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#81 ·
I bought an uncommon model, 1124 (924122), year 2004. It's an unusual combination of small 24" chassis, small 16x4.80x8 tires, and next-to-largest 11.5 hp Tecumseh. I don't think this was a popular choice; mine is serial #152.
I was skeptical of the small auger size -I have a large drive- but the dealer sold it at near cost. Money talks, so it was hard to argue.
It has been a joy to use. The small-but-maneuverable size allows quick, precise handling in tight areas. The small auger hasn't been the issue I thought it would be. And, the engine.. starts first pull, has gobs of torque and reserve power. Much of my blowing is done at part throttle, around 2200 rpm. I do some backyard clean-up at 1800 rpm idle; the engine just chugs away no matter how packed or how deep the snow.
The only issue I can think of is the small tire size, which limited traction until I mounted chains.
 
#82 · (Edited)
plow said:
I bought the 30 inch deluxe. I read some reviews and bought it at a local gariens dealer. I bought it because of bad shoulders. Have a 31 inch 11hp craftsman, which I like better than the new ariens with steering assist. Here is what I do not like, leaking gas cap, safety hazard, wheels are to narrow no traction on snow deeper than two or three inches, the machine always gets stuck.AAlso the wheel base should be wider. The throttle gets frozen and makes it hard to throttle down when covered in frizen snow and ice. Hopefuuly this machine does not catch on fire anytime soon, also why has there not been a recall on this machine. I guess when one does catch fire the law suits will start to happen. Happier with my old craftsman.
Click to expand...
Plow. Sorry to hear your issues.. I notice you are new here... Just an FYI there is a new gas cap that Ariens is issuing to correct the ones that leak. I think you just need to contact them. I am sure you could probably just private message Mary Lyn who started this thread to get the process going.

I cannot comment on the tires. I have taken my Platinum 30 (which is the same wheels as yours) through the backyard with 24+ inches of snow and have not had any traction issues (this was flat terrain). That said there are chains available that would provide additional traction for hills etc. Failing that I believe the units can also be converted to track drive.
 
#83 ·
I've owned 3 Ariens, all purchased used within the last 5 years.

One was an SS322 (938010) single-stage, I think late-90s. 22" width, 3hp 2-stroke Tecumseh. It was a good little thrower for small storms (3-4"), but when the snow got any deeper, I found it just got bogged down. Maybe the 5hp version, SS522, would do better, I don't know.

I also had an ST824 (924082), mid-90s. 24" width, 8hp flathead Tecumseh. It had a differential. It was a very solid machine, though it had clearly had a *lot* of use by the previous owner (I am guessing commercially). I used it for a few seasons, it performed very well. I love the differential feature, it made it much easier to manage than my previous solid-axle MTD 2-stage. With chains, I still had good traction, but turning was easy.

I now have a 1024 Pro (924120), from around 2000. 24" width, 10hp OHV Tecumseh. With a differential, headlight, and heated grips. I don't need a wide cut, but I was looking for a bunch of power, so I liked the 10hp/24" combo.

Unlike my ST824, this has the tall chute. I also added a homemade impeller kit. Perhaps from a combination of the two, the throwing distance is very good. The differential continues to be great. Though during some of the big storms this season, I've actually had to lock the differential, even with chains, to help drive into deep banks from the plows. The heated grips work very well.

I like the controls, with a simple crank to rotate the chute (it doesn't have the remote chute deflector). No finicky cables or "delicate" controls. Plus I can aim the chute exactly where I want, vs picking from 8 directions, or something similar. The only real wish that comes to mind is a slower forward speed for 1st gear, to let me inch into deep snowbanks.

This is my first full season on the 1024, but we have gotten over 100" of snow so far (close to a record for MA). It has been worked *hard*, and has performed very well. Some pics from the January blizzard are attached. The snow was 24" deep at this point, and the plows had left piles that were higher than the top of the chute (around 38-40"). It did very well.

I chose Ariens based on their reputation, as well as parts availability, and the support available online for the machines (a large, helpful user base). The availability of documentation from the Ariens site, including the service manuals, is a great feature. In my experience so far, the machines have earned their good reputation.
 

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#84 · (Edited)
I purchased a Deluxe 28 in late November after we had 6 feet dumped on us. I was away in California at the time for work and my wife and 1 year old daughter were stuck at home. Luckily my neighbors borrowed an Ariens and were able to clear out part of my driveway before I finally was able to get home.

It was kind of a wake up call since I'm traveling more frequently for work and the small plow I have on my tractor requires pretty consistent plowing during a big storm -- not realistic for my wife to do (even if she knew how to operate it) with kid at home. So we figured a snowblower would work -- and would also be something that a friend or neighbor could use if I'm not around.

My friend recommended an Ariens and bought one locally through a dealer.

We haven't had any major snow storms since them (only two storms that I can recall that we got about 10-12" -- which aren't "major" storms here in the Buffalo area), but we've had a lot of 3-8" snow events. I've been really happy with my Ariens. The snow pile at the road now is taller than my mailbox and I've had no issues cutting through it. It's a helluva lot quicker than the plow and I just need to point the chute into my front yard -- no need to really worry about plowing my driveway extra wide (and tearing up my lawn) to give myself extra room to plow snow. It's also powerful enough to throw snow across the driveway, so I can just throw snow on either side of the driveway depending on the wind direction.

The auto-turn feature is pretty nice to quickly whip around the snowblower turning it around at the road.

I will admit that the dash board setup, though, is a bit awkward for on-the-fly adjustments since everything you'd need/want to change on the fly is on the left (and your left hand is occupied with the wheel clutch, so you need to reach across your body with your right hand).
 
#85 · (Edited)
Image
921012 Deluxe 27

Bought this because I always liked the Ariens brand, and I wanted something to do my sidewalks and clean up around my garage doors where I couldn't get with a plow.
I was getting deployed to the middle east back then, so it couldn't be too large for my wife or at the time, my 10 yr old son to handle. Although I never use it, the electric start was a must have for them.
This snow blower has proven to be a real workhorse. I no longer have a plow so it does earn it's keep.
I plan to up grade this year to a slightly larger, more powerful machine, another Ariens, of course.
This is when the little ariens first stepped up. Blizzard of "13






Feb 2015
 
#86 ·
I have a 924000 series from the 1990s which serves as my backup machine at work for when my 1984 Snapper has an issue.

I also have a hybrid machine with the bucket from the first series, 1963 I think, and the tractor from a 1979 924040. The chute is also from the 924040, I welded the bracket on the early bucket. The engine is a 1987 Briggs 8HP off a Snapper I think. I prefer the first series cast iron gear case and ball bearing rake shaft. The machine is almost complete, I just need to bolt on the engine and fire it up.

I built it because a small engine tech said it couldn't be done. "I have 12 years experience as a small engine technician and I know what I'm talking about!" His words, not mine. My local Ariens dealer said it wouldn't work until I explained how easy it was to remove the Lovejoy connector and replace it with a pulley from the 1979 blower. The gear case had cracked open when the PO sucked in a rock.
 
Discussion starter · #87 ·
plow said:
I bought the 30 inch deluxe. I read some reviews and bought it at a local gariens dealer. I bought it because of bad shoulders. Have a 31 inch 11hp craftsman, which I like better than the new ariens with steering assist. Here is what I do not like, leaking gas cap, safety hazard, wheels are to narrow no traction on snow deeper than two or three inches, the machine always gets stuck.AAlso the wheel base should be wider. The throttle gets frozen and makes it hard to throttle down when covered in frizen snow and ice. Hopefuuly this machine does not catch on fire anytime soon, also why has there not been a recall on this machine. I guess when one does catch fire the law suits will start to happen. Happier with my old craftsman.
Click to expand...
Plow -

I'm sorry you are having issues with your Ariens. Please send me a private message with your model and serial number so I can connect you with our Tech Service group to get it fixed.

We appreciate your honesty, but we want to work with you to make it right. I look forward to hearing from you.

Mary Lyn
 
#88 · (Edited)
My Father bought an Ariens in the 80's and sold it when he downsized. Back in the 90's, I bought a Ariens rubber-flapper special SS522 and called it the little machine that can. It still runs today perfectly.

Recently I bought a Deluxe 24 and added the heated grips, drift bars and the poly skids. Love it, love it!!!

However, I think I'm gonna ditch the poly-skids and get the Armor-skids. http://snowblowerskids.com/index.html

My question to the Arien's rep... why doesn't Ariens put on superior skids to begin with? All one has to do is look at the TORO's sitting beside all the ARIENS in the showroom, to know that the ARIEN's machines are far superior... but then to see our orange beauties being equipped with mediocre skids, is kind of a disappointment.

http://snowblowerskids.com/Model_specific_pages/Ariens%20Deluxe%2024_921024.html
 
#89 ·
My guess would be cost, as well as "demand". In that link, the Ariens skids are simply stamped steel. The Armor skids are bent & welded, which likely adds additional cost.

I just bought a set of the Ariens poly skids. I haven't installed them yet, but they are machined, which will, again, likely increase cost vs a stamping.

The other aspect is what customers demand/value. Most people are used to "typical" steel skids. They may not see any added value in Armor-type skids, and therefore not be willing to pay more for them.

I've heard the poly skids last a long time, but some would look at them and wonder why they're paying more for plastic, which is "cheap" and "weak" (I'm stereotyping/generalizing; I think UHMW PE can be very well-suited to this application), vs steel.

Honda mower decks come to mind, where they used plastic decks for a while (not sure if any still do). Some would view that as a cheap or inferior material, while others would appreciate that it won't rust, etc. And a competitor might highlight that their decks are steel, vs "just plastic" on the Hondas, even if it is a good material for the application.
 
#90 ·
Discussion starter · #92 ·
bikerdeano said:
My Father bought an Ariens in the 80's and sold it when he downsized. Back in the 90's, I bought a Ariens rubber-flapper special SS522 and called it the little machine that can. It still runs today perfectly.

Recently I bought a Deluxe 24 and added the heated grips, drift bars and the poly skids. Love it, love it!!!

However, I think I'm gonna ditch the poly-skids and get the Armor-skids. SnowBlowerSkids | Replacement parts for your snowblower

My question to the Arien's rep... why doesn't Ariens put on superior skids to begin with? All one has to do is look at the TORO's sitting beside all the ARIENS in the showroom, to know that the ARIEN's machines are far superior... but then to see our orange beauties being equipped with mediocre skids, is kind of a disappointment.
Click to expand...
bikerdeano -

Thanks for your positive comments and suggestions. RedOctobyr's reply was correct. It comes down to the fact that everyone's situation is different depending on amount of snow, conditions of terrain, etc. There are some that prefer the standard skids, so in order to keep the costs down, we offer the units with the basic skids and then provide the poly skids as an accessory for those who prefer this option.

I have made a note of your suggestion, however, and I pass these comments along to our Product Manager. I want you to know that we do appreciate your feedback as we work towards continuous improvement.

Thanks.

Mary Lyn
 
#93 ·
#94 ·
I used to own an Ariens Metro 937 about 20 years ago. After about 2 years of use the frame cracked and the local Ariens dealer replaced the frame under warranty, they were a great dealer. So although the snowblower let me down the dealer, turned a negative into a positive. I sold the snowblower shortly afterwards, because our family moved and we didn't need it anylonger at the time.
 
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#97 ·
How I got my first Ariens:

My Uncle's neighbor was throwing out his old ST270 (Model 932001 with H35-45503N engine), and my Uncle, being a thrifty guy, took it in, but never did anything with it since he already had a snowblower. Instead of selling it, he handed it down to me a handful of years ago.

The first winter, the power of the unit was passable, but not that great, lots of stalling. The first summer, I took apart the carburetor and found that the fuel line was degrading and ending up in the carburetor as a chunky black sludge. Cleaned it out with a brush and rinsed with some gas.

Second winter: Power much improved, threw the snow further, tackled snow higher than the housing without stalling. Fuel leaking out through the carburetor.

Third winter: Light to no snow.

Fourth winter: Light to now snow.

This year added new tires (Carlisle Xtrac 13-4.00-6 on Martin split rims R-64DM) by making my own hubs for the split rims and rebuilt the carburetor in anticipation of the winter season.

Plans for the future: Add battery operated headlights, or engineer my own generator-fed (off the auger drive belt maybe) headlight system since I can't seem to find the Ariens headlight kits for my model anymore.
 
#98 ·
Recently Bought a Pro 28

Recently bought an Ariens Pro 28 Model 926065 and looking forward to our 1st snow. We live outside of Lake George, NY and can get allot of snow here. Back in 86 I bought a 73 CJ5 with a plow but it needed allot of work and is history. Hoping the Ariens will last as long as the Jeep. We lived in Western NY when I was young and had a mid 60's Ariens back then that was a workhorse, they still are built to last and the fact that built here in the USA is why a bought one.
Winter will be here shortly so make sure yours is ready to rock & roll.
 

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#99 ·
1027LE (#921002) Recently added auto turn kit also, Purchased for the durability and available parts and love the machine. Will add pics in a day or two when the rain stops. Auto turn kit pic I have though LOL
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#100 ·
Just purchased today: Ariens Classic 24. Model number 920025. First snowblower and looking forward to using it this winter. Also welcome any tips or tricks for its operation. Brought it home assembled, but plan to go over it and do final adjustment and setup before the snow flies in my neck of the woods.
 
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