Ariens Consumer Two-Stage (20") 5-HP Snow Blower (Recoil Start)

SBD RESPONSE: We normally don't comment BEFORE a review. However, this review needs clarification. The snow blower performed exactly as it was intended. Shear bolts are designed to snap protecting the engine from significant damage. See our Snow Story "Why You Need Shear Bolts" for more information.
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I've had my Ariens 520 for 1 year. It moved snow wonderfully and until last week I was a huge fan.

Three days ago, I was clearing drifts from my driveway and the machine sheared the heads off of all 3 housing bolts on one side, after which it was pretty much useless. These are the bolts that connect the auger housing to the engine compartment.

It turns out they use cheap Chinese bolts in the construction of the machine, and they let go after the warranty is done. After 9 hours on my garage floor at 4 degrees F, I succeeded in drilling out only one of the 4 bolts that let go (one of the bolts on the other side failed also), and I had easy-outs broken off in two of the other bolt shafts. I bought some quality bolts to put in, but I can't even do that now since the holes are plugged permanently.

The service company says they can get to it in a month, and I don't have any way to get it there anyway. I'm going to junk the machine and buy a Troy built. I've got 4-foot drifts along my entire driveway and shoveling is not an option any more.

Don't buy an Ariens. It might work like a dream for a while, but it will eat itself at the worst possible time and leave you stranded.

Don't use Black and Decker easy-outs either, unless you like danger and useless equipment.

SBD RESPONSE: We normally don't comment BEFORE a review. However, this review needs clarification. The snow blower performed exactly as it was intended. Shear bolts are designed to snap protecting the engine from significant damage. See our Snow Story "Why You Need Shear Bolts" for more information.
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I've had my Ariens 520 for 1 year. It moved snow wonderfully and until last week I was a huge fan.

Three days ago, I was clearing drifts from my driveway and the machine sheared the heads off of all 3 housing bolts on one side, after ... more

I bought this model at a Big Box store. After only four uses the oil leaked out of the gear case.

It turned out the bolts had been over-torqued at the factory and broke off inside. When I took it for warranty repair they did the work on it but also claimed I had clogged the carb with bad gas (right, four starts on a clean fresh can of gas) and replaced the carburetor.

I don't know if there was actually a problem with the carb, in which case the machine was pretty much crud; or whether it was a repair ripoff.

But, I envy all my neighbors with a different brand that haven't had to touch theirs for years.

I bought this model at a Big Box store. After only four uses the oil leaked out of the gear case.

It turned out the bolts had been over-torqued at the factory and broke off inside. When I took it for warranty repair they did the work on it but also claimed I had clogged the carb with bad gas (right, four starts on a clean fresh can of gas) and replaced the carburetor.

I don't know if there was actually a problem with the carb, in which case the machine was pretty much crud; or whether it was a repair ripoff.

But, I envy all my neighbors with ... more

I recently moved to N Idaho and was going to wait out the winter before buying a snowblower.

We've had one of the heaviest snow falls on record in December. I used a neighbors year-old Craftsman 24" blower to clear the neighbor's and my driveway, sidewalks and berms. It did well, but the drive and chute controls were located near or below the engine, making difficult to make adjustments. The machine was heavy and hard to manage.

It didn't have the attachment drive interlock the Ariens has. I tried getting my own thrower at the big box stores, but was put on waiting lists and was never contacted.

I found Snowblowers Direct, and after a little research I purchased the Ariens 520. After 30 minutes of set up and run-in of the attachment belt I was out clearing snow.

It is easy to control and maneuver. It's never failed to start after the second pull, even in sub zero temps. It clears snow and ice easily and throws a good 30'.

It's easy to adjust the chute with the drive attachment interlock, you can drive it with one hand. If you're on a budget and need an easy-to-use thrower, I recommend the 520.

I recently moved to N Idaho and was going to wait out the winter before buying a snowblower.

We've had one of the heaviest snow falls on record in December. I used a neighbors year-old Craftsman 24" blower to clear the neighbor's and my driveway, sidewalks and berms. It did well, but the drive and chute controls were located near or below the engine, making difficult to make adjustments. The machine was heavy and hard to manage.

It didn't have the attachment drive interlock the Ariens has. I tried getting my own thrower at the big box stores, but was put on... more