Snowblowers GIE EXPO 2021

[@PaulSikkema]

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!

[@michaelmactavish1728]

were thinking about getting orec for plowing sidewalks and grading grounds

[@PaulSikkema]

It's half the price of the Boss or Ventrac and I think it's a lot faster for just sidewalks.

[@JohnSmith-vx1zx]

@@PaulSikkema thank you Paul I posted under the name Albert .

[@michaelmactavish1728]

@@PaulSikkema yeah for $9,000 cant beat at least its cheaper like ventracs i priced a diesel ventrac and a kubota F3990 39.6hp with cab and mower,blade,spreader,blower,sweeper for $29,600 wich wasnt bad price with heated & ac cab with 30 attachments for $35,000 still cheaper then holder c70 for $185,000

[@flowergodroar]

I would love to see the snowblower attachment on the mammoth 850 in action. My dealer said it would be August until I can get my hands on one. I demoed it with the blade but I really want to see the snowblower in action. I saw bad reviews about the Toro multi force snowblower, just want to avoid a debacle like that.

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Only Paul Sikkema makes videos like this. There is no close second anywhere on KZbin. Thanks for another incredibly informative vid, Paul !!

[@jokermahem666]

Husqvarna 400 series is the best snowblower out there as far as build quality, power, metal in all the right places, and best EFI and motor on the market. Also the best bang for your buck...reliable AWESOME machine !!!!

[@heathwirt8919]

Great report, love the led lighting mounted on the auger housing. The light on the chute is an interesting novelty but probably not necessary. Electronic fuel injection and hydro static drive are becoming more popular and will likely become the standard within a few years.

[@holymackenaw]

Thanks for your videos. I just upgraded from an MTD optima 76ME to a Toro 1428 HD. Due to your infos. And i am very happy. Had to use it 4times already this december.

[@46GarageUSA]

ARIENS ! Please release 28" EFI Rapid Track in USA

[@PaulSikkema]

The closest you are going to get this season is the Mountaineering Edition. It has everything including a "2 gallon" fuel tank. www.ariens.com/en-us/power-equipment/snow-products/snow-blowers/special-edition/mountaineering

[@smallblock412]

Just got the call from my dealer, my Kraken came in! Told me they'd call me back when it's ready to be picked up.

[@lewhayward8957]

Where in the world are you? Trying to figure out when mine might be in?

[@smallblock412]

@@lewhayward8957 I'm in Massachusetts but the machine was ordered through a dealer in Plaistow, NH. Hopefully yours will come in soon. It's quite the piece of machinery.

[@headstockharem4]

Some really nice new iron! Thanks!

[@YukonHawk1]

Hey Paul. Thanks for the update.

[@Frank-sy3li]

Thank you for the video!

[@jimmybradley4253]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ninazeng6036]

Great video!

[@Tim2c]

Would like to see what the new LED LIGHTS look like.

[@PaulSikkema]

In the last section of the video I'll list here I show it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGWrlY2pp7uqjKM

[@Hallo-Hallo]

Hallo Paul, long time no see! 🤗 Greetings from Norway! 👍😃🇳🇴

[@PaulSikkema]

You too!

[@hollywoodd3191]

I was able to get an Ariens sho last month. I guess I was lucky considering supply chain issues talked about here

[@superbrute]

Hi Paul, thanks for taking the time to make all your video's! I'm trying to decide between the Ariens Deluxe 28 (921046), Deluxe 28 SHO (921048), and the TORO Power Max 26 (37802). A local power equipment dealer offers both brands so I'll be going through them. I live in Fairfield County, Connecticut, 200ft paved driveway, flagpole shape so it opens up near the 2 car garage and has the turn around area. I also have a moderate slope from the street going up for the first 100 feet, then it levels out. Lots of room on either side to throw snow, and the town plow does make a nice snow drift at the bottom of the drive way. Note that I'm fine going out in the middle of the storm if needed, so if there's another unit I should look at instead of the aforementioned three listed, please let me know! (We have another child on the way, so if saving a significatnt amount is possible I would defitnetly want to consider it). Thanks so much!

[@PaulSikkema]

This is a tough call for me. Your county only averages 30 inches of snow a year so the Toro 826 would be a good choice - but - just 30 miles east around Canton they average three times as much so the Deluxe 28 SHO would be the best choice. On your long driveway you will appreciate the extra power of the Deluxe 28 SHO. You;ll also be able to clear your long driveway 20 minutes faster with the 28 SHO than the Toro 826. The Deluxe 28 SHO will handle that heavy/wet snow you sometimes get. Just so you know: The Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO compares with the Toro Power Max HD 928 The Ariens Deluxe 28 compares with the Toro Power Max HD 828 The Toro Power Max 826 compares with the Ariens Compact 24.

[@superbrute]

@@PaulSikkema Just wanted to say thank you! Your response, along with all the info on your site and in your video brought me to the decision to buy a deluxe 28 SHO. I had to call about 15 different dealers in my area before finally finding someone that still had a unit in stock (it was the last one). I'm glad I have it now though, and I'm excited for the next snow storm!

[@sandyweaver9329]

Paul, I know you have been having family issues, but I was just wondering if you will be coming back to your channel and post more videos? I have found your videos, for me, contain the most helpful information and would like to see you return. However, I understand that family comes first and if it's not possible for you to come back with new videos, I wish you and your family the best.

[@PaulSikkema]

Thanks for asking. Yes, I'll be back - hopefully by May 1st. I've been trying to get back the last 2 months but family matters just keep coming. My mother passed away just last night and after her affairs are taken care of hopefully I'll have the time for you and the channel.

[@sandyweaver9329]

@@PaulSikkema God bless her, and truly sorry for your loss.

[@lloydmcpherson4920]

Hello Paul, Thanks for making these interesting videos. I'm wondering if you could compare the old machines from the 70's and 80's that have survived all these winters to the newer machine and brands. I'm wondering if new machines will last as long as my Toro 10-32 that I have been using since 1976. I'm also wondering who makes the engines for the new machines.

[@PaulSikkema]

That's a good idea - I'll have to find some old stuff. In general, the new Ariens and Toro's today throw snow a lot farther and don't clog on the heavy/wet stuff. They use more sealed bearings and the front gearcases don't leak. The controls are less tiring and the automatic steering makes them a lot easier to use. Do the 15 minutes required maintenance every spring and I expect you'll be able to put todays Toro Power Max/Power Max HD and Ariens Platinum/Pro in your will for your grandkids.... MTD really hasn't changed their snowblowers since 2007. Since 2018 the controls/cables are stronger. Thankfully they have gotten away from that horrible joystick - though I did see a new Craftsman with it again this fall at :Lowes - Did I say I HATE that old joystick. Keep these stored in a dry place and they will also last 15-20 years. Simplicity is now owned by Briggs. The signature PRO is still the solid machine it always has been they Toro and Ariens are sooo much better today. The rest of their snowblowers are now Chinese. 1. Honda makes Honda engines - in China. There is a rumor that they bring the engine production to the U.S. in 2024ish. 2. Arien AX and Husqvarna 200 series and larger are made by LCT in Vietnam. A lot of companies are moving out of China as fast as they can but U.S. labor is still too high for them to be competitive making engines here. 3. Toro is made by Loncin - in China 4. MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt Craftsman are still made in China 5. Briggs/Simplicity/Snapper snow engines are made in China

[@46GarageUSA]

Sadly Ariens and Toro battery blower, no stores have them, and it's only November

[@PaulSikkema]

Sadly Ariens and Toro battery blower, no stores have them - YET! If you've seen any news you know everyone is having supply chain issues - including Outdoor Power Equipment. Everyone has had some leftover stock from last year so there are a few companies that have something to sell right now but that is rapidly getting bought up. The rest are still waiting on parts or raw materials to finish this year's new production. And - it's odd stuff like LED lights, resin for ploy parts, wheel rims, and electronics. Did you know ALL of the OPE tires are made in China? If you weren't lucky and had your tire shipments in your warehouse in July - you may not get ANY tires for this winter! You should be seeing Ariens soon. No word yet if Toro has all the parts for the 2-stage electrics yet.

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Ariens rapid track Machines are better than Honda, wheel and belt in one machine and easy to use. Think i Will wait for a new KRAKEN, hope they Come to Norway soon, tanke Paul for excellent walk through of different snowblowdrs

[@ta4music459]

September 2022 for the Kraken is what I've seen announced in Norway. Price isn't that much higher than for the rapidtrack 28 pro efi. But I can't wait until then.. so I got the latter.

[@K12SXXFire]

Two Honda dealers here in Alaska won't take my order. They said they can't order them. Lack of engines apparently.

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes, The reps I talked to said Honda was making a "few" but wouldn't specify why they cut production. (Hopefully they are updating the machine to be more competitive with the Ariens/Toros.)

[@Jeo-What]

Thanks for the video. Considering California Is banning all small gas-powered engines By 2024, Including all lawn equipment, I can understand why most manufactures are trying to distancing themselves away from the image of introducing more gas-powered equipment and using this year to focus on developing battery powered units to introduce next year because.... he who makes the first touch down in the game usually is the one who gets to win in the marketing of consumers world.

[@sandyweaver9329]

Paul, I hope you start to put out videos a little more frequent...really like your reviews.

[@PaulSikkema]

I hope to! My personal life has been very hectic this year but it's finally starting to settle down a little. I don't like to talk about this publicly but you deserve to know what's going on - so here's a quick summary. 1. My parents are 91 and 95. They refuse to move off the family farm. Besides the daily safety checks they haven't maintained the property for over 20 years so since I moved down from Wisconsin last summer I've spent a lot of time repairing the house and property. 2. I'm also managing seven rentals. They are older homes and need a lot of TLC. 3. I moved down to Iowa from Wisconsin last year but I moved again this summer into another house more suited to me. 4. I'm about 80% through a divorce.

[@bigguydiy2184]

@@PaulSikkema Damn, that is a lot on your plate. Wish you the best of luck and peace to you.

[@Z28L98]

Hey Paul, how come the Ariens machines you showed where only stock photos? Did they not have them at a booth you could video?

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes, they did have them in the booth. I tried twice to get videos of them but there were always so many people in the Ariens booth looking at the products that I could not get a clear picture of any of them. The Mammoth 850 was the worst - it was always surrounded by a lot of people. Over 24,000 people attended the show and the Ariens/Gravely booth was always full.

[@Z28L98]

@@PaulSikkema Nice to see how popular they are. I have a Kraken on order myself. Still don't have a delivery date on it yet. Last I heard was maybe the end of November, but was like 2 months ago my dealer said that.

[@PaulSikkema]

As of Oct 22 that time frame is still on track.

[@burtdiesel34]

One video you mentioned ariens was going to have a 24 inch hydro model. Is that not the case?

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes I did but I was mistaken. The PLATINUM GREAT LAKES EDITION-24 SHO EFI I was talking about has the Ariens Disk-O-Matic transmission

[@rottiejakeluke]

Thanks for the updates. Do you think Honda will come out with heated grips, like its competitors? Thanks

[@PaulSikkema]

It would make sense for them to update their products abt at this point in time we don't even know if Honda is going to stay in the 2-stage snowblower business. They have sold through all the existing stock and last season made very few new ones. We'll have to wait until Sept to see if they have new models coming.

[@rottiejakeluke]

@@PaulSikkema thanks Paul, it’s scary that such a big company has not made any commits to their customers. I wonder if it’s just their indecision or if it’s due to the changing world ever since the Covid explosion???? Thanks

[@PaulSikkema]

Large corporations like this are constantly watching their bottom line and if a division (like snowblowers) is not making a set profit they will redesign them or discontinue the products. Honda is a huge corp and they make everything from airplanes to cars to snowblowers and with the labor shortage there may not be enough people to make the snowblowers. Or, they could be like Husqvarna - they are so focused on making robotic mowers right now that they are ignoring the rest of the residential products.

[@sunnysharma1701]

What snowblower did you use before you got sponsored by these companies? The old school blowers with cast iron tecumseh engines were made bullet proof.

[@PaulSikkema]

I actually had a Gravely Model L with the "dog catcher" and the a Gravely 16 Hp convertible with the "snow Cannon" for years. When I started this channel I was using a Craftsman 5 HP track drive and a Noma 5 HP. You can see them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGTVl4NnjsuqmrM

[@smallblock412]

Are any of the manufacturers supplying you with snowblowers to demo/review this winter?

[@PaulSikkema]

The supply chain issues are wreaking havoc on everything including snowblowers. NO ONE can get enough parts to supply the orders they have let alone have extra to give away. It may be another two years before the manufacturers get back to normal.

[@smallblock412]

@@PaulSikkema That's too bad. I always love your in-depth look at the machines.

[@markschommer7407]

@@PaulSikkema I work at an electronic assembly factory and we are having problems getting parts too. a lot of kits just sitting because we dont have the parts to complete them. On another note my Toro dealer doesn't have the big electric snow blowers either. They have a few of the single stage ones which i might look into if my 2007 Single stage Toro ever rolls over and dies. Thank you again for your excellent videos.

[@PaulSikkema]

Just remember - all of the Toro, Ariens, Cub Cadet andTroy-Bilt videos are still current. None of these snowblowers have changed expect for looks or added features. The Husqvarna ST430T also hasn't changed.

[@charger19691]

I thoroughly regret buying my Simplicity 2 stage M1024E back in 2018. It was built in China and the dealer never told me. I found out myself when I found the “made in China” sticker on the bottom of the machine. I see that Simplicity had no new offerings at this event. Shameful. They used to be one of the best.

[@PaulSikkema]

The Simplicity Pro is still made in the U.S. Just the consumer models were made overseas. That said, Briggs & Stratton owns Simplicity and you know they had been trying to sell off the snowblowers for quite some time. (They also own Snapper and Ferris) But, B&S went bankrupt last year and they have been bought out by someone who appears to want to keep and revive the Simplicity brand. Let's see what happens in the next two years.

[@JohnSmith-vx1zx]

Paul do you have an email or number I can reach you at……like your opinion on a future purchase .

[@PaulSikkema]

Go over to movingsnow and leave a comment after this article. I'll discuss your purchase there: movingsnow.com/2020/2020-ariens-snow-blower-review-whats-new-which-one-is-best-for-you/

[@aliaskink]

I would love to see a comparison of the Toro 721 vs 821 power clear single stage snow throwers. I was obviously leaning towards the 821 for more hp but the only thing holding me back is the fact that the exhaust is pointed right at the handle bar and auger cable. That will pose a problem later on.

[@kenkowaluk2225]

Metal fuel tanks rust! Honda should realize this!

[@PaulSikkema]

Honda tanks are lined and I've never seen one that's rusted. That said, Honda is not making 2-stage snowblowers at this time. They say they'll be back fall 2023 and we'll see if they made any improvements.

[@kenkowaluk2225]

Tracks are stupid! The bearings rust and are easily out of whack!

[@PaulSikkema]

Toro, Ariens and Troy-Bilt/Cub Cadet all use poly components that don't rust or sealed ball bearings. They are all self-adjusting. Honda is not making 2-stage snowblowers at this time. They say they'll be back fall 2023 and we'll see if they made any improvements.