Ariens Snowblower Question

[toot77]

I am wanting to find a walk behind snowblower to keep at a second house. I am planning to look for a used 2 stage 24-28". Can someone tell me the best Ariens model numbers to look for? Preferrably the models with the cast iron auger gear cases, or at least with a heavy duty gear case. I am hoping to find something cheap that needs some work.

I recall reading different things about Ariens Snowblowers here before so I thought this might be a good place to ask.
Thanks

 

[gary_in_neenah]

Finding a used Ariens, "something cheap" is going to be a challenge. The used ones sell for almost as much as the new ones, they hold their value and they sell fast. I bought a new one last year about this time during the Off-Season which helped a little bit with the pricing but like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Ariens makes a great machine, they're designed well and built to last. You might check with your local dealer for any trade-ins that come along in the 24" to 28" size. Good Luck!

 

[highhertel]

Older John Deere models (mid 90's and prior) were once produced by Ariens. So if you know what you are looking for in terms of OEM supplier, you can find a 'green' Ariens at a good price.

HH

 

[swampcat]

Craigslist is your friend. Out of boredom the other day I typed in SNOWBLOWERS and wow. Here it is Aug.2, its 96 degrees out and the list of snowthrowers is as long as my arm. Happy hunting.

 

[cuzzinolaf]

I have an older Bolens snowblower I'm thinking about selling. It is very clean, runs great, and needs nothing. It too has a cast iron auger case.

 

[polarisrider1]

I have a pretty much brand new Ariens that I may sell, I am moving into a Condo and it may nevry grt used. It is a 24" with a subaru motor with elc. start you will not use. starts in first pull and a pull on it is less then a push mower pull. will sell but need to put a price together. used 2 times due to very low snow fall. It is a 2010 or 2011 model.

 

[toot77]

I am in west mich so probably quite close to you. It sounds newer than what I have started to look for, but let me know which model it is and I will consider it. I know the subaru engines are very good, it is too bad that Ariens apparently only used them for a short time. I would probably be most interested if it is a model with a 14" impeller.

Thanks everyone for the comments

 

[groomerdriver]

When I bought my Ariens 10hp blower in 2000, the models with the CI auger gearcase were the "Pro" series. As others have said, good luck finding one that's cheap and worth fixing up.

 

[eao]

I have a 1999 Pro series 36 inch cut with 13-hp Tecumseh engine. Has seen very little use the last 10 yrs and is like new. Paid to have my drive plowed since 2002 and only used it a few hours a year to clean a path or two. Will sell but not cheap.

 

[uncle_ed]

I have an old 22000 series with a 24" swath that has been faithful for many years. If you want bigger than that I think you will have to look for the 924000 series and newer. Here is a link to a guy that has crazy info on Ariens sno throwers. Have fun finding an old beauty as they are out there every year for sale!

 

[harski]

Spend a few extra bucks for the reliability. CL is your friend! (or mayabe Polarisrider could be your new friend). Good luck.

 

[polarisrider1]

Spend a few extra bucks for the reliability. CL is your friend! (or mayabe Polarisrider could be your new friend). Good luck.

I am thinking of keeping it up north, My 42" snowthrower that is attached to my 18hp Wheel horse has been wearing thin and welding it is about useless since so much metal is missing. Next time "up North" I will look at what the heck I have for Ariens model and decide if we shall part. It will not be a give away deal, since I can still use it at "Up north". (closed on condo today). (Close on land on monday). busy busy!

 

[duluthrider]

I agree, watch Craigslist, look for an older ariens or deere, most will need a drive disk, look for the cast iron auger, some are overpriced but you can find them if you are willing to do the work needed to repair. I picked up a sweet 10/32 Ariens for $40, all it needed was the starter mount holes retapped , a fuel line and carb adjusted. had it 3 years now, always starts on the first or second pull!