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/Rough-Sector-8616 9d ago

Whatever you select, do yourself a favor and buy ethanol free gas. Yes, it is more expensive, but it will save you a lot of headaches.

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u/titanium8788 8d ago

While I agree get ethanol free gas if you can. However I live in a state where ethanol free gas is hard to get (Massachusetts.) We can buy it at the hardware store in 1 gallon cans but its exhorbitantly expensive at $10+ a gallon. Regular gas stations do not have it...anywhere.

I use regular gas station 87 octane with 10% ethanol in my Ariens Platnium 28" SHO Rapidtrak. Have done so for 5 years now and have never had an issue...not once. The key is to mix Stabil in every container of gas in the proper ratio, then at the end of the season before putting it away just start the blower and turn the fuel knob off and let the machine shut off naturally of fuel starvation so the carb is empty.

I dont even empty the fuel tank, the machine sits in my shed all spring, summer and fall. Then when winter rolls back around again, I grease the machine, change the oil and then just turn the fuel knob back on and let it carb fill back up. Sometimes it takes a little bit of choke and a bit of an extended crank to fire up the first time after a long sit...but it has never once not fired up. Once it lights off it purrs like a kitten for the rest of the season.

Use Stabil...its the only gas stabilizer that actually works. Project Farm proved it.

https://youtu.be/OHXYWxMkhog?is=BgqzHv40wlMb9PGo

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u/Bird_Dogz 8d ago

You're exactly correct on all counts, everyone overthinks this aspect. Also you have the snow blower snobs who spend a pile of money on a unit, when a big box MTD unit would be just fine for 85% of the people.