New snow blower - Ariens 22"

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TMonter

TMonter

Minister of Fire
Feb 8, 2007
1,526
Hayden, ID
Well I finally bit the bullet and bought a new blower. I've been running the old 1974 Ariens for about 5 years now and it's been a good solid snowblower, but it just couldn't break up drifts or plow berms. I was getting tired of having to hand shovel everything.

The new one has and Ariens 208cc Series motor which I would have preferred to be a Subaru Robin SX21 but given the price I know why they used this engine. The new engine is closer to 6.5HP I believe.

I did talk to a local repair show who has sold a few of the LCT engines and said out of around 20 of them they've only had one back and it was a minor fuel line issue.

I'll post some more when I get to fire this one up and use it.
 

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I hope you have as good luck with the new one as the old one. My parents have a similiar vintage one and it it just keeps running. The friction clutch disk is about triple the size of newer designs. I think I changed it once and maybe a few belts.
 
WHEN I get a new one, I am going Toro. Anything that led you too the Ariens?
 
CTwoodburner said:
WHEN I get a new one, I am going Toro. Anything that led you too the Ariens?
Click to expand...

Various reviews and my past experience with their equipment were big selling points for me. I would have bought one of their pro series models but they were a bit large for my use. I have a relatively small driveway.

I should note that in this size the equivalent Toro seemed like the same construction and being an engineer I didn't like the chute design as much.

Also the equivalent Toro was $400 more money. For that kind of money even if the Ariens motor has issues I could buy a Subaru SX21 Robin engine plus the Ariens blower for the same price. I do like the chute control on the Toro better but it wasn't near $400 nicer and not even $100 nicer IMO.
 
TMonter said:
CTwoodburner said:
WHEN I get a new one, I am going Toro. Anything that led you too the Ariens?
Click to expand...

Various reviews and my past experience with their equipment were big selling points for me. I would have bought one of their pro series models but they were a bit large for my use. I have a relatively small driveway.

I should note that in this size the equivalent Toro seemed like the same construction and being an engineer I didn't like the chute design as much.

Also the equivalent Toro was $400 more money. For that kind of money even if the Ariens motor has issues I could buy a Subaru SX21 Robin engine plus the Ariens blower for the same price. I do like the chute control on the Toro better but it wasn't near $400 nicer and not even $100 nicer IMO.
Click to expand...

Nobody seems to appreciate the thought, and engineering that went into the PowerMax (Toro's 2-stage units) blowers until they see it in action in sloppy wet snow. The unique shape of the impeller housing, the floating composite chute, easy chute control that actually works and remains reliable season after season, composite upper impeller housing, and a proven gearbox that does not require a shear pin will all be the reason I buy Toro when it's time.

Other manufacturers choose to sell their machines with features that sell well with the average consumer crowd. Things like "all steel construction" "cast-iron gearbox" "heated hand grips" "42 inch clearing width" look great on the box but do little to enhance the performance of the machine in the snow. Last I checked wet snow still sticks to steel, cast aluminum and cast iron gearboxes of similar construction have proven equally durable, and while that dual tire 42" 13 HP snow monster might impress the neighbors, you can only ram so much snow through the narrow discharge opening (which is usually further impaired by it being rectangular). Plus the only thing you're going to have to show for that big price tag is awesome muscles from manuevering the damn thing. Even with the "power" steering, a 42" walk behind unit is a tank. If the muscles are what you're after, there's a better and far less expensive way. It's called a snow shovel.
 
(Edit) Mine is actually compact 24... Close enough... (/edit)

I have that same Compact model. Bought it last year after the 3rd storm in a week just pushed me over the edge shoveling.

Its a great unit. I did have a small problem once with the carb float sticking but it was easy to loosen up. After that, starts great, digs through anything but dense packed slush with ease.
 
I just upgraded as well. went from an 80s vintage ariens 24" cut 5hp to a brand new 30" 305cc.

I just hope its as reliable as the old machine was. with the new house and the much larger driveway the freak october snowstorm that gave us 24" of heavy wet snow proved to me that the smaller machine was basically useless and wasnt going to cut it.

Interesting that ever since I bought the new snowblower it has been unseasonably warm! ha
 

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I have a Ariens 27" Track model after having one of the earlier 70's machines. The track model is great for my driveway, which is very long and very steep. A bit of a pain to maneuver, but im glad i bought it. I looked at the toro machines, and agree after seeing them in action they throw snow well. The problem i had with the plastic wasnt so much normal abuse, it was the fact that when i get out to my wood pile, i often have no idea what is underneath. I didnt want a stick breaking through the top plastic part of the auger. That wa sa big factor for me. I would think the toro would be fine in normal use.
 
MasterMech said:
TMonter said:
CTwoodburner said:
WHEN I get a new one, I am going Toro. Anything that led you too the Ariens?
Click to expand...

Various reviews and my past experience with their equipment were big selling points for me. I would have bought one of their pro series models but they were a bit large for my use. I have a relatively small driveway.

I should note that in this size the equivalent Toro seemed like the same construction and being an engineer I didn't like the chute design as much.

Also the equivalent Toro was $400 more money. For that kind of money even if the Ariens motor has issues I could buy a Subaru SX21 Robin engine plus the Ariens blower for the same price. I do like the chute control on the Toro better but it wasn't near $400 nicer and not even $100 nicer IMO.
Click to expand...

Nobody seems to appreciate the thought, and engineering that went into the PowerMax (Toro's 2-stage units) blowers until they see it in action in sloppy wet snow. The unique shape of the impeller housing, the floating composite chute, easy chute control that actually works and remains reliable season after season, composite upper impeller housing, and a proven gearbox that does not require a shear pin will all be the reason I buy Toro when it's time.

Other manufacturers choose to sell their machines with features that sell well with the average consumer crowd. Things like "all steel construction" "cast-iron gearbox" "heated hand grips" "42 inch clearing width" look great on the box but do little to enhance the performance of the machine in the snow. Last I checked wet snow still sticks to steel, cast aluminum and cast iron gearboxes of similar construction have proven equally durable, and while that dual tire 42" 13 HP snow monster might impress the neighbors, you can only ram so much snow through the narrow discharge opening (which is usually further impaired by it being rectangular). Plus the only thing you're going to have to show for that big price tag is awesome muscles from manuevering the damn thing. Even with the "power" steering, a 42" walk behind unit is a tank. If the muscles are what you're after, there's a better and far less expensive way. It's called a snow shovel.
Click to expand...

I have a neighbor with this particular Ariens he bought last year and he does fine in wet snow with it, something my old Ariens didn't do.

I'm not dissing Toro, but I didn't need a $1100 machine when a $700 machine would do just fine.

Also note that Consumer Reports and several other reviews from pretty reputable places put the Ariens on par or better than the equivalent Toro and the Ariens has better distance on its throw according to the reviews I read.

http://snowblowersandthrowers.com

Past experience along with research into various models made my choice, and yes price was a factor too.

Like other people here my old Ariens workhorse sold me on another Ariens after I did my research.

Just FYI, the rectangular flat back chute design is in fact the most efficient design to get low wear and low friction. If you ever get a chance to see sawdust handling systems you will see they use flat back elbows. This is for a reason.
 
I bought the 28" Airens 2 stage Sno Tek.

My previous snowblower was an Ariens single stage, which never gave me any problems. Always started, never 1 single problem in 10 years.

I looked at the Toro, Craftsman, and Poulan Pro. The control for the chute is why I bought the Airens.

On the Toro the gear ("sprocket") that turns the chute is made of plastic.

The Airens chute control is made of metal and actually the turning housing is mounted above the engine and is covered to keep snow off of it. The toro chute turning mechanism is completed exposed and made of plastic, which I do not think will last.

The cost of a compariable Toro as mentioned earlier is a $400 difference. My new Airens cost me $699.00 delivered, I bought it from www.snoblowersdirect.com. I will save the $400 and buy a new Airens if my current one ever dies.
 
Nice new blowers.

TMonter, just curious...what happened when you tried to go through plow berms with the old machine?
 
mayhem said:
Nice new blowers.

TMonter, just curious...what happened when you tried to go through plow berms with the old machine?
Click to expand...

If they were the least bit slushy or hardened the machine would just stop and wouldn't dig in. Plus the balance on the old machine isn't very good, it's a heavy chunk of steel. In regular snow in all but the slushiest stuff it did great. We once had 18 inches I had to clear and it did it with ease actually.

Just FYI i got almost $300 for the old machine on Craigslist. I just can't justify the space for 2 snowblowers.
 
Old Ariens blowers are indeed worth $$. Quality Sells. If you have any of the other attachments for it (tiller, blower, etc) it's a goldmine.
 
thz123 said:
I bought the 28" Airens 2 stage Sno Tek.

My previous snowblower was an Ariens single stage, which never gave me any problems. Always started, never 1 single problem in 10 years.

I looked at the Toro, Craftsman, and Poulan Pro. The control for the chute is why I bought the Airens.

On the Toro the gear ("sprocket") that turns the chute is made of plastic.

The Airens chute control is made of metal and actually the turning housing is mounted above the engine and is covered to keep snow off of it. The toro chute turning mechanism is completed exposed and made of plastic, which I do not think will last.

The cost of a compariable Toro as mentioned earlier is a $400 difference. My new Airens cost me $699.00 delivered, I bought it from www.snoblowersdirect.com. I will save the $400 and buy a new Airens if my current one ever dies.
Click to expand...

I notice we're talking about compact frame Ariens units and comparing them to the Toro PowerMax. That's a bit like comparing S-10's to 1 ton Diesel pickups. If the comparison was to the PowerThrow (Model 38608) 722 then I'd agree the price tag ($999) is bit steep considering $100 puts you into the PowerMax line-up which are much more capable machines. The 722OE is really just the classic 521 design with a lot more engine than it needs.
 
TMonter said:
mayhem said:
Nice new blowers.

TMonter, just curious...what happened when you tried to go through plow berms with the old machine?
Click to expand...

If they were the least bit slushy or hardened the machine would just stop and wouldn't dig in. Plus the balance on the old machine isn't very good, it's a heavy chunk of steel. In regular snow in all but the slushiest stuff it did great. We once had 18 inches I had to clear and it did it with ease actually.

Just FYI i got almost $300 for the old machine on Craigslist. I just can't justify the space for 2 snowblowers.
Click to expand...

Did you adjust or replace the auger belt? My 824 wouldn't do anything with even marginally wet snow...the augers would just stop. Then I tightened the idler pully a bit and now its unstoppable. In low gear it'll walk right through a wet roadside berm that gives my 8' Fisher plow trouble. I know you already replaced it, just thinking out loud.
 
MasterMech said:
Old Ariens blowers are indeed worth $$. Quality Sells. If you have any of the other attachments for it (tiller, blower, etc) it's a goldmine.
Click to expand...

I guess that was part of my point. Just because the old machines were built like tanks does not mean the new ones are just as good. Having a friend in the power equipment business, i have seen most of the Toro's in action next to the Husq units as well as others. I noticed that the box stores are all selling the Ariens untis, which is usually a red flag for me.

Chute design - Toro does indeed have the best chute design and controls, which is a BIG selling point for me. I have 2 driveways and move that chute a million times to get the snow where I want it. I also plan on having my future snow blower for quite some time and the same can be said about the older Toro units, they are great. Heck, even the small old craftsman unit I have is good.

Wet snow - is also a big issue. Some units have the square discharge and all they do is make bricks of ice - great for making an igloo but not so much for snow clearing.

Engine - As far as engines and the Subaru engine you reference, I have not had one issue with various engines on my lawn tractors, snow blowers, log splitter and others so engine brand is not always the biggest factor for me. I have found that as long as you maintain them well, they should last and treat you well.
 
Not to Hijack.....but had a question regarding the chute design on my Ariens, as I have noticed something really odd with my machine. If you keep the chute pointed off to the right while using, it blows the snow a mile....if you rotate the chute to the left, I would say it throws the snow about 30-50% less...at first I thought it was the wind, but after several years I have deteminted its something in the design of my machine....curious if other folks have noticed similar results wth their Ariens?
 
When the chute is to the right, it is pointed in the same direction as the impeller is spinning. When its to the left, the snow is changing direction, nothing you can do about it.
 
Interesting about the chute. Not sure I ever noticed it that much but the blower I use now is not exactly a power house and the wind is usually blowing a bit making it worse.
 
MasterMech said:
Old Ariens blowers are indeed worth $$. Quality Sells. If you have any of the other attachments for it (tiller, blower, etc) it's a goldmine.
Click to expand...

Well I have a Ariens Rocket V tiller I wouldn't sell for anything the snow blower was just a blower.
 
CTwoodburner said:
MasterMech said:
Old Ariens blowers are indeed worth $$. Quality Sells. If you have any of the other attachments for it (tiller, blower, etc) it's a goldmine.
Click to expand...

I guess that was part of my point. Just because the old machines were built like tanks does not mean the new ones are just as good. Having a friend in the power equipment business, i have seen most of the Toro's in action next to the Husq units as well as others. I noticed that the box stores are all selling the Ariens untis, which is usually a red flag for me.

Chute design - Toro does indeed have the best chute design and controls, which is a BIG selling point for me. I have 2 driveways and move that chute a million times to get the snow where I want it. I also plan on having my future snow blower for quite some time and the same can be said about the older Toro units, they are great. Heck, even the small old craftsman unit I have is good.

Wet snow - is also a big issue. Some units have the square discharge and all they do is make bricks of ice - great for making an igloo but not so much for snow clearing.

Engine - As far as engines and the Subaru engine you reference, I have not had one issue with various engines on my lawn tractors, snow blowers, log splitter and others so engine brand is not always the biggest factor for me. I have found that as long as you maintain them well, they should last and treat you well.
Click to expand...

But when you look at the construction, welding quality the Ariens was better than others in this size range. As I said Toro had nothing to offer in this size or price range. Given my past experience with MTD I refuse to buy another one of their products thus in this size range I was left with the Ariens as the best available option. Actually I'm kind of surprised that Toro doesn't have any two-stage units in the 20-24" range.

As for the best chute design, that's debatable from the reviews and side-by-side comparisons I've read.
 
just picked up a ariens 28" 420 cc machine Man that thing is nice compared to the 1128oxe toro we have
 
mayhem said:
TMonter said:
mayhem said:
Nice new blowers.

TMonter, just curious...what happened when you tried to go through plow berms with the old machine?
Click to expand...

If they were the least bit slushy or hardened the machine would just stop and wouldn't dig in. Plus the balance on the old machine isn't very good, it's a heavy chunk of steel. In regular snow in all but the slushiest stuff it did great. We once had 18 inches I had to clear and it did it with ease actually.

Just FYI i got almost $300 for the old machine on Craigslist. I just can't justify the space for 2 snowblowers.
Click to expand...

Did you adjust or replace the auger belt? My 824 wouldn't do anything with even marginally wet snow...the augers would just stop. Then I tightened the idler pully a bit and now its unstoppable. In low gear it'll walk right through a wet roadside berm that gives my 8' Fisher plow trouble. I know you already replaced it, just thinking out loud.
Click to expand...

Actually the blower had a new belt and was doing just fine most of the time. The biggest issue I had was the primary auger wouldn't dig into hardened snow and the balance on the old on was such that it was difficult to prevent it from riding up onto hardened berms.

The throw distance on the old girl was pretty low too, I'm sure mostly because of the design of the impeller and the relatively slower speed of the old HS50 engine. Overall I was just ready for a new unit plus I had the money saved to replace it.
 
TMonter said:
CTwoodburner said:
MasterMech said:
Old Ariens blowers are indeed worth $$. Quality Sells. If you have any of the other attachments for it (tiller, blower, etc) it's a goldmine.
Click to expand...

I guess that was part of my point. Just because the old machines were built like tanks does not mean the new ones are just as good. Having a friend in the power equipment business, i have seen most of the Toro's in action next to the Husq units as well as others. I noticed that the box stores are all selling the Ariens untis, which is usually a red flag for me.

Chute design - Toro does indeed have the best chute design and controls, which is a BIG selling point for me. I have 2 driveways and move that chute a million times to get the snow where I want it. I also plan on having my future snow blower for quite some time and the same can be said about the older Toro units, they are great. Heck, even the small old craftsman unit I have is good.

Wet snow - is also a big issue. Some units have the square discharge and all they do is make bricks of ice - great for making an igloo but not so much for snow clearing.

Engine - As far as engines and the Subaru engine you reference, I have not had one issue with various engines on my lawn tractors, snow blowers, log splitter and others so engine brand is not always the biggest factor for me. I have found that as long as you maintain them well, they should last and treat you well.
Click to expand...

But when you look at the construction, welding quality the Ariens was better than others in this size range. As I said Toro had nothing to offer in this size or price range. Given my past experience with MTD I refuse to buy another one of their products thus in this size range I was left with the Ariens as the best available option. Actually I'm kind of surprised that Toro doesn't have any two-stage units in the 20-24" range.

As for the best chute design, that's debatable from the reviews and side-by-side comparisons I've read.
Click to expand...

I don't care what those comparisons say. Go look at the chutes on all machines and the controls and then play with the toro. There is no comparison. The impeller housing into the non-stick surface on the chute base and the quick stick chute controls all make it the best in that area. No contest...but I am open minded on all the other stuff...
 
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