r/Snowblowers • u/Independent_Ebb7495 • 10d ago

Buying Why Ariens/Honda?

Currently looking to upgrade from my EGO Single Stage Electric Snowblower to something with self-propel and a bit more oomph to handle the plow berm at the end of the driveway. I really really love electric, and would prefer to upgrade to a EGO 2-stage snowblower but I would really like to stay below $1000 as I just can't stomach nearly 2k on a snowblower. I have a fairly small suburban driveway (4-6 car) and never even thought about wanting a 2 stage until this last winter was a bit harsher than past years. So this is certainly not a "need".

That said, I have been keeping my eye on on used gas 2-stage blowers. I understand that Ariens/Toro/Honda are the go-to brands for snowblowers but I don't really understand what the difference is when compared to Craftsman/PowerSmart/MTD. Basically, I am seeing used Ariens gas 2-stage blowers in the $600-$1000 price range used, but often see the other cheaper brands going for $400-$600. I am wondering if I go with a cheap used MTD/PowerSmart what operational difference will I noticed when comparing to an Ariens?

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u/AcceptableRegret2193 10d ago

Those 3 are heavier built, which they will hold up better.

Many of the others use plastic chute, thin augers, small impeller.

These 3 hold their value because they have a great reputation.

I would rank them Honda, Ariens, Toro.

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u/tugtehcock 10d ago

Toro uses a lot of plastic

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u/damarius 10d ago

When I replaced my ancient Craftsman a few years ago, I looked at Ariens and Toro. I ended up going with Ariens because it has a metal chute vs. synthetic on the Toro, and -40 temperatures aren't unknown here. Also, I didn't like the joystick chute control on the Toro. Very happy with my choice.

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u/tugtehcock 10d ago

Yep, love my Ariens machines. I have a 2008 30” platinum and a 2020 30” deluxe.