Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > Snow blower engine info request
Date: 9 Dec 2006 1:43 pm
I am looking to purchase a 2-stage snow blower this week. As I understand it (please correct me if I'm wrong) there are 2 different Tecumseh and 2 different Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engines. These are the Tecumseh Snow King L-head and OHV engines and the B&S PowerBuilt Snow OHV and Intek Snow OHV engines. What are the pros and cons of each of these engines? Are there others I'm missing? I'll probaly be purchasing a snow blower with a power rating between 5 and 8 horsepower.
Date: 9 Dec 2006 2:51 pm
Welcome to the forum,
Before others begin to post I would like to make a quick comment about snowblowers and that is the most important thing to be worried about is the brand and model, not the motor, especially if you are typical home owner so that said what brands and models are you considering if you don't mind me asking?
C
Date: 9 Dec 2006 5:01 pm
AFAIC the biggest worry is the most expensive component of the unit, not the brand name.
Date: 9 Dec 2006 5:36 pm
holden wrote:
AFAIC the biggest worry is the most expensive component of the unit, not the brand name.
I would look at it the other way around. The quality of materials used and workmanship play a big role on the longevity and performance of a machine. Good brand names are known to do this. Names like (in alphabetical order) Ariens, Honda, Husqavarna, Simplicity and Toro come to mind. There are a couple of other good names but they escape me at the moment. The good names usually have better warranties and support as well.
As for engines, Briggs and Tec make good engines and have been making them for years. Don't forget to throw Honda into the mix too.
When picking out a snowblower also consider service if ever the need should arise for a repair.
Date: 9 Dec 2006 6:06 pm
I agree with what Chris and Mr Mom have said.
There's one member on the board that uses snowblowers to earn a living and has a fleet of them.
If I remember correctly about what he wrote...
He likes the intek B&S engines for overall lower noise and smoothness.
But has had both throw rods in him.
He probably does in a season what a home owner does in 15 years.
As a home owner I had my 5hp Tecumseh L head for 16years.
I gave it away to my neighbor running just fine.
I went to a Toro with an OHV 11hp Tecumseh Toro.
My dad has 17 years on his Tecumseh 5hp L head.
Still running fine.
The local SUNY collage campuses use the OHV 11hp Tecumseh Toros.
The only engine that gave me a problem was a B&S on a Snapper mower that had a valve seat dislodge when it got hot, when you tried to restart it.. making it hard to restart, if you could at all. Took a while but found it.
For me it came down to the trusted OPE dealer in my area and buying one of the top brands from him. A local family owned and operated shop.
So pick out one the major brands based on it having the options you want, price, dealer/service and your overall impression on the machine.
Since B&S now owns Snapper and Simplicity..... I would guess unless they can't produce enough engines to supply their lines, you'll most likely find B&S engines in them as well as Ariens.
Date: 9 Dec 2006 6:34 pm
holden wrote:
AFAIC the biggest worry is the most expensive component of the unit, not the brand name.
Please explain what "AFAIC" means.
Snowblower engines regardless of make size and brand if properly cared for last for years, period. The majority of all issues breakdowns and failures when it comes to snowblowers stem from the units themselves regardless of brand, even my Honda, not the engines. You buy a unit with the best engine in the world and the components attached to it are crap what is the engine going to do for you when the rest of it breaks down?
It is not the engine that is throwing the snow it is the unit it is attached to that is.
Ask around, do some research and learn what you should first be focusing your attention on, the unit, once you have that squared away you can see if you have some engine choices but that should be your last consideration, not your first.
C
Date: 9 Dec 2006 6:58 pm
AFAIC:
I think it's:
As Far As I'm Concerned
Date: 9 Dec 2006 7:08 pm
Ahh,
Thank you,
C
Date: 9 Dec 2006 9:09 pm
Chris S wrote:
Welcome to the forum,
...what brands and models are you considering if you don't mind me asking?
C
I live in central NJ so I have easy access to sales and service for pretty much every brand.
I have narrowed it down these:
Troy-Bilt Storm 5024 (Engine ?)
White SB 624 (Tecumseh Snow King)
Yard Machines 5524 (Tecumseh Snow King)
Ariens 5524E (Tecumseh Snow King)
Ariens 724E (Tecumseh Snow King)
Snapper I7524E (Briggs & Stratton PowerBuilt Snow OHV)
Toro Power Throw 522 (Tecumseh Snow King)
Husqavarna 5524STE (Tecumseh Snow King)
Simplicity I7524E (Briggs & Stratton PowerBuilt)
Craftsman 31AS6BCE799 (Tecumseh Snow King)
My requirements are:
-Multi-speed drive
-24" clearing width. MAXIMUM machine width of 27"- I don't have the space to store anything larger.
-electric start
- $800 maximum (pre-tax)
I don't know if these engines are built to spec for these manufacturers or if a Snow King in a Toro is identical to a Snow King in any other snow blower. I don't know the pros and cons of each of these engines either (easy of starting, vibration, noise, fuel consumption, durability, etc...).
Date: 9 Dec 2006 9:44 pm
holden wrote:
Ariens 5524E (Tecumseh Snow King)
Ariens 724E (Tecumseh Snow King)
Snapper I7524E (Briggs & Stratton PowerBuilt Snow OHV)
Toro Power Throw 522 (Tecumseh Snow King)
Simplicity I7524E (Briggs & Stratton PowerBuilt)
For me it would be down to these, from what I've seen in my area.
The understanding I have is that the OHV usually have more low end torque, more efficent and generate less noice and vibration than a L head.
The Tecumseh engines are the same on any of the machines you buy them on.
But I have seen the difference from manufacturere to manufacturer on what muffler guards they put on and so on.
Date: 9 Dec 2006 11:11 pm
^Actually I always thought it was the L_heads that are the low-reving, low end guys, and the OHV engines run higher up with more power.
In any event that list I would go with the 724 Ariens. I almost bought that model and since it has the Tecumseh OHV its a great value for a mid-size machine. With its (I believe) 12 inche impeller and 7horse engine it really can't over work itself and is a great piece of machinery.
I still think long and hard about if maybe, for most storms, if the smaller ariens would have been enough, but then again its nice to have the power and not always need it than need and not have it.
Good luck and you can't go wrong with the list Ramit put together.
But to answer your first question:
For engine price/performace, you can't beat the old Tec L-Head, it is old tech but an old design that has been proven to last well. Next one up from that would be the B&S Powerbuilt, usually more expensive for similar horsepower raiting but also somewhat less noise and smoother operation. From there you move up the Tec Snow King OHV which once again offers a bargain priced product that isn't quite as smooth as the B&S. Then at the top, but Tec not far behind, is the B&S Intec snow. New to the market, somewhat uncertain for long term, but overall Briggs has proven to be a great company.
Thats why the engine is the last thing to consider, the components that work around that engine, such as pulleys, gears, augars, frame durability etc. Those are key, and you'll see the Troy Bilt (MTD rebadged blower) will not be in the same class as the Toro, Ariens, Simplicity etc.
Date: 10 Dec 2006 12:55 am
Hi & Welcome!
FYI - The Troy-Bilt Storm 5024 has a Tecumseh "L" head 5.5hp engine.
Having said that, the Ariens 5524E has the same engine as the Troy 5024. Which would I recommend? The Ariens. Superior build, hardware, engineering. IF the Tecumseh "L" head wasn't a good powerplant, I don't think Ariens would use it to power one of their machines. The Troy (also: White, Yard Machines & Craftsman you listed) are all MTD products. Good entry level machines, but not the best IMHO.
I must concur with the others, make the machine brand choice more important than the engine brand selection. All the Tecumseh's & Briggs Strattons will serve you well.
Marty
Date: 10 Dec 2006 1:33 am
1 vote for OHV having the low end torque and 1 vote for the L head. Can I get a tie-breaker? hehe
I've narrowed it down to these:
Ariens 5524E (Tecumseh Snow King L-Head) $699
Ariens 724E (Tecumseh Snow King OHV) $799
Snapper / Simplicity I7524E (B&S PowerBuilt Snow OHV) List = $899, Retail = $849?
I'm leaning towards the 724E or one of the I7524E's. The Snapper/Simplicity seems like the better machine for $50 more.
15"x5" vs 13"x4" tires
4 blade impeller vs 3 blades
The only difference I can see bettween the 2 I7524E's is the Snapper version has a plastic chute where it appears (haven't seen it in person) the Simplicity uses steel. Are there any other differences "beneath the skin?"
Thank you all.
Date: 10 Dec 2006 7:20 am
Of the three you've narrowed it down to, I would go with the 724. I too live in Central NJ and would rather have more HP and blowing power for that rogue noreaster packing a wallop. Not to mention those end of driveway (EOD) piles that the local snowplow packs up.
Date: 10 Dec 2006 9:01 am
mrmom wrote:
Of the three you've narrowed it down to, I would go with the 724. I too live in Central NJ and would rather have more HP and blowing power for that rogue noreaster packing a wallop. Not to mention those end of driveway (EOD) piles that the local snowplow packs up.
The Ariens 724 and the Snapper 7524 are equal on HP. The Snapper actually has .5 hp more. Why would you choose the Ariens over the Snapper?
Thanks.
Date: 10 Dec 2006 11:36 am
When I said I'd go for the 724, I meant to say I'd go for a 7hp machine over a 5hp one. Being that you have the ariens 724E as well as the Snapper 7524 on your list of three, either will do fine. Both are perfectly capable and reliable machines. It will boil down to how the machine fits you ergonomically, ease of use of controls from your perspective, dealer support and warranties. Of course, what looks better in your opinion adds a couple of voting points too.
In other words, check both machines out. Move them around if you can. Do a test drive. Look at the quality of materials and construction and then decide. Buy the best you can afford and only cry once.
Date: 10 Dec 2006 4:04 pm
I have seen the Ariens and it is a good machine. I have not seen the Snapper/Simp first hand but have used other models and seen them first hand and they are top shelf. Now it comes down to as mentioned already but I will be redundant; 1. Kicking the tires and seeing if you like one better than the other. 2. Dealer support. 3. Engine choice. They are both OHV.
The plastic chute on the Snapper is not an issue but I prefer metal BUT that is not a breaking point for me as plastic does not rust.
The 8 hp Simps are built like tanks so I would expect the 7hp version to be in the same catagory in terms of build but again I have not seen one in person yet.
You will not go wrong with either one so now is the time to get picky lol.... :wink:
C
Date: 11 Dec 2006 11:25 am
Update...
The Snapper lists for $999 and sells for $899, not $849. Info at snapper.com is not current.
Date: 11 Dec 2006 2:27 pm
Holden is the $50 a deal breaker? I ask because when spread out over years it adds up to pennys a month but sometimes a budget is a budget.
C
Date: 11 Dec 2006 2:46 pm
No, not at all. Originally I had said I limited my budget to $800 max but I'm willing to spend an extra $100 if its worth $100 more.
Date: 11 Dec 2006 4:01 pm
Good deal. Which one are you leaning torwards?
C
Date: 11 Dec 2006 4:10 pm
holden,
If they are both from the same dealer, I think your now down to two very good machines.
And at this point you need to decide which ones have the features you like.
Which chute controls work well for you? Feels better?
Which handle bars seem like better ergonomics to you?
Does one have electric start and the other doesn't?
If they are at different dealers, which dealer do you like the best and want to give your business to? Now and the future?
Your down to kicking tires and picking the one that sounds better to you!
Date: 12 Dec 2006 1:36 pm
I'm going to take them both for a "test drive" this week. I'll report back. Thanks!
Date: 16 Dec 2006 12:36 pm
I just got back from my local OPE dealer. Turns out they sold all of their Ariens 724's in the past 2 weeks and aren't expecting more for "a while." I was offered the Ariens 8524 (B&S SnowKing OHV) for $869 ($60 off their regular price) plus tax. No discount offered on the Snapper 7524 they sell for $899.
The Ariens was $30 less and has a more powerful motor.
The Snapper has larger tires and a 4 blade impeller instead of the Arien's 3 blade.
Ultimately, the ease of use of the Arien's chute rotating system sold me. The Snapper required about 8-10 cranks to turn the chute 180 degrees while the Ariens needed only 2.
It'll be delivered (free) on Tuesday and I'll be prepared for this years snow.
Date: 16 Dec 2006 12:49 pm
Holden,
I think that you were forced into a much better machine!!
8.5 HP is what you might need to handle the EOD.
Congrats, you are going to love it, makes heavy snowfalls fun!!!
Fred :lol:
Date: 16 Dec 2006 1:16 pm
Sounds like it all worked out in the end. You did well.
Date: 16 Dec 2006 1:53 pm
Good deal, nice machine, let us know how you make out with your first big storm!.... :D
C