The Battle Between Ariens 920021 and Husqvarna ST224
We are now going to compare the Ariens snow blower model 920021 with the Husqvarna model ST224. Both models are two stage snow blowers with the same engine power at 208cc or 6.4 HP.
Just what are the differences between these two models? The main differences will be displayed in the chart below. Some features have advantages over the others. It all depends upon the need of the buyer and conditions where they live.
Ariens 24-Inch Comp Snow-Thro 920021 2-Stage
Husqvarna ST224 Two-Stage Snowblower
Differences Chart
| Ariens Model: 920021 | Husqvarna Model: ST224 |
| Price: $1,099.00 | Price: $864.00 |
| Amazon Rating: 3.2 | Amazon Rating: 4.2 |
| Auger Diameter: 11-Inches | Auger Diameter: 12-Inches |
| Chute Radius: 205 Degrees | Chute Radius: 180 Degrees |
| Chute Rotation: Crank | Chute Rotation: Lever |
| Clearing Depth: 20-Inches | Clearing Depth: 23-Inches |
| Drive System: Disc-O-Matic | Drive System: Friction Disc |
| Gas Tank: 3.2 quarts | Gas Tank: 2.8 quarts |
| Hand Warmers: No | Hand Warmers: Yes |
| Headlights: Halogen | Headlights: LED |
| Reverse Speeds: 2 | Reverse Speeds: 1 |
| Throwing Distance: 40 Feet | Throwing Distance: 35 Feet |
| Warranty – Gear Case: 5 Years | Warranty – Gear Case: None |
| Weight: 187 lbs. | Weight: 200 lbs. |
Major Differences Between Models
- Price: Husqvarna is $226 less than Ariens.
- Amazon Rating: Husqvarna rates higher 4.2 to 3.2
- Auger Diameter: The Husqvarna model is 1 inch higher than Ariens.
- Chute Radius: The Ariens model has 25 degrees more turning capability.
- Chute Rotation: The Ariens model has a crank verses a lever with Husqvarna.
- Clearing Depth: Husqvarna has 3 inch height snow removal advantage.
- Drive System: Ariens has a Disc-O-Matic verses Friction Disc for Husqvarna.
- Gas Tank: The Ariens model can hold .4 quarts more fuel for longer sessions.
- Hand Warmers: The Husqvarna model has hand warmers where Ariens does not.
- Headlights: Ariens has Halogen verse LED for the Husqvarna model.
- Reverse Speeds: Ariens has two (2) verses one (1) for Husqvarna.
- Throwing Distance: The Ariens can toss snow 5 feet further than the Husqvarna.
- Gear Case Warranty: The Ariens model has a 5-year warranty verses none for Husqvarna.
- Weight: Ariens model is 13 lbs. lighter than Husqvarna.
The areas where these units are the same is: engine type 4-cycle OHV, impeller diameter 12”, clearing width 24”, electric start, auger material serrated steel, forward speeds (6), tires (X-Trac), gear case (aluminum), machine warranty 3 years, and torque of 9.5 lbs.
Comparisons between the Models
- If price is your major concern for a two-stage snow blower, then the Husqvarna model is for you as its $300 less than the Ariens model.
- Reverse speeds on the Ariens model has two verses one on Husqvarna.
- Throwing distance on the Ariens model can toss snow 5’ further than the Husqvarna.
- Clearing depth on the Husqvarna can clear three more inches than the Ariens model.
- The chute radius is 25 degrees more on the Ariens model than on the Husqvarna.
- If you are concerned about weight, the Husqvarna is 13 lbs. heavier than the Ariens model.
- The Ariens model has a 1/3 quart larger gas tank for longer snow removal sessions.
Both models provide basically the same features which the exceptions mentioned above. You will need to determine which features you actually need and then select the model that best fits your snow blowing needs.
Factors To Consider In Your Decision
Besides knowing which specific features you need in a snow blower, you also have to consider some factors before making your final decision. Check out these factors below.
- Consider the amount of snowfall your area receives during a normal winter season. These snowfalls will vary from season to season and from area to area. Buy a snow blower that best fits your situation.
- The type of snowfall you get is also important. Is the snow normally dry verses wet? A lighter snowfall is much easier to remove than wet and will have less strain on the engine for single stage snow blowers. One drawback on single stage units is they have difficulty in removing wet snow.
- In some cases, using a two stage snow blower is just too much. You may get by on using a single stage snow blower and save money on your budget as these units are generally less expensive and lighter in weight and easier to store for the season.
- Does the average snowfall generally fall in amounts above eight (8) inches or more? If yes, than a two-stage snow blower should be considered.
- Single stage snow blowers have limits on how much snow depth they can remove and clear in one pass. They average from 8” to 12” in depth, and 14 to 20 inches in clearing width. Two stage snow blowers average 14 to 24 inches in clearing depth, and 24 to 30 inches in clearing width. Widths wider than 30” usually are for commercial use and are very expensive.
- Note: As the width or height inches increase, the price of the unit will cost more. This holds true for both single and two stage snow blowers.
- What is the throwing distance of the snow blower? Single stage units tend to have less throwing distance and average about 20 to 30 feet, verses two stage snow blowers where they can throw snow anywhere from 35 to 50 feet away.
- How much snow must be cleared off sidewalks and driveways? Each home will be different. Some have longer and wider driveways than others. If your driveway is longer than 60 feet, a two-stage snow blower should be considered.
- Surface type. If you have unpaved or gravel driveway, a single stage snow blower should not be used as they tend to throw lose stones and rocks which can cause damage to the machine and yourself. On a two stage machine you can set the skid shoes so that the bottom of the machine is just above the unpaved or gravel surface.
- Storage space. A single stage snow blower is much easier to store in small places. A two stage snow blower takes a lot more space. Review your space requirements and choose a snow blower that will fit into that space.
Using a snow blower is by far a lot better than having to remove the snow by shovel.
Differences Between Single and Two Stage Snow Blowers
The major difference between a single and two stage snow blower is the oil and gas are normally combined together for single stage machine and they have separate compartments on two stage machines. There are some single stage machines on the market today that have separate compartments for the oil and gas. Try to find one of those snow blowers.
Recommended
It is recommended that you should add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and to the reserve fuel to keep the gas fresh for the winter season. Fuel stabilizers keep gas fresh for up to one year. It also helps keep the carburetor clean and from getting clogged as well. Gas normally gets stale after 30 days if not treated with a stabilizer.
Conclusion
The winner of this comparison is Husqvarna. It has a greater rating from Amazon customers who purchased the machine and it has hand warmers. The huge difference is the price as this model is $230 less than the Ariens. For less money you can put up with less throwing distance, chute radius, and gas tank.