Ariens Platinum 24 SHO (24") 369cc Two-Stage Snow Blower

I have already used the blower and it does great. It started right up and it was throwing wet snow from my gravel driveway this morning with no problems whatsoever.

Here's thing....and to me this is a big deal and it needs fixing the assembly instructions included with this model number 921050 do not match. The instructions are taped to the chute and include about 5 model numbers from previous builds up to 921049, but it does not go up to 921050. That's a real problem because the chute control is different on my model. I'm an engineer and I figured it out on my own, but you won't find any videos online from any source on how to assemble this particular model because it's brand new.

The chute control stick that is mounted to the controls is different than the manual crank that is on previous models and it's not intuitive or easy to attach without instructions. It's hard for me to imagine a $1,500 product from Ariens that doesn't include proper assembly instructions, but this one doesn't and it seems from other reviews that I'm not the only one. How does this get by QC? You would think it would also be a liability for Ariens.

Again, great machine....incorrect and frustrating assembly instructions.

I have already used the blower and it does great. It started right up and it was throwing wet snow from my gravel driveway this morning with no problems whatsoever.

Here's thing....and to me this is a big deal and it needs fixing the assembly instructions included with this model number 921050 do not match. The instructions are taped to the chute and include about 5 model numbers from previous builds up to 921049, but it does not go up to 921050. That's a real problem because the chute... more

Assembly video was not very detailed causing the set up to be more difficult than it needed to be. Instructions should refer to the video - they do not. Control for discharge shoot required cable adjustment and the adjustment was very sensitive requiring several iterations to get it right.

Generally, I'd recommend the mount of this lever to be re-engineered. The unit did not rest flat in front and the only video on the website for this adjustment is for a different model so I have yet to solve this other than having one skid drag heavy (obviously not a good LT fix).

Just got it and no snow yet in NJ so I can't yet comment on performance. This model has a larger engine than many so I'm hopeful it will handle wet snow.

Assembly video was not very detailed causing the set up to be more difficult than it needed to be. Instructions should refer to the video - they do not. Control for discharge shoot required cable adjustment and the adjustment was very sensitive requiring several iterations to get it right.

Generally, I'd recommend the mount of this lever to be re-engineered. The unit did not rest flat in front and the only video on the website for this adjustment is for a different model so I have yet to... more

I will report back after first snow fall on performance. While putting parts on, I could feel and see the quality in this product. The instructions could have been a tad bit more explanatory, but if you are mechanically inclined you shouldn’t have a problem assembling the parts.

I did tons of research before I bought this model. Big engine, smaller intake (24") will surely be a winning ticket. But the instructions... unbelievably bad! I mean who the heck let this slip by? $1500 bucks is fine for a quality blower, but are some usable assembly instructions to much to ask for? Someone needs to be fired!

I have the previous version but they appear to be identical. The added power without making the path wider seems to give it the ability to clear anything that I aim it at including the slushy piles which the state plow leaves in front of the driveway.

The heated handles are a nice extra and is very helpful for my once frost bitten fingers. Although it has electric start I have not had to use it for other than testing. In 10F temperatures it starts with no argument. Note that I always run the carb dry when shutting it down so it always starts on fresh fuel.

The only down side is that as supplied it is hard to keep straight. That was fixed by replacing the slides with wheels. Now it is the best of both worlds.

I have the previous version but they appear to be identical. The added power without making the path wider seems to give it the ability to clear anything that I aim it at including the slushy piles which the state plow leaves in front of the driveway.

The heated handles are a nice extra and is very helpful for my once frost bitten fingers. Although it has electric start I have not had to use it for other than testing. In 10F temperatures it starts with no argument. Note that I always run the... more

Purchased on a Saturday ,delivered that Thursday. Recommend liftgate service. Not too difficult to assemble you can use youtube for help. just waiting for snow probably next season, then I can rate performance. will be comparing it to my troybilt 8hp 26 in 2 stage snowthrower ...this review to be continued after a few uses. I hope we get loads of snow, waiting patiently... one star performance cause I have to give it one to submit on performance..to be continued....

This unit has lots of power and doesn't slow down. The auto turn is definitely under rated, makes it so easy to handle. Have had lots of neighbors looking and asking what it is. We've had 50+ inches so far and glad I made the purchase.

SB Direct was great to work with, but the shipping was horrible. Was suppose to get a phone call and never did. I had to call the carrier and get transferred. They had the package but didn't know when they could bring it out. I ended up getting it myself and bringing home.

This unit has lots of power and doesn't slow down. The auto turn is definitely under rated, makes it so easy to handle. Have had lots of neighbors looking and asking what it is. We've had 50+ inches so far and glad I made the purchase.

SB Direct was great to work with, but the shipping was horrible. Was suppose to get a phone call and never did. I had to call the carrier and get transferred. They had the package but didn't know when they could bring it out. I ended up getting it myself and... more

This is the best snow blower I've ever used. It was super easy to put together. I don know what other reviewers had issues with assembling the machine. You just have to put the shoot on and make a few cable connections. I use Tru fuel for this machine. I push the primer ONCE and pull the starter a half pull and it stars up every time. The power steering works great. The machine will go all over the place if your going to fast for the conditions. As soon as you slow down, the power steering works as it should. That's operator error. The hand warmers are a great feature.

I've used the snow blower in 4 storms. First few were about 4"-6". The last storm was 18". It just ate the 18" of heavy wet snow with no problem. Highly recommended this snow blower.

This is the best snow blower I've ever used. It was super easy to put together. I don know what other reviewers had issues with assembling the machine. You just have to put the shoot on and make a few cable connections. I use Tru fuel for this machine. I push the primer ONCE and pull the starter a half pull and it stars up every time. The power steering works great. The machine will go all over the place if your going to fast for the conditions. As soon as you slow down, the power... more

I received this blower within 7 days of order to a remote area of northern Maine. I am impressed with all the upgrades and in particular the power. It replaces my Ariens 824 which I will be working on restoring this winter (824) is 30 years old. Currently there are no instructions specific to this model so assembly offered a couple challenges. Like the heated handles!

I finally retired my 1973 Toro and was looking for a replacement. I believe Ariens has a way better snowblower than the new Toro's. Even though I had great success with my old Toro, this new Ariens is alot easier to handle and blow's snow alot farther!

I'm a small engine mechanic also and like the way this machine is made and designed! I recommend my Dad buy a Ariens a few years back and he loves his and has had no issues with it, nice machine!

I liked the fact that this snow blower has a more powerful engine that a similar Home Depot machine.