Ariens 11526 or 13528 or 926 pro models or ???
Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > Ariens 11526 or 13528 or 926 pro models or ???
Author: dlubin
Date: 23 Nov 2006 11:34 pm
My local dealer still has several 11526dle's in stock for $100 or so more than the 926dle ... or 13528dle's for $300 more. They only have the Tecumseh models because they refuse to carry B&S.
Is the 11526 worth any more than the 926?
Is the 13hp worth a $300 upgrade?
Are the B&S engines less prone to carb clogging than the Tecumsehs? That's the only thing I didn't like about my old snow blower, if I wasn't careful about flushing the carb at the end of the season it'd gum up.
I've read all of the threads and am still confused..
Thanks!
Author: ramit
Date: 24 Nov 2006 12:04 am
How much clean up do you have to do ?
What's your clean up like?
What's your average snow fall a year?
If you have a large clean up to deal with, power is hard to replace to help get it done. And if your budget can handle the extra upgrade, power wont disappoint on a large clean up. Not that a smaller machine couldn't do it, but it may take longer, work harder moving interim piles you may have had to make. I use to have to make a lot with my original 5hp, the 11.. not an issue and if I do, plenty of power to rethrow the once thrown snow already.
But if you have a simple 50ft drive, double wide and can easily throw the snow off to both sides.. the 7-9hp would be fine in most cases.
I went from a 5hp 24" I used to clean 175" of driveway with very limited space to put snow, that took me 4hrs to clean - to less than two hours with the 11hp Toro when we get 15"+ of snow.
The average snow fall in my area is supposed to be 40inches.
The last few years we've been doubling that, ~ 75 - 85" inches.
I really can't talk to the carb question as an expert, but only from my experience with the machines I owned.
No matter the engine brand, you can have problems if you don't treat the gas and run it dry at the end of the year.
(based on my 5hp Tec engine on my 16 year old blower, all the B&S engines I had on lawnmowers, and my generators with various engines).
Author: dlubin
Subject: Driveway
Date: 24 Nov 2006 8:05 am
I'm in central MA, average snowfall 68". 2 car x 3 car driveway. I can blow snow to both sides.
With the 11hp only $100 or so more than the 9 I figured the 11 was a "cheap" upgrade. Sounds like the 13 is pretty unnecessary...
How do you like your toro? I read some of your earlier threads, the 1128oxe is the same price as the ariens I'm looking at, but the sales pitch about the differential made the Ariens seem easier to handle. I love the chute control, but I'm tall and would need to add the weight kit to keep from pushing up the scoop.
Author: dave___in___ct
Date: 24 Nov 2006 8:52 am
HI...
This year's Ariens 9626DLE Professional lists for $1699 and the 11528DLE Professional lists for $1999... a $300 difference... so $100 for the extra 2 horsepower seems well worth it to me...
I think the street price is $100 less than the list price...
I believe these are likely last years models since you say they have Tecumseh engines... this years models have a Briggs & Stratton Overhead Valve engine...
The snowblower model number will tell what year the machine is...
The differewntial drive is sweet !
Dave...
Author: ramit
Subject: Re: Driveway
Date: 24 Nov 2006 1:17 pm
dlubin wrote:
I'm in central MA, average snowfall 68". 2 car x 3 car driveway. I can blow snow to both sides.
With the 11hp only $100 or so more than the 9 I figured the 11 was a "cheap" upgrade. Sounds like the 13 is pretty unnecessary...
I would agree. Sounds like a no brainer. The 9 will be fine, but the 11 will help with the EOD and slushy snow that much more.
dlubin wrote:
How do you like your toro? I read some of your earlier threads, the 1128oxe is the same price as the ariens I'm looking at, but the sales pitch about the differential made the Ariens seem easier to handle. I love the chute control, but I'm tall and would need to add the weight kit to keep from pushing up the scoop.
I'm 6' and don't have an ounce of problem with the height of the bars.
Not sure how much taller you are I.
And I've not had the Ariens and Toro side by side. So I can't comment comparatively on their handle height.
The Toro stick is great. The main attraction for me to the Toro. I have just a few places to put the snow. I can't just blow it off to the side of the driveway as I go along. I have only a 10ft window in the rear and a 25ft window in the front to take care of and remove the snow through over 175ft of driveway.
So I do a lot of chute aiming while blowing the snow to build piles in the right area.
For me I wanted the "locked up" drive by default. To steer I pull a lever (The toro has two.. one for left and one for right). At first I thought the steering was a gimick, but it does make a real nice difference in spinning the macine around on one wheel at a turn.
I think the Pro Ariens are the same way, but one trigger, to unlock the drive on one side.
I think the machines in home depot are open diff normally, and you pull the trigger to lock it.
I thought the two levels of Ariens were different.
I have a mother of an EOD to deal with an a lot of long runs where I can get a lot of drifting. So I normally want the wheels locked. And then pull the trigger in a turn. This way I'm not holding a trigger while fighting the EOD or the drifts.
Author: EGreen
Date: 24 Nov 2006 2:23 pm
dave___in___ct wrote:
I believe these are likely last years models since you say they have Tecumseh engines... this years models have a Briggs & Stratton Overhead Valve engine...
The snowblower model number will tell what year the machine is...
The differewntial drive is sweet !
Dave...
Not entirely true. All 13HP models still remain Tecumseh powered. It could also be a possibility that when you order as a dealer you can choose what engines you want.
Author: Garandman
Date: 26 Nov 2006 7:56 am
ramit wrote:
///The average snow fall in my area is supposed to be 40inches. The last few years we've been doubling that, ~ 75 - 85" inches.
You got 75-85" of snow last season? Where do you live on LI?
Author: ramit
Date: 26 Nov 2006 1:48 pm
Garandman wrote:
ramit wrote:
///The average snow fall in my area is supposed to be 40inches. The last few years we've been doubling that, ~ 75 - 85" inches.
You got 75-85" of snow last season? Where do you live on LI?
Garandman, hope all is well, happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!.
I couldn't remember the exact figure. I heard different totals reported.
But it greatly depends where one is on the island.
We got about the roughly the same as we did last year.
They were predicting falls to peak over 100", but it didn't happen. The snow we were supposed to get in early Dec to Christmas was tons of rain and flooding, it just didn't get cold enough, as they predicted.
Then in Jan it happened.
For the last 3,4, or 5 years, lost count, we get a few big hitters, then a bunch of little one 4-6 inches.. Some warm weather inbetween to melt it away, then freezes at night if it didn't all go away, and make and real mess. So we never get a pile up of snow that keeps building up to a pile of the total for the year.
I live just about in the middle of the island.
The x is where the middle of my town comes up on the map.. I'm on the eastern end of my town.
I have the 2nd (if I remember right it's the 2nd, the highest being in Huntington) highest point on Long Island south of me. Seems to shield us from somethings, like the cooling breeze from the ocean in the summer, and from it's warming effects in the winter. And makes certain weather more intense.
I can't find the original source for the map, was hoping they had an update for the 05-06 season.
If I remember correctly, I believe you and I talked about this same subject last year... that's when I found the map above.
Author: Garandman
Date: 27 Nov 2006 12:18 am
What town?
Author: ramit
Date: 27 Nov 2006 8:39 am
I think the X is close enough :wink: as described above.
More important is where it is compared to the snow map.
Author: dlubin
Subject: Thanks everyone
Date: 1 Dec 2006 8:54 am
I wound up buying an 11526dle, delivered just the other day. My preferred dealer really likes tecumseh, and the price when all was said and done was less than $100 more than the 926. I'll let you know how the first snow goes - oddly enough it's almost 70' here in Boston!
Author: Marshall
Date: 1 Dec 2006 9:00 am
Are the Tecumseh engines like the B&S engines in that a 9HP is really an 11HP?
Author: Garandman
Date: 2 Dec 2006 12:25 pm
ramit wrote:
I think the X is close enough :wink: as described above.
More important is where it is compared to the snow map.
Seems like you got more like 30 inches last year, up from the average of 22-26"?
Author: ramit
Date: 2 Dec 2006 2:36 pm
Garandman wrote:
ramit wrote:
I think the X is close enough :wink: as described above.
More important is where it is compared to the snow map.
Seems like you got more like 30 inches last year, up from the average of 22-26"?
The weather here on the Island is very non-linear. A figure like 30" or 22-24 sounds more like a Island wide average over time as well ( like a 10 year average or something), not a local figure and recent history.
See the map above, almost a 2-1 difference across the Island.
Individual snow storms have had the likes of a 10-1 or more difference across the Island in accumulation.
We've had a few years in the last 15 that I can remember with no snow accumulation or snow fall to talk of, just ice. It's all over the place.
Author: SnowPro
Subject: Re: Thanks everyone
Date: 3 Dec 2006 11:31 am
dlubin wrote:
I wound up buying an 11526dle, delivered just the other day. My preferred dealer really likes tecumseh, and the price when all was said and done was less than $100 more than the 926. I'll let you know how the first snow goes - oddly enough it's almost 70' here in Boston!
:welcome:
Congratulations on your purchase! I think you made the best choice of the models listed. You will enjoy that machine forever. You should know, though, that stepping up to a Pro model is going to spoil you if you happen to run someone elses machine. :stirpot: You will realize that the features you paid for are definately worth the expence!
Ken
:vg:
Author: SnowPro
Subject: Re: Ariens 11526 or 13528 or 926 pro models or ???
Date: 3 Dec 2006 11:42 am
[quote="dlubin"]My local dealer only have the Tecumseh models because they refuse to carry B&S.
Are the B&S engines less prone to carb clogging than the Tecumsehs?quote]
I have real issues with this kind of statement. :x
It tells me that the DEALER is stuck in the past and the new Briggs engines scare them as they are different from the past. I can tell you that the new B&S engines are really SUPERIOR to the Tec engines in many ways. All of my Tec engines have been replaced with B&S engines and I have NEVER looked back. NVH is waaaaaaaaay ahead of the old L head engines. The OHV Tec engines are much nicer, but still not up to the new B&S engines for blowers.
I have not had one single problem with the carbs or any other part of the engines. I drain the fuel in the spring, fill it up in the fall, and pull the rope. Usually two pulls and it is going.
But hey, what I do I know...collectively, my B&S engines in the fleet have been used on over 12,000 driveways........so far!
Ken
:)
Author: EGreen
Date: 3 Dec 2006 7:53 pm
Tecumseh offers the biggest bang for ones buck, while Briggs engines cost a bit more for not to much more.
Either engine when cared for will last a long time and should really not be the decideing factor anymore when buying these units.
From your above statement however you seem to be on the oposite end of the dealer in question, you don't trust a Tecumseh despite their great history of lasting a long time.
The key to keeping any OPE running a long time is keeping the oil right, changing it on time, and storing it right.
Also don't think the Briggs engines are immune to throwing rods, plenty of their L-Heads will do the same. Its the OHV's that will last a bit longer neglected but even running them low on oil is a bad idea.
Author: SnowPro
Date: 4 Dec 2006 10:58 am
EGreen wrote:
Tecumseh offers the biggest bang for ones buck, while Briggs engines cost a bit more for not to much more.
Either engine when cared for will last a long time and should really not be the decideing factor anymore when buying these units.
From your above statement however you seem to be on the oposite end of the dealer in question, you don't trust a Tecumseh despite their great history of lasting a long time.
The key to keeping any OPE running a long time is keeping the oil right, changing it on time, and storing it right.
Also don't think the Briggs engines are immune to throwing rods, plenty of their L-Heads will do the same. Its the OHV's that will last a bit longer neglected but even running them low on oil is a bad idea.
I don't dislike the Tecumseh engines at all. I agree that they are probably the best bang for the buck. BUT, for a few dollars more, you will have an engine that is much smoother and quieter running. The new B&S engines are definately both when compared to either the L-head or OHV Tecumsehs.
Now for me, quieter is better, considering I'm out at 4:00 AM. Smoother--definately nicer when you are doing 40 plus driveways a day. These may not be issues for someone that is only doing their own driveway during reasonable hours.
As far as power is concerned....really I don't think there is much difference. All the Tecumsehs that I have had have been powerful enough. I never felt like I needed more.
I fully believe that either brand of engine when properly maintained will last a long time. There are many, many Tecumsehs out there that have been going for decades. Yes, the old B&S engines were very problematic for snowblowers. That is mainly why they disappeared from the market place.
Even with proper maintenance, I have blown up both. They only last so long. Now you must concider that the average guy (well...above average guy if you are at this forum :wink: ) runs his machine about 20 times per season.......I run them about 900 times a season. So.......If you divide those numbers, you will see that I am putting many seasons of use on those engines in a small amount of time.
Actually, my statement was that I do not trust a dealer that is closed minded to new technology. A dealer that refuses to sell the new B&S because he remembers the old engines and their reliability issues has their head stuck in the sand.
My first new B&S engine was the first one sold at the dealer. I was the guinea pig. I just happened to be in the dealership when the rep. was there and was extolling the virtues of this new engine. I had just suffered a thrown rod on a Tecumseh and was in to get a new engine. Timing couldn't have been better for all concerned. Let's say that I got a good deal on the engine, as all eyes were on this one. Especially since this would be used commercially and would get a lot of use in a short time. Well, that engine is still going strong after 6000+ driveways. Everyone is happy. BTW, it still has the same sparkplug in it......platinum tip.......still starting first or second pull.......nice and clean. I am not changing it now until I must. It's a game now. ONLY synthetic oil has been used in the engines, as reccomended.
As the other engines gave way, both brands, either by thrown rods or tired out, they have been replaced by the new B&S OHV engines. 5 now. The superior improvement in NVH over the other engines ( Tec & B&S) is WELL worth the small increase in price.
Whew.............
Ken
:)
Author: ramit
Date: 4 Dec 2006 11:25 am
When I worked at one company, a regional sales manager I knew had B&S for an account.
We built items to test the AC electric start motors.
He spoke about a conversation from one of the B&S engineers during a visit.
He was told that the average B&S motor is designed for a certain level of life. (I'm sure they all do it. One company can't build something twice as strong and compete at the same pricing level).
The designed life duration was based on the average home owner....
The numbers for the life model were like...
Mowing once a week for an hour, 20 week season for 15 years.
That was their minimum life design goal.
Makes sense, need some sort of design goal.
I have no idea, but I guess the OPE tech or the guys (re)building both mower engines and snowblower engines would now..
Are the basic materials and components the same a mower motor vs a snowblower motor?
Or is a one built much stronger than the other?
Materials, bearing, - stronger, bigger, better?
I would assume basic technology used on one for the internal mechanicals would be the same. Just vertical vs horizontal, winter vs summer.
Ken, by such a model vs your use, it would seem you would be changing engines every few years??
While the rest of us get 16 - 20 years from an engine.
Ken, also, what do you mean by "NVH"? (my be a stupid Q , but I dont know or remember).
Author: SnowPro
Date: 4 Dec 2006 11:41 am
First: NVH is Noise Vibration Harshness.
I agree with all that you said.
The B&S INTEC SNOW engines are built to commercial level.
The B&S POWERBILT snow engines are built to consumer level.
From that you see that there are better components in the intec engines.
Summer or winter, I don't think there is really a diffence other than equipping the engine for the use, such as air filters and snow shrouding.
Yes, I am likely to be changing engines long before you, calendar wise. :P
Ken
:)
Author: ramit
Date: 4 Dec 2006 12:00 pm
Thanks Ken.
How often do you find you may need to change?
------
(EDIT )
Your engines that is.!
------
Change only when it blows up, or when the power is gone and running poorly, eating oil?
Author: SnowPro
Date: 4 Dec 2006 1:42 pm
:oops2:
-----re-read what was written.....not about oil changes.....but I left it in.....
The manual says every 50 Hours. So, I figure to change it every 40-50 hours. I don't get real anal about it, but can kind of figure by the number of hours we are out doing snow removal that I can get real close to that. Depending on how many times we are out, changes can be about once a month. Especially on my machine as I am running it on every drive and my helper is running the shovel (hand that is) on the steps and such on the smaller drives.
The engines usually tell me when they are done.........rods, smoke, spewing oil........loud bang........ :P
So far.....none of the new B&S engines are experiencing technical difficulties........ :P
Ken
:)
Author: Garandman
Date: 9 Dec 2006 8:21 am
ramit wrote:
Garandman wrote:
ramit wrote:
I think the X is close enough :wink: as described above.
More important is where it is compared to the snow map.
Seems like you got more like 30 inches last year, up from the average of 22-26"?
The weather here on the Island is very non-linear. A figure like 30" or 22-24 sounds more like a Island wide average over time as well ( like a 10 year average or something), not a local figure and recent history.
See the map above, almost a 2-1 difference across the Island.
Individual snow storms have had the likes of a 10-1 or more difference across the Island in accumulation.
We've had a few years in the last 15 that I can remember with no snow accumulation or snow fall to talk of, just ice. It's all over the place.
I looked up data for near where you live. The average for your over the last 11 years was a little over 28".
Author: ramit
Date: 9 Dec 2006 12:16 pm
Makes sense, as well for the island as a whole as well, since some years we got next to nothing and other years we get clobered.
Seems we get a cycle every 7-10 years or so of a few years of 60"+ or like 40/50/60 then back to ice and slush.
The year before last 70+. Thought I read one year near 90".
Have you looked up the past yearly totals for the last 20 years?
(not averages, but totals per year for my area).
Got links? Charts to share?