It’s all about making it too difficult for DIY mechanics and get them discouraged.
I haven't looked under the hood of an F150 in a while but the battery is heavy and infrequently replaced. When you look at it that way, locating it low and requiring a bit of effort to access isn't the worst idea and has some advantages over old school placement high in the engine bay. Many euro-cars have had trunk mounted batteries for decades to improve weight balance. Some vehicles now (and not just HD pickups) are running multiple batteries in various locations to spread weight and power throughout the platform.
For me, I want my trucks to have everything that needs service or repairs to be out there and easy access. The last Ford pickup I owned had a 300 I6.
Except the rear main seal. That was the one thing on my '88 F150 that broke that I couldn't fix. Hole rusted through the floor by the highbeam switch as well as much of the body, muffler fell off, but the driveline was amazing (and to be fair took a heck of a beating from me).
Rear main replace on a Ford 300 is easy. Drop the pan and rear main bearing cap. The top side seal pushes around, the bottom snaps into the bearing cap. Under 2 hours without a hoist.
Buy the Honda. I`ve got 3 of `em, two smaller.. the 520 and 720 and the big 724/wheels not track. I`ve lived in real snow areas for ages, Bradford, Barrie and now Kawartha Lakes. I bought the 520 in `98 and the other two within 9 or so years. Overrated?... no, Pricey?...yeah kinda. The little ones are surprisingly capable, I use the 724 for the end of my drive mainly, I`m a corner lot and the plow LOADS me up. At least that`s my opinion, I let a neighbor use the 720 and he went and bought one. Reliability has been #1 and they require little regular maintenance and are easy on gas consumption.
I agree about honda prices. Neighbour was looking for one and found one that looked decent for $1500. It was 30 years old. She decided to look for something newer.
I should clarify, not easy if you're a 17yr old without much experience in this regard and there's no YT vids to show how as it's the early 90's.
Ariens Platinum. Only a few hundred dollars more than a Deluxe and it's lovingly overbuilt and worth it. Huge engine, faster impeller, heated grips, etc. It's a well-made machine and will eat anything you put in front of it and still look brand new years later. Mine's 3yrs old and I'm in a big-snow area and love mine. Never let me down, starts easily, goes through absolutely EVERYTHING and throws it a solid 60ft at least.
Ariens are good, neighbor has a large one. He also just got some ancient small 2 stroke blower that was his Grandfathers. I LMAO at it, sounds like a outboard/chainsaw cross......smells good though.
Never had a problem with the 10.5 motor. 30 years old. It's solid, but lots of rust. Broken springs, cables.
Replace all the springs, cables and drive wheels for $100 and go another 30.
When I got the big 724 I thought maybe I shoulda` got the e-start model. Once I figured it out they start pretty easy though. Just like the old XL250, XL350 and XL500 did. I pull the 724 thru a few times until compression, gas on, choke on, switch on, and one firm pull normally does it.
