Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI or TroyBilt Storm 2860 Which One Is Best For You?

[@PaulSikkema]

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!

[@johnspartan98]

Thanks. I just watched this and was sold on Ariens. So I went out and got a Ariens 30" Platinum SHO with the 414 CC 12.5HP. Now I can play in the deep snow with the big dogs. Ariens should send you a check....LOL.

[@PaulSikkema]

When you click on a link at movingsnow.com I make a little commission from the sale. I don't accept money from the brands.

[@johnspartan98]

@@PaulSikkema Ya, I get it. I was joking, but not joking about watching your video and making a buying decision. We got a break in the weather today with a sunny 54F day soo I'm pulling out the Nufinish to polish my new machine.....maybe use some ArmorALL on the hoses and plastic parts to make them shine. Detailing for showing her off is so important when blowing snow....especially when I take it to the neighbor's and do their driveway while they watch and drink beer. (kidding) With 10,000 Comedians out of work it figures one would show up on your channel....LOL. Good work.

[@larrywohlgemuth8781]

Just purchased the Deluxe 30 yesterday 👍🏼 👍🏼 will be here within a week. After 18yrs with my Ariens 24" the 28" Dec Snow storm last Thurs here in the NE was a deal breaker. Great machine for 18yrs n first pull start everytime too. Thanks for the video 🙂

[@1957mrbill]

My only choice in snowblowers is an Ariens. The first Ariens I used was a 1961-1962 vintage which was still running as of early 2018 when it was finally replaced with a later model Ariens. Initially it came with a undersized 3.5 hp engine which was replaced 30 years ago with a 5hp engine with electric start. The one I personally use is a 1976 model 8 hp with a differential on the tire axle, still running like new. Just simple maintenance ( oil change, grease, etc) and they will run for decades!

[@PaulSikkema]

I agree with you about most products we import from China but you really need to take a new, fresh look at companies like Ariens and Toro. Their residential and commercial snow blowers are built better, clear snow faster and require a lot less maintenance than the older machines.

[@vikings844]

That areins is a beast! Love the throwing distance! I think I'm going to buy that one. Thanks for the review

[@IanCdnMerkaba]

here, at my sisters place, i have to almost point the chute to the ground, so i don't fill in the driveway next door. lol

[@josephsmith2063]

I bought the Ariens EFI 30 and its the best! Throws the snow so far its unbelievable and it runs like a charm!

[@tristanblack6609]

Great video. I'm looking forward to using my Ariens 28" Deluxe for the second season. I bought her new and never once did I ever regret it, I don't ever imagine using the other machines, its definitely the one for me .hoping for more snow this year.

[@Peter-.H]

Paul, this video is excellent. A pleasure to watch, well explained and contains great informations. I appreciate your guidance and the time you spent making this video. Best regards,

[@scottrogers9542]

Thank you for this video, I currently have a troybilt 2840 and after 8 years of use I have finally decided to upgrade to a professional ariens. After seeing videos and then using his 30 SHO, all I can say is wow!!! The larger machine is so much easier to handle, even my wife who has RA and fibromyalgia can handle the larger snowblower easier than the troybilt

[@PaulSikkema]

Glad to hear! Yes, the way the Ariens are balanced and the AutoTurn make them so easy to use.

[@archer102356]

Thanks for the video I ordered the same Ariens Deluxe carburated. Yes, the auto turn had me nervous until I saw this video. It looks like a beast the way it cuts through the heavy snow and throws it.

[@ctmac9404]

thank you for the comparison. I went with the Ariens Deluxe 30.

[@prjab7339]

I purchased the ARIENS 30 about 2 years ago & love it definitely kicks ass here in north Jersey!

[@tcrwild8422]

Not much on ariens myself, like my toros, however I will say that ariens kicks butt wow, nice video

[@neilodonnell5537]

Love my Troy-Bilt for Buffalo snow. Have had the 28" for several years now along with a Troy-Bilt 26" - the heated handgrips on the 28" were a nice add that seemed unnecessary when I first bought it, but on some bitter cold winter nights in recent years, I've grown to love them.

[@dajayman209]

Hey bud. Thanks for the comparison. I live in upstate NY and I’m in the market to replace an old 8hp MTD/yard machine 26”. I need a better throwing distance and I’ve been trying to decide between the Cub cadet 30” and Troy bilt 2890, both three stage and I’m also considering this Ariens 30” 2 stage. I wish I could’ve seen the 2890 instead of the 2860 in comparison. I think it would be good to see that one and the Ariens go head to head but all in all it was very helpful to see this video. I really appreciate you taking the time to do it. Thank you.

[@philipunderwood477]

I sure hope you bought an Ariens. I run 2 machines on about 15-20 driveways during each storm. We get about 8-12 storms per year from 2-3 inches to 20 inches. That equates to about 12-15 years of use each winter as compared to a normal residential homeowner. I run through each machine after every 2-3 storms. Change oil 2x per season. I have installed impeller kits on every machine immediately after purchase. And I personally run through each machine to check stuff out. Basic preventative maintenance. Run premium fuel. Add Stabil fuel teatment. These Ariens machines are simple to run. Reliable. Pretty affordable to fix. Very durable. Very user friendly controls. Very fast and simple to run. Not nearly as much plastic junk as Cubs, Toro, Troy-bilt. I have a 2006 926LE and a 2015 Deluxe 30 on the truck now - great machines!! Good luck

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey Paul to the snow we go another nice comparison. I would go the extra money for better performing borderline commercial if needed. That’s just me. Which I put Ariens model. I do like Troys tires. I service a lot of snowblower s when the season comes around. I see a lot of Craftsman and Troys. After some basic maintenance I test them out and all run good.

[@IanCdnMerkaba]

just got myself a new Ariens Platinum 30, this thing is great! my only complaint (short lived i bet in my neck of the woods) is that i haven't been able to really test it yet. not much snow. it is easy to operate and i have no problems keeping an inch away from the truck. no fear there either. only crawls up on thick ice, at the end of the drive, but not sure if i need the extra weigh.

[@PaulSikkema]

Hi Ian. Don't add any weight to the front. That screws up the steering. If it wants to ride up all the time you probably have one of the auger shear pins broken. If it only rides up on thick ice just slow down a gear.

[@IanCdnMerkaba]

@@PaulSikkema - thanks Paul, it doesn't really, unless there is lots of packed ice. Ariens sells a weigh kit, no need i am betting, this beast is 300 LBS. time and experience will tell all. really liking this bad boy, looking to really test it soon.

[@PaulSikkema]

Ian, The weight kit is for the older snow cab. It's only used to offset the weight of the old cab so the snow blower stays balanced. The current cab does not use a weight kit.

[@cardo1111]

Another excellent vid and comparo Paul. That is a perfect snow to test in, not too windy and nice and deep. Too bad not much snow here so far this winter. In my opinion your vids are the most comprehensive and unbiased snowblower vids on KZbin. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to make them.

[@PaulSikkema]

Thank you!

[@EEDad401]

First gear is good. The guys burning belts are trying to rush things. Just let the blower do its job. Just bought the Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI. Can't wait to use it. It's parked next to my old faithful Toro 521 from 1985 that has been through many storms with me. The only reason I added a newer larger one is that I'm now living on 10 acres of farmland with a lot longer driveway. Lol!

[@philipunderwood477]

Good video. I just bought an Ariens Deluxe 30 (non-EFI) with the 305 engine after watching your video. It's my 4th Ariens (commercial use). Bought used for $680 with 30 day dealer warranty. I installed an impeller kit and general lube and maintenance on day before storm. We just got about 5 inches of powder (in the morning) , more like 3-4 inches of snowball snow after the sun was on it for a few hours. Worked great (until drive tension spring broke). Heading back to dealer for a part. But overall pretty pleased.

[@PaulSikkema]

If you are commercial buy the RapidTrak Pro. It will quickly pay for itself and last 5 times longer than a residential model.

[@philipunderwood477]

@@PaulSikkema I probably agree. I did some envelope calculations today and guessed that my 926LE has probably 350-450 driveways on it now. Estimate 15-20 accounts x 8-12 storms/ season x 4 years. Again, this is a guess, not official as I rotate through machines depending on driveway and conditions. The 926LE is my 1st blower and the one I've owned the longest. I'm sure the Pro models are undoubtedly better, but also very pricey. I'm getting started and trying to be reasonable with cost control. Just bought a Deluxe 30 and hired my 1st helper after 3 years solo. We're making better time and running at well over $100/ hour now on the accounts we service. About 10-20 minutes per property. We just need to keep hustling. I may look into a pro model next year but also looking into some commercial plowing accounts to stay in a truck and possibly less physical labor also. I've had some minor breakdowns with the Ariens, but at 350-450 driveways, it's like a full season of blowing for a homeowner per storm or estimated 15-20 years of residential use in just 4 years. The machines are simple, reasonably affordable when purchased used (good used), cheap to fix and simple to fix, never been repaired at a dealer and I always have at least 2 machines on hand for snow days. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the video - this gave me more confidence when buying the Deluxe 30 on Saturday!! Keep it up!

[@PaulSikkema]

I saw a tractor go by this morning with a pull-type Farm King snowblower. I wish I had one of those when I was plowing snow in Chicago years ago and had 300 condos. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3TWaXmfrdCgl5I

[@KubotaL4060]

Nice review. An unbiased running of two machines. The Ariens machines are frequently described as hard to keep straight and the front end down, but that has not been my experience either.

[@PaulSikkema]

I couldn't keep the front end down on this one the other day and it wanted to pull to the left. I finally remembered to check the shear pins...and I had broken one. Replaced the pin and it worked like new.

[@fairgolfer]

Another excellent comparison. Thanks Paul

[@iamclarks]

Nice comparison. I actually just purchased the TB2860 and I'm unhappy with the airless tires. I have a short step driveway and found myself wrestling with it as it just spins out. I knew this before purchasing it but still wanted to see for myself. I am now looking to return it and shopping for an Ariens. This video just helped me with that decision.

[@PaulSikkema]

Clark, If your driveway is that steep and you also have traction problems with your next snow blower - Ariens offers tire chains for the Deluxe/Platinum series.

[@iamclarks]

Thanks Paul. I went with the Ariens Pro 28 and I didnt have any traction issues.

[@josephsmith2063]

I just bought the Ariens 30 Deluxe EFI and I love it! It cuts through even wet heavy snow with ease and its so easy to operate! Do yourself a favor and buy one!

[@douglasjones8865]

+Paul Sikkema Steep driveway try a track drive snowblower.

[@junkmail4613]

9:54 I only heard the Ariens "a forward motion pause" twice in the return to the camera, but the Toro was stopping every 5 or 6 feet . The Ariens was throwing the same snow twice as far as the Toro. I've been running an Ariens for 60 years, since 1957, ran tha same 6 horse engine 'til 2007, and upgraded to 8 horse, first replacement of the 3 auger bearings in 2015. Damn she runs like a honey. Driveway 2 cars wide, 100 feet long in New Jersey USA. To tell the truth, "Ya just can't beat it with a stick, .... and even if ya do, IT KEEPS ON RUNNING" For me it's been a joy since I got it at 8 years old. GrandMa bought it and said "Start a business" we did 3 to 10 driveways every snow'til I was 17, my brothers continued as I went off to college. Married, came back from college, new house, still did driveways and sidewalks up and down the block. Real nice neighborhood. Good friends. "ARIENS"

[@nicvanorton6795]

Nice story..

[@scottwheaton9689]

The other blower running before the ariens was a Troy built & not toro!

[@josephsmith2063]

My Ariens 30 EFI is the best of the best!

[@PSM5787]

First, the Ariens has a larger motor and it’s a 30” I have seen a a 30” Troy bolt blow just as far or even further. But for a smaller snowblower (Troy-bilt) threw just as far. So larger engine performs more better but they both worked perfect.

[@PaulSikkema]

You decide! Both machines in the same arear between the sheds. Here is a video of the RapidTrak 28 with the 420cc engine to see how far it throws: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6eWoXdvfpapfLM Here is a video of the Troy-Bilt Arctic Storm 34 with the 420cc engine throwing snow in the same area: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH-riIBpf756asU

[@Organsk8er]

Thanks for doing this, and showing the ease of starting the EFI. I’ve been going back and forth between the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO EFI and standard carbureted version. I think I’m now sold on EFI. Anything else I should know from the expert?

[@PaulSikkema]

No, The Platinum 24 SHO EFI is by far the best 24 inch snow blower on the market! It will last you years and years and years and...

[@Organsk8er]

@@PaulSikkema - thanks! That’s all I need! And thanks for doing these reviews - they’re very helpful!

[@xavierzave8452]

Ariens is the best i've been watching snowblower reviews for 2 weeks now i should know lol

[@amspcut]

Paul, a great video comparison, I currently have a Troy 3090 Storm with a Briggs, thinking of selling it to a friend maybe $800.-$900. and getting a Platinum Ariens 30" EFI it looks like that will be a great replacement and upgrade???!!

[@ferlar3750]

Je possede un Ariens Deluxe 30 et je le trouve tres performant.

[@73honda350]

I think the ariens performs better but it would be interesting to open each up to compare build quality and components. I would bet the ariens is better made and will last longer since the troy-bilt is just an MTD with a different name plate.

[@PaulSikkema]

Check out my channel. I have videos for both machines where we look at all the components

[@martyolszowy9943]

I Prefer the Ariens , hands down a BETTER MACHINE , Definitely will last longer . I know had them for the Last 30 yrs. . Still have them. , and they RUN GREAT !

[@mdjak3686]

The only thing you didn't mention is, does the Ariens come with heated grips? I know some do. Excellent comparison. I've never thought of leaving snow on top of septic field as insulation. that is excellent foresight.

[@PaulSikkema]

Hand warmers are standard and they work well on the Ariens snowblowers.

[@PierreBergerqc]

Hi Paul. Thanks for your video. I saw that you start your deluxe efi at first pull. I have the same blower but I usually need 2 pulls to start it. Do you think it's normal?

[@PaulSikkema]

Hi Pierre, 2 pulls is just fine. I usually turn the key and wait 5 seconds for everything to set. Also, I don't know if this will make any difference - but find the little charger that came with the snow blower and charge the battery (under the dash) overnight. See, if that makes any difference.

[@TheJthelen]

Nice job Paul. I was wondering how the airless tires would do on a driveway that has a layer of ice on it like mine did most of this winter. I would do the Troy Built for half the money. My old MTD is getting tired, so it's time.. And when did we stop rating HP and went to CCs? when I was a kid they told us we needed to learn the metric system but I'm not from Canada. (I love my friends to the north)

[@PaulSikkema]

Hi JT, The Airless tires give you the same traction on ice as the regular rubber tires. I too had a lot of ice/old snow - to the point where I had to throw down sand on the driveway just to go out and get the mail:) I used it on this year all the time and it did just fine. That said, since they are airless I've been thinking of installing short sheet metal screws on the lugs to see if that makes a big difference.

[@philipunderwood477]

Maybe look at the tire studs as Paul Sikkema mentioned. Or purchase some v-bar chains. Can't ever lose traction with those.

[@nathan237591]

Hey man thanks for doing this video I really enjoyed it man

[@ajrollan5304]

Is it worth to get the efi than the carb model? Great video I’m glad I found your channel

[@PaulSikkema]

EFI gives you more power and torque with the electronic governor and fuel management. It's more fuel efficient and will start on the first or second pull every time. It's the perfect choice for high altitudes because it automatically compensates for the higher elevation. All the reasons the auto industry switched to EFI apply to small engines.

[@robertknight4672]

Wonder how those solid rubber tires will hold up after several years of use.

[@PaulSikkema]

These are five years old now and show no signs of cracking or wear. Just a few scuffs from spinning on pavement. These are the ones mounted on steel rims.

[@rachael9372]

You said the TROYBILT was alittle slower but you said in the beginning you never got out of first gear.

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes, first gear was ll it could handle. Trying to go faster and the snowblower pushed snow in front.

[@daven7536]

My drive has a curve say about 10degs it's not a straight shot. Do you think that the auto lock would be a problem

[@PaulSikkema]

A Snowblower with trigger steering goes in a straight line until you pull a extra trigger to turn. So on a curved driveway you will be constantly pulling the trigger to make course corrections. The Autoturn goes exactly where you move the handles. You can make a sharp turn, a tight turn or even a zero-turn without doing anything other than moving the handles. No extra effort on your part. It works just like a shopping cart.

[@daven7536]

@@PaulSikkema Thank you for your informational videos. I decided to purchase the Toro HD 928 OAE. Sitting out in the garage with two coats of wax on it. I hate winter and snow but this year things may change. LET IT SNOW!! :)

[@RogerMonetteDroneVideo]

super video merci

[@omegalgo297]

Thank YOU!!!!

[@762p]

It looks like the first gear is too fast for the Toybilt and Ariens snowblower if you have more than 10/12” of snow.

[@PaulSikkema]

If you normally get 12 inches or more move up to the higher horsepower snowblowers like the Ariens Platinum or Ariens Pro series.

[@Agent77X]

Are these built by MTD?

[@PaulSikkema]

The Troy-Bilt is made by MTD. Toro makes their own.

[@redveiner]

Paul, this video should be addressed re lock bolts breaking. Maybe, it was a bad run of hardware? kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3eniXahlJdgoJY

[@PaulSikkema]

It's a possibility that they were bad. I''ll guess that Ariens buys these at 10,000 or more at a time and I'd guess if it was a bad batch of hardware we would have seen more by now. Since they both broke in the same spot it could be overtightening at the factory or overtightening when the snowblower was serviced previously. They could have been tightened correctly and broke from someone dropping the snowblower or hitting that tire accidentally some time in the last 5 years.

[@Slick1G3]

I wouldn't take a troy built anything if you GAVE it to me !!!!

[@PaulSikkema]

Now-now. The Troy-Bilt Big Red Garden Tiller is still the best tiller ever made (it used to be called the Horse) There is almost no difference between the 2022 model and the 1975 model my neighbor still uses every spring.

[@JohnSmith-ug5ci]

A very poor demonstration. You used 5th gear on the troybilt and kept having to stop. Also you did not have a full width of the front loading snow. All that being said the Ariens is clearly the better blower

[@PaulSikkema]

Hi John, Sorry, that was first gear with the Troy-Bilt. no deception here...

[@l337pwnage]

I wouldn't buy an EFI small engine until the gov't doesn't give you any choice.

[@papabits5721]

Troy built stuff is garbage for the most part , it’s a bargain brand in Canada

[@PaulSikkema]

I disagree that Troy-Bilt is garbage especially for a homeowner down here in the Midwest. They need a snow blower that's reliable, can handle 2-10 inches of snow and last many years. The Troy-Bilt fills those needs.