56 of 57 people found the following review helpful
Top-rated snow-blower brand..,
February 2, 2011 Victor H. Agresti "remodeling-guy" (Gaithersburg, MD United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ariens ST24LE 24" Compact 2-Stage Snowblower 920014
Ariens 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower
Ariens makes minor revisions to their snow-blower models every year, such as changing the headlight design; but the basic machines stay pretty much the same. E.g., we bought an Ariens 24" blower at Home Depot a few years ago, and this model is nearly the same. Some observations:
- If you're an old guy like me, a snow blower could save your life by preventing a heart attack. It's not easy operating this thing, but it's FAR less taxing than shoveling for hours. Besides, this machine can clear a one foot snow from our 55' triple width driveway at least 5 times faster than the couple next door, with their shovels. The deeper the snow, the faster and easier this snow-blower is, compared to shoveling.
- 24" versus a wider machine?
A) Storage space may dictate which machine is best. E.g., our garage would only accommodate a 24" model.
B) 24" models are more maneuverable and easier to handle...Read more
11 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Designed to cause aggravation,
March 7, 2011 Looking for beef (Albany, NY) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ariens ST24LE 24" Compact 2-Stage Snowblower 920014
This is a nice machine in the sense that the motor starts reliably, the controls are generally okay, and when working properly does a nice job. But there are significant design issues that in the three years I've had this machine have really come to annoy me.
+ The muffler is not shielded and very exposed. If you touch it (which is very easy to do) wearing nylon gloves or jacket you've just melted your nice winter clothes.
+ In the first year the electric start failed. I'm sure the engagement gear is stripped. This should never happen on a quality consumer device.
+ The drive belts are just a bad design, and a cheap solution (rather than a more rigorous clutching mechanism). Be prepared to replace these belts periodically because they wear out fast. Keep one on hand along with some shear pins. And it's not just me, my neighbor just had to replace his. Plus as an extra bonus the belts do periodically slip off of the pulleys.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
For around sidewalks, buildings, etc,
January 21, 2011 Gary L. Gauldin (PARK RAPIDS, MN, US) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ariens ST24LE 24" Compact 2-Stage Snowblower 920014
Does a very job for cleaning up sidewalks & around house. Very good in new snow--tough to get thru crusted plowed bankd--but that's true with most.
(6 customer reviews)