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Average Rating: 4.9 of 5.0
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Written August 17, 2010 |
| Good Machine but a few problems |
| By Joe (Mississauga, ON Canada) |
Overall, I like this machine. I purchased it in the fall of 2009 but didn't get much of a chance to use it last year due to a lack of snow.
The few things that annoy me include:
1. Briggs engine backfires on shutdown. It happens all the time. If you shut the unit down and then try to restart it, you need to reprime it as well. Neither my dealer nor Briggs has a solution for this. Briggs claims that it is caused because the unit runs lean due to pollution controls?
2. As mentioned by another person, the chute tends to move while the machine is working.
3. The machine is shorter than Toro's 826 model. This makes the unit heavier to turn.
Overall, it's a good machine but these annoying things prevented me from giving the unit higher marks. |
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Written March 15, 2010 |
| Send More Snow |
| By Doug (Joppa, MD) |
My recent order did the trick , it has not snowed since I place the order.
I am very pleased with the whole process, from ordering to setup.
When my snow blower arrived the set up time was quick, a couple of bolts and connecting the chute; and I was giving my one pull to start the engine.
I did run through some old snow from our recent 40" plus of snow, but did not want to over-do it. It performed great.
I had not realized hard much harder I was working with my old snow blower until I received this gem. I have told many others about how great it works- send more snow! |
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Written March 06, 2010 |
| Snow eating beast |
| By Thom (Annapolis, MD) |
Good price - Arrived quickly - Well made - Excellent features - Setup and running in 15 minutes - Chewed through heavily compacted snow with ease.
Highly recommend this machine!! |
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Written March 03, 2010 |
| Great snowblower |
| By joe (Bear, DE) |
| I rate this 921017 a 10........... |
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Written March 03, 2010 |
| Too old for all the 2010 snow |
| By James Bell (Martinsburg, WV) |
A couple of years ago I retired from Northern Virginia suburbs to the countryside in WV. In Northern VA we had a great little MTD blower for 10 years that worked just fine on a short driveway.
In WV we've got a long drive and parking area roughly 100' by 25'. I can't shovel anymore and we really struggled through the December 24-inch snow storm.
When we got hit twice in Feb with another four feet I ordered an Ariens 24 Deluxe Platinum from Snow Blowers Direct. Of course everybody on the east coast was ordering at the same time and I had to wait for a backorder.
SBD shipped the blower earlier than promised. I had paid extra to get lift gate delivery, but after we got hit twice in Feb our neighborhood was so inundated with snow that the freight company couldn't get their truck into our area.
I drove 25 miles to the freight yard and brought the Ariens 24 home rather than wait any longer. I contacted SBD and they immediately refunded my $50 for not using the lift delivery.
The Ariens 24 took about 45 minutes to unpack and assemble using simple tools (the instructions left something to be desired). I was really impressed with the quality of the packing and the engineering I found in the Ariens itself. The packing held the blower securely in place and protected it well during shipping but was easy to remove during assembly.
With the blower assembled, I filled the tank, gave it one pull and the Ariens started instantly.
By now, we had 50+ inches of accumulated snow on the ground left behind from the two February storms. With the help of a friendly neighbor we had cleared a narrow single lane down the drive, but everything else was just a mess.
That first afternoon, we spent about 2 hours learning the Ariens and clearing the whole driveway, parking pad and front walk. That thing cut through wet, packed snow and tossed it 50' like it was child's play.
Adding to the work, our neighborhood snow removal contractor had pushed a wall of snow in front of our mailbox roughly 9'x12' x 5' high. The post office wouldn't deliver any mail to us because they couldn't get to our box. It took another two hours the second day for the Ariens 24 to eat 500+ cubic feet of ice snow mix and open a huge path for mail delivery.
I doubt we will ever again face a snowfall that this Ariens 24 can't handle. The single lever chute control was a great feature on the Platinum model that I would really recommend. It was worth the extra money.
Overall, I am completely satisfied with my selection Ariens and Snow Blower Direct. The Ariens is quality machine (in spite of the instructions) that does just what it advertises and it's made in the USA. The 3 year warranty is the best I found on any machine. Most others offer only a two year warranty. Snow Blower Direct was a very easy to place to shop and buy. I would recommend them as well.
I'm a very happy customer. |
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Written February 28, 2010 |
| LOVE our new snowblower! |
| By Mary Ann & David Harding (Freeport, PA) |
My husband & I are very pleased & thankful that we bought our snowblower from Snow Blowers Direct--especially with the 2010 record setting snowfalls for February in our area of southwestern Pennsylvania!
My husband always used the plow on our garden & lawn tractor in the past and there was never a problem. But this year the snow was so deep (one snowfall was 27+ inches) that he couldn't open up our driveway. We called our neighbor who has a large farm tractor with a snowblade but he couldn't even get out of his own driveway, which was level!
Another neighbor saw us shoveling and offered to use his snowblower on our driveway. We were sold on the effectiveness of his snowblower, which was rather small in size!
Immediately after our neighbor left, we decided to purchase a snowblower. I went online & searched for snowblowers and thankfully found your site (all local stores were sold out and didn't know if or when they would be receiving more)!
My husband & I discussed the different features of the various brands & models and then I ordered our Ariens after reading reviews from other customers. The reviews were very positive and gave a lot of information that helped us in deciding which snowblower would meet our needs. I ordered online that morning.
Our delivery was delayed one extra day because of another snow storm--the freight company couldn't make it through! The next day as I was viewing your site again, your supply was greatly diminished--I'm thankful I didn't delay in ordering.
Needless to say we've been using the snowblower quite regularly due to the continual storms and are very, very pleased with everything about it! The ease of operation was extremely important to my husband & myself as we are both disabled and we needed something to do the work for us. The Ariens certainly took care of that concern!
Thank you for making shopping for a snow blower easy! The home delivery made things a lot easier too.
We have been telling everyone we know about what a great product you sell, the ease of ordering and the great home delivery! |
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Written February 28, 2010 |
| Very good deal |
| By kelly hastings (Magnolia, DE) |
Although I was reluctant to purchase this sight unseen, there was not a snow blower to be found locally.
I made a very good choice. It was purchased at the end of a major snowstorm, so transportation came to a stand still due to road conditions.
R & L Carriers delivered it on a Saturday, just to keep up with demand. Great choice of carriers on your end.
It is a powerful, powerful machine. |
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Written February 27, 2010 |
| Saaaaweeeeet snowblower |
| By Dave (Manassas Park, VA) |
Once the blower arrived it took about 35 minutes to unbox it and assemble the necessary small parts. The instructions leave a bit to be desired, but if you take your time you'll figure it out pretty easily.
Although Briggs and Stratton ships the engine without oil, Ariens must add the oil before they ship it from the factory to the various distributors. I fueled it up, and it started on the second pull.
It took a couple of minutes to become comfortable with the controls, but after two passes in the driveway I became a self-professed expert.
Now for the best part: we still had 22 inches of crusty, icy, snow on the sidewalk after our last storm here in DC.. and this snowblower cut right through it.
Be careful where you're aiming the chute because this thing throws the snow further than anything blower I've seen or operated.
My neighbors watched me for a few minutes and had to come over to see my new toy. I'm very happy with this purchase and can't wait for it to snow again.
My only complaint is the chute discharge elevation. Every once in awhile when you move the control to raise it, it doesn't move. However, once the discharged snow hits it, it opens right up. Lube didn't help so I'm going to try some teflon strips to see if that will keep it working perfectly.
Final thoughts: the engine is easy to start and very strong, the unit handles with ease, it throws snow a mile, and the serrated auger cuts through that icy crusty snow with ease.
You won't be disappointed......unless it doesn't snow! |
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Written February 26, 2010 |
| The snow destroyer |
| By Larry (Toms River, NJ) |
I received my Ariens the evening before we got clobbered by 16" or so of wet heavy snow.
As I started out of the garage my two neighbors were shoveling, even though they both own other brand blowers. They both said "good luck" because neither of their machines could get anything done with this storm.
I chewed through everything plus the plowed mass at the end of the driveway, and then showed off by clearing their areas for fun.
This thing is awesome..... |
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Written February 25, 2010 |
| great machine |
| By joe (Bear, DE) |
| will go, and blow snow...........wow |
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Written February 19, 2010 |
| New Owner |
| By Bruce (Clarksville, MD) |
I've never owned a snow blower so I'll admit I have no point of reference.. I ordered the snow blower on a Saturday after receiving our first huge wave of snow. SnowBlowersDirect turned it over to the shipping company on Monday.
The next two days we got a second wave of snow (a blizzard really) which shut down our state for a few days and delayed delivery. I'm glad I paid for "lift gate service" since it would have been tough to coordinate getting help to take it off the truck.
When it showed up, I didn't hear the truck arrive, the next thing I know a neighbor helped them get it into my open garage so when they knocked on my door it was already sitting in my garage.
Assembly consists of tightening bolts on the handle, attaching the discharge chute and the cables that control it and requires a couple of wrenches and a pliers. The directions supplied apply to a couple of different models so you need to pick out the parts that are applicable to your model.
Once I got it assembled it took only one pull to get it started. (I have yet to try the electric start) I put it to work clearing the walk in front of our house.
The instructions for the snow blower say it works best on new snow, but I was up against snow that was 4 days old and starting to ice over a bit. The snow was pretty high in places (we had a 4 ft pile where snow fell off the roof) and with a bit of work it was able to get though.
Now I'm just waiting for more snow... |
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Written February 14, 2010 |
| Great Buying Experience!!! |
| By Pierce Felch (Blacksburg, VA) |
I ordered my Ariens Deluxe 24 Platinum machine one Sunday and by the next Sunday I was blowing snow.
Delivery was amazingly fast and friendly, set-up was straightforward, and, believe it or not, the machine started on the first pull, without me even trying out the electric start feature.
Not the second or third pull, mind you, but the FIRST pull!! And I'm a 72 year old weakling!!
Now all I need is a bit more snow to fully develop my skills. We've had record breaking snowfall here in Southwestern Virginia this year, but, of course, it stopped the day my new blower arrived!
I guess it would be worth it, just for the "insurance" against any more snow, but I'd still like to try it out on one more 12 inch dumping.
I'd be happy to recommend "Snow Blowers Direct" to anyone who asks, and even to those who don't! |
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Written February 11, 2010 |
| Easy, easy, and fantastic |
| By Dan (Forest, VA) |
Online order from SnowBlowersDirect was extremely easy, however the shipping company came up a bit short.
I had called the terminal in advance suggesting a straight line truck. The next day, the driver calls and asks for directions to the house and asks if a tractor trailer will get in and out - I said no.
I had to drive into town and meet the truck in order take delivery. Thankfully, SnowBlowersDirect immediately refunded me the cost for lift gate service since it was not needed.
Snowblower assembly is easy with only having to assemble the chute and handle bar. This machine is a breeze to handle with the auto-traction control, and chute positioning is easy and quick- no handles to crank.
Fantastic is my description of SnowBlowersDirect and the Ariens snowblower. The Ariens is everything it says it is and working with SnowBlowersDirect has been a pleasure.
Now all I need is some snow. |
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Written February 02, 2010 |
| We love the snow blower |
| By Dianne (Leadville, CO) |
We love the snow blower. It starts easily.
It does a great job of cleaning up even deep snow!
Delivery was right on time! |
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Written February 02, 2010 |
| Excellent for a windy location |
| By Bob (Shirley, MA) |
I live on a lake and have to deal with high winds and severe drifting. The quick chute control is excellent when you quickly have to change the direction to avoid a cloud of snow in your face.
The 11.5 horse engine is an animal when goes into drifts and plow berms. The hand warmers are a great feature and the traction control makes turning the machine very easy. My 110lb wife can easily handle it.
Overall a really well engineered machine. I hope it lasts as long as my dad's Ariens - going on 41 years old - although I doubt I'll be snowblowing my driveway when I'm 99! |
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Written January 28, 2010 |
| The Great machine |
| By Bruce (Medford, NY) |
It's a great Machine, it has magic- it has not snowed since I received it.
For that I love it ! |
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Written January 28, 2010 |
| Does everything and then some |
| By John (Columbia Station, OH) |
The snow blower was shipped and delivered quickly and for free.
This Ariens model does everything you could ask for and then some. I have only had the opportunity to use it 2 times, but it started up and performed flawlessly.
I had no need to use the electric start, it started on the first pull, and was made easier by the large open grip handle.
The only negative thing I can report would be that the assembly was time consuming, and the instructions were less than clear on some steps.
Otherwise, I would rate this "bad boy" snow thrower as "Numer Uno" |
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Written January 27, 2010 |
| Love it! |
| By Peter (Thornton, CO) |
I bought this for my wife because I am usually at work when it snows and she was getting very crabby about shoveling a lot of snow.
Ironically, she has never got to use it because I suddenly find time to clear the snow now that we have a blower.
I have to say that so far this has been a great blower. I have never had any piece of yard equipment that started as easily as this does.
We haven't had any huge snows yet but it has handled what we have gotten with ease. The headlight and hand warmers are really handy and nice to have.
The only thing I have to be careful of is not shooting the snow across the street and onto my neighbor’s driveway:) |
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Written January 27, 2010 |
| Not enough snow to have fun |
| By Richard C. (Cobble Hill, BC Canada) |
I am from Vancouver Island, British Columbia and here when we do have snow it is very wet and heavy.
I can say that my Ariens Deluxe Platinum ST24DLE performs admirably; unfortunately we only had a one 5 inch snowfall so far.
I keep hoping for more snowfall and one of about 12 inches deep would be nice- but who else will complain about not having enough snow other than someone that just bought a snowblower (BG). But for the little snow we had it was great- almost fun.
As far as the electric start power cord I thought it would have been a bit more flexible but it works like a charm. |
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Written January 01, 2010 |
| NO MORE SNOW |
| By frank siebert (Coram, NY) |
After getting hit with a 3 foot snow storm with 4 to 5 foot drifts I bought this beautiful monster snow blower.
I am very impressed with the quality and value of this unit.
My story is I bought this beauty, and I will bet it does not snow this much again any time soon because I now own the King of the Hill of snow blowers! |
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Written December 22, 2009 |
| Control problem below 20 degrees F |
| By jeff jordan (Chicago, IL) |
My ST24DLE throws snow great and has plenty of power but has one major problem. Every time I used it last season when the temperature was below 20, the cable that controls the chute and the funky new chute directional control always froze and the chute would not lock in position. This was a real pain.
I had my old ST824 for 35 years and never had a problem because the chute controls were u-joints and shafts. The gearbox on my old unit finally went out last season and the parts were back ordered. If I have the same problem with controls freezing this year I will probably sell the new Ariens and repair my old ST824.
SBD RESPONDS: You might want to try Ariens Sno-Jet Non-Stick spray; it should help keep ice from building up. You can find it in the Accessories section- just click on "Non-Stick Sprays".
You may also want to contact the tech support folks at Ariens, toll free at 800-472-8359. They will have helpful suggestions to solve the freezing problem while keeping your warranty intact. |
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Written July 07, 2008 |
| Why It's Easier to Replace Than Repair |
| By Dennis Murray (Mt. Pleasant, OR) |
Figured that I would try starting my 6-year-old snow blower before the first flake fell.
Good thing. Darn thing wouldn't start at all.
Took it to the local repair shop. They wanted nearly $200 bucks to fix a $300 snow blower. Even if I got it fixed, it'll still be a six year old snow blower. How long can it actually last?
Decided to reinvest the money into a good snowblower instead. Hoping this baby will last me a decade or more. Looking forward to putting it to the test.
Bring on the blizzard! |
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