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.

1. 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.
2. 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

The post Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI or TroyBilt Storm 2860 Hands On Test Which One Is Best For You? appeared first on MovingSnow.com.