Snowblower's

[johnpma]

In the market for a new 28" snowblower. I'm close to settling on the Ariens model "Deluxe 28" Here is my frustration. I go to the Ariens dealer and he says the Deluxe 28 that the "box stores" sells is not the same as the dealer deluxe 28. But can't tell me what is different.

I go to Home Depot and the salesman say "yes they are the same but we have buying power so we can offer a better price" Visually they look the same but I do not want to buy the snowblower twice either. The price difference is about $400 and change.

Does anyone have any intel regarding the mention discrepancy?

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

Usually the box stores will carry different models....IE- John Deere mowers at Home Depot which are junk. If it is the exact same model, I'd find it hard to believe that there is a difference. Was just reading Consumer Reports and there are new 3 stage blowers now. Toro makes one and I believe Ariens too. Might want to look into that more and ask some questions. Reports are a significant improvement over 2 stage but not everyone makes them yet.

[SDdave]

Couple of things jump out at me. First the box store may have the purchasing power hence lower prices. The dealer will have higher prices, but customer service may be better. What are you willing to pay for?

On a side note, which is purely hearsay, I've heard that you don't want to buy cordless power tools from a box store either. Same type and model number, but the serial numbers start with a different number. Which are sold to the box stores due to short longevity of product. Like I said purely hearsay, and mine are still working like new.

SDdave

[n8hutch]

I have a Friend that bought a Husqvarna Snowblower from Lowe's. Used it twice and the Auger broke, brought it to me to repair. Instead of the shear pin breaking it just ripped the steel Auger from Hole to Hole. After closer inspection the Auger appears to be made out of White Metal. Ithe also Has a poor fit around the shoot also.

This blower has all the Bells and whistles, moremember thand most and I can tell you I honestly believe that they are ordered at a " price point " and some of the Components are cheapend up.

[Chicopee Sap Shack]

My neighbor is a small engine mechanic at a local shop and states that they are different!!! Big box stores are a cheaper model that use plastic bearings gears and other parts. They look the same but are much different inside. Spend the extra $400!!!!


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[mainebackswoodssyrup]

I believe you guys but that is ridiculous........it's one thing to sell cheaper models but to fool people with the same model should be illegal. Spend the extra $400!

[lyford]

In regards to the 3 stage blowers. I purchased a 3 stage cub cadet 30 inch, 2 winters ago. I love it and cant say enough good things about it. It really launches the snow. We have 300ft of driveway and this machine clears it with ease. The wet heavy stuff may not go as far or as high but it moves it well away from the drive way. On my old Husqevarna (2 stage) it would just fall out the end of the shoot. We live in the snow belt south of Buffalo, NY so we see plenty of snow. Even when the snow is taller than the machine it clears it on one pass. For what its worth, I bought it at the local dealership not a box store.

[johnpma]

In regards to the 3 stage blowers. I purchased a 3 stage cub cadet 30 inch, 2 winters ago. I love it and cant say enough good things about it. It really launches the snow. We have 300ft of driveway and this machine clears it with ease. The wet heavy stuff may not go as far or as high but it moves it well away from the drive way. On my old Husqevarna (2 stage) it would just fall out the end of the shoot. We live in the snow belt south of Buffalo, NY so we see plenty of snow. Even when the snow is taller than the machine it clears it on one pass. For what its worth, I bought it at the local dealership not a box store. I did a lot of investigating......Husqvarna is notorious for auger issues tons of info online regarding this. Cub Cadet was recently purchased by MTG and has changed the quality. My local Cub Cadet dealer told me find a 2 year old blower at a dealer and travel to buy it........dont buy the 2016/2017 models. They skimped on the drive housing. Honda's are awesome but WAY out of my price point......so that leaves me with Ariens, and Troybilt. Simplicity is pricey too.

[lyford]

Good luck with your search John, I'd look at 3 stages, in brands other than CC, if you can swing it.

[Chicopee Sap Shack]

Love my toro


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[eustis22]

Honda HS 928 if you can't afford the hybrid, else get the hybrid.

[johnpma]

Thanks for all the help guys!!

[johnpma]

So I go to my local Ariens dealer He has a 30" Deluxe Model 921032 on sale $1299.00.......I'm at home depot and to my surprise they have the same blower and the exact same model number for $1399.00.........

[johnpma]

Ended up getting the 28" Ariens 28" deluxe SHO more to follow....

[MISugarDaddy]

Congratulations on your purchase, you will like it. We have an Ariens 28" Deluxe with tracks and love it. We needed the tracks because we also use it to blow trails in our back yard so our dogs can get around when the snow gets deep (our average snowfall is 150") and we didn't want the chains tearing up the yard. Only suggestion I have is after the first few uses, check the adjustment on the control cables for both the blower and the traction. Our traction cable became too loose and caused excessive wear on the traction drive pulley. It turns out the locking nut on the cable adjustment had not been tightened up enough and it allowed the adjustment to change while in use. It is a great machine though. My wife has no problem starting it or operating it.
Gary

[johnpma]

Thank you for the heads up. Appears to be a well made unit.......

[johnpma]

Used the new machine today. Very impressed with Ariens. We got about 6" of snow with rain on top of it.......no problem