Are Ariens show blowers any good?

[imgoing2sleep]

I am looking into buying my first snow blower and am trying to decide between which brands to get. I am leaning towards an Ariens because of it's all steel contruction, but the Toro's keep pulling me the other way. I also heard that the Ariens as of late are not built like they used to and are not as good a quality as the old ones. Is there any truth to this. I don't really have a big driveway (entire driveway fits 5 cars)and would think that a 5.5 or 6 hp model would be good enough but would that still work when we get dumped. Any help would be appreciated.

[Northlander]

2 of my neighbors have them and they seem to always be running year after year. My sister has a Toro and I really like the high handles and all the ajustment handles are up on top too. No matter what you get make sure it has the handles up high. Bending over every time you adjust the shoot sucks. Also the adjusting axle is cool because in big snow you can get all the engine weight right on the wheels and it really helps to cut through the deep wet stuff.

I think both are good blowers.

[Jim Almquist]

I bought a 11.5 hp 28" or 30" it really throws the snow and seems to be very well built. I like the fact that it has a light and heated grips and for the most part all steel construction. Made yesterday a breeze with close to 10" on the ground. I really like the way you can run it with one hand and move the chute any direction while on the move.

[fishorgolf]

I Have and older Ariens that I bought during the 87 holloween snowstorm and it is built like a rock. It is and 8hp w/o electric start. Has it been a goos machine? Yes, but if I was to do over again I would buy a 5/6 hp. The number one thing I would look for is EASY STARTING!

[cold one sd]

I have an Ariens 9/28 and have had it for about 6 years. I bought it without an electric and it starts on the first or second pull. They will last a very long time if you take care of them.

[imgoing2sleep]

Thanks for the info guys. I went to a local dealer to take a look at some pricing on Toros and they were already sold out. I haven't looked at Home Depot yet, but hopefully they won't be sold out of the Ariens also.

[Jimmy Jay R]

I bought a Ariens 724, 2- stage about 5-6 years ago and its been very solid. Its 24 inch cut with i believe 7hp - doesn't say exact HP. Its the tecumseh. I have a slightly bigger 3 car garage on a city lot and it does the job very well. Hasnt really bean overmatched yet and blows off even a couple inches well. Doesn't blow it 50 feet more likely 20 or so. I did get the electric start but havnt used it yet, pulls real easy and started on first pull this year. I just follow the manf. recomendation for summarizing and its bean very reliable. Got it at Suburban Lawn care in Ham Lake, bean real impressed.

[SomethingFishy*]

I bought an Ariens 926le about 3 years ago based on my fathers that h has had for probably near 20 years. This thing works great, electric start is a bonus as well as the 3 year factory warranty. Pick any neigbor and I can throw snow clear across their yard

[DRH1175]

Pretty much all of the machines out there have the same engines for the most part. I think the Ariens are good for the price. You can't go wrong with a Toro. I have a Simplicity 870 which is a 8 hp with 28" swath and that thing just eats the snow. Even with 2+ feet it doesn't even hesitate. With any of the top brands you can't go wrong look at the options. How the speeds work. How easy it is to turn the chute etc... Stay away from the cheap machines as they are just that cheap! You deffintly get what you pay for. If you buy right and take care of it. This will be the last one you ever buy. Buy once, buy for life!!!