Shoveling heavy wet snow ruins backs and wastes hours. Review our winter prep guide on comparing promotional financing, factory clearance events, and pre-season package deals on two-stage snow blowers from Ariens and Honda. Snow blowers can make winter snow removal more manageable, particularly in areas that regularly experience heavy snowfall
Waiting until a major snowstorm can limit the selection of available equipment.
Pre-season research can provide more time to compare:
It can also make it easier to determine which specifications are appropriate for a particular driveway or property.
Ariens has produced snow-removal equipment for decades and offers several residential and professional snow blower product lines.
Its lineup has included different classes of machines designed for varying snow depths and property sizes.
Common Ariens product characteristics can include:
The exact features depend on the individual model.
Honda has also produced snow blowers in several configurations, although product availability and model lineups can differ by market and model year.
Honda snow blowers have historically included features such as:
Model specifications should be checked carefully because features can vary between generations.
The two brands can be compared across several categories.
| Feature | Ariens | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Product range | Multiple residential and professional models | Model availability varies by market |
| Engine types | Primarily gas-powered models in traditional lineup | Four-stroke gasoline models in traditional lineup |
| Clearing widths | Varies by model | Varies by model |
| Drive systems | Wheeled and other configurations depending on model | Wheeled and tracked configurations on selected models |
| Chute controls | Manual and powered systems depending on model | Varies by model |
| Electric start | Available on selected models | Available on selected models |
| Best fit | Varies from residential to heavy-duty applications | Varies by model and snow conditions |
| Maintenance | Engine and seasonal maintenance required on gas models | Engine and seasonal maintenance required on gas models |
The comparison should always be made between specific models rather than treating every Ariens or Honda machine as identical.
Clearing width determines how much snow can be removed in a single pass.
A wider machine can reduce the number of passes required on a large driveway.
However, wider equipment can also be:
A compact driveway may not require the largest available snow blower.
Intake height refers to how tall a snow blower's housing is designed to handle.
This specification can matter when dealing with:
A higher intake can be useful in regions that regularly experience substantial snowfall.
Two-stage snow blowers use an auger to collect snow and an impeller to discharge it through the chute.
They are commonly used for:
Both Ariens and Honda have offered two-stage snow blowers.
A single-stage snow blower generally uses one rotating mechanism to collect and discharge snow.
Two-stage machines separate the collection and discharge processes.
Potential advantages include:
Potential advantages include:
The appropriate type depends on snowfall, driveway size, and storage space.
Some snow blowers use wheels, while selected heavy-duty models use tracks.
Wheeled snow blowers can provide:
Tracked systems can provide increased traction and stability in certain conditions.
They may be useful on:
Tracked models can also be heavier and more expensive.
Gas-powered snow blowers require more maintenance than many electric alternatives.
Important engine-related considerations include:
Cold-weather starting can also be an important consideration.
Electric start systems can make starting a gas-powered snow blower easier in cold conditions.
The discharge chute determines where the snow is thrown.
Snow blower chute systems may use:
Powered chute controls can make it easier to adjust snow direction while operating the machine.
Throwing distance varies by model and operating conditions.
Actual performance can depend on:
Wet, heavy snow can behave differently from light powder.
Manufacturers' published specifications should be treated as reference points rather than guarantees for every snow condition.
Not all snow is equally easy to clear.
Light powder can be relatively easy for many machines to process.
Wet, compacted snow can be significantly heavier and may require greater machine capacity.
For areas that regularly experience wet or heavy snow, a two-stage machine with appropriate intake and engine capacity may be worth considering.
Snowdrifts can create different challenges from ordinary snowfall.
Drifts may form because of:
When comparing snow blowers for drift-prone properties, consider:
Retailers may begin promoting snow-removal equipment before winter.
Pre-season pricing can vary depending on:
A discount is not necessarily meaningful if the machine does not match the intended use.
Comparing the exact model number and specifications is more useful than comparing headline prices alone.
When comparing pre-season prices, record:
This makes it easier to compare equivalent equipment.
Pre-season shopping may also reveal previous-generation models.
A previous model can sometimes have similar specifications to a newer machine.
However, differences may exist in:
Checking the exact model number is important before comparing prices.
Warranty coverage can differ by manufacturer, model, and intended use.
Review:
A longer warranty period does not necessarily mean every component has identical coverage.
Gas-powered snow blowers require seasonal maintenance.
Common maintenance tasks can include:
Following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule can help maintain equipment performance.
Storage space should be considered before purchasing a large snow blower.
Measure:
Heavy snow blowers may also require suitable ramps or assistance when moving them into storage.
A large driveway generally requires greater clearing capacity than a small walkway.
Relevant specifications include:
The specific model should be selected based on the driveway's dimensions and typical snow conditions rather than brand name alone.
Heavy snow can require greater machine capacity.
Wet snow, compacted snow, and plow-created snowbanks can be particularly demanding.
When comparing models, examine the manufacturer's specifications for:
A machine designed for lighter residential snowfall may not be suitable for consistently deep or wet snow.
Snow blowers contain moving components that can cause serious injuries.
Basic safety practices include:
Never attempt to clear a blocked chute with hands.
Electric snow blowers have become an alternative to traditional gas-powered equipment.
Potential benefits include:
Battery-powered machines depend on battery capacity and operating conditions.
Potential advantages include:
The appropriate choice depends on property size, snowfall, storage, and maintenance preferences.
Before purchasing a snow blower, consider:
Before purchasing, compare:
Brand
Exact model number
Clearing width
Intake height
Engine specifications
Drive system
Chute controls
Starting system
Snow-throwing specifications
Warranty
Maintenance requirements
Retail price
Promotional price
Assembly costs
Delivery costs
Storage requirements
Dealer support
No. Both brands have produced snow-removal equipment, but individual models can differ in engine specifications, clearing dimensions, controls, drive systems, and intended applications.
Two-stage machines are generally designed for heavier snow-clearing applications and can be appropriate for deeper snow, larger areas, and snowbanks. Specific performance depends on the model and conditions.
Pre-season promotions can provide opportunities to compare pricing and inventory before winter demand increases. However, the exact model, specifications, warranty, and total purchase cost should be evaluated.
The appropriate size depends on driveway dimensions, typical snowfall, snow type, terrain, storage space, and how quickly the area needs to be cleared.
Both matter. Clearing width affects the amount of snow removed per pass, while intake height is particularly relevant when dealing with deep snow and drifts.