Buying my first Ariens?

[HCBPH]

Saw an ad for an Ariens 8HP 24" blower, supposed to work fine plus has the manuals and it's within my comfort range on price ($50). Guy gave me a model number of 005498 but that doesn't look right to me, so we'll see what it actually is if I get it. He's using a neighbor kid to plow his drive now so doesn't need it any more and his wife wants it out of the garage.

I'm going to look at it tonight and see if it's 'right' or not. After 10 Craftsmans I've bought to rebuild the last year, this is the first Ariens so we'll see if it comes home or not.

I'm still putzing with that last 10hp 32" 3 stage Craftsman so this will probably go into the queue for the next rebuild if all is as represented. I'm having problems finding the right Craftsmans for the right price so looks like I'll have to branch out a little or quit rebuilding blowers. Wish me luck

[CarlB]

Really can't go wrong for 50 bucks if it runs and is not rusted out.

[HCBPH]

Originally Posted by CarlB

Really can't go wrong for 50 bucks if it runs and is not rusted out.

If it's got a working 8 HP, should be worth that much. Paid that much for that non-running 10-32" and that one has taken alot of work, but it did come with a working electric starter.

[Shryp]

That sounds more like a serial number than a model number. Model number should be 924xxx or 932xxx. Also, sometimes the Ariens have one model number for the tractor assembly on the back and another model number for the blower on the side of the "barrel".

As you say though, $50 for something that works is a good deal.

[HCBPH]

Going to get this one tonight:

Sure looks like it has an electric starter to boot!

Got another response on another 8 HP - haven't seen a picture on it yet, said it's got a little rust and will take $20 for it. Going on that one tomorrow.

[Shryp]

That looks like a 924024 / 924026, great machine. Same thing I have. There is a pin lock on the left wheel that will let you lock the axle or open the differential and allow it to pivot with no effort.

[HCBPH]

Originally Posted by Shryp

That looks like a 924024 / 924026, great machine.

Give that man a cigar - it's a 924026 tractor unit with a 924028 auger unit. Harley (the guy I bought it from) was a real card. I asked about the starter plug being taped off, he seemed to remember that something broke or fell out of it before he retired 16 years ago and he just rope started it instead of fixing it, mainly because he could easily pull start it. I hope I'm as spry as he is at 82+.
This thing is as close to original as I think I'll ever see.
Here's the auger with original paint:

Here's another shot in the truck (I will have to clean the oily dirt off the outside of it)


Harley had to show everything worked fine before he'd sell it to me. He also showed me 'the trick' on how to get it start on the first pull or two. Well he lied, it hadn't been run since last year and it took him 3 pulls
He also said it leaked gas at times if you left the gas line turned on when it wasn't being used. I saw it blowing gas out the carb when he primed it to show me how to start it.

All I've had time to do is a quick once over, but from what I can see - it needs a carb kit. There's a couple of rubbed areas in the paint on the auger and I'm not sure about the wire sticking out of the carb cover that apparently works the choke.

It came with an engine manual along with a complete parts list. Based on his list, looks like since he bought it new he'd replaced a couple of belts and shearpins and a new scraper bar just because.

Overall, I'm very pleased with it.

[Shryp]

My HM80 just had a wire with a finger loop that looked like a heychain that slid on the side of the recoil cover too for the choke.

Looks like a great deal though. Bet you will love it. Remember to investigate the pin lock on the left wheel as can be seen in your bottom picture. I always saw the differential and easy steer as more of a gimmick. Then I used one of these style blowers and don't want a locked axle ever again.

The only bad thing I can see is you managed to get one with the straight crank for the chute instead of the U-joints that bring the crank handle up top with the rest of the controls.

I see you have a new fuel tank and new skid shoes too. The older style tanks were white and less rounded. The OEM skid shoes were one sided I believe.

Check the bushings on the outer edges if the auger rake shafts and of course the wheel axle bushings for play. If you pop open the bottom cover you will probably find the sprocket gear with the chains has worn out bushings as well.

[HCBPH]

Shyrp

Appreciate the info. This one will queue up after I get that 10-32 finished. I really don't expect alot of issues with it, based on what I've seen so far but I'll go through it from top to bottom.

Who knows, this may be a keeper

[HCBPH]

Guess when it rains Ariens, it pours.
Got an email back on another one today, for $20 I'm going to see about getting this one tonight.

Suppose to be a 8 HP, don't have alot of other details on it so we'll see

I think I may have caught my limit for now - running out of space in the shed to store them. Still have 5 in the shed before adding these. Got a 10-32 to finish off, a 5-22 that needs some minor tweaking, looking for an electric starter for a 7 HP and now these 2.