Well, it finally snowed! I received about 12 inches of good snow last week so I’m finally able to compare a few of the snow blowers I have here using real snow. In the 15 minute video below I compare a “typical” residential snow blower – the Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 to the Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI. My goal is to show you how both machines perform so you can make the best decision for you when selecting a snow blower. It’s not a competition – just a comparison to help you decide.
First, let me review a few of the features/specs of the Troy-Bilt and Ariens and why – on paper – one may be best for you.
- I classify the Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 as a “residential” snow blower and is a good choice for most of us who own suburban driveways and get up to 60-70 inches average snowfall a year. It will handle 2-15 inch snows and will clean the snow plow drift at the end of your driveway. It has a 12-inch impeller, 12-inch front auger and around a 250 cc engine. The controls are convenient and it handles well for the price. At $799 it’s a good value snow blower. Most brands like Craftsman, Toro, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, Briggs & Stratton, and Ariens have 24, 26, 28 and 30-inch snow blowers in this price/capacity range so the Storm a good choice to demonstrate the capabilities of these “typical” residential snow blowers. For about $150 more you can get models with power steering.
- I classify Ariens Deluxe series as a “heavy duty” residential snow blower. On paper, it has a little more capacity with its 14-inch impeller and 14-inch auger so it should be able to handle areas that get up to 100 inches of snow a year. The Deluxe has about the same power-per-inch ratio as the residential models. The Deluxe series cost a few hundred dollars more but if you get deeper drifts or heavy-wet snow it won’t plug as quickly as the residential models. Power/automatic steering is standard. Cub Cadet and Toro also have models that use the 14-inch impeller.
By the way: The Troy-Bilt Storm 2860 in the video has the airless tires. I like them a lot. The Ariens Deluxe 30 has the EFI option – just turn the key and pull the starter rope. It always starts on the first pull.
Enjoy the video and feel free to ask questions and tell me which one you like the best for your driveway.
If you would like me to make more videos like this please subscribe to my YouTube channel. Paul Sikkema – TheToolboxhero
Mike G
Hi Paul – thanks for all the great information on your website. I have a very old Ariens that I picked up for free. I has gotten me through the first winter in my new house but I definitely need an upgrade. Based on your article regarding general considerations, I have determined that I should get something 27″ or bigger based on my large driveway size. And since I live in the Northeast where we get large storms with wet snow, it seems I need an engine that is 300 – 350cc depending on the size. Originally, I was leaning between either the Husqvarna 327 or 330 because the engine size matches your recommendations and the hydrostatic drive is desirable. Then I learned about the Ariens EFI system which is also very desirable. If I want the EFI, I would need to get either the Platinum 24 EFI SHO which seems to have great power but is narrow or the Deluxe 30 EFI which, according to your recommendations, may be slightly under-powered. Per the Ariens website, the Platinum 24 EFI SHO can move 73 tons per hour vs the Deluxe 30 EFI which can do 71 tons per hour. Does this mean that, even though it is narrower, the Platinum 20 EFI SHO would be a better option. And how to the Ariens compare to the Husqvarana in my situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Paul
Hi Mike, An Ariens Deluxe/Platinum is the best snow blower for the types of snow you get but If you don’t mind I suggest waiting til July to make the final decision. Ariens may decide to expand the EFI to other models for this year. That said,
If you want to make a decision now – The 24 EFI SHO has a different impeller and a larger motor for its size. That’s why it will move more snow per hour. The Deluxe 30 EFI will handle any snow you get but it just won’t be quite as fast in the really deep, wet stuff. The advantage of the 30 EFI is it’s a little wider so it will take less time to clear those 2-10 inch snows. It will also throw snow farther than the Husqvarna’s.