Ariens RapidTrak 28 Pro or Husqvarna ST430T - You Decide
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- Опубликовано: 13 дек 2019
- A friendly competition between the Ariens Professional 28 RapidTrak and the Husqvarna ST430T. Both have a 430cc engine, hydrostatic transmission and both cost about the same. Which one is better? You decide?
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Thank you for another excellent video. It's really refreshing to see someone dedicated towards providing pertinent information about the products they are reviewing, rather than someone mugging for the camera and all this stuff. I love the split-screen and hope you incorporate it more in the future. If the Ariens is chewing up more snow, that's the one I'd choose even if it's a little slower, and plus the auto-turn feature is fantastic. I'm biased because I currently own two Ariens, but I think there's no denying they are excellent machines.
This has been an amazing year. Thank you so much for watching my videos and supporting through comments, likes, and shares. I especially would like to thank you, my subscribers, for supporting what I do here. Feel free to leave a comment below. (I do moderate the comments so it may not show up right away) Thanks for watching and please Subscribe!
im with husqavarna key start and hour gauge on it wich does make senice wich other brands are plug in and push button start wich i find pain when it freezes wich why husqavrnas stoped making push button start and priming bulb on them now wich there all now key start and pull start with out priming the bulb wich less issues
The 12 volt start is convenient. EFI is why you no longer need a primer and choke. I can't wait until ALL snow blowers and lawn mowers have EFI.
@@PaulSikkema propane is the best in my opinion zero fuel issues
Propane does have a lot of advantages - especially now that the price is constant. I'm wondering if PERC makes a conversion kit for snowblowers? propane.com/
@@PaulSikkema no wich it makes is easyer plus no worrying having a primer to freez up and break wich im glad husqavarna made the blowers different and more powerful my stihl dealer sells the st400 series wich he was funny he was woundering if i wanted a st430 414cc in gas or 20hp kubota diesel engine replacement option
Love your timing on the beginning of the split screen ! I Feel privileged to have the opportunity of viewing your videos ! You and Db73 are our sno-thro guiding Angela. My eyes went towards seeing that despite all the research put into snoblower technology, they haven't figured out a way yet to keep the snow from being thrown back out in front. Greetings from Salaberry-de-valleyfield.
Thank you! The reasons behind why the Ariens throws snow out the front, the Husqvarna pushes snow, the Cub Cadet 3X needs so much engine power for their size, why the Toro machines can get by with a lot less HP and why others ride up in deep snow is too technical to go into here.
Ariens hands down much faster that is one of the many reasons I got the Ariens, over the Honda Ariens is faster, comes with heated grips, front skid shoes, drift cutter. all extra on the Honda. Plus the Arisns comes with a very nice snow brush and shoot cleaner all in one. Ariens gives me what I want at no extra cost . as far as battery start not needed the Ariens starts with 1 or 2 pulls that even I find quit easy at 71 yr. old.
Excellent comparison of both machines
I have the husqvarna ST430T, Excellent steering system
And throws the snow without clogging
Great vid Paul, you're getting high tech on us (with the split screen) but I like it. I am generally an Ariens fanboy but the Husky just seemed to throw further 👍🏽
The ST430T does throw farther because the snowblower can't get enough snow through it to lug the engine down. The RapidTrak will handle more snow so the engine will lug down - causing it not to throw as far.
Great video. Looks like the husqvarna threw snow further. The ariens was faster but remember the tortoise and the hare? Both great snow blowers.
Ariens all day long. Quality machine, I have owned several , hard to beat.
Just like a water hose, the smaller diameter at a given pressure will determine how far it will throw. If you look at the husky’s chute you can see it has a smaller opening and narrower chute making it throw farther. But the amount of snow you are moving over time is more important to me,especially when it’s 10 below out.
Yes, excellent explanation! In addition the Ariens will move more snow through the machine. Since the Husqvarna can't pull through as much snow the engine rpm stays at max - all the time.
Ariens they're everywhere.!!!!. Why because the last forever.... And as you can see in the video it can throw the snow.!
Between the two, I'd pick the Ariens. The Husqvarna threw the snow farther, but the Ariens threw more snow and was faster.
These aren't close. The gear case and drive in the Ariens are far better. The rapid track is much more user friendly as well.
I am with the Husky like how it throws the snow Myself I do not see the need for big speed a minute longer to the end of driveway is fine by me.
Hands down the Ariens it's soooo much faster!
One suggestion for your split screen put the name of the snow blower as a title so we don't have to figure out in which order you out them. As I am not a very experience guy from far away I could not figure out by the features who was who. Otherwise excellent video !!!
Thank you for the suggestion. In this video I intentionally didn't label them - it was my way of adding a little suspense. The correct way to add suspense is with an epic soundtrack with a rising beat but in this case, I knew that you would want to hear the engines work - not listen to music.
HUSQVARNA ALL THE WAY FROM QUÉBEC CANADA !!!
Pas vraiment, l'Ariens est tellement plus rapide. Yamaha font les meilleures.
I bought a Honda hss928a snowblower and it plugged easily in wet snow.
It's the collar issue they have replaced mine under warranty. And it does not plug up anymore
The Husky has a higher discharge height, and that would be due to the deflector having a more vertical height. The Ariens would match it if the deflector could go as high so that's a mute point to me. So for me it comes down to speed and ease of use. The Ariens clearly wins in both categories. It's just faster and more nimble. I would never recommend a track drive machine to anyone unless you live on the side of a hill. That was until Ariens came out with rapid track system. That eliminated all the mobility issues I've seen with previous track drive machines.
Husqvarna. I have a Husq Yard Tractor....going on 9 years. Kick ass machine and craftsmanship. Ariens is a thing of the past. I have a new one. Will not last like the old ones. I would throw the toro commercial 28 into the mix,
So, you don't have either a Husqvarna or Ariens snow blower? Trust me - you viewpoint is upside down especially with what's coming this fall.
The Areins throws a lot more snow so it doesn't throw it as far. Put a smaller shot and intake diameter and it will throw like the others
Thanks for the video Paul.
I really enjoyed the comparison and the split screen.
I’ve been using a honda track drive for the past 17 years. Never had to put a dime on it and it still looks new, not a spot of rust on it.
But what about these 2. Which one would be more reliable in your opinion? And how much do they retail for???
You have an awesome website and channel. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍
Ariens $3199 Husqvarna $2999.
@@PaulSikkema In Norway they both cost about 5000 USD. EFI on both in Norway
Ariens hands down
Ariens i have one like one in the video SUPER
-- I have a Husq, but I can't argue with either one of these.
To my surprise it seems like the Husqvarna is throwing the snow much higher? I'm a little bothered because I just purchases the Ariens Pro 28 RapidTrak. One thing is for sure that the build quality goes to Ariens. Much more solid build.
The Husqvarna's chute defector goes up higher. The Husqvarna is using a 4 blade impeller. But - if you noticed the snow blower could not get enough snow through it to lug the engine down. (Like the Hondas)
The Ariens can get a lot more snow through the machine. The three blade impeller is cupped more so it really throws a lot of snow. The engine lugged down because of the extra snow which shortened the throwing distance.
The Ariens was throwing 50-55 feet, the Husqvarna 60-65 feet but the Ariens was moving more snow meaning you can get done a lot faster if you are clearing a large area.
If I could raise the deflector up more and run them both at the same walking speed I don't think you would see a difference in how far it throws.
@@PaulSikkema Makes sence. Merry Christmas Paul 😉
You'll love the Ariens RapidTrak Pro. I bought mine last year and used it all winter. Absolutely fantastic machine. It's heavy duty, starts on 1 pull, 2 tops, and is fast and easy to learn how to use it. I love the RapidTrak design. It's absolutely ingenious. It's so much better than a normal track system. It's like getting the best of both a wheel machine and a track machine. There's nothing negative about it, all positive. It turns and moves quickly like a wheeled machine, yet digs hard and won't slip on steep driveways like a track machine.
I seriously considered the new Husky ST430T but ended up buying the Ariens Pro RapidTrak. I wasn't sold on the EFI yet (too new). I also did not like the adjustable handlebars on the Husky which therefore requires lots of movable cables. The Ariens rectangular welded boxed handlebars are the best I've seen on any machine. The light on the Husky looked better. My Ariens is lacking in this department, even after swapping out the halogen bulb for an LED. I would've preferred the battery start offered on the Husky over the Ariens 110 volt start system. I'd love to just push a "start button" like on the Husky vs getting out an extension cord and having to plug in/out, and than put away the extension cord. I always end up manually starting because it's too inconvenient on the Ariens. Plus if you stop, run out of fuel, are at a neighbors, etc....you're stuck manually starting on the Ariens whereas the Husky you can start it anywhere. 110 volt start is absurd and almost useless in my opinion.
From viewing the video, I must admit, it appeared the Husky was throwing snow higher and further than the Ariens. I believe chute angle is slightly different between the two but props to the Husky for throwing higher and further. The Ariens did appear to be able to move faster and the I didn't see snow building up in front of the augers. I would have no problem in this snow running either machine. They both handled it well, just slightly different.
I have the Ariens and to pull the cord to start is no problem, most of the time starts first pull I am 71 yr old so most people should not have a problem. I did have the track model but found if you had that hard wind packed snow , the type you could walk on with out sinking in the tracks would just spin, and also on ice it slipped a lot. So I went with the wheel model and it went through what the track model would not with no problem, as far as throwing snow it puts it farther than I will ever need.
The reason why there are very few snow blowers with battery electric start is small 12 volt batteries and cold weather don't always mix well. Expect to replace that battery every 2-3 years.
@@PaulSikkema, I understand the battery life can suffer IF they're not maintained, especially in the "off season". With that said, they offer soooooo much more convenience, such as being able to turn off the machine at the bottom of driveway and restart it, that it's worth it.
@@hildtonmcconnell5626, you're right about the Ariens being easy to "pull start". I bought my 28" RapidTrak Pro last year and I never even bothered to test the electric start. There was no need to. The Ariens started up everytime with 1 or 2 pulls, and they're not hard pulls either. I'll probably never use the electric start. Now, if the Ariens had a battery for electric start, I'd love it and use it for sure. But pulling out an extension cord is inconvenient and time consuming compared to a quick pull.
@@PaulSikkema if you use a trickle charger on it then that battery should last you 10+ years. Never have to remove tha battery from the machine.
Ariens for the win because it handles more snow faster and im an Ariens fanboy. I have a deluxe 30/342cc Briggs 2013 model and a 2015 deluxe 28 SHO 306cc LCT motor
Thanks for a great video Paul! What Husky have that Ariens do not, is the possibility to adjust the bucket in any height you wish and lock it there. Could be a critical feature if you do a lot of gravel. It will still have full grip from the belts at any setting. How do you solve this with the Ariens? Merry X-mas from Norway!
In this video I kept all the snowblowers with the "normal" 1/8 inch (3 mm) gap under the scraper bar. Since the ground was frozen none of them dug in. So, if your gravel is frozen the Ariens will glide right over it. If the gravel is "loose" or not frozen just increase the gap under the scraper bar (by lowering the skid shoes) to 9-12 mm.
The Ariens is very light in the front so it won't dig into the gravel like the older snowblowers.
Yes, you can adjust the bucket in any height you wish with the Husqvarna BUT the bucket wants to bounce up and down a lot if it is not riding on the ground. Why? There is a lot of weight from the onboard battery and electronics in the box between the handles. The weight offsets the front bucket weight so much that the unit front bounces up and down when you start moving, stop moving or go over the slightest bump. I've tried using it with the front bucket off the ground and it will bounce so much that it digs into the gravel.
Now - the new Ariens Kraken has the electric bucket height adjust. Since it doesn't have all that awkward weight on the handles like the Husqvarna has it will work well in your situation.
@@PaulSikkema Thanks a lot for a very precise and detailed answer Paul. It is highly apprechiated. There might be no bouncing if you work deep heavy snow?
My choice is the ariens. Both machines seem to preform extremely well in those conditions. The ariens has a little more capacity and a more versatile track system. I've owned an ariens for years and in the worst snow conditions it always preforms the best. The hasqvarna is a great value, once ariens goes EFI on a rapidtrak the price will be in another range in my mind. Thanks for the great video Paul, always enjoy your insights on the machines. Which machine do you find yourself using more?
The Husqvarna never leaves the shed unless I'm comparing it to another snow blower. I've gotten so used to automatic steering (AutoTurn) that I have using anything with trigger power steering.
Rapidtrack Hydro Pro is EFI in EU.
Aries seemed faster and looks like more snow thrown
I’m a Toro guy but I have to admit those machines are really sweet. I’d probably lean towards the Ariens. Just seems to faster with the rapid track, although the husqvarna seems quieter and throws farther (probably because it’s slower and can’t be overloaded as easily).
Question:
In the beginning of the video, I can see a red snowblower off to the left. Is that a Toro 826 OAE?
That is an 824 SnowMaster. The carb needs to be cleaned and I've been too busy to get it done.
Seems like the ariens can take more volume of snow and be quicker but not throw as far as the husky. Similar To a Honda 928 I’ve owned compared to my ariens pro32 the Honda could throw further but for deep snow the ariens would be significantly faster
Gonna review the new Toro Power TRX? Looks sweet!
I hada Toro and thought I'd love the control but found out real fast how much I hate the controler
Husqvarna handsdown. It sends out S.O.S mirror signals during a snowstorm .
Now that's funny! That what you get when you don't put a bridge rectifier in your electrical system. The old filament bulbs didn't care. The new solid state ones like pure DC current.
Major difference in the ariens enven thow it does not throw the snow as far !!!
@PaulSikkema, you seem to know a lot about these machines. I live in Buffalo NY where we get 60+ inches of snow over a few days. I'm currently looking (2) different Ariens for the same price (used).
1) 2019 Platinum 28 SHO with rapidtrak 369cc
2) 2018 Platinum 30 SHO with regular tires 414cc
My question is which is the better option for deep heavy snow
The platinum 30 with bigger engine but tires "or" the platinum 28 with smaller engine but rapidtrak?
Thank you
A lot of owners really like the 369cc engine. It has plenty of power and with the RapidTrak plenty of traction. Since you are getting so much snow the 28 inch will actually be easier to use. (The narrower the snowblower the less it wants to "Twist" into the high snowbanks)
Since your snow can get so deep, the snow will pack down making it harder to push through. The smaller 28 inch and RapidTraks will be the best choice.
Personally, I was not that impressed with the 414cc engine. I'd guess that it is only putting out only about one horsepower more than the 369.
I take delivery of a 23 Ariens 28 Rapidtrak Hydro Pro on Monday. I currently have a 2018 Ariens 30 Platinum SHO. Great machine, just have a ton of traction issues with the heavy packed down snow we see in the Buffalo area. I paid a premium for the tracked version as I'm tired of beating myself up as I push the blower through the heavy snow.
Hi Paul, love the channel.
This question is off topic but how would you rate the Ariens platinum 28 Rapid Trak snow blower? Is it better to out lay the money for the Professional in terms of longevity with regards to build quality?
The 28 Platinum RapidTrak has the disk transmission and 369cc engine. If you are just clearing snow at your residential property it's the last snow blower you will ever need to buy.
The Pro 28 RapidTrak is a commercial unit designed to clear 20-50 times more snow than a residential unit over it's lifetime. It has a commercial hydro, commercial engine, commercial autoturn, one inch axles, square tubes handles, etc. If you intend to make money with your snow blower - the Pro 28 is the one to buy.
@@PaulSikkema the answer I was looking for, cheers mate.
Hi Paul. Great video. I just moved to a new house in south central PA. Annual average is 25 inches of snow, but have gotten some decent snow storms in the past couple years. My driv way is about 180 ft long. With about 130ft of that with 23-24% grade about 1 car wide, so kind of steep all the way to the main road. 4 car garage, so bottom driveway is pretty wide. I ordered the Platinum 28 SHO Rapidtrak but debating canceling for the 24 Compact Rapidtrak. Do you think the Platinum 28 Rapidtrack SHO is overkill for my area? I couldn't decide between that or the 24 Compact Rapidtrak due to the amount of snow we get. Any help is appreciated.
You will see very little difference in ease of use. The 28 inch RapidTrak is very easy to use.
You will see a big difference in the performance. The 28 inch will handle ANY snow you get and will clear it as fast as you can walk.
Because of the extra four inches and that the 28 has a LOT more power I'll guess you can clear your driveway 20% faster with it compared to the Compact RapidTrak.
@@PaulSikkema Thanks Paul. Tough decision, but I think for now I will keep the order for the Platinum 28 Rapidtrak. I do have a large area at the base of the driveway having 4 car garage and a 20ft extension to the side.
Paul sikkema.... ny name is mathieu and i from Québec Canada... just got the new Husqvarna st430t ... we got a little over 10cm of snow yesterday and today .... i will be able to wipe my new snowblower tonight .... i bought Husqvarna sniwblower because I have always been a fan of this brand ... I also own a chain saw and a Husqvarna weedeater .. I did a little test a few days ago with my snowblower and I don't know if these because there was not enough snow but it was blowing a lot less far than in your video ... do you think that the fact that there was not enough snow on the ground to properly fill the tub of the snowblower meant that it did not put enough pressure to blow the snow as far as in your video?
Yes, When you get 25cm or more the snowblower will do a lot better. None of the 2-stage machines do well with just a little snow.
Ariens all the way !!!
The Husqvarna seemed to throw the snow farther and I didn’t hear the engine bog down like the Ariens did.
The ST430T does throw farther because the snowblower can't get enough snow through it to lug the engine down. The RapidTrak will handle more snow so the engine will lug down - causing it not to throw as far.
@@PaulSikkema Yes but will the husqy clog on the snow plow snow?
I tried clearing snow that was shoveled off the roof last winter and it clogged. But, I learned to slow way down and then it didn't clog after that.
But what do you think Paul, we are waiting for your verdict!
Please make a new video/test and give your verdict!
That is what we ‘all are waiting for’! :-)
My goal is not to tell you which one I like best. My goal is to help you decide which one is best for you! For, example, I'm so used to the AutoTurn on the Ariens and Toro snow blowers that I'll never buy a snow blower for myself with trigger steering again. But, you may like the trigger power steering better.
The Husqvarna throws snow farther - The Ariens moves more snow. Which is more important to you? See why I won't "tell" you which is best? I leave the ratings to Consumer Reports.
Paul Sikkema
Thank you so much Paul, continue the good work!
I think we will buy the Ariens, has EFI here in Norway!
Hi Paul, Great video, I thought Ariens won this round, But what I would really like to ask you is could you do a competition of the Ariens 28in Deluxe Sho with the 306-AX engine against the Toro 928 OAE? They both look almost even I would love to see them up against each other.
The Ariens Deluxe SHO went back to Ariens and I don't think I'll have another one this season. That said, I was planning on making a video tomorrow using the 928 in the same spot as this video. We can time it to see how well it does.
any video that compares ariens vs Honda ?? anyone ??
There are no videos I can find of the new Honda HSS 28 or 32 and an Ariens Pro. In my experience I would expect the Honda to throw snow like the Husqvarna but it has about 30% less capacity than the Ariens Pro - just like the Husqvarna. In other words I would expect the Honda to be very close to the Husqvarna ST430T but be a lot slower than the Ariens Pro.
I bought the Honda, but found their claim to fixing the clogging chute problem false. In wet snow from first snow this year, chute kept plugging once snow started melting.
I like the Ariens!! Just think it’s a better machine from all I’ve seen of the two.
Can you tell me anything about the AX420 engine? How does it compare to Honda’s engines? Is there benefit to get the EFI motor if it’s available as a choice for the model being looked at? If so, why? Thanks
The AX420 is a commercial engine. It's been around for a while and I have not heard of one instance of a problem with it. EFI is what you auto/truck uses today. EFI gives you more power, is more fuel efficient, starts every time and will run at it's best at any altitude. It is also better for emissions. It will run on any E10 or less fuel. I expect it to last the life of the snow blower
Honda doesn't make an engine this large. Even their $9500 snow blower uses a smaller engine.
The Honda and the AX are both overhead valve engines. The AX is a later design. The AX is not a "Honda Clone" as the Honda "Fan Club" will try and tell you. It's actually based on Tecumseh's patents.
Currently running a Husqst224. Being only a 208 cc it throws snow further than any machine in the neighborhood to the point that people are stopping and asking if i have the auger mod. Nope Heres the thing..that ariens may be faster in the pow pow but when it comes to the wet slushy stuff its gonna barely puke it out. Whereas the Husqvarna is at least throwing it off the driveway.
I had an ST224 around for a long time - it was a good, entry level snowblower.
Your snowblower compares to the Ariens Classic 24 and it really does not like the wet, slushy stuff.
The Ariens Compact does a better job and the Ariens Deluxe, Platinum, and Pro machines handle wet/slushy without any issues.
I have a Husq ST224 212cc I just received yesterday. Best blower I've ever had for the wet stuff or plow-snow. But, (rust belt) I get the thing and mop up the real nasty (8 inches that's been on the ground for the last 5 days) and it's going to be in the 40s for the next couple weeks. Want some snow to try this thing :)
Hi Paul, cool video. Last year you had the Ariens PRO 28 Rapidtrak with the B&S engine. How does this years model with the LTC engine compare? I know the size and power ratings are the same but does one "feel" or perform better than the other? Is one louder than the other? Probably spiting hairs but I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
As to the comparison between these two machines, I'd take the Ariens. Although the Husqvarna has a little more height and distance on the throw, the Ariens is not lagging far behind by any means. That along with the far superior ground speed and maneuverability, for me, make Ariens the clear winner. I can't speak to the Husqvarna's build quality because this model is brand new and I've yet to see one in person, but I Know first hand how robust the Professional line from Ariens is. Easily one of the most rugged snowblowers on the market.
I can't tell any difference between the B&S and the Ariens AX. are both commercial grade engines and the power is too close to see any difference.
@@PaulSikkema Good to know, thank you.
I would've purchased last years B & S 92060 RapidTrak if I could've found one and had a choice. I ended up with this years model 92078 with the LCT motor. The biggest issue is the fuel tank size difference. The B & S model holds twice as much fuel at almost 6 quarts or 1.5 gallons. The LCT model only holds just over 3 quarts or 3/4 of a gallon. That's a HUGE difference and I'm really disappointed, especially since this is a "commercial" top end model. I could understand a slight difference, say 1.5 gallon to 1.25, but Ariens literally went to a 50% smaller fuel tank. That's unacceptable and their answer of "but this motor is more fuel efficient" is a load of BS. In my case, luckily I'm not using mine for commercial work and I don't have a 200 yard driveway to clear so I can deal with it. On the plus side, I guess I'll always have "fresh fuel" (LOL).
Husqvarna might be slower but it definitely throws the snow farther than the Ariens.
And that's exactly the tradeoff. Do you go with a snow blower like the Husqvarna or Honda that throws snow into the next county or do you go with a Toro or Ariens that throws 30% more snow so you get done a lot faster?
In my opinion, they are both excellent machines and really the only deciding factor is price and availability in your area.
@@q5kxsps9 Have you used the Husqvarna in the Heavy wet snow in NL?
BEcause it's a smaller chute.
The Ariens is not EFI? It did seem to finish faster. I vote Ariens.
Ariens is not EFI - yet.
Love my 30" efi! Surprised the tracked model doesn't have it yet.
The Hydro Pro 28 Rapidtrack i tried a couple weeks ago had EFI.
Are you in Europe?
Paul Sikkema Yes. In Norway.
I'm interested in the a 2022 Platinum Rapidtrak for my 300' steep drive. Is the Disk o Matic up to the challenge? Also I saw someone say they are a lot slower than Hydro model. Is that true? Thanks!
The Disk-O-Matic is not slower but the Platinum does have a smaller engine than the RapidTrack Pro. Any snow more than 8 inches the Pro will clear it faster - just because the engine will be able to power through the deep stuff or heavy/wet stuff better.
The friction disk is strong enough to handle the task although I suggest every two years or so remove the bottom pan of the transmission case and check the wear on the rubber friction wheel. Replace it as needed. The repair is fairly easy to do. (Ariens has a video here on how to do it ruclips.net/video/v4wbE8uCT5Y/видео.html)
@@PaulSikkema thanks Paul. So if I get the Friction Disk model and keep it adjusted and maintained the tracks would spin on my steep blacktop driveway before the Friction Disk drive would slip? I can live with that. Thanks for the info!
@@PaulSikkema I saw that they offer a Compact 24 RapidTrak now. I've been researching and have seen people say it pushes snow and doesn't pull it in very good. I have seen in pictures that it looks like it's 11" auger is spaced up higher off the ground than model with the 14" auger. They say it leaves a trail of snow out the side. Any truth to this? I know it has a smaller engine but is it paired well or under powered? Also will it maintain speed going down the steep section or will it free wheel? Thanks for your expert advice!
As long as the drive lever is engaged and the Compact 24 is in gear it won't freewheel. If you put it in neutral it will.
All the 24 inch snowblowers on the market except the Ariens Deluxe and Platinum have a smaller 9-12 inch impeller. So they don't have the capacity of the larger Ariens and Toro machines. In other words, it has about the same capacity as the Toro PowerMax 824, the Troy-Bilt 24s, the Cub Cadet 2X 24, Husqvarna 200 Series and the Honda 724.
Most of them will hande 4-6 inches without pushing. More than 8 inches you'll have to slow down to 1st gear to keep any of them from pushing snow.
Each brand handles excess snow in the auger/impeller differently. The Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet and Husqvarna all will want to ride up if there is too much snow. (I've never been able to find a Honda 724 to use it in snow)
Toro throws excess snow into that "bump" on the top of the auger house (Call ACS) and then sends it back in front of the machine towards the middle. (the ACS is patented so no one else can use the design)
Ariens doesn't ride up but it does offload the snow so the front end won't ride up. It offloads it to the left and straight out the front. If you are going the correct speed that snow gets thrown straight out the front on the left side. If you are pushing the snowblower to hard it will throw some snow to the left onto the path you have cleared. If it's doing that to you just slow down a gear.
The 223 cc engine is "about 7 HP." That's plenty for a 24 inch machine. (Just a few years ago we only had 179cc "4-5 HP" engines on 24 inchers)
The front auger is down where it should be. The photograph is giving you an optical illusion. (Your Lowes may have one for you to look at)
Finally, The Ariens Compact (and Toro PowerMax) cost a little more than the other brands because the quality is higher. The Ariens Compact RapidTrak will last you years and years.
@@PaulSikkema thanks for the info! I'm torn between the RapidTrak compact 24 and Platinum 28 RapidTrak. Sounds like either will get the job done. Sounds like the 28 RapidTrak will just do it quicker. Thanks again!
My 30 year old aliens won't break down, but I want to upgrade to something that doesn't give me an upper body workout since I'm 70 now.. I think I'll be getting either the 24 or 28 rapid track.
Either one is a good choice. With the tracks up in the "wheel" position the snowblowers are balanced so that there is almost no front weight when you push down on the handles to turn.
@@PaulSikkema I got the 24, and I'm very happy with the maneuverability. So much easier than with my old 10-28 Ariens.
Ariens was much faster, because the ariens have larger diameter drive wheel, and larger diameter auger blade
Just to clarify. I was not running either of these at top speed. There was too much snow to run them that fast. I was running them in this video as fast as they would accept the snow and blow it out. If I was only clearing six inches or so they would both go much faster - about as fast as you can walk - but even then, yes the Ariens has a faster top speed.
The questions is, what would be YOUR choice 🤔?
I'm so used to the AutoTurn on the Ariens and the automatic steering on the Toro 928 that I can't go back to trigger steer. I do love that EFI engine on the ST430T though.
@@PaulSikkema Who makes the EFI engine? Is it possibly LCT?
Both the Husqvarna EFI and the Ariens AX are made by LCT
@@PaulSikkema LCT seems to be the only one with efi technology. Is Briggs planning on entering the efi game. They have to be planning on it, its the wave of the future.
Walbro also has EFI. I think Cub Cadet is using the Walbro system on the 2X™ 30" EFI. I wish they would have put it on the Cub Cadet Pro 2X 30 though....
The Husqvarna was quieter and appeared to throw the snow with a higher arc and further than the Ariens
it did but was very slow in going forward
In 40 years I have had all the major players. I currently have a Husqvarna and it the best of all the previous ones. Unlike Nick C below the Toro was my worst. I couldn't wait to give it away
Husqvarna because it looked to throw further
Didn't you see how much faster the Ariens was over the Husky? That's the better machine.
Whether the machine throws the snow 40 ft or 50 ft really doesn't make that much difference in my experience. But the Husqvarna took almost twice as long to do the same amount that the Ariens did. The Ariens is far superior to the Husky. And much more heavy duty.
That is all about perspective
When you look at where Ariens was and where Husq started both were about the same
But I have owned both and from personal use I like and prefer the Ariens and will be selling the Husq
it does a good job but my set up is the 254 engine and one has a 24 inch the other a 28 inch and drive systems are different but I like the Ariens over the Husq and to be fair and honest I bought the Husq after the Ariens thinking it might be a better unit but time and use tell me all I need to know
Ariens RapidTrak is better i think the Husq i am told by my nabers hard to get parts for if that the case then that is a probem
Your local Ariens dealer can get all the parts quickly.
@@PaulSikkema i know he brought a Arien after fighting with them for 3 months do to parts
Husqvarna is ok.. Ariens is better... but Toro is Best
Toro was going to introduce tracks for the 1028/1428 this season. But they didn't show them at GIE-EXPO so it will be interesting to find out if they are still working on them.
Husky - efi and throws snow farther.
Yes, but it doesn't throw as much. If you want to put the snow in your neighbor's yard the Husqvarna is a good choice - if you want to clear the most snow in a given time the Ariens RapidTrack Pro is the way to go.
@@PaulSikkema for me it is not a race, i live out in a rural area, lots of drifting. Distance is far more important.
@@PaulSikkema Seem a bit biased there. I use the Husq and it will move that amount of snow a lot faster than what you were doing in that video. Looks like you were holding back. I have to clear a skeet field, so I push it to it's max, to get back home as soon as possible, so I know what the machine can handle. The arieans we replace couldn't handle that load. My Honda at home is better than both, but way too expensive, and overkill. I wouldn't spend that much money again.
Yes, since the Husqvarna came in last I do get some complaints that I was biased. I suggest casting the video over to your TV and slowing it down. Look at the amount of snow building up in front of each of the snowblowers and you'll see I pushed them all the same.
That said, I should make a video showing you why the Husqvarna and Honda snowblowers throw snow very far, the Ariens throws a lot more snow and why the Toro throws snow far and yet has a lot better capacity than the Husqvarna and Hondas - it's all about design.
@@PaulSikkema My HSM1336i embarrasses the Rapidtrak it replaced. That auto turn feature is horrible on side slopes. The constant lifting and tilting of the 300lb machine to move the track wheels is dumb. My 1336 has a 4 way adjustable blower housing. If I want down pressure I move the joystick, then press a button for it to return. The only offering Ariens has that comes close to compare is the $4,600 Kraken.
Airens my neighbor has a huskvarna and he hates it says it clogs and is constantly fixing my airens that I have had sence 2011 and have done no issues except for water in the carb but it was my fault I left that gas lid open when is was snowing
And his husky is from 2019 and it a peice of trash
Ariens is a better machine. Husky Quality has gone down hill
I have a Husqvarna 1830EXLT here from 2014. This new model has quite a few improvements including better steering, better controls, better handles, and definitely a better engine. All across the line they have fixed all the "little" issues that owners have had, for example: Revised friction disk transmissions, better Gates Belts and a dozen or so other irritants with the older models. In addition they have moved the assembly to the South Carolina plant so they have more control over the assembly and other quality control issues.
Ariens lapped the Husqvarna...not even close.
Just by comparison I don’t think either one throws farther than the/my Toro 928 HD.
I thought the same thing. But with the 265cc engine on the 928 it won't have near the capacity. That said, if it gets above zero here today (my cameras won't work below zero) I'll get the 928 out and make a pass to see how far it does throw.
I looked at both models online. They’re priced $3000 for the Husqvarna and $3200 for the Ariens. They both have the same sized engine, they are obviously both tracked drive, but for only $200 more you get a hydrostatic transmission on the Ariens. That’s a HUGE upgrade over a friction disk. Save up a little more and get the Ariens.
The 430T is hydrostatic as well...
Husqvarna hands down....Ariens have had problems with their fuel injection...my neighbor had a brand new one that he never got started. He made the dealer buy it back. If you want more speed from the Husqvarna just get the ST430 with the wheels...it moves faster than the ST430T with the tracks. Ariens aren't built like they used to be and are not of the same quality of the Husqvarna.
Looks like too me that the ariens is faster than the Husqvarna if I needed a track drive snowblower I take the Husqvarna because it's probably built better
the st 430 has more power wich i cant wait to buy one wich there only $3,200 with bigger 2 gallon feul tank plus summer time i might get my buddy at the febercation shop to build me a hard top solid cab
Interesting comment. If you like Husqvarna this is one of the best Husqvarna snow blowers I've had in the last 10 years.