How To Use the Ariens RapidTrak and How It Is Different
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ย. 2024
- This is a detailed show and tell on how to use the Ariens RapidTrak. I use the Ariens Pro 28 RapidTrak in the video but this also applies to the Ariens Platinum 28 SHO RapidTrak and the Ariens Pro 32 Rapidtrak.
In addition, I use the Husqvarna ST430T as an example to show how it is different. I also reference the Honda Track Drive and Cub Cadet track drive snow blowers.
I made a mistake in this video. There is one more notch and it lifts the center wheel even higher than what I show in the video. That said, I still prefer to run it in "track mode" without locking the tracks - just letting them float. I get plenty of traction and it steers very easily that way.
Should I make another video or leave this one?
Absolutely outstanding explanations with perfect clarity. One of the reasons why paul does such a great job is that he explains it multiple different ways and he will repeat it. I speed all learned in school, The mother of all learning is repetition. Thanks again paul and a great job!👍
Having just purchased and assembled my 28" Ariens Pro RapidTrak, I'm very pleased. I went back and forth for month's between the RapidTrak and the 32" Honda. I'm very happy with my decision. One thing to point out on this Pro, the rectangular handlebars are AMAZING. Super strong with no "give" to them. Ariens built these bars to last forever. Probably the best handlebars on any machine, old or new. They are the epitome of "heavy duty".
I agree with the new handlebar setup. After running Arien's machines for years with the tube style, this new setup makes the whole machine feel like one solid piece of iron. Extremely well built.
Let's see a video please. I love Ariens pro. Greetings from Salaberry-de-valleyfield.
Thanks Paul. Keep the RapidTrak videos coming! I just got one in Nov and I'm still getting used to it after having a tracked MTD from the late 80's for the last 20+ years.
Thank you , for well explaining these features, I recently purchase arians track blower , and now I feel more confident and how this machine will work. Thank you.
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!
I made a mistake in this video. There is one more notch and it lifts the center wheel even higher than what I show in the video. That said, I still prefer to run it in "track mode" without locking the tracks - just letting them float. I get plenty of traction and it steers very easily that way.
Should I make another video or leave this one?
awesome video Paul! Great details and the delivery is thorough and easily understandable.
Your videos are great! So informative and great capture of video. Keep them up. You might not have a million views but i guarantee every viewer deeply appreciates every second, i do!
I was going back and forth between the Pro 32 Hydro Rapidtrak and the comparable Husqvarna and Honda. This video was helpful in sealing the deal on the Ariens for me.
i've been a wheeled ariens owner for years, got my hands on the rapid track and OMG they puts the wheels units to shame when it comes time to push through compacted snow. i couldn't believe what it was scraping up. no more wheeled units for me in my snow removal business.
There are a lot of good snowblowers that I review - but when I want to clear my driveway - and most of the neighbor's along the block - I grab the RapidTrak!
Bought this one after your video, not unhappy so far :)
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
@@PaulSikkema One question: How do I charge it? There is no free plug to plug the provided charger with - do I have to disconnect something?
I'm guessing you have the Deluxe 30 EFI or one of the other EFI models. The battery is under the dash and looks like a RC car battery (2 inches wide, 6 inches log)
Disconnect the plug to the batter under the dash and plug your charger into the battery.
Watch this video between minute 21 and 23. I show you the plug you need to use. th-cam.com/video/TcT-cdugH_I/w-d-xo.html
After using my Ariens 10-18 for 30 years, with my new Rapidtrak 24, I had to learn with dig-in mode to press down on the handle bars instead of lifting the handle bars! After that I am in love with my new Rapidtrak.
Thanks so much for this content. Best snow blower info I've been able to find online.
Just bought one based on this video for the most part.
I think your reviews are very informative and well thought out. The Honda track machines do have a dig in mode also.
🎄🎅🏿🎁🤶🏾🎄Happy Holidays ⛄️❄️☃️ from 🇺🇸Harrisburg Pennsylvania 🇺🇸 Paul I truly enjoy watching your videos on these Ariens RapidTrak snowblowers ,I’m just waiting patiently for the first snowfall so I can use my brand new 32” Ariens Professional RapidTrak Snow Blower ⛄️❄️☃️ please keep making these informative kind of videos for your 💗 Loyal snow blower followers 😎
Great video. Please do one on rapidtrak assembly and possible adjustments.
Do you want an unboxing? Or just a closeup of the RapidTrak itself?
@@PaulSikkema, I bought my 28" Pro RapidTrak in the crate from Lowe's and put it together myself. It wasn't difficult by any means, but the assembly directions could use some additional wording instead of just "hieroglyphics" (pictures - LOL). Cable routing, especially for the RapidTrak cable (below right handlebar), was confusing. I couldn't tell whether it was supposed to go inside the handlebar and out the hole at the bottom OR somehow attach (zip ties ???) to the outside of the handlebar. Also, the chute unlock cable is a little strange. Almost seems a tad too long. It doesn't lay straight alongside or underneath the silver rod and the black "hook" constantly comes unattached. I'm not crazy about the way Ariens chose to go with this cable. But these are minor annoyances. Nothing to truly complain about.
@@PaulSikkema an unboxing would be great
In the meantime take a look at this video: th-cam.com/video/sp4qWkN5D_U/w-d-xo.html
What an excellent video. I wish I could buy one of these from you.
Thank you for this 😀😀
Thanks for the wonderful explanations, much appreciated!! :)
Excellent video, well explained!
I own the Husqvarna model and it works well for the most part. However as you explain, the traction is not the best especially when the ground is a bit soft as it can be in the beginning of the winter. My neighbor owns an Airens and it is actually a less powerful machine. Despite this it is superior specially in slushy conditions.
I would consider an Airens next time.
Take care!
Greetings from Sweden
THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO. JOB WELL DONE. ANSWERED A LOT OF QUESTIONS FOR ME. HOWEVER, THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME CONFUSION AND MORE QUESTIONS FROM PEOPLE ABOUT THE "TRAK MODES". WOULD YOU CONSIDER DOING A "TRAK MODE" VIDEO IN THE SNOW? CHEERS!
I will as soon as I get some snow. All the snow has been going around me this year and I've had less than 5 inches total. In the meantime check out the end of this video. I go into more detail on the track modes: th-cam.com/video/EbzDT4PyUpc/w-d-xo.html
Good review
Excellent video
thanks for the informative video appreciate the info
Hi Paul, The three different modes for the Rapidtrak are wheeled mode, tracked mode and dig-in mode. We agree on the wheeled mode. I thought the tracked mode was when the track is locked in a position after you sligtly lift up the handle bars. Autoturn would not work in this position.Then if you further lift it up even more it locks in a different place and you can see that the back wheel is pushed further down so more weight is placed to the front.This mode is not shown in you video. It seems like you are defining track mode when the tracks are just released from wheeled mode, but not locked to a fixed position. Then the autoturn would work. I have tried this mode, but the machine just keeps jumping into a locked position (as I described as track mode) when the surface is a little uneven. Do you think Ariens made the machine to operate in the mode you are calling tracked mode? If that is the case, maybe I need to do some adjustments, because mine is just jumping into a locked position.
Yes, the track mode as I explained it is not what Ariens calls the track mode. Track mode from Ariens is when: The tracks are in the wheel mode - you pull the trigger on the handle and they drop down they then lock in the horizontal position. The unit then goes straight. The AutoTurn works in that mode but because the tracks are locked it is harder to turn.
To go to the dig-in mode I have to lift up on the handles about 1 1/2 inches. I don't use that unless I'm trying to clear old, hard snow.
In the video, I show it not locking. After this video, I got a lot of questions about this and realized that because I have the skid shoes set a little higher than normal my unit doesn't lock into the track mode unless I lift up on the handles a little. In practice, I don't need the unit locked in the track mode to give me enough traction. When it does lock I'll pull on the lever when I want to make a course correction which releases the tracks so the AutoTurn works better.
So Ariens has 3 track positions but I use it in the Fourth position where the tracks are not locked most of the time.
When I want to make a 180-degree turn I always push down on the handles a put it in the Wheel mode.
I haven't tried to make any adjustments so the track mode works the way Ariens intended it to.
Hi Paul. I am in the process of purchasing my first snowblower. Your videos are very helpfull in this process. Rapidtrak from Ariens is a clear winner in choosing wich traction system I prefer. I also have another concern, the chute system. The area where i will be throwing the snow is small. I am wondering if all chute system are made equal in term of how precisely you can control where you throw the snow. Thanks for giving your thoughts on this subject.
All of the snow blowers in that price range now have locking chutes and deflectors. The Ariens for example: The handle on the dash locks the deflector into the exact position you want. You can blow snow right next to the snow blower, out 40-50 feet or anywhere in between.
The chute control handle also locks the chute so it points where you want the snow to go. It has a 200 degree rotation so you can blow the snow right by you if needed. The chute control is fast so you can move the chute the full 200 degrees with just a flick of your wrist.
super video
Great job !!!
Good video, thanks :) Question: For gravel, to me it seems that for example husqvarna system might be better, because you can lock it in a set height, what are your thoughts?
You adjust the front skid shoes for the surface you are clearing. 1/8 inch for cement and blacktop - up to 1/2 inch for gravel.
If you have pea gravel that never freezes and firms up the are aftermarket skids called "ArmourSkids" that give you a larger plate under the skid shoe.
If you lock the front at a specific height the snowblower will gouge when it goes over a bump and leave too much snow when it goes through a dip. The skid shoes are designed so the front auger housing follows the contours of the area you are clearing.
Paul - 3?s please? 1. You made a comment about gravel driveways - is it a problem just when in lock down mode? 2. when do you encourage people to consider a Rapid Track over a standard wheel design? 3, Same question re EFI vs Carburetor? Thanks!!
1. It's only a problem when the tracks are in lockdown mode. Otherwise, it acts just like a wheeled unit for gravel and dirt. 2. When you want more traction to bust through deep drifts and snow plow piles. "offroading" clearing a patch of grass out to your storage shed, barns, etc. Any driveway that's hard to walk up - or down. I've gotten to the point where I use the RapidTrack all the time. It's so easy to use! 3. For high altitude, it's a must-have. Anywhere else it starts the first pull - every time. EFI also gives you a little better fuel economy and it's also a lot faster responding to load changes compared to a governor so it does give the same engine more power.
Very good job ,👍
Hello!
I just bought a Husqvarna St 427t after watching your reviews and friends' recommendations.
Wanted to buy a Honda, but they are almost sold out in the EU, because of EU emission-regulations that the Hondas engine did not make.
Had to take the Husqvarna to the dealer after its second use.
The 2 big gears outside of the gearbox, left-hand side, started to grind/slip. (40-50cm deep snow)
Hope it is an easy fix (not shure it is), but I can still return it and get my money back.
Can you make a recommendation video where you compare your top pick snow blowers. Maybe in different price categories?
Greetings from Norway
Welcome! I have a full list of good snowblowers here: movingsnow.com/2019/twenty-best-snow-blowers-fall-2019/
Hopefully you can find one for sale in your area.
Erland I’m from Norway to, and was about to buy the 427T, but after reading this idk anymore. What type of gear was it?
@@Daddelcrusher ILLUSTRATED PARTS LIST
ST 427T
www.husqvarna.com/ddocdownload/HUSI%2FHUSI2019_AAaa%2FHUSI2019_AAaa_591101595_2019-03.pdf
Page 17. Parts 2 and 3. Gear number 1 (part2) is on the driveshaft from the hydrostatic gearbox. It drives gear 2 (part 3) that is on the same axle as the sprocket wheel (part16). You just have to bend down to see them, there is no cover/backplate on the st427t. Il report back when i hear from the shop. (Eiksenteret)
Erland Thank you! Report when u hear back.
@@Daddelcrusher Waiting for parts.
Hello, from central British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦, can you please go into more detail/comparison,
manufacturer's systems, on the hydrostatic drive.
I currently have a 24in. T Built 3 stage, 277cc's, which is 5 seasons in use, (which BTW no,
it dose not effortlessly, auger through plow drifts!) changed out the friction drive disk,
this last October, and should also have changed both propel & auger drive belt'$ simultaneously.
Next snow blower will definitely be {HYDROSTATIC DRIVE!}, rubber friction disk's, rubber belts working against
metal plates-pullies, that's just a recipe for agrivation, to quote Murphy's law.
If it'll break down, it it at the worst possible time, in the dark, place (whilst helping your neighbors, embarrassing)
plus in the worst WX weather!
Hydrostatic drives are expensive so you only see them on the high-end, commercial models. Toro and Ariens both offer high capacity 28 inch and larger snowblowers with hydro drive.
Just look at all those cables on the Husqvarna. Ariens all the way.
The reason the Husqvarna has so many cables is because you can change the handlebar height. They work for short or tall people.
I wish this video would have come out over this past weekend, on Tuesday I ordered a platinum 24 efi model... sure hope I didn't make a mistake by not getting the rapid track setup.. any quick opinion on the platinum 24 efi would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
The Platinum 24 EFI is 275 lbs and all the weight is balanced over the wheels so it has a lot of traction compared to other wheeled snow blowers. If your driveway is so steep you have a hard time walking up it in the winter then you may want the RapitTrak - otherwise the Platinum 24 EFI will work well.
Thanks! 👍🏻
Do we know if this model will climb stairs like the "Platinum" model demonstrated in the Stanley "Dirt Monkey" video?
I know - yes, the Pro does it even better with the hydro transmission. You can creep up or down going forward or in reverse.
Do you need to keep the snowblower inside or can you leave it outside your house in winter.
Yes, you can leave outside but I highly recommend you cover it. A generic 2-stage snowblower cover works the best because it keeps the snow off the unit but the cover breathes so it lets moisture escape. A fitted bedsheet from a full-size bed also works. (Last resort is a cheap plastic tarp). Also you may want to leave an extension cord laid out to the snowblower so you can easily start it when it's really cold.
@@PaulSikkema
Thanks for the feedback better I leave it in the heated basement
I loved my rapidtrak 24 last year so much I sold it to my brother in law so i could get a rapidtrak 28. The twenty four was awesome, but due to the size and slope of my driveway, and snow amount, you advised a twenty eight would get me done sooner. I'm thinking the platinum sho will be enough, and don't see an advantage to the hydro 28. What do you think?
The Platinum Rapidtrak 28 is just a larger version of your Compact 24. Larger impeller so it will throw snow farther and faster, plus it's 4 inches wider. More power, more capacity and wider width will make it a lot faster than the 24.
The Hydro 28 is a commercial machine. It's built a lot heavier, stronger handlebars, even larger engine, and huge capacity. If you are doing your driveway and a dozen more or you get over 100 inches of snow every year then it's a better choice.
Thanks. Sold my 24 to my brother in law, and bought the 28 on your advice. Can't wait for the snow to dump to try it out! I got the 28 with the smaller engine.@@PaulSikkema
How often do the treads on a Trak machine need to be replaced? Do they wear any faster than a machine with tires?
My guess every 20 years for commercial and never for residential. I know 30 year old Craftsman tracked snowblowers that show no wear or cracking. Todays tracks, like this Rapidtrak have better rubber and design so they should last the life of the snowblower.
@@PaulSikkema Thanks for the reply, Paul! Most appreciated.
I bought an Ariens RapidTrak 28 inch SHO because of your video, and it rocks. I've used it a few times but now it seems like the back wheels are locked in the down position, and the lever wont release. Any ideas? I tried everything from this video.
- If you lift up on the handles and then pull the trigger does it release? Adjust the cable down by the transmission so it releases.
- Does the lever move but it won't release the tracks. Look down by the transmission and check to see if the pin connecting the cable to the lever that locks it in the slot is there. Is there a spring clip holding that pin in place?
- Have someone help you and put a 2x4 or block under track - under the large drive wheel. Have someone try to use the lever while you wiggle the small wheels up and down. Can you see anywhere the lock, cable and other parts are binding? Wiggle the locking lever that goes into the slot at the end of the cable when you lift up on the small wheels. Is that loose? Can you release the tracks that way. If you can another pin or bolt is lose.
@@PaulSikkema Thanks for the help! You the man!
Great video. Do you think the Ariens Compact 24 RapidTrak would be powerful enough for the biggest snowstorms and end of driveway pile of snow? Or a more powerful snowblower like a Ariens Deluxe or Toro Power Max 824 oe would be better for such a scenario? I really want the RapidTrak, but can't afford the higher end models. Thanks.
To give you the best response please tell me where you live and how big is the area you want to clear.
Certainly, I live in Quebec City, Canada, so we get an aversge of 120 inches every winter. My driveway is 25x30 feet, but I also want to blow snow in my backyard (grass) to make some space for my dog to do his things. Thanks for your time.
I don't recommend the Toro 824 at all - The Toro 826 OAE is a better choice from Toro.
The best snowblower for the amount of snow you get and getting out in the backyard would be the Ariens Deluxe 24 or 28. With the larger tires and 14 inch impeller you don't need the RapidTrak. That said, I understand the cost factor.
The Ariens Compact RapidTrak will be easy to use. It will take you a little longer than the Deluxe models but will still do a good job. (I'm trying to get my sister to buy the Compact RapidTrak because she has a sloped driveway and also wants to clear lawn for her chihuahuas)
@@PaulSikkema Thanks for your detailed answer. I have one last question if you don't mind. I found a dealer 30 minutes from me that sells Ariens and he has Deluxe 24 Rapidtraks for sale. Now, I know this is not an official model from Ariens, so I guess he added Rapidtraks to Deluxe models. But if it were you, which one would you pick between this and a Honda HSS724? (prices are similar).
Does it say Deluxe 24 on the console? Do the tracks have only 2 wheels? If it has 3 wheels in the tracks it's not a RapidTrak and I don't recommend it.
Lastly, will the dealer warranty it (in writing) for the full Ariens factory warranty period?
Paul, do you know when the EFI Rapidtrak will be available in the USA ??
Not this year. The Kraken has EFI but it's already sold out.
I am now subscribe to your great channel. I recently received delivery of the new Ariens Kraken snowblower with the rapid tracks. I will be removing the big wheel to grease the shaft and to get to the grease fitting on the side near the track. Once I loosen the track to remove the clip and then remove the big wheel, do you know once I re install the wheel and the track what is the tension should i apply on the tracks from the adjustments bolts? Thanks for your help.
I suggest counting the turns on the tensioner bolt/nut when you remove it. That way you can return the tension to the same position as before.
@@PaulSikkema thank you Paul. I will try that. Have you checked out the new Ariens Kraken yet? I enjoy all your videos. Excellent work sir.
Yes, I was able to play with that snowblower 6 months before anyone else. No, question - it's the biggest baddest snowblower on the market. The best thing about it is that it's so easy to use!
@@PaulSikkema Thank you Paul for your input. My new Kraken is sitting in my garage waiting for the first snow fall. I'm sure I'm going to love it. This is my third Ariens. I keep upgrading but I think this Kraken will be the top of the line for sure. I can see that digging in any type of packed snow because of the digging motion. I like the button for the chute, very convenient , just using the thumb. But for putting the track back on the wheel, I will follow your advise by counting the turns on the ratchet. Oh I forgot to mention the lighting on that machine. People going to think a UFO landed in my driveway lol lol.
Im looking for a blower that will be gentle on my lawn. I live in a harsh climate so I want to be able to get rid of the majority of snow on my lawn a couple of times during winter to speed up the grass growing season. From what i´ve seen on this and some other videos of yours, I get the impression that the "digging down" function on the Ariens wouldn´t leave a particular nice turf behind. And perhaps a blower with an hydralic system might be favourable as I would be able to leave a couple of inches of snow behind on the ground without damaging my turf to bad? Would you say that is a fair assesment, or will the rapid track do a good job under those conditions? Honda is also considered, but the rate the breaking pins are snapping on the newer Hondas are a big worry as im having to remove alot of snow from roof avalanches around the house. What would be your recommendation? Love your work, so informative, keep em coming Paul!
I'll let you in on a secret. The snow blower you really want will be available about Sept 1st. It's tracked, will have the adjustments you want so it doesn't dig up your lawn, is a proven design that has a higher capacity than the Honda. Hint - It's not yellow or orange and does not use shear pins...
@@PaulSikkema I see where you getting with this, and that leaves me very excited as I have wished for that very company to come out with exactly that. This might be the one to rule them all. Cheers for getting back to me and have a great weekend Paul!
I really dont like the auto turn. Tried out a rapidtrack from my local dealer at my place since im on the look for a new blower. I have a incline from the garage to the street and need to drive the blower on flat ground and at a angle the rest of the space.
The unit pulls downwards the incline immediately because of the auto turn. The problem was that when the scraperbar catched som ice towards the sides, It turned that direction.
My dealer gave me some plastic skids to mount up front to minimize the friction on the front of the blower, and it helped alot, but still not good enough.
If u have a flat space to clear snow auto turn is great, but it doesnt work for everyone.
Ariens should let people decide If they want auto turn or manual clutch.
There really is a "best" snow blower for you. But, right now it's not Ariens. I suggest either the Toro Power Max HD 1028 or the 1428. the 1428 has similar capacity to the Ariens Pro's and has trigger steer.
So does the unit free wheel down a hill because of the Auto Turn? That doesn't seem safe with a 300 lb machine and uncertain footing.
No, The AutoTurn is an auto-locking differential - just like the one in your car. It is NOT a freewheel.
In other words it automatically releases one side when you turn but otherwise power is going to both wheels all the time. Just like in your car when you are going i a straight line - either uphill or downhill - the power goes to both wheels. When you turn, the differential in your car releases the inside wheel so you don't scrub your tires. The AutoTurn works the same way.
So do I get the Kraken or the Husqvarna 430T? My store has both,
The choice is yours but I would buy the Kraken. It's more money but worth every penny compared to the 430T
Honda’s tracked blowers can lift the front drive wheel to get more bite.
These do the same. He spoke about it but did not show that the rear wheels will actually go one level lower than flat to the dig in mode.
Any thoughts on the rubber tracks? They are not as deep grooved or heavy as other tracks. I hope they hold up.
I'm not sure I understand your comment. Are you talking about the old Craftsman tracks made for them by Noma? They did have tall, flat paddles. These are vulcanized rubber - just like your car tires. If you look at the RapidTrak side-by-side to the Husqvarna the RapidTraks are deeper tread.
@@PaulSikkema As I commented elsewhere, I just got one. The rubber on the track isn't as thick as most others. The tread is also not as deep as my old machine. I assume they will hold up, but it is something that caught my eye.
How high up are the handlebars? At 6'5 my back needz all the help that i can get.
Highest in the industry. You'll like them
Best deals? Lowe's has discontinued on line sale of the rapid trac?
If your asking if they have deals - I highly doubt it. The Platinum RapidTrak is the best they have listed in my area. No Pro models.
Not sure you had really put it in "dig mode" on the Ariens.
It's hard to see with the camera but when "locks" the handles will not move up or down.
@@PaulSikkema I went to check on mine (thanks so much for the help earlier this year), and i must say that i had the same thought initially; you were locked in "Track" mode. When you press on the handle from the "Wheeled" position, the rear axle will fall down and remain loose. You need to lift it up a bit to lock it in "Track" position. Now to get the "Digger" mode you need to really lift it up more by the handlebars and find another lockable position below the tracked one so that the main wheels will stand much higher then. From what i get, all 3 modes should "lock" the track handle when properly set?
Thanks, You are correct, I've been using it wrong for 2 years! There is one more notch and it lifts the center wheel even higher than what I show in the video. That said, I still prefer to run it in "track mode" without locking the tracks - just letting them float. I get plenty of traction and it steers very easily that way.
@@PaulSikkema First of all Thank you for your video. but at 3:50 you are not in track mode as the rear driven axle shaft is just floating, At 4:08 you are in track mode. If after that you were to squeeze the lever and lift another say 2 to 3 inches then let go of the lever you will see that the rear driven shaft will lock in an even lower position creating even more down force onto the front edge of the plow.
@@PaulSikkema Yeah that's something i wondered too, it's a "4th" mode technically...and quite useful to turn as you stated. I think your video is fine, although could add a little "snippet" of the digger position if you want it to be absolutely complete, or just an image to save your time.
I like watching all your comparison videos and action videos...but I have to respectfully disagree with one thing on this video and that is the speeds. I have an old white outdoor products (1981 I think) track drive machine I recently restored and a 2 year old Craftsman sb470 wheeled machine and the speeds between the 2 are very similar.....accept maybe reverse......The reverse on my track drive machine is actually a bit faster than my Craftsman wheeled machine.....no disrespect intended of course.....just something I have noticed between my 2 machines....Unless of course I misunderstood your speed comparisons.
Back then some of the manufactures would change the transmission gear ratios so the track drive machines would go as fast as their wheeled units. Today, they don't. Since the track's main drive wheel is usually smaller (except the Ariens) the machines are slower than the wheeled version.
@@PaulSikkema I appreciate the information.....the very slow reverse is the only complaint I have about my Craftsman SB470.....Other than that it is a great machine with the impellar mod I did....I can not afford Ariens machines....after watching the Ariens blow snow I see they do not need the impellar MOD as other MTD ,Craftsman, ETC. machines benefit from.
When blowing more than 3 inches of snow, you can't go faster than the max speed of a tracked unit anyway. The added speed from a wheeled blower does not provide any benefit at all. Tracks have so many advantages over wheels that the only reason people buy wheeled units is because they are cheaper.
You are correct for most of the tracked snowblowers but this RapidTrak is different.
It has a lot more capacity than the other brands so it will clear a lot deeper snow at speeds faster than most of the other tracked machines will go.
With the large drive wheel it also goes as fast as a wheeled unit.
ATTENTION: ALL 2-Stage Snow Blower.Machine Owners and Paul (the video person):
I’m needing help with a decision. I’ve been a Honda man for 40+ years and now interested in their HSS1332 track unit. However my interest has become confusing since I also really like the top of the line Toro gas units. Well now you threw a monkey wrench into the mix with this Ariens RapidTrack. Out of these three company’s machines which would you recommend and why. Please not only tell me the why you’d recommend whatever you do, but also why you would not choose whichever of the two others you did not pick.
The current Honda HSS1332AT / HSS1332ATD (D is for electric start) is about 6 years old. About 4 years ago they changed the chute so it wouldn't plug as often clearing heavy/wet snow.
You may not be able to find a Honda. They have been out of production for a year and I was told by a rep that they "will make very few" this season.
Ariens:
Ariens has two 32 inch models that compare. The Mountaineering and the Kraken. Both have about 30% more capacity than the Honda. They both have 420cc EFI engines that are outputting at least 15 HP (no one will list HP anymore) What this means is you can easily clear 12 inches plus as fast as you can walk and of course can handle deeper snow if needed.
The Ariens automatically adjust to higher altitudes and fuels.
They both throw snow up to 60 feet and won't clog on heavy/wet snow.
Both have 12 volt onboard electric start.
The Ariens WILL NOT plug on any type of snow
They both use a commercial grade hydro that is a lot stronger than the other dual hydros on the market.
The AutoTurn makes it very easy to turn - even with the engine turned off. There is a hydro-release lever so you can roll it around with the engine off. (Though I still use a furniture mover if I have to move it more than a few feet) It has all the traction you'll need and just by pulling a small lever you have the maneuverability of a wheeled unit.
The handles are 1 1/4 inch square tube.
The new Electric chute control is FAST and the thumb switch is right by the right hand. You don't have to take your hand off the handle to use it.
The Mountaineering has great LED lighting but the Kraken has over-the-top 360-degree lighting - including a spotlight on the top of the chute deflector...
The only time I've ever broken a shear bolt on an Ariens was when I stuck it in a chain-link fence.
With normal maintenance, the Ariens RapidTrak will easily give you 20 years plus.
Spend 30 minutes with an Ariens RapidTrak and 30 minutes with the new Honda HSS1332 - you pick the Ariens every time.
You can check out the Ariens models I telling you about here: www.ariens.com/en-us/power-equipment/snow-products/snow-blowers/professional#models
Toro:
The Toro will not plug on heavy/wet snow. It has more capacity than the Honda.
It has a larger engine than the Honda and throws snow as far as the Honda.
It uses the Toro Quickstick chute control. It is mechanical and is a LOT faster than the Honda electric
It has great traction and the tracks adjust very similarly to the Honda.
It uses trigger steering like the Honda.
Reading reviews the Toro had an issue with the hydro drive belt not being tight enough when the unit was first sold last year. That is fixed for this season and all the original units were upgraded.
Toro is here: www.toro.com/en/homeowner/snow-blowers/power-trx-hd-1432-ohxe-commercial-38891
My Opinion:
Personally, I've gotten used to the Ariens AutoTurn and I now have a hard time remembering to pull the triggers on the trigger steer snowblowers like the Honda, Toro, and Cub Cadets when I want to turn. I also like that the 32 inch will basically clear snow as fast as you can walk.
You never have to wait on the Ariens or Toro to catch up on the amount of snow going into the snowblower. Either one has a lot more capacity than the Honda.
Honda is here: powerequipment.honda.com/snowblowers/models/hss1332at-hss1332atd#Specs
@Paul Sikkema Sorry I track of this when you originally answered it. I pretty much have made up my mind to get the Kraden as soon as I can financially. I also will get the single stage commercial unit from Ariens, this 21 “ unit with the electronic control will complete my wish list. I think Honda makes great equipment but they have not kept up with their competitors. Thanks again, Michael