Which Snowblower?

[mvedepo]

So I decided to retire my single stage Toro and replace it with a 2-stage. I have pretty much narrowed it down to:


Ariens 24 Platinum

Husqvarna 11524E

I was pretty much set on the Ariens but the Husqvarna with power steering caught my attention. The key here is that my wife (5' 110 lbs) needs to be able to maneuver the beast. What do you guys think?

 

[mjkaliszak]

Key... ?
Good luck with that one, my wife wants her car in the garage and will drive over everything .
She actually handles the Ariens from time to time.

 

[gary_in_neenah]

We just bought the Ariens 24 this week to replace our old one. Home Depot has some attractive prices right now though we waited for a couple of weeks as they were sold out. Let's hope that's a good sign. Think Snow!!

 

[matman]

I still use a 1979 Ariens 8hp-24 "wide, she is rusty but she still makes any snowman smile...
matman

 

[mvedepo]

Do guys know anything about the John Deere 1330SE? Looks like a really nice machine. Has everything the Platinum 30 offers PLUS electric chute and deflector control but it's $500 less.

John Deere 1330SE

 

[tyeeman]

My in-law bought an 8 hp(?) Deere about 4 years ago. I'm a Deere kinda guy don't get me wrong but this was less than impressive in my book. Cheesy little belts, it just feels cheep to me. the 1330SE looks pretty impressive, maybe that one is made better.
I bought a 8hp, 24 inch MTD about 13 or 14 years ago i have not done a thing to it aside from change oile and spark olug when I remember. Finally this year I'll need to change out the rubber wheel thing that propells it, and the scraper blade. Probably should do the belts too.

 

[gary_in_neenah]

The John Deere looks like a beast. I don't have any experience with their blowers but my Rider is going on it's 12th season and looks & runs like new. That, and the local John Deere dealer is outstanding for service.

First it was Power Steering on snowmobiles and now snowblowers!! What next?

 

[michaeladams]

with my driveway i need a plow, a snowblower would just take too long.

 

[mjkaliszak]

I have seen a Deere location in Mexico, must be where they make their blowers ( what do they { Mexicans } know about snow ) LOL
Never the less I just reviewed my Dad's new Ariens compared to my 11 yr old 1 and it was engineered cheaper also, FYI.

Hard to find " real steel " nowadays they go to engineered resins ?

 

[zltim]

I have 3.5 hp 24" Toro 2 stage I bought in the 70's or early 80's. If they still make Toros I'd buy another one when the time comes.

 

[tundra ron]

I use a 31 year old 7 24 Toro still runs good and gets the job done

 

[polarisrider1]

I have a 30 year old Wheel Horse snow thrower that works fine up north, it can chuck rocks with the best of the oldies. And a Brand new shiny Ariens 24" with the Subaru 6hp motor. at home. It is so much fun I go all the way around the block with it doing the city sidewalks (Neighbors love me).

 

[highhertel]

Little history on John Deere throwers.

My old 10 hp. John Deere recently got demoted to handle my cabin snowthrowing duties, she was getting a little tired after 20+ years of commercial use. Older John Deere's were made by Ariens, John Deere never made their own models. Outstanding piece of equipment.

Fast forward to the 21st century. John Deere now outsources their snowblowers to the lowest bidder...........Junk! Our local dealer won't even carry John Deere snow throwers, only lawn equipment. I bought a Toro 8 H.P. a few years ago to handle the light duty snow at my house, good unit, no complaints except I do not like the plastic chute. Give me steel.

HH

 

[nickelbagforme]

I've got an Ariens, heated hand grips, snow house, electric start and the steering assist/traction control makes for smooth fast snow removal.

Had a JD 826 was always the last neighbor back in the house.

Not anymore .....

 

[fastmax05]

Go with the airens - they make great stuff and you can find anyone to fix/work on them when the warranty goes out.
Not too mention the parts are way more readily availble i am guessing.

 

[highhertel]

Ariens....made in Wisconsin. Enough said.

 

[lenny]

I use a 31 year old 7 24 Toro still runs good and gets the job done

I'm still running a 1980 Toro 524, nice strong machine and here in da UP it gets used a lot.

 

[Nolimits]

Buying a snowblower is like buying any other equipment, buy at a local dealer that you trust, will carry parts and have a knowledgeable staff that will assist you when something may go wrong. Would you buy a snowmobile at Home Depot? If you have a dealer close, that has a piece of equipment you like, go see what they have to offer, whether it is Ariens, Husqvarna, Toro, etc. Good luck,

 

[trailblazer1]

deere is made by simplicity and both have service not like a box store. they have no service. I would buy a simplicity & they do all there testing in ironwood.

 

[blu2u2]

For the last 10 years I have had a Toro 1 stage and had no problems other than it not doing well the last couple of heavy wet snowfalls that we had in March/April of this year. Last week I traded up for the 2 stage. Here is the link.
http://www.toro.com/en-us/Homeowner...Pages/Model.aspx?pid=Power-Max-826-OXE-38624W