Ariens Consumer Two-Stage (24") 6-HP Snow Blower

I purchased an Ariens 624e from Snow Blowers Direct in 2008. The website was easy to navigate and find the right snow blower. The delivery was trouble free. After several uses, it took some fine tuning to get the proper height adjustment. The other issue was that Ariens skid plates are metal, which caused some problems on my paved driveway. I replaced the skids with rubber based material. That made a world of difference.

In the most recent, historic snow fall of this year (2011), I tore a shear bolt. I didn't realize that was the issue, but after doing a little internet research on the fact that only one side of my auger was turning, I diagnosed the shear bolt issue. I then ordered the replacement part and watched a DIY video on replacement. I received the part in a few days and replaced the bolt trouble free. Back to snow blowing!

I purchased an Ariens 624e from Snow Blowers Direct in 2008. The website was easy to navigate and find the right snow blower. The delivery was trouble free. After several uses, it took some fine tuning to get the proper height adjustment. The other issue was that Ariens skid plates are metal, which caused some problems on my paved driveway. I replaced the skids with rubber based material. That made a world of difference.

In the most recent, historic snow fall of this year (2011), I tore a shear bolt. I didn't realize that was the issue, but after doing a little internet research on t... more

I bought a brand new Ariens 624E four weeks ago. Supported the local dealer - trying to do the right thing.

It ran for three hours before the auger and discharge impeller completely froze. The engine starts but when you try to engage the auger it seizes and kills the engine. Looks like there's oil all over the seam of the gearcase. Hmm, sure looks like manufacturer defect.

Then the local dealer had the nerve to suggest I'm at the bottom of a 3 week service cue, no backup units to support.

Incredibly disappointed. Never buying one again. You shouldn't either. Never recommending that dealer.

I bought a brand new Ariens 624E four weeks ago. Supported the local dealer - trying to do the right thing.

It ran for three hours before the auger and discharge impeller completely froze. The engine starts but when you try to engage the auger it seizes and kills the engine. Looks like there's oil all over the seam of the gearcase. Hmm, sure looks like manufacturer defect.

Then the local dealer had the nerve to suggest I'm at the bottom of a 3 week service cue, no backup units to support.

Incredibly disappointed. Never buying one again. You shouldn't either. Never recommending that ... more

I bought an Ariens 624e in 2007. I wanted a small snowblower that would handle a 2X2 driveway in southern Ontario. I also wanted one small enought to fit in garage.

The build quality is excellent. One thing I noticed when shopping around is that on some of the cheaper snowblowers you could bend the metal at the front with your hands. I expect to have this snowblower for years so I wanted top quality.

Overall, the machine works quite well, I don't mind the 24" path it creates. It's kind of fun using this machine; it starts well on the first pull, and the gears are good as well.

The only complaint might be that I have to keep reaching forward to adjust the snow deflector, and the snow blower is light and sometimes it rides above the hard packed snow created from tires. It's not a big deal....but maybe something to consider.

I would reccoment the 624e.

I bought an Ariens 624e in 2007. I wanted a small snowblower that would handle a 2X2 driveway in southern Ontario. I also wanted one small enought to fit in garage.

The build quality is excellent. One thing I noticed when shopping around is that on some of the cheaper snowblowers you could bend the metal at the front with your hands. I expect to have this snowblower for years so I wanted top quality.

Overall, the machine works quite well, I don't mind the 24" path it creates. It's kind of fun using this machine; it starts well on the first pull, and the gears are good as well.
... more

Went to a Big Box store to buy a two-stage snow blower. The whole experience was terrible.

Since this model is too big to fit in my car, I want it delivered to my house instead. The whole special order process took hours.

Their inital price at $749.99 was attractive. Then they wanted another $114.86 for shipping. Plus, another $53.99 in sales tax.

Home Depot wanted $917.85 when the dust settled. Snow Blowers Direct price is a lot less without the shipping and sales tax.

I cancelled my order with Home Depot, and ordered online from Snow Blowers Direct. Don't know why I even left the house in the first place! :)

Went to a Big Box store to buy a two-stage snow blower. The whole experience was terrible.

Since this model is too big to fit in my car, I want it delivered to my house instead. The whole special order process took hours.

Their inital price at $749.99 was attractive. Then they wanted another $114.86 for shipping. Plus, another $53.99 in sales tax.

Home Depot wanted $917.85 when the dust settled. Snow Blowers Direct price is a lot less without the shipping and sales tax.

I cancelled my order with Home Depot, and ordered online from Snow Blowers Direct. Don't know why I even le... more