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

First of all let me say thanks to all the regulars on this site for taking the time to give their valued information on the many different types of snowblower situations we find ourselves in.  Great job to all.

After seeing both machines but not using either my gut feeling is that the Arien926DLE is more of a rugged machine than the Honda.  Heavy gauge steel, large impellers, bigger augers, the list goes on and on.  My question is why are the Honda's more $$.  Is it because of the transmission?  That is the only thing I can think of?

I have been blowing snow for 10 years on a Craftsman, 8hp, 28"cut....   1978!!  Just changed the two belts and the impeller bearing but didn't get to the bearing quick enough.  The shaft has been worn down considerably where it goes though the bearing.  The impeller is still banging a bit on the box but no where near as bad as it was before.  (I thought if I ignored it perhaps it would go away)  I don't think that there are too many storms left in the old baby.  So have to pick one of the above.  Was all excited about the Honda until I visited the Arien dealer this morning.  Now.... I am all orange!!!

Thanks for any advice.

Jon

I own a Honda and Ariens. 11hp Ariens pro and 6hp Honda non track. The Honda throws the snow further than my 11hp Ariens. Both great machines But the Honda at half the hp and weight is a nice machine. Very expensive but a great machine. You cant go wrong with either machine.

I have two newer Ariens machines and have had no problems with either my 8526LE or my 1128DLE.

The 1128DLE can throw 81 tons/hr. The 1332LE model can throw 96 tons/hr.

Is this the machine?

I think both are great machines. It all depends what you want. I was comparing the 11.5 Ariens and the 9hp Honda when I bought.

The Honda will throw snow farther than the Ariens , this I know for a fact but the Honda will not throw as much snow (you have to travel slower) and the snow will come out the sides. This too I know for a fact (neighbor has one).   The Hondas are really reliable (another neighbor has one thats 18 yrs old) but so too are the Ariens.The only difference that was obvious was that you can't move the track drive Honda without it running, and it is harder to maneuver than the Ariens with the differential unlock lever. 

Of course you can't ignore the price difference either. Here in Canada  a Honda 9hp 28in is $3500 including taxes.  An ariens 11.5 hp 28in is $2000 including taxes.

As I said it's all about what you want and need.  Don't forget how good and how close is the servicing dealer for both these machines.

Thanks for all the replies.  Makes the picture a bit clearer so I think I will have to go with the most important factor.....

COLOUR!!!

Orange wins.  Ha!  

Thanks again.  I will continue to monitor this site.  It is great!!

Jon

Forgot to answer the questions...

Gary, the Honda costs 2700 plus 15% tax.  The Ariens is 1900 plus tax.

Dennis.. the picture never came through

Jon

Wishbone,

Couldn't help but notice your from NB.  There is a spot in Napan called Bremner Farms. You can get a 11.5hp LE Ariens for 2000$ taxes in if you pay cash or visa.

Good eye Toolpig!!  I will check it out for sure.  (owe you a tool of your choice)

Jon