Husqvarna vs Ariens Snowblower: Battle of the Heavyweights

If you live in an area with harsh winters, owning a snow blower is virtually a necessity. While many people get by just fine with cheap snow blowers or even just a snow shovel, those who deal with the harshest winters know that snow removal is a job best left to the heavyweights.

Both Husqvarna and Ariens make some of the most powerful and reliable snow blowers on the market. But which company makes the best products for you? We’re going to find that out today in our snow blower showdown.

The Case for Gas Snow Blowers

When it comes to tools, there are electric or battery-powered models of virtually every power tool on the market, including snow blowers. But not all snow blowers are created equally, and electric snow blowers have some inherent drawbacks that gas snow blowers don’t suffer from.

Electric snow blowers top out at a certain size. Unlike gas snow blowers, which are available in much more substantial and higher-powered models, electric snow blowers can only generate enough power to clear a path 25” wide in snow that’s a maximum of 13” deep. Many electric models fall short of those specs, as well.

Meanwhile, gas snow blowers can work in much more cumbersome and deeper snow, and the housings can be built larger to clear a wider area in a single pass. The largest gas models are capable of clearing paths over 40” wide in snow that’s up to two feet deep.

If you regularly deal with snow and wintery weather, opting for a gas snow blower is a no-brainer.

Husqvarna vs. Ariens: Brand Histories

Both brands have a long-established history of excellence when it comes to making outdoor power tools.

Husqvarna Company History

Husqvarna has quite a storied history. The company had existed since 1689; when it opened, its doors in Husqvarna, Sweden as a rifle manufacturer. Through the years, they produced products designed to meet consumer demand.

When rifle sales tailed off, they began producing products like sewing machines and bicycles. Later, the company began producing power tools such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, and snow blowers.

Today, they’re one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, and countless professionals rely on their tools to get the job done.

Ariens Company History

Ariens hasn’t been around quite as long, but they still have quite the storied history. It was first incorporated in 1933 as a power equipment manufacturer. At the urging of one of their Northeast distributors, Ariens began working on prototype snowblowers, and by 1960, they were ready for market.

Ariens makes some of the best high-end consumer and commercial snow blowers on the market, and they have the distinction of being the brand of choice at the White House and Lambeau Field.

Husqvarna & Ariens: Parent Companies

Husqvarna Group

This is the parent company of Husqvarna. They own a wide variety of brands:

• Husqvarna
• Gardena
• McCulloch
• PoulanPro
• Weed Eater
• Flymo
• Jonsered
• Klippo
• Diamant Boart
• RedMax
• HTC
• Blastrac

AriensCo

AreinsCo is the parent company of Ariens. They own a few different brands:

• Ariens
• Gravely
• Rapid Care
• Countax
• Westwood
• ASMotor

Husqvarna vs. Ariens: Product Lines

Both Husqvarna and Ariens sell a wide variety of products. Below, you’ll find what each brand’s product line consists of.

Husqvarna Product Lines

Husqvarna also sells outdoor power equipment, but they have a wider variety of products available.

Here are some of the specific types of products you can purchase from Husqvarna:

• Robotic Lawn Mowers
• Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
• Riding Lawn Mowers
• Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
• Push Lawn Mowers
• Stand-On Lawn Mowers
• Chainsaws
• Pole Saws
• Forestry Clearing Saws
• Axes
• Personal Protective Equipment
• String Trimmers
• Leaf Blowers
• Combi Trimmers
• Hedge Trimmers
• Lawn Edgers
• Snowblowers
• & More

Ariens Product Line

Ariens sells a few different outdoor power products.

Here are some of the specific types of products you can purchase from Ariens:

• Zero-Turn Mowers
• Power Brushes
• Snow Blowers
• & More

Husqvarna vs. Ariens: Brand Reputation & Cost of Tools

Here we’ll go over the reputations and cost of the tools of each brand.

Husqvarna Reputation and Tool Affordability

Husqvarna is one of the most reliable and durable outdoor power equipment brands on the market. Not only that, but their lawnmowers also come with plenty of sought-after features. Some of those features include pedal-operated speed, ergonomic seating, and direction control.

Most recently, Consumer Reports recognized Husqvarna as one of the most reliable lawn mower brands on the market. Consumer Reports recommends multiple Husqvarna lawn mowers also. Perhaps the only downside to this lawn mower brand is that its products typically come with a premium price tag.

Ariens Reputation and Tool Affordability

Ariens uses Kawasaki, Kohler, and Briggs and Stratton engines across their product lines. The Briggs and Stratton engines are used on their smaller product models intended for residential areas, and the Kohler and Kawasaki engines appear in entry-level, mid-range, and high-end models. Ariens uses heavy-duty steel for its chassis across all of its product lines. This steel helps fortify the frame and extends the life of the machine.

Owners report a range of problems, both small and large, with Ariens products. Some of these complaints are reported shortly after purchase, and others are reports of consumers experiencing difficulty getting repairs in a timely fashion.

With proper maintenance, Ariens zero-turn mowers should last you for years. However, without a better track record of customer reviews, it’s hard to give Ariens the same stamp of approval that Husqvarna gets. Instead of giving good reviews about tool reliability, consumers often report parts breaking and that they have to wait months for repairs.

Who Are These Snow Blowers Best For?

Whichever you end up going for, both brands make products for discerning customers who need to move serious amounts of snow.

Husqvarna aims its snow blowers at the mid-high-end consumer or professional who is looking for reliable performance and power without entering into the $3,000+ range of ultra-high-end snowblowers.

Meanwhile, Ariens covers a similar market to Husqvarna but also makes plenty of ultra-high-end models with price tags well over $3,000 designed to move monumental amounts of snow. These models are usually reserved for professionals, but gearheads who aren’t restricted by a budget are also keen on their products.

Meanwhile, if you don’t deal with as much snow each winter and you’re just looking for a small snow blower to help you save time and energy, you may be better off with a smaller, lower-end machine for your needs.

Snow Blower Showdown: Husqvarna vs. Ariens

Now that we’ve covered a bit more about these two heavyweight brands, let’s determine the best snow blower for you as we pit two of their most popular models against each other in our challenge.

HUSQVARNA Deluxe Snow Blower Cover 531308201

The ST330P is a top performer, and it was specially developed for people who need a high-performance snow blower that’s capable of clearing serious amounts of snow in a short period. With a working width of 30”, this blower can make quick work of even the largest properties.

This two-stage blower delivers impressive throwing capacity thanks to its large 369cc 11 horsepower engine. Hydrostatic transmission with power steering ensures reliable and smooth operation. The heavy tread tires keep the machine moving, even in the deepest snow.

All of the components are built to last. This is especially true with the heavy-duty auger housing, which is arguably the most important part of the blower.

This blower also has a few luxury features you’re sure to appreciate. This includes an ultra-bright LED headlamp and heated handle grips.

What We Like

• Easy to maneuver despite its large size
• Heavy-duty components
• Heated handle grips
• Five-year warranty

What Could Be Better

• Difficult to find service centers

Ariens ST30DLE Platinum Series

The ST30DLE is the closest direct competitor to the Husqvarna model above. It delivers impressive specs and is capable of clearing an incredible amount of snow in short periods.

This model features a massive 414cc AX Gen 3 engine. It powers a large 14” impeller that’s capable of throwing snow an incredible 55 feet. The Disco-O-Matic transmission provides six forward and two reverse speeds. The auto-turn steering helps make this one of the easiest snow blowers to operate despite its massive size.

Similar to the ST330P above, all the components are heavy-duty and built to last, especially the cast iron gear case. Heated handles and a halogen headlamp are also included and help make this blower comfortable to use even in the darkest and coldest conditions.

What We Like

• Incredibly high-powered
• Heavy-duty components
• Heated handle grips
• Throws snow up to 55 feet

What Could Be Better

• Only a three-year warranty

Husqvarna vs. Ariens: Final Verdict

While both of these products represent two of the best snow blowers you could buy, there can only be one winner in our snow blower battle.

While the Ariens blower doesn’t offer quite the same warranty as the Husqvarna, it more than makes up for it with the added power provided by its much larger engine.

There’s very little else that separates these two amazing snow blowers. The larger engine and higher power of the Ariens make it the clear winner in our eyes. Which snow blower is your top pick? Leave a comment to let us know.

Husqvarna vs. Ariens: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ariens a good brand?

Yes, Ariens is a good brand. Lots of homeowners like them because products are available at reasonable prices.

How long do Husqvarna products last?

Tools need regular maintenance. Assuming you take good care of your tool, your Husqvarna products can last up to ten years.

Who makes Husqvarna?

Husqvarna Group is the parent company and manufacturer of Husqvarna products.

Does Husqvarna own Ariens?

No, Husqvarna does not own Ariens.