professional; Toro S200; Craftsman LT1000, Echo ES-230;

bfguilford


Joined: Oct 23, 2005
Points: 4

Re: Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Reply #5   Oct 23, 2005 9:09 pm
Where did you find the 7524E at $760. I'm in Guilford, CT and would like to pick one up. Thanks.
hirschallan


If it aint broke don't fix it !!


Location: Northern Hills of NY
Joined: Aug 25, 2005
Points: 327

Re: Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Reply #6   Oct 23, 2005 10:51 pm
I saw this model at homedepot in Rockland county for $769.00

krilleater


Joined: Sep 22, 2005
Points: 3

Re: Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Reply #7   Oct 24, 2005 2:21 pm
I bought if for $760 at Youngs in Ridgefield. Nutmeg Power Equipment in Danbury had it for the same price.
nursedaddy


Joined: Oct 26, 2005
Points: 14

Re: Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Reply #8   Oct 28, 2005 8:53 pm
Just bought the 7.5 hp one. Returned a Troy-bilt 5.5hp unit to Lowes that I'd bought first because I thought it'd be to little HP. The Troy-bilt actually had a bigger intake on it, a wider wheelbase, fatter tires, but with only 5.5, I figured it'd be overwhelmed by the big piles the plow leaves at the end of the driveway. So for $150 more, I got the Ariens, and it's more compact and seems to be better made. I don't think you can go wrong with the 7.5HP ariens.
OrchidCrazy


Joined: Nov 6, 2003
Points: 55

Re: Ariens 5.5 hp or 7.5 hp snowblower
Reply #9   Oct 29, 2005 6:14 pm
You'll be glad you bought the 7.5 HP one. I actually wouldn't suggest anything under 8 HP, but it's close! I live in Danbury as well. We get 40 inches average snowfall a year. Not many storms, but the past 4 - 5 years, we've had quite a number of 16"+ storms, the last few years we've been above average for snowfall. You can always use a bigger machine on a small storm, but if you buy too small, you'll be out more than once during the storm to handle the snow.
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