I don't need a light and the metal deflector from the compact will probably bolt right on the tek if the platic one breaks

 

As an Ariens fan through and through, I do not believe the Ariens Compact is worth the money. If you are going to spend that money you might as well spend the extra $100. And get the Deluxe 24 which is a considerable upgrade.

If you don't want to spend a $1000. I would recommend the Sno Tek 24 and if you wanted more bells and whistles you may want to look at the Cub Cadet 524 from Tractor Supply if convenient for you.

Best of luck with whichever machine you choose!

 

I would recommend the Sno Tek 24 and if you wanted more bells and whistles you may want to look at the Cub Cadet 524 from Tractor Supply if convenient for you.

I also wasn't impressed with the Sno Tek 24, and ended up with the Cub Cadet 524 SWE, which Home Depot also sells. It had a few more features for not much more money than the Sno Tek. I've been happy with my Cub!

 

A $250 is not trivial when comparing those machines. That's quite a savings.

Aren't the SnoTek machines black? And no light?? What happens when you're working in the street in the middle of the night? Who is going to see you as they approach at 30mph That doesn't sound like a happy outcome.

 

yes, they are black and there is no light. I suppose that could be a safety issue depending where you're using the machine.
I'm not in the market. It was just my observation whilst poking around at HD.

I think I'll always buy Ariens (unless something really bad happens to the quality) and I'll always by from my local independant dealer.

I saw the Cub's also. I didn't inspect them closely, but they appeared to be quite solid as well.

 

I have seen the Snotek in person and was not impressed. Very cheap machine compared to a regular Ariens with poor build quality (which may be the fault of Home Depot). Try to pony-up for the Deluxe 24 if possible, it's a lot of machine for the money and will serve you well for many years.

 

That's a $400.00 dollar difference here in Ontario. I guess you get what you pay for. Grab the handles & pull down and you'll see there's a big weight difference in both machines. The sno tek being lighter & no bells or extra's. Same engine with a different pull handle and I wonder if the engines are really made on the same line? With the same quality parts?

 

Hence the difference in price. Lighter steel, no bells and whistles, but $250 less for the Tek in the U.S. The Tek is not a bad machine for the price was my point.

Does LCT make different levels of the StormForce engines?
I'd bet the engines are identical.