Ariens vs Honda – Who Makes the Better Snowblowers?

We have compiled a review that evaluates six Ariens and Honda machines. Our intention is to give you all the comparable information you need to choose the right machine for your needs.

With so many options this decision can be tricky and time consuming. We have done the hard work for you and reviewed the different snowblowers to ensure you receive all the information that you need to make an informed decision.

While going through this review pay attention to the clearing width, versatility, and intake amount of each machine. We have also included links for you to do more research and read more about these snowblowers.

What is the History of these Machines?

Ariens entered the snow blowing industry in the 1950’s and they have been market leaders since that time; proving that they supply capable and durable machines in the snowblower and agricultural market.

Comparing this with Honda who entered the snow blowing market in the 1980s. Honda has had the markets edge with all their machines, and the same can be said about their snowblowers. Due to the brilliant engineering of these snowblowers, you are always guaranteed versatile and capable machines.

What are these Machines Known for?

Ariens’ snowblowers are known as the market leaders because they are reliable and durable. The craftmanship on these machines is far superior to other machines.

Honda snowblowers are known for their reliability and easy starting mechanism. Add to that the benefit of maneuverability, and you will have a powerful and effective machine.

Best Single Stage – Ariens S18 Single Stage Vs Honda 20 in HS720C

We will start this review by looking at a comparison between the Ariens S18 Single Stage and Honda 20 in HS720C.

What are Our First Impressions of the Ariens and Honda?

Our first impression of the Ariens S18 Single Stage is that this is a compact and powerful machine. This model is available with either a standard single stage or the S18E model which is equipped with an electric starter.

It has a metal body which ensures durability and enables it to be used on many different terrains.

The Honda 20 is larger than the Ariens with a larger grip which allows for easier handling when using gloves. In contrast to the Ariens, the Honda’s body is plastic, which may influence the durability of the machine.

What are the Key Features of these Machines?

Specs

Ariens S18 Single Stage

Honda 20 in HS720C

Clearing Width

18 in / 46cm

20 in / 50.8 cm

Tons/hour

39

50

Starting System

Recoil

Recoil

Throwing Distance

25 ft.

32 ft.

Width

20 in / 50 cm

20 in / 53 cm

What is the Intake Amount of Each Snowblower?

It is important to evaluate the height of the area that you will need to clear as the intake amount is different with each machine. The single stage snowblowers have a lower intake amount than the second stage snowblowers, which we will be discussing later.

Comparing the Honda and Ariens, the Honda has a larger clearing width which gives it a higher intake amount.

How many Tons of Snow can These Machines Move?

The Honda is superior in the amount of snow it removes coming in at 50 tons per hour. We compared this to the Ariens which only removes 39 tons per hour.

When we compare the clearing width of both machines, the Honda once again takes the lead. The clearing width comes in at 20 inches while the Ariens comes in at a little under 18 inches.

What are the Pros and Cons of these Snowblowers?

Ariens S18 Single Stage

Pros:

  • Metal Body
  • Diverse terrain
  • Price

Cons:

  • Smaller size
  • Lower clearing width
  • Smaller machine

Honda 20 in HS720C

Pros:

  • Larger machine
  • Large clearing width
  • High snow depth

Cons:

  • Plastic Body
  • Price

Which Brand Is Better Priced

The Honda comes in at $999, which is a hefty price tag compared to the Ariens which retails at $529. At nearly half the price of the Honda, the Ariens is more affordable. Based on the price, the Ariens would suit the private homeowner more than the Honda.

Which Controls and Handles Better

The Ariens has a larger handle which makes it easier to handle when wearing gloves and mittens. Even though the Honda model has a smaller handle, it is still easy to maneuver. Both machines have a great turning circle which makes them easier to use at home for private users.

Which Brand Is More Reliable and Lasts Longer

The Honda is durable and guarantees prolonged clearing power. It is slower than the Ariens but is more durable. The Ariens is designed for diverse terrain which makes it more versatile, but this could affect the durability of the machine.

The Ariens body is metal which is an improvement to the plastic body of the Honda.

Who Should Buy Ariens or the Honda

If you are budget constrained, then Ariens is the machine for you. This is a powerful machine and will be able to successfully cope with the home maintenance snow clearing that you are wanting it to do.

The Honda is double the price of the Ariens, but you get more power and clearing width. The Ariens S18 comes with more features at a lower price tag than the Honda. Comparing these two, our recommendation would be to purchase the Ariens.

Next up is our review of the best two stage snowblowers. Compare the findings to help decide if a two stage or a single stage would suit your needs more.

Best Two Stage – Honda 28 in Wheel Drive HSS928CW Vs Ariens Deluxe 24

What are Our First Impressions?

These machines are very similar even though there are some very important differences. The Honda 28 is a powerful machine but comes at a higher price.

Combine this machine with the Hydrostatic transmission (HST) with Steering Assist Drive System and you have a machine that can handle any project that you need to tackle.

The Ariens’ clearing rate is smaller than the Honda but it handles more ton of snow per hour. Another factor is that is has a smaller throwing distance, so you’ll need to decide if this will be a problem for you.

What are the Key Features of Each Machine?

Specs

Honda 28 in Wheel Drive HSS928CW

Ariens Deluxe 24

Clearing Width

21 In / 71 cm

24 In / 60 cm

Tons/hour

57

62

Starting System

Recoil

Electric

Throwing Distance

52.5 ft.

50 ft

Width

30 In / 77 cm

26 In / 67 cm

Fuel Capacity

5.3 L (1.4 gallons)

10.9 L (2.9 gallons)

Intake housing Height

21 In / 55 cm

21 In / 53 cm

How much Snow can These Machines Shift?

The Honda has a higher intake height at 55 cm, while the Ariens is slightly lower at 53 cm. The throwing distance between these snowblowers are similar.

This is important to consider which one to buy based on your environment, such as how far your neighbors’ houses are and/or their driveways.

Pros And Cons of the Honda 28 and Ariens Deluxe 24

Honda 28 Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Low noise
  • Headlight
  • Built in ice guard
  • Controllable chute

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Less power

Ariens Deluxe 24 Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Made of steel
  • Over-sized impeller
  • Controllable chute

Cons

  • Smaller clearing width
  • Shorter throwing distance

Who Should Buy it?

Obviously, it depends on your project and the tasks that you need a snowblower for. The Ariens is going to suit the private owner more based on the price tag. The Honda will be more capable of handling professional jobs.

Which One is Better Priced?

The price difference between the Honda and Ariens is drastic. The Honda retails for $3599 – while the Ariens retails for $1449. This is a major decision maker when you are comparing these two machines.

Which Controls and Handles Better?

The Ariens is a powerful machine with very high torque. The controls on the Ariens are easy to use. This machine will easily handle the loose snow as it has a higher intake.

One thing to note is that the intake height will be reduced if the snow is wet. In case of wet snow, the Honda will handle this situation better.

Ariens has an over-sized impeller making this machine good at removing soft snow. Throughout the project the Ariens will maintain a good pace as there are 6 forward and 2 backward gears.

Which One Is More Reliable and Lasts Longer

Between these two machines we are splitting hairs other than the price aspect. Both machines are durable and strong and will successfully complete most projects for years to come.

Our Recommendation

Our recommendation is the Ariens Deluxe 24 with its amazing features and reasonable price tag.

The Honda is a powerful machine that can handle diverse projects, but it comes at a price that may cause you to question the value of it.

To complete this review, we are going to compare two different track snowblowers.

Honda 22 in Track Drive HSS622CTD1 Vs Ariens Platinum 28 Rapidtrak Sho

What are Our First Impressions?

The Honda 22 is a compact but strong machine that can be used in numerous projects. It is easy and simple to use.

The track drive allows for the snowblower to be used on different terrain. The movable chute is easy to handle and for you to direct the snow.

The Ariens is a larger machine that has more power, higher clearing width, and has the ability to move more tons of snow than the Honda.

What are the Key Features of Each Machine?

Specs

Honda 22

Ariens Platinum

Clearing Width

21 In / 55 cm

24 In / 71 cm

Tons/hour

Up to 41 tons/hr

73 tons/hr

Starting System

Standard (Back-up)

120v / Electric

Throwing Distance

46 ft.

55 ft.

Width

22 In / 56 cm

29 In / 75 cm

Fuel Capacity

0.6 gal

0.8 gal

Intake housing Height

16.5 In / 42 cm

21 In / 53 cm

How Much Snow Can Each Machine Shift?

The Ariens snow blower has a higher intake height at 53.3cm, while the Honda is at 42cm. Where the Ariens really is the market leader is in its ability to move 73 tons of snow per hour.

Thinking about the clearing width, the Ariens once again steals the show at 71 cm. Combining all these features, the Ariens will make small work of any job you are tackling.

Pros And Cons of the Honda 22 and Ariens Platinum

Ariens Platinum

Pros:

  • Hand warmers available
  • Good steering
  • Cheaper parts

Cons:

  • Not as easy to start
  • More expensive
  • Difficult to maintain

Honda 22

Pros:

  • Easy starting
  • Good resale value
  • Longevity
  • Easy maintenance

Cons:

  • No hand warmer option
  • Not great steering
  • Expensive parts

Which Brand Is Better Priced

Looking at the price of these two machines, the Ariens is slightly cheaper at $2899 while the Honda is $2749. Considering the amount of power and features you get with the Ariens the price tag is quite reasonable.

Which Handles Better?

The Ariens is a versatile machine and can be used on different terrains. It easily plows through soft and wet snow, but it does struggle to remove ice. The Honda is more compact which lends to higher maneuverability; which could be more suited to your needs.

Who Should Buy Which Machine?

Considering price and features the Ariens comes in as the better model. But in terms of ability the Honda is a superior machine.

The Honda has more power and can cope with more diverse projects. Maintenance of the Honda is easier than the Ariens, but the cost of replacing Honda parts is higher than Ariens.

If you are considering selling your snowblower later, Honda should be your choice. Hondas have a higher resale value than the Ariens which is an important aspect to consider when deciding on the right machine for yourself.

Overall Conclusion

After reviewing these different machines and assessing all the features, the Ariens are a better buy.

They are cheaper but are loaded with features. They have all the functionality to cope with most projects and provide you with years of effective use.