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

Just took a look at both of these at Home Depot today. Yard Machines has 8 HP to the Ariens 7.5 HP, and the Yard Machines has some beefier looking augers. Yard Machines also has 26" clearing path to the Ariens 24". Ariens looks a little easier to handle though, and has a nice all-steel discharge chute that can turn 180 degrees in 2 turns of the crank. Yard Machines takes 7 turns to swing the plastic chute 180 degrees. I especially like the cotter pins on the Ariens axle, allowing disengagement of 1 wheel to make for easier maneuvering... I could not see how this might be accomplished on the Yard Machines, does anybody know if that is a feature? Cotter pins were clearly visible on the Ariens, I saw nothing to allow disengagement on the Yard Machines. I'm leaning towards the Ariens for ease of use (wife needs to use it too) and general reputation from all reviews I've read, and slightly smaller size helps for storage. Yard Machines is tempting with more HP and wider path, but it's a bit beefy and looks tough to turn... if wheels could be disengaged on the Yard Machines, it might make me lean more towards that one. Any advice?

The Yard Machines blower should have pins on the axles to allow for one wheel power distribution & easier turning. Knowing you saw them at HD, I bet someone "helped themselves" to them!

As for the beefier look on the YM, thats where it ends. MTD makes these machines & IMO, they suffer of mediocre quality hardware, use cheaper components (plastic bearings/bushings). A YM might hold up ok if it isn't clearing 12" of snow twice a week.

I would go with the Ariens. Consider getting one at a servicing dealer (OPE Shop) if you aren't handy. HD is known for poor setup of their machines.

Marty

Since you are already leaning toward Ariens, go for it. The better quality will pay off in the long run, and the two turn crank on the chute contol is great. The 7524 will give you plenty of power in a 24" clearing width. With either machine, you should be able to unpin one wheel for easier turning but in deeper snow you will want to keep both wheels locked for improved traction.

I'm sold. Thanks Majorxlr8n and Dave. Ariens it is. I'll update here in a few months once we get some of the white stuff and let all know how it throws.

I'm sure that you will be happy with the Ariens, let us know how it works out for you