I have had a Honda HS1132 track model since 2001, and it still is running strong. Recently did some maintenance including replacing the carburetor. I live in Alaska, and most of that time in Valdez, snow capital of America. Hands down Honda is the best; most reliable. We used them at work too, and they were daily abused and kept running. I would never go back to a wheeled machine again as the tracks are superior in traction. Also a lot easier to climb stairs or ramps. Treat the machine with care and Hondas will last a very long time. Good resale value also.
The Honda 1332 will eat almost all other blowers (except for a Yamaha) all day long.... however, operator needs to slow down a little and let the blower do it's thing. Forcing any blower will reduce it's efficiency, regardless of brand.
Can't really go much slower as they will not push into the snow/ice. Just a little tire/track spin and rocking the blower up and down on the Ariens to cut into the bank. The Honda climbs easily with just a little pressure on the handles so can break up the bank easier as it climbs up.
Like to see it vs. a tracked Ariens. Put it up against their Kraken. That's what I am torn between. Was told Honda having issues building engines for 2022 Winter season.
@@K12SXXFire I don't think I will get a Kraken. It is a smaller snowblower than the 1336 Pro and at this time I like the tires. I did get a new engine for the 1336 and I am very happy with it.
I've always heard bad reviews about the 36" wide machines, just seems like its to much for a pathway for a push snowblower. I owned a 1332 for several years and did well, but it was kinda bulks and cumbersome to operate. Been VERY happy with a 32" 10K Ariens machines
The 36" is certainly not for everyone. I'm 250 lbs so can muscle a big machine. It is fairly easy to operate with the wheels unlocked, with them locked and chains on I don't think a smaller person would like it. I have many snow blowers and the 36" definitely clears faster than any of my others. Its ability to push into hard snow is far better than the others. The Honda is the only one that can keep up in snow like in this video, and only because of its ability to climb up instead of just push in. The Ariens is a 2003 model and the compression is getting too low. Looks like I can get all the parts to rebuild it but considering a swap. It is at 8600 feet in altitude so the hp is really down compared to sea level and could use a new engine. The Honda 1132 and a Cub Cadet 930SWE are the next quickest I have. The rest are 24" and just don't have the weight or size to keep up. I use the smaller ones in town, on decks, and where I can't get the larger blowers through gates and obstructions.
It's too bad all the motors on today's snowblowers are made in China except for Honda & Yamaha. My Honda HS624 is still going & its 25 years old. I would rather the profits go to Japan vs. China.
@@robb1165 Looks like I will be buying a plow for the truck next time around. The metal in that is probably from China too. F**k the free trade agreement (and our current admin). It has ruined our country.
Ariens uses LCT engines, which is what remains of Tecumseh. While they are made in China, they are still an American company, so the profits remain here. Toro uses Loncin, which is a Chinese company. That's one reason I still lean towards Ariens.
There is just no way to make an easy job of moving three month old compacted snow with any walk behind blower. It's interesting to watch, though. Thanks for sharing.
I had an hs1132 for a short time. I traded it for an Ariens 1336pro and haven't regretted it. I hated the tracks and the hydro drive was painfully slow in reverse.
My Honda is as fast as I would want in reverse and could use a tiny bit more speed in forward. The Ariens is a bit too fast in its lowest speed, and almost a run at its fastest. I keep the Honda around because I do some drives with colored concrete and a few decks that I can drive it onto. I can't use chains on them, and the raised setting on the Honda keeps the scraper off the surface. If I had to choose one, I would keep the Ariens for sure.
@@robb1165 The Honda worked great if I could go forward all the time. But in my situation I reverse down a slight incline a lot, and with the disk drive wheeled machines I could just coast it backwards as fast as I could walk. I did have to update my Ariens to a double drive belt for the blower section because the 13hp motor was too much for a single belt to handle.
My Honda 1336i blows any Ariens in the neighborhood away, I have had to go help my neighbors with Ariens remove the snow, u can just hear how clanky and Chinese the Ariens is, the only snow blower that beats the 1336i is it’s big 8 thousand dollar brother the 500 pound Honda hybrid
@@jeremywarby6717 The current 1336i is the hybrid and costs $9300. I would hope it outperforms machines costing $2000, but can't imagine very many people needing one. Ariens does have the Kraken at just over half the price, which is rated to move the same amount of snow.
At 8:57 I tried a partial pass with the Ariens. It does not work in this kind of snow. It is too hard to push into. I'm actually physically pushing the Ariens fairly hard with my left hip in most of this video. I was actually surprised both machines where able to remove any of it. Thought I was going to have to get the tractor out to break it up.
@@appleztooranges That is a tough question. I use the Ariens more as it is faster most of the time. It definitely could use a new or more powerful engine. It is at 8600 feet altitude so at 3% loss in power per thousand feet, the 13 hp would be putting out only about 9.6 hp. Where the Honda becomes faster is usually when the snow is heavy at properties I don't have to scrape like over dirt or grass. The Honda also has an advantage on windy days with its throwing force. It gets the snow away with less blowing back at me when I have to blow into the wind.
@@jasonk3038 A new Ariens would be nice. Looks like they are marketing the EFI towards high altitude. Not seeing that they upped the engine size enough. I probably would need a twin cylinder engine rated at around 18 to 20 hp to compete with a 13.5 hp model at sea level.
This bank is over grass about 10 feet to the side of the driveway. Making room for more snow or I would have 10+ feet of snow there by the end of winter.
@@jimb9935 Starting about 8:55 I try a smaller cut. Most of the resistance going forward is the housing cutting into the snow bank. So a smaller cut results in it wanting to turn into the bank and the side in the bank wanting to lift up. Makes it much harder to make progress in this refrozen snow. Narrower cuts seldom help much in the snow conditions I get.
See this is why I think that if you're going to make a 36 inch snow blower it should have a diesel not a gas engine. A yanmar 10hp would be awesome on the ariens 36
I'm reading a lot Comments, Pros and Cons... One thing is for certain though. This Guy does not know how to run a Snow blower. As far as the Best Snow Blower; Honda Hands Down. I've used an Honda 1132, for, 22 years... and its still the beast today, it was the first storm I used it in; 22 years ago. I've owned others. Purchased a 13:36 Master Craft. They were sold here in Canada, through the Canadian Tire Store Chain. Used it not even two storms. Absolute Junk. Returned it. Then Bought the Honda. Not one regret in 22 years. The Truth is they build the Best pound for pound snow blowers in the World. Bar-None.
I also like Honda snow blowers. Best dollar for dollar probably not. And if you prefer tires over tracks then they do not offer larger machines with tires. My main issue is the 1132 is slower than an Ariens and thus does not move as much snow. Its main advantage is when it is close to its maximum capacity in fresh snow with the hydrostatic drive. When the snow gets really heavy or icy then the tracks start to let it down as it cannot push as hard as tires with chains.
@@robb1165 In cases where, even dollar for dollar... I purchased one Honda 22 years ago. If I would have went with the cheaper, I would have paid for three machines, with triple the breakdowns... Honda Snow Blowers, except for regular maintenance, don't break down... Since their power curve and capacity to move snow consistently, is higher, they in actuality move more snow in less time.
@@eugenelapointe-ln7rw My Ariens is in its 21st season and still works as it did new with nothing but regular maintenance. ANY good quality snowblower will last 20-30 years or more if you take care of it. Mastercraft is not good quality, they are an MTD economy brand. Ariens and Toro models in the same price range as Honda move way more snow in all conditions. Honda makes good blowers, but there is nothing special about their power curves or capacity. In fact, their newest models are notorious for clogging in wet heavy snow because the impeller outlet is too small. They have also went to electric chute controls, which will almost certainly not be as reliable as the old mechanical ones. They may even be getting out of the business completely, as they are stopping production of gas mowers and single stage blowers and aren't manufacturing many two stages.
The Ariens I have had since December 2019 and gets about 100 hours of use each year. The Honda I got at the start of Winter, and was used less, about 15 hours.
It sometimes appears that way when going through snow at the limits of a machines capability to physically push itself into. The limits are where you really learn about a machines capabilities, as they both cruise through normal snow easily. I don't get much of the nice fluffy snow.
The Ariens was in second gear. In first gear it will just dig into the ground and not move. Too hard for it to push in, needs to move into the ice fast as it breaks up to keep breaking the ice. Kind of stuck going as fast as the snow lets it, that tends to be with a little tire spin like in this video.
Honda for the win! That Ariens looks like it's running on half throttle. Finally a real world review of 2 very popular snowblowers. I still think the Honda is under powered for the job but does it better.
It is at 8600 feet altitude, so that drops power a little over 25%. The Ariens engine was low on compression. So it just got a new and much more powerful engine in the latest video. Thinking about upping the power for the Honda also as it rarely see's nice fluffy snow. The Ariens as it was in this video moved snow a little faster. Now with the new engine it is no contest, the Ariens is far ahead.
Not only thicker... but the part of the driveway that is not usualy cleared... so... hard snow and ice... Next time maybe do the easy stuff with the ariens, then go i the untouched hard snow and ice with the honda!
Both Machines struggled. All the track guys say machine's don't ride up...you're machine did exactly that and it only took on 1/4-1/2 of what the Ariens did! That 13HP Sounds TIRED and still to this day believe 36" it still a big frame. Need more HP! Snow throwing distance comes down to gearing which is easily and cheaply achieved. I sold my Hydro HS928 bc it couldn't keep up with an Ariens 1128. Lets also keep in mind $20 Friction disc plus $600 Plus Hydro Trans that you're lucky if they still even make. Now the Ariens has a proper motor on it, should do really well! Great work! Not all tests can be perfect!
The Honda is mostly riding up because I have the housing in its highest position, and I'm pushing down on the handle to make it climb. It's ability to climb on top I look as a feature to be able to get into snow it is not capable of pushing itself into. This is really hard snow as it is the snow pile blown over from the driveway for three months and melted down. It would just sit there spinning its tracks if I did not make it climb. Usually I would just push it away with a tractor when it builds up too much, but moved it back a little for the video. Just snowing some really difficult snow as they both just cruise threw fresh snow, the difficult stuff exposes the differences. The Ariens does have significantly more ability to push itself into the snow bank. I think it is a combination of the weight, tires and chains. Yes, the Ariens new engine makes it a much better machine. It was my favorite walk behind with the worn engine, now it is all I use except for in town where I need smaller machines to get through gates and in tight spots around cars.
Yep... poor desmonstration... Whent in the easy fluffy stuff with the honda... then whent in the hard packed snow and ice that usually isnt cleared with the Ariens...
Thanks, trying to be somewhat equal however that is what needed moved back to make room for the storm coming the next day. The Honda had plenty of Ice and hard pack but didn't really know until it was gone through.
going way too fast, good bye engine and transmission. It is bogging down, pushing it too hard. Tip for others reading, the very second that engine slows down....you slow down or come full stop until it speeds up again. The engine should maintain the same speed and sound the entire time, if not, you are pushing it too hard. 6 months a year I get snow, 600cm per year, 50 years now....I see too many people destroy these great machines with misuse.
So this would be about a months worth of your snow depth. But this is settled snow, not fresh powder. Unfortunately, that is about as slow as it is possible for these snow blowers to go through this snow. They would have to weight hundreds of pounds more and have larger tires to get enough push to break into this snows crust at a slower rate. If It was going slower it would just sit there and go nowhere.
To do what you say keeping the revs high you need a hydro machine, to be able to walk slow enough. Most friction disc machines will loose a lot of revs in 1st gear in heavy snow, and even worse if the snow is wet. I believe you cannot expect to keep almost max revs except in fluffy snow, probably if max are 3500 rpm you will most likely work at revs between 2000 and 3000 revs depending on the snow. Only exception I know is if you have a Simplicity PRO with powerboost function, or a V8 🙂
@@dagjohnsen The Simplicity blowers are hard to find in my area, never got to use one. This snow is so crusty the main problem is getting enough force to break into the snow. I usually break it up with the tractor when it gets like this. I did not this time to give these machines a challenge.
It is running fairly well. It is at 8600 feet altitude so at 3% loss in power per thousand feet at best its 11hp rated engine would put out 8.1 hp. So it will never run at 100% of factory rating without serious mods. The hs1132 is rated at 65 tons per hour removal rate. From 1:37 to 4:07 it goes 35 feet in 17 to 29 inch depth. In that 2.5 minutes it removed at least 2.5 to over 3 tons. That puts it very close to a bit ahead of its factory removal rating.
The guy is pushing the Honda too hard. Using the hydrostatic transmission, he could have chosen a speed whereby the motor was struggling and he wouldnt of had to back up. Looked amateurish
Snow is too hard for the Honda to self-propel itself into. Letting it climb up and backing up is a solution. Just past that area where it is not climbing I 'am pushing fairly hard to get it to go into the snow.
@@robb1165 old banks are hard, and not likely to be a good test, since it can be ice hard one place and softer 15cm away! And it will brake any machine that's not tough. Surviving this "test" is a top score any day. Reduce the bite to half if the snow is packed like this! And lastly, slow it down and let the machines eat their way thru, without bobbing it up and down like your lure fishing.
@@tomsyversen9325yeah well they didn't break and the Honda performed better on this particular test. If you believe there are better tests and better ways to operate these machines, post your own video!
Yes that would be nice. I have been looking for a small 3 point or front mount blower that could be run by a Massey Furgeson 1215 sub compact tractor. Probably about a 48 inch wide would work. New prices are too much for me at this time. Or a blower for a Kubota 2010G.
hahahhaha come on... don't compare apples with rocks your ariens have a huge governor problem. the engine struggles on an inch of snow. make his maintenance and do another video.
Working with what I have. I get the deepest snows usually in March. So might be able to do a rematch next year. They both cruise through normal fresh snow. The Honda is slower moving but throws excellent. The Ariens has more pushing force and size. Most of the time I use the Ariens since it is faster. I have been using the Honda on some decks when snow is getting too deep for the single stage Toro Snowmaster. As I found it can climb some steps ok if it is a straight run onto the deck. Its housing can be left up, so it does not scrape the wood decks.
I love those Yamaha's, haven't come across one in good condition in my area or I would have one. Working on a rematch, ordered a new engine for the Ariens.
I have had a Honda HS1132 track model since 2001, and it still is running strong. Recently did some maintenance including replacing the carburetor. I live in Alaska, and most of that time in Valdez, snow capital of America. Hands down Honda is the best; most reliable. We used them at work too, and they were daily abused and kept running. I would never go back to a wheeled machine again as the tracks are superior in traction. Also a lot easier to climb stairs or ramps. Treat the machine with care and Hondas will last a very long time. Good resale value also.
I really like my Honda. It doesn't get much use now that the Ariens has a new engine. The Ariens is so much faster and has more traction.
Nice comparison. I got the Honda hs1332 and thing is a beast. The ariens looks like it struggling with this big snow. Takes a while to go thru.
The Honda is easy to operate and throws farther. The Ariens moves more snow faster. And yes, both struggled a bit.
The Honda 1332 will eat almost all other blowers (except for a Yamaha) all day long.... however, operator needs to slow down a little and let the blower do it's thing. Forcing any blower will reduce it's efficiency, regardless of brand.
Can't really go much slower as they will not push into the snow/ice. Just a little tire/track spin and rocking the blower up and down on the Ariens to cut into the bank. The Honda climbs easily with just a little pressure on the handles so can break up the bank easier as it climbs up.
Like to see it vs. a tracked Ariens. Put it up against their Kraken. That's what I am torn between. Was told Honda having issues building engines for 2022 Winter season.
@@K12SXXFire I don't think I will get a Kraken. It is a smaller snowblower than the 1336 Pro and at this time I like the tires. I did get a new engine for the 1336 and I am very happy with it.
@@K12SXXFire Honda 1332 is the easy choice.
It should for twice the price
I've always heard bad reviews about the 36" wide machines, just seems like its to much for a pathway for a push snowblower. I owned a 1332 for several years and did well, but it was kinda bulks and cumbersome to operate. Been VERY happy with a 32" 10K Ariens machines
The 36" is certainly not for everyone. I'm 250 lbs so can muscle a big machine. It is fairly easy to operate with the wheels unlocked, with them locked and chains on I don't think a smaller person would like it. I have many snow blowers and the 36" definitely clears faster than any of my others. Its ability to push into hard snow is far better than the others. The Honda is the only one that can keep up in snow like in this video, and only because of its ability to climb up instead of just push in. The Ariens is a 2003 model and the compression is getting too low. Looks like I can get all the parts to rebuild it but considering a swap. It is at 8600 feet in altitude so the hp is really down compared to sea level and could use a new engine.
The Honda 1132 and a Cub Cadet 930SWE are the next quickest I have. The rest are 24" and just don't have the weight or size to keep up. I use the smaller ones in town, on decks, and where I can't get the larger blowers through gates and obstructions.
It's too bad all the motors on today's snowblowers are made in China except for Honda & Yamaha. My Honda HS624 is still going & its 25 years old. I would rather the profits go to Japan vs. China.
Yes, I really like my Honda engines. Honda does have a factory in China, I don't know if they stay in the China market or if they are exported.
@@robb1165 Looks like I will be buying a plow for the truck next time around. The metal in that is probably from China too. F**k the free trade agreement (and our current admin). It has ruined our country.
Ariens uses LCT engines, which is what remains of Tecumseh. While they are made in China, they are still an American company, so the profits remain here. Toro uses Loncin, which is a Chinese company. That's one reason I still lean towards Ariens.
Ariens sounds like its bogging down alot, but it looked to be a deeper/more packed/icy part and 4" wider.
Yes, you are right. The Ariens engine has a lot of hours on it and could use new rings and a valve job.
@@robb1165 ah ok, suppose that could be it
There is just no way to make an easy job of moving three month old compacted snow with any walk behind blower. It's interesting to watch, though. Thanks for sharing.
I had an hs1132 for a short time. I traded it for an Ariens 1336pro and haven't regretted it. I hated the tracks and the hydro drive was painfully slow in reverse.
My Honda is as fast as I would want in reverse and could use a tiny bit more speed in forward. The Ariens is a bit too fast in its lowest speed, and almost a run at its fastest. I keep the Honda around because I do some drives with colored concrete and a few decks that I can drive it onto. I can't use chains on them, and the raised setting on the Honda keeps the scraper off the surface. If I had to choose one, I would keep the Ariens for sure.
@@robb1165 The Honda worked great if I could go forward all the time. But in my situation I reverse down a slight incline a lot, and with the disk drive wheeled machines I could just coast it backwards as fast as I could walk. I did have to update my Ariens to a double drive belt for the blower section because the 13hp motor was too much for a single belt to handle.
My Honda 1336i blows any Ariens in the neighborhood away, I have had to go help my neighbors with Ariens remove the snow, u can just hear how clanky and Chinese the Ariens is, the only snow blower that beats the 1336i is it’s big 8 thousand dollar brother the 500 pound Honda hybrid
@@jeremywarby6717 The current 1336i is the hybrid and costs $9300. I would hope it outperforms machines costing $2000, but can't imagine very many people needing one. Ariens does have the Kraken at just over half the price, which is rated to move the same amount of snow.
You should have done half passes with each machine
At 8:57 I tried a partial pass with the Ariens. It does not work in this kind of snow. It is too hard to push into. I'm actually physically pushing the Ariens fairly hard with my left hip in most of this video. I was actually surprised both machines where able to remove any of it. Thought I was going to have to get the tractor out to break it up.
@@robb1165 which machine you like better?
@@appleztooranges That is a tough question. I use the Ariens more as it is faster most of the time. It definitely could use a new or more powerful engine. It is at 8600 feet altitude so at 3% loss in power per thousand feet, the 13 hp would be putting out only about 9.6 hp. Where the Honda becomes faster is usually when the snow is heavy at properties I don't have to scrape like over dirt or grass. The Honda also has an advantage on windy days with its throwing force. It gets the snow away with less blowing back at me when I have to blow into the wind.
Agreed. Ariens has a new model made for altitude
@@jasonk3038 A new Ariens would be nice. Looks like they are marketing the EFI towards high altitude. Not seeing that they upped the engine size enough. I probably would need a twin cylinder engine rated at around 18 to 20 hp to compete with a 13.5 hp model at sea level.
this guy is murder on equipment!
Yes, they live a hard life.
Someone needs to show this man on the art of removing snow. You start in the center of the drive and work your way out.
This bank is over grass about 10 feet to the side of the driveway. Making room for more snow or I would have 10+ feet of snow there by the end of winter.
for 1 thing just taking smaller narrower cuts would have the blower cutting thru nicely
@@jimb9935 Starting about 8:55 I try a smaller cut. Most of the resistance going forward is the housing cutting into the snow bank. So a smaller cut results in it wanting to turn into the bank and the side in the bank wanting to lift up. Makes it much harder to make progress in this refrozen snow. Narrower cuts seldom help much in the snow conditions I get.
All I want to know which is good to go up a steep slope road
A snowblower with large tires and chains has more push than the tracks. Without chains it is close.
@@robb1165 Well to late for me I purchased an Arien rapid track Pro 32.
See this is why I think that if you're going to make a 36 inch snow blower it should have a diesel not a gas engine. A yanmar 10hp would be awesome on the ariens 36
I'm reading a lot Comments, Pros and Cons... One thing is for certain though. This Guy does not know how to run a Snow blower. As far as the Best Snow Blower; Honda Hands Down. I've used an Honda 1132, for, 22 years... and its still the beast today, it was the first storm I used it in; 22 years ago. I've owned others. Purchased a 13:36 Master Craft. They were sold here in Canada, through the Canadian Tire Store Chain. Used it not even two storms. Absolute Junk. Returned it. Then Bought the Honda. Not one regret in 22 years. The Truth is they build the Best pound for pound snow blowers in the World. Bar-None.
I also like Honda snow blowers. Best dollar for dollar probably not. And if you prefer tires over tracks then they do not offer larger machines with tires. My main issue is the 1132 is slower than an Ariens and thus does not move as much snow. Its main advantage is when it is close to its maximum capacity in fresh snow with the hydrostatic drive. When the snow gets really heavy or icy then the tracks start to let it down as it cannot push as hard as tires with chains.
@@robb1165 In cases where, even dollar for dollar... I purchased one Honda 22 years ago. If I would have went with the cheaper, I would have paid for three machines, with triple the breakdowns... Honda Snow Blowers, except for regular maintenance, don't break down... Since their power curve and capacity to move snow consistently, is higher, they in actuality move more snow in less time.
@@eugenelapointe-ln7rw My Ariens is in its 21st season and still works as it did new with nothing but regular maintenance. ANY good quality snowblower will last 20-30 years or more if you take care of it. Mastercraft is not good quality, they are an MTD economy brand. Ariens and Toro models in the same price range as Honda move way more snow in all conditions. Honda makes good blowers, but there is nothing special about their power curves or capacity. In fact, their newest models are notorious for clogging in wet heavy snow because the impeller outlet is too small. They have also went to electric chute controls, which will almost certainly not be as reliable as the old mechanical ones. They may even be getting out of the business completely, as they are stopping production of gas mowers and single stage blowers and aren't manufacturing many two stages.
I agree with you, the guy is clueless when it comes to running a Honda snowblower.
Im just curious, was this the first time you used those machines?
The Ariens I have had since December 2019 and gets about 100 hours of use each year. The Honda I got at the start of Winter, and was used less, about 15 hours.
Operator error operator error, hard to watch...
It sometimes appears that way when going through snow at the limits of a machines capability to physically push itself into. The limits are where you really learn about a machines capabilities, as they both cruise through normal snow easily. I don't get much of the nice fluffy snow.
Thing needs a tune up AND an operator that knows how to use 1st gear in snow that deep!
The Ariens was in second gear. In first gear it will just dig into the ground and not move. Too hard for it to push in, needs to move into the ice fast as it breaks up to keep breaking the ice. Kind of stuck going as fast as the snow lets it, that tends to be with a little tire spin like in this video.
Honda for the win! That Ariens looks like it's running on half throttle. Finally a real world review of 2 very popular snowblowers. I still think the Honda is under powered for the job but does it better.
It is at 8600 feet altitude, so that drops power a little over 25%. The Ariens engine was low on compression. So it just got a new and much more powerful engine in the latest video. Thinking about upping the power for the Honda also as it rarely see's nice fluffy snow. The Ariens as it was in this video moved snow a little faster. Now with the new engine it is no contest, the Ariens is far ahead.
Loll you seem to ask more to the Ariens (thicker!
Yes, it was deeper and had more ice.
Not only thicker... but the part of the driveway that is not usualy cleared... so... hard snow and ice...
Next time maybe do the easy stuff with the ariens, then go i the untouched hard snow and ice with the honda!
The 1336 needs a repower
It has been repowered in my newer videos of it.
Both Machines struggled. All the track guys say machine's don't ride up...you're machine did exactly that and it only took on 1/4-1/2 of what the Ariens did! That 13HP Sounds TIRED and still to this day believe 36" it still a big frame. Need more HP! Snow throwing distance comes down to gearing which is easily and cheaply achieved.
I sold my Hydro HS928 bc it couldn't keep up with an Ariens 1128. Lets also keep in mind $20 Friction disc plus $600 Plus Hydro Trans that you're lucky if they still even make. Now the Ariens has a proper motor on it, should do really well! Great work! Not all tests can be perfect!
The Honda is mostly riding up because I have the housing in its highest position, and I'm pushing down on the handle to make it climb. It's ability to climb on top I look as a feature to be able to get into snow it is not capable of pushing itself into. This is really hard snow as it is the snow pile blown over from the driveway for three months and melted down. It would just sit there spinning its tracks if I did not make it climb. Usually I would just push it away with a tractor when it builds up too much, but moved it back a little for the video. Just snowing some really difficult snow as they both just cruise threw fresh snow, the difficult stuff exposes the differences. The Ariens does have significantly more ability to push itself into the snow bank. I think it is a combination of the weight, tires and chains. Yes, the Ariens new engine makes it a much better machine. It was my favorite walk behind with the worn engine, now it is all I use except for in town where I need smaller machines to get through gates and in tight spots around cars.
he's going too fast, not allowing tracks to do their thing. Way too fast
Honda definitely better
Yep... poor desmonstration...
Whent in the easy fluffy stuff with the honda... then whent in the hard packed snow and ice that usually isnt cleared with the Ariens...
Thanks, trying to be somewhat equal however that is what needed moved back to make room for the storm coming the next day. The Honda had plenty of Ice and hard pack but didn't really know until it was gone through.
going way too fast, good bye engine and transmission. It is bogging down, pushing it too hard. Tip for others reading, the very second that engine slows down....you slow down or come full stop until it speeds up again. The engine should maintain the same speed and sound the entire time, if not, you are pushing it too hard. 6 months a year I get snow, 600cm per year, 50 years now....I see too many people destroy these great machines with misuse.
So this would be about a months worth of your snow depth. But this is settled snow, not fresh powder. Unfortunately, that is about as slow as it is possible for these snow blowers to go through this snow. They would have to weight hundreds of pounds more and have larger tires to get enough push to break into this snows crust at a slower rate. If It was going slower it would just sit there and go nowhere.
To do what you say keeping the revs high you need a hydro machine, to be able to walk slow enough. Most friction disc machines will loose a lot of revs in 1st gear in heavy snow, and even worse if the snow is wet. I believe you cannot expect to keep almost max revs except in fluffy snow, probably if max are 3500 rpm you will most likely work at revs between 2000 and 3000 revs depending on the snow. Only exception I know is if you have a Simplicity PRO with powerboost function, or a V8 🙂
@@dagjohnsen The Simplicity blowers are hard to find in my area, never got to use one. This snow is so crusty the main problem is getting enough force to break into the snow. I usually break it up with the tractor when it gets like this. I did not this time to give these machines a challenge.
II
The Honda is not running 100%, it has a hesitation
It is running fairly well. It is at 8600 feet altitude so at 3% loss in power per thousand feet at best its 11hp rated engine would put out 8.1 hp. So it will never run at 100% of factory rating without serious mods. The hs1132 is rated at 65 tons per hour removal rate. From 1:37 to 4:07 it goes 35 feet in 17 to 29 inch depth. In that 2.5 minutes it removed at least 2.5 to over 3 tons. That puts it very close to a bit ahead of its factory removal rating.
The guy is pushing the Honda too hard. Using the hydrostatic transmission, he could have chosen a speed whereby the motor was struggling and he wouldnt of had to back up. Looked amateurish
Snow is too hard for the Honda to self-propel itself into. Letting it climb up and backing up is a solution. Just past that area where it is not climbing I 'am pushing fairly hard to get it to go into the snow.
Very poor demonstration of two good snow blowers. Before you try to show how the blowers compare to each other, learn how to use them properly. Thanks
First you need to learn how to use the machines! It's hard to watch...
Won't see much difference between tracks and tires unless its in difficult snow, like this old snowbank.
@@robb1165 old banks are hard, and not likely to be a good test, since it can be ice hard one place and softer 15cm away! And it will brake any machine that's not tough. Surviving this "test" is a top score any day. Reduce the bite to half if the snow is packed like this! And lastly, slow it down and let the machines eat their way thru, without bobbing it up and down like your lure fishing.
@@tomsyversen9325 can't go half when you're breaking trail on a sidewalk. I'll take whatever just goes which would be the tracked machine.
@@jamesnm21 of course you can, but will likely break stuff. And no matter the quality and ruggedness, things will break.(not only shear bolts)
@@tomsyversen9325yeah well they didn't break and the Honda performed better on this particular test. If you believe there are better tests and better ways to operate these machines, post your own video!
Sell two machines and get ->The Ariens RapidTrak EFI Kraken
That would be nice. In my market they would not bring in enough.
Get a tractor auger. Theses machines are too under powered.
Yes that would be nice. I have been looking for a small 3 point or front mount blower that could be run by a Massey Furgeson 1215 sub compact tractor. Probably about a 48 inch wide would work. New prices are too much for me at this time. Or a blower for a Kubota 2010G.
Just fighting that junk ass ariens..
hahahhaha come on... don't compare apples with rocks
your ariens have a huge governor problem. the engine struggles on an inch of snow. make his maintenance and do another video.
I did. Has a new engine in the newer videos.
You were driving the Honda through less than a foot of snow and the Ariens directly into a packed four foot bank. This test is bogus.
Working with what I have. I get the deepest snows usually in March. So might be able to do a rematch next year. They both cruise through normal fresh snow. The Honda is slower moving but throws excellent. The Ariens has more pushing force and size. Most of the time I use the Ariens since it is faster. I have been using the Honda on some decks when snow is getting too deep for the single stage Toro Snowmaster. As I found it can climb some steps ok if it is a straight run onto the deck. Its housing can be left up, so it does not scrape the wood decks.
Can't send an Ariens to do a man's job. I have a Yamaha YT624EDJ and the result would be the same or worse for the Ariens.
I love those Yamaha's, haven't come across one in good condition in my area or I would have one. Working on a rematch, ordered a new engine for the Ariens.