Ariens Deluxe ST24LE (24") 250cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

This unit was purchased new from Snowblowers direct in June 2011 and was delivered without incident in July 2011. I did the 15 minute belt run in over the summer and only put a small amount of gas in it to intentionally run it out of gas so I wouldn't have issues later. It ran out of gas after about that much time (as expected) and didn't put new gas into it until December. First time I would have used it (early January in Wisconsin) unit wouldn't start. About 1 out of 5 pulls unit would backfire.

Talked to a local Master Technician (for Briggs & Stratton) over the phone and he said 99% of the time it was fuel. I tried to explain that wasn't it but messed around with draining out my really new gas anyway and draining the carb bowl.

3 hours later I had to unload the snowmobile load the snowblower and took it in for warranty. Unit is brand new and had only been run in the summer for that belt run in.

The technician found intermittent spark (after messing around with fuel again) and then when going to inspect the flywheel found the nut that holds the flywheel and flywheel key completely loose and flywheel key sheared.

Seems like this could have been an Ariens final assembly issue but just as likely could be a Briggs & Stratton issue.

With transporting it to and from the dealer (20 miles away) twice plus the other time plus moving the snowblower around I've got 6 or so hours into this repair.

Bill was covered under warrant but my time unfortunately wasn't. That is getting close to a work day worth of time so I wanted to let everyone know I'm not impressed. I'm also hoping to mention this on Ariens Website if I can to get the truth out there. Your issue may or may not be covered. When you are spending this kind of money and buying snowblowers in June like I did you know what kind of personal disaster I consider this purchase.

This unit was purchased new from Snowblowers direct in June 2011 and was delivered without incident in July 2011. I did the 15 minute belt run in over the summer and only put a small amount of gas in it to intentionally run it out of gas so I wouldn't have issues later. It ran out of gas after about that much time (as expected) and didn't put new gas into it until December. First time I would have used it (early January in Wisconsin) unit wouldn't start. About 1 out of 5 pulls unit would backfire.

Talked to a local Master Technician (for Briggs & Stratton) over the phone... more

Kriss and Mike were outstanding. Answers to questions, and personal advice. They helped me select the blower including focus on my specific needs (big berms in Truckee CA) with relatively smaller driveway (600 sq-ft). Mike led me to the 250 cc engine on the 24" instead of 26" blower....a little smaller bite in the berm with same HP and auger as wider bite.

R&L delivery was ahead of schedule with a very friendly and helpful driver out of Reno. Uncrating, set up and started on first pull.

So, first storm was 20" two weeks ago. I experimented on the berm and decided having both wheels driving was better than one. Very glad I didn't go with tracked model. This one is relatively easy to handle and turn. So far so good. We can sure use some snow here in the Sierra.

Hope to get the last laugh on the Honda snobs in my town! 2-3 times the price. What's up with that!

Do business with these guys.....you won't regret it!

Warren

Kriss and Mike were outstanding. Answers to questions, and personal advice. They helped me select the blower including focus on my specific needs (big berms in Truckee CA) with relatively smaller driveway (600 sq-ft). Mike led me to the 250 cc engine on the 24" instead of 26" blower....a little smaller bite in the berm with same HP and auger as wider bite.

R&L delivery was ahead of schedule with a very friendly and helpful driver out of Reno. Uncrating, set up and started on first pull.

So, first storm was 20" two weeks ago. I experimented ... more

We finally got snow in NJ (6 "- not that much but a good test of the machine) and I cannot get over what a great machine this is! Starting the engine, even with the pull cord was a breeze and I was able to clean off my sidewalk, double wide driveway and the path to the backyard in no time. I also lent a hand to some of my neighbors to do their driveways and sidewalks and everyone kept saying what a great machine this is. The engine never once sounded or acted like it was straining even when cutting through the packed snow and ice the town plow plopped in front of my driveway. And yes, watching that stuff fly nearly 50' out of the chute is quite a sight!

I did engage both wheels (it is shipped with only the left wheel engaged) as I wanted the extra traction but that was the only change I did to the factory settings. I also swapped out the factory skids for the heavy duty plastic ones that SBD offers and found that these do make a difference. If you don't want to mar your pavers, you should definitely look into getting these as they are easy to install (all you need is a socket set) and make your life a lot easier.

So after our first major snow I can't wait until the next one! If you are looking for a great snowblower, look no further than Ariens and stick with SBD as the best place to get one.

We finally got snow in NJ (6 "- not that much but a good test of the machine) and I cannot get over what a great machine this is! Starting the engine, even with the pull cord was a breeze and I was able to clean off my sidewalk, double wide driveway and the path to the backyard in no time. I also lent a hand to some of my neighbors to do their driveways and sidewalks and everyone kept saying what a great machine this is. The engine never once sounded or acted like it was straining even when cutting through the packed snow and ice the town plow plopped in front of my driveway. And yes,... more

Pros: Finally got some snow in Denver! We received 14" on the 22nd of December. I was planning a hunting trip and was going to let my wife and son handle the snow (forecast was 4"). When I saw the snow, I thought I would be snowed in for half the day. 90ft of driveway with 14" of snow was a workout for the single stage, this new machine cleared the driveway in under 30 mins. I completed both my driveways the neighbors driveways and sidewalks all before a single stage could clear 1400 sq. ft next door. It ripped through the drift left by the plow. It throws snow 5 times farther than a single stage and this was nice I was able to move snow away from areas where melting snow creates puddles. I thought about buying the 24" with the 208cc I'm glad I stepped up to this one.

The cons: It is big for snows 4 to 6 inches. It doesn't clear to the ground as well as my single stage.

Overall this thing rocked.

Pros: Finally got some snow in Denver! We received 14" on the 22nd of December. I was planning a hunting trip and was going to let my wife and son handle the snow (forecast was 4"). When I saw the snow, I thought I would be snowed in for half the day. 90ft of driveway with 14" of snow was a workout for the single stage, this new machine cleared the driveway in under 30 mins. I completed both my driveways the neighbors driveways and sidewalks all before a single stage could clear 1400 sq. ft next door. It ripped through the drift left by the plow. It throws snow 5 times farther ... more

After 20+ years of service I finally retired my old AMF 3-stage machine and gave if to my friend who wanted a back-up snow blower for his landscaping/snow removal business. As I already have an Ariens lawnmower (got it from LMD), I know how solid this company is and that I could rely on SBD for a good deal, reliable service and sound advice.

I chose the Ariens 24" deluxe based upon reviews and product features. I bought it on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and by the following Tuesday R&L had it on the truck for delivery to my home. Unpacking and set up was a no-brainer but I would suggest you go to the Ariens website and download their step by step which is much clearer than the book they provide with the machine. The only tools you'll need is a decent socket set and Vice Grip pliers to do the complete setup in less than 30 minutes.

Once that's done, just add fresh gas (the crankcase and gearbox already are filled but check anyway!) and pull the cord. Mine started on the first pull and runs like a dream. Can't wait for the first blizzard and if it anything like we had last winter, I'll ready for it!

After 20+ years of service I finally retired my old AMF 3-stage machine and gave if to my friend who wanted a back-up snow blower for his landscaping/snow removal business. As I already have an Ariens lawnmower (got it from LMD), I know how solid this company is and that I could rely on SBD for a good deal, reliable service and sound advice.

I chose the Ariens 24" deluxe based upon reviews and product features. I bought it on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and by the following Tuesday R&L had it on the truck for delivery to my home. Unpacking and set up was a no-br... more

Once I decided to get a snow blower, I agonized over which model to purchase for long time. I settled on the 22" compact Ariens based on recommendations and price. When the 22" was backordered, I changed my order to the 24" Deluxe with the 250cc engine. This blower was backordered also, but in the end arrived earlier than the date predicted.

The delivery service by R&L was fast and efficient. The driver was friendly and efficient on the day the machine arrived despite torrential rain. It took five minutes to open the box and about 20 minutes to put it together. Simple. I checked the fluids, put in the gas, and the engine started on the first pull with everything working perfectly.

My first impressions: I got the right tool. It is not too big and maneuvers easily. It is rugged and intuitive in its operation. The total shopping experience, from deciding which product to purchase, to ordering, customer support, and delivery was top notch and it came in at least a couple hundred dollars less than I could have purchased locally. I have not tried it in the snow, so I can't answer the most important question but I'm a satisfied customer.

Once I decided to get a snow blower, I agonized over which model to purchase for long time. I settled on the 22" compact Ariens based on recommendations and price. When the 22" was backordered, I changed my order to the 24" Deluxe with the 250cc engine. This blower was backordered also, but in the end arrived earlier than the date predicted.

The delivery service by R&L was fast and efficient. The driver was friendly and efficient on the day the machine arrived despite torrential rain. It took five minutes to open the box and about 20 minutes to put it t... more

I researched, reviewed and inspected every snow blower I could in my search for a new unit. Then I went and spoke to a number of snow blower repair shop mechanics. In the end I purchased an Ariens Deluxe 24 without hesitation. Consumers tend to look at the basics like engine size and appearance, but I went further. When you compare Ariens with other brands you find it is the little things that make the difference, and those little things really are huge in the long run. Cast iron gear box versus aluminum, heavy gauge steel housing with excellent welds, steel chute versus plastic, synthetic oil versus standard, 3-5 year warranty versus the industry standard 2 year, and an overall build quality that says American made by people who have a reputation to maintain.

Beyond that the Ariens has a simplicity that equates to long term durability. Murphy's law is a serious consideration when it comes to throwing snow the more gadgets and gimmicks someone sticks on a snow blower the more likely something is going to go wrong. The Ariens Deluxe features everything you need and none of the stuff you don't. And what it does have can generally be fixed at home by the end user if need be. Add that all up and the Ariens Deluxe series is the real Best in Class snow blower for under $1000.

I researched, reviewed and inspected every snow blower I could in my search for a new unit. Then I went and spoke to a number of snow blower repair shop mechanics. In the end I purchased an Ariens Deluxe 24 without hesitation. Consumers tend to look at the basics like engine size and appearance, but I went further. When you compare Ariens with other brands you find it is the little things that make the difference, and those little things really are huge in the long run. Cast iron gear box versus aluminum, heavy gauge steel housing with excellent welds, steel chute versus plastic, synthetic oil... more

So after some pain, I got a snow blower from SBD. The problem started when I ordered the Compact 24 a couple of weeks ago. It said it would ship out on Sept 12. The date came and went and no tracking number so I called to find out what was up. I was told my blower was there and they were processing and shipping them out, should have notification in a couple of days. A couple of days later, still no notification and I noticed the estimated ship date on new orders was now Nov. So I called again. This time I was told my order was not there, that it had not come in and they would know more in Nov (no guarantee I would get it). I was a bit annoyed and asked why I was told it was there the other day. No answer for that one since I didn't have the name of who I spoke with. I asked to speak with the manager and I spoke with Sherry. Sherry tried hard to resolve the issue. After looking into it she called me back and explained that some had come in but I was still deep in the wait list and they were hoping to fill mine in Nov. I explained I didn't want to take a chance on Nov coming and going and still not having one. After going back and forth a bit, Sherry told me she had a Deluxe 24 available. We worked out some accommodations and I agreed to take the bigger machine. I figured why not, the bigger motor and tires wouldn't be a bad thing.

The machine showed up as promised and it was absolutely brand new. I unpacked it and assembled it. The machine is a beast! I got it fired up and took it for a test run. It's a little awkward to handle because it is so big. It is difficult to turn, but hopefully on the slippery snow it will be easier. My driveway is sloped and at one point I find I will be in a position where I will have to make a decision to go or not go, because once I pass that point, I won't be able to stop until I get to the bottom. This is mostly because the machine does not have a brake. Perhaps some more practice will get me more comfortable with controlling it. The machine is probably too big for my wife to handle, which is a little disappointing. I didn't really think too much about this until I was at home depot this weekend and they had the Compact 24 out on the floor. It is noticeably smaller. The entire housing is smaller and it just looks like the little brother to the machine I have. My wife would have been able to use the Compact and I think it would have been easier to handle. I also preferred the chute control on the compact which is right below the handle grips. On the deluxe, you have to reach over the dashboard to turn the chute control making it more awkward to do while you are moving.

Overall, I think I will be happy with this machine. Most snow falls it is going to be overkill for the area I have to clear but I have no doubts the machine will last a long time and if I ever move I know I'll have a machine that can handle pretty much any residential area. If we get any big blizzards, I'm sure I'll be happy I have the bigger machine as well. I'll have to get my wife lifting some weights if she is going to try to use it.

So my satisfaction with SBD is kind of 5050. I get the back order issue, although it annoyed me as my order said it will ship in Sept. Mostly I am pissed with the person I spoke to who said it was there when it wasn't. I appreciate the effort that Sherry made to make things right so that goes a long way.

As far as the machine goes, this is an awesome snow blower and I am not worried there will be any snow I can't clear living in the north east. I would have preferred to have the compact, but in the long run, hopefully I will benefit from having the larger deluxe.

So after some pain, I got a snow blower from SBD. The problem started when I ordered the Compact 24 a couple of weeks ago. It said it would ship out on Sept 12. The date came and went and no tracking number so I called to find out what was up. I was told my blower was there and they were processing and shipping them out, should have notification in a couple of days. A couple of days later, still no notification and I noticed the estimated ship date on new orders was now Nov. So I called again. This time I was told my order was not there, that it had not come in and they would know more ... more

This year I had to finally retire my 20+ year old Ariens 824. The local service that comes by the house to change the oil yearly did not help things when they forgot to put oil back into the machine and the engine quickly froze up first time out when the big snow hit last year. Now that I have embarrassed myself thoroughly..... CHECK YOUR OIL LEVELS everyone before starting up !!! (Loved that machine)

I have to thank Snow Blowers Direct for handling every aspect of my purchase and delivery of my new Ariens Deluxe 24 over the internet. It does help if you know what you want, and I wanted an Ariens. Only thing I added to the unit is the scuff resistant skids to minimize scratching of our new stamped asphalt driveway. I am eager to "getter done" this winter.

Thank you Snow Blowers Direct. I will tell the neighborhood where they should get their next snow blower from. Great experience.

"Let it snow" !

I'll try to attach some photos on my next opportunity.

This year I had to finally retire my 20+ year old Ariens 824. The local service that comes by the house to change the oil yearly did not help things when they forgot to put oil back into the machine and the engine quickly froze up first time out when the big snow hit last year. Now that I have embarrassed myself thoroughly..... CHECK YOUR OIL LEVELS everyone before starting up !!! (Loved that machine)

I have to thank Snow Blowers Direct for handling every aspect of my purchase and delivery of my new Ariens Deluxe 24 over the internet. It does help if you know what you want, ... more

We recently moved from New England to the Midwest. My 12 year old Ariens 826 didn't make the trip, rather it became a gift for my Nephew and his first home. I knew I would need a new Snow Blower, so I started looking online. The time to buy is before you need one, and SBD had a good sale in place.

I chose the Ariens ST24LE "Deluxe" as it was a great value at the sale price. I also threw in the "lift gate service" as my suburban home doesn't have a loading dock, and this unit weighs in at 200+ pounds (with carton on pallet). The man unloaded the pallet and parked it in my garage using a pallet jack I didn't have to do a thing except sign the delivery document.

Assembly was easy, raise the handle bars from the folded shipping position and mount the steel snow chute. I checked and tightened all the hardware fasteners, rolled the machine off the pallet and gassed it up with 89 octane treated with stabilizer (engine arrived with fresh oil in the crankcase). Within minutes I had the machine running and made a couple of "dry" runs up and down my double driveway.

This is only a 24" cut, but the machine is a beast! The "Deluxe" comes with a bigger engine, larger tires, and the biggest 2nd stage impeller Ariens makes in their consumer line of products. I'm quite confident that snow removal is NOT going to be a problem this winter!

History: I had a very good experience at Power Equipment Direct (Snow Blower Direct's Parent) this summer where I purchased a Power Transfer Switch through Generators Direct. Visiting PED's facility allowed me to see what a clean and efficient operation this company runs. I would recommend them to anyone shopping for power equipment.

Rob Smith - Downers Grove, IL
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We recently moved from New England to the Midwest. My 12 year old Ariens 826 didn't make the trip, rather it became a gift for my Nephew and his first home. I knew I would need a new Snow Blower, so I started looking online. The time to buy is before you need one, and SBD had a good sale in place.

I chose the Ariens ST24LE "Deluxe" as it was a great value at the sale price. I also threw in the "lift gate service" as my suburban home doesn't have a loading dock, and this unit weighs in at 200+ pounds (with carton on pallet). The man unloaded the pallet ... more