Replies

1. 
   300D | Dec 17, 2003 07:52pm | #1

   Why not look for a good used one? I have an Ariens 5hp that must be at least that old. I know I am its 3rd owner. Still going strong and starts easy. I put a new muffler on it a year or two ago but that is all I have done to it apart from changing the oil and greasing it etc. I bought it about 4 years ago for $200 Canadian and couldn't be happier.

1. 
   johnnyd | Dec 17, 2003 07:56pm | #2

   I kind of lump snowblowers in with chain saws as machines susceptible to poor or no maintenance.  I would NEVER buy a used chainsaw, nor would I ever loan out mine.

   Maybe snowblowers are less sensitive.

2. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 17, 2003 08:19pm | #3

   I was told by my Ariens dealer that the design of the power transmission changed last model year for the non-"Pro" models. I'm sure it didn't get heavier duty; but not sure if the change is significant.

   Pete

1. 
   johnnyd | Dec 17, 2003 08:25pm | #4

   Not much difference in price between top of non-pro line and bottom of pro line...wonder if the steel cased transmission housing is worth a few hundred$?

1. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 17, 2003 08:36pm | #6

   Pro series gets you the different drive and a larger diameter auger.  There's a pretty decent summary at:

   http://www.ariens.com/pdf/Ariens_Master_Spec_Sheet.pdf

   Pete

1. 
   johnnyd | Dec 17, 2003 09:43pm | #8

   Just got a chance to look at a 1128 and the biggest pro series # side by side at HD. The big Pro model is alot bigger, but also >$1K more.

3. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 17, 2003 08:26pm | #5

   Whoa, just re-read the part about the 2+ foot drifts and the 400' driveway. That's a really big job. If 2' is typical, you're going to want something like the Pro series that has a taller auger. I think when you price it out and think about the time it's going to take even with a big snowblower, plowing looks like a good deal.

   Pete

4. 
   APWofManty | Dec 17, 2003 09:37pm | #7

   I can say the engines are still made in the USA. I couldn't tell you about the rest of the snowblower. My best guess is they still are also, Brillion WI, I believe. You will also find the Tecumseh engines on most other brand snowblowers. But the Ariens frame and everything else is made beefier (Is that a word?), and will last you many years.

5. 
   schris1313 | Dec 18, 2003 06:26am | #9

   My 20 year old Ariens ST824 still starts on the 1st or 2nd pull. It has been in the shop 3 times in that time, twice for no start( carburetor got gummed up) and once to get everything back to factory specs. My dealer said the new ones are still the best but not as good as the old ones, but then "they never make them like they used to". Buying used with an unknown maintenance history is just asking for trouble when those 3 foot drifts show up. $1400 over 20 years = $70

   PS get extra belts and shear bolts

1. 
   gtmtnbiker | Dec 18, 2003 07:41am | #10

   I just bought an 8HP (824DLE) Ariens 3 months ago.  I've used it twice this winter and am very pleased.  The real test was this past weekend when we had about 4-5 inches of wet/crusty/slushy snow.  I did not experience a single clog and the snow was blown out at least 10ft.  With dry snow, it will easily throw 25-30ft.

   There are several things I like about the machine.  1. It is well balanced and moves very easily.  It is difficult to lift the front end on some of the snow blowers.  2. I like the Quick Turn Chute Rotation.  The Honda I was looking at had the old fashioned crank where it takes forever to move the chute from side to side.  3. The dual handle interlock system is great thereby freeing up one hand.

   In my experience, Ariens seem to have a good name and I thought I couldn't go wrong with it.  A Tecumseh engine might not be the equal of a Honda engine but it's simple, easy to find parts for it, etc.  My Honda HS1011 Riding Mower has been unused for the past year because I need to repair the electric starter motor.  Guess how much the part is!  $325.  That's right. 3 Hundred and change.  Plus I'm pissed off that Honda discontinued the riding mower to focus on the push mowers.  This makes it more difficult to get parts.

2. 
   Toolfreak | Mar 11, 2005 01:04am | #11

   I just bought a used ST824 that looks to be about the same "vintage" as yours. I was impressed when it started on the first try (electric start). Looking forward to a few good years with this one!By the way -- any ideas on where I can a manual for this thing?- Toolfreak