[KSnow]

I believe that I have a 1964 Ariens, 24" 6 HP snow blower... Serial #10 ML60D, Tecumseh Serial #4291 (or #4297 ?), 04703. I believe the serial # means that it is a 1964, built the 291st day? There is no nameplate on the handle bars, the handle bars are also chrome, not white like I have seen on some 64's (not sure if that means anything). It has the half tear drop bucket, side shields, round chute & 1 drift cutter. Not sure if it is a Gard n Yard model or just a regular. Any guidance as to what I have would be appreciated...

Now to try and get her running!!

 

[Ziggy65]

How about some photos?

Edit: I missed that you mentioned it had the round chute and side plates. This is most likely a 64 or earlier first gen machine as noted below by rwh963 and Oneacer with the ratchet style differential.

I would call that a 1965 model, as the engine was built late 1964. 10ML60D is the model #, there should also be a serial #.
The aluminum Ariens nameplate piece on the handle bars is often missing, as they tended to crack in the middle over the years.
Your machine should have the differential lock out on the left wheel, that is what the D stands for in the Model #. Therefore could be used with the Gard n Yard accessories. Does it have the air cleaner assembly as well as the heater box?
The 6 HP units usually had the chrome handle bars, as they were the top of the line machine in the mid 60's.

 

[rwh963]

sounds like a first gen to me!

 

[Oneacer]

On the 10ML60D with the chrome handle bars, that unit will probably have the ratchet differential on each side .... great zero turn option back then .... I have them on my 10ML60D.

 

[Ziggy65]

You guys are right, the bucket and chute indicate this is a first gen machine from 64 or earlier. I edited my earlier post.

 

[rwh963]

On the 10ML60D with the chrome handle bars, that unit will probably have the ratchet differential on each side .... great zero turn option back then .... I have them on my 10ML60D.

IF the springs are intact; otherwise, good luck finding these unobtanium parts!!

 

[rwh963]

Pics

 

[Big Ed]

I believe that I have a 1964 Ariens, 24" 6 HP snow blower... Serial #10 ML60D, Tecumseh Serial #4291 (or #4297 ?), 04703. I believe the serial # means that it is a 1964, built the 291st day? There is no nameplate on the handle bars, the handle bars are also chrome, not white like I have seen on some 64's (not sure if that means anything). It has the half tear drop bucket, side shields, round chute & 1 drift cutter. Not sure if it is a Gard n Yard model or just a regular. Any guidance as to what I have would be appreciated...

Now to try and get her running!!

This site may be of interest you, a member here started this.

The Ariens 1960's and 1970's Sno-Thro info site.

 

[Jackmels]

Pics

10ML60D has a differential, not friction springs

 

[rwh963]

10ML60D has a differential, not friction springs

Oneacer and i have what is called "ratchet wheel kit" which includes the friction springs.

 

[Jackmels]

Photos of my 10ml60d which does not have Friction springs

 

[rwh963]

special option.

 

[Jackmels]

Friction springs are available if you know who to ask

 

[BeerGhost]

Good find there KSnow ! Hope you try to keep it as original as possible.
Impatiently waiting on some snow to put my 64 to work.
Here is mine I saved frome the scrap yard My 10ML60 .

 

[rwh963]

Good find there KSnow ! Hope you try to keep it as original as possible.
Impatiently waiting on some snow to put my 64 to work.
Here is mine I saved frome the scrap yard My 10ML60 .

ratchet wheel drive!

 

[KSnow]

How about some photos?

Edit: I missed that you mentioned it had the round chute and side plates. This is most likely a 64 or earlier first gen machine as noted below by rwh963 and Oneacer with the ratchet style differential.

I would call that a 1965 model, as the engine was built late 1964. 10ML60D is the model #, there should also be a serial #.
The aluminum Ariens nameplate piece on the handle bars is often missing, as they tended to crack in the middle over the years.
Your machine should have the differential lock out on the left wheel, that is what the D stands for in the Model #. Therefore could be used with the Gard n Yard accessories. Does it have the air cleaner assembly as well as the heater box?
The 6 HP units usually had the chrome handle bars, as they were the top of the line machine in the mid 60's.

It has the air cleaner (not shown), no heater box. The serial # is 10ML60D, there is a serial # 7-10M and also 60932 on the blower below the chute. So does this sound like a Grad n Yard?

 

[Ziggy65]

Yes, your model can be used with the Gard n Yard attachments as D at the end of the model # means Deluxe, which came with the ratchet wheel differential.
I would guess that at one time your tractor may have been used with one of the other Gard n Yard attachments as it came with the air cleaner assembly for non winter use.
The heater box must have been misplaced over the years or maybe the blower attachment was bought separately and a heater box never installed?

Nice machine, great candidate for a refurb some day, or get the mechanicals up to sniff and run it as is, it is only original once.

 

[Northeast Dave]

I was just following along on this one but noticed the ratchet springs, the Bolens project I am working on has that type of hub assembly as well. Just putting it out there as a "the more you know."
Does this system work well? I only ask because I am working on the Bolens in close quarters currently and when the ratchets lock I have to sometimes turn the drive flywheel back or I can't maneuver it as the wheels remain "locked."

 

[Oneacer]

On the Ariens ratchet hub drives on each side, the unit will spin in place, as well as roll and corner freely.

Not familiar with a Bolens with this set-up? I understand Ariens only had it as an option for a year or 2 ....

 

[badbmwbrad]

I just service a ratchet wheel a couple weeks ago and its grease had separated. Those ratchet leaf springs have to slide inside a cup. There is grease between the spring and cup to reduce friction. Oil in the grease separates from the thickener; leaving behind a hardened, wax-like material with no lubricating capability... then the spring breaks.

That original grease was probably lithium grease. I wonder if disc brake caliper pin grease would be a better choice? Maybe waterproof grease as used on boat trailer wheel bearings?