Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

[Mark42]

I see a Ariens ST5524E marked down to $550. Its a 5.5hp 24" 2 stage blower. Last one. Thinking of buying it.

Anyone here have this model? Good or bad?

Thanks!

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

I had an Ariens like that about ten years ago and it was a very dependable blower. It had to have chains on the tires(hassle) but was effective.

It has a motor so---Maintenance=Dependability.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

I don't own an Ariens but I work on many...as long as the 5hp is a Tecumseh, it'll be good in the cold...Briggs has a hard start problem with snow units...
Because of the usual snow conditions here, most 24" units have atleast 6.5hp...8 is better, but many of the 5's run just fine, just a bit slower over-all.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

Thanks for the responses. I ended up buying the Ariens after talking to the department manager. Turns out the machine was bought, but apparently only used once and returned by a senior citizen. By code in NJ (so I'm told) power equipment returned must be sent to a service center and tested, gas drained, etc before being put back on the showroom floor for sale. It must also be labeled as "reconditioned" even if not used.

I check out the unit closely. There were no scratch marks in the discharge shute, or in the first or second stages of the machine. The paint was like new. The augers had all the paint on the edges, not even a chip. The 5.5hp Tecumseh (flat head) did not have any discoloration on the head, sparkplug or muffler. I removed the plug and it was clean. I don't think this was really used. There was gas in the tank, maybe 1 or 2 ounces. So I think it was started.

So after checking it out, I think the managers story about why it was returned is true. So I get the factory 3 year warranty, and I can return it if it does not perform.

After we got it home I realized there is no snow left on the grass, except a few icy piles of snow left from shoveling. So I ran the machine into them and it chewed right through. The kids ran around the yard (it was 55* out today) trying to say in the shower of snow chunks the size of quarters raining down from the sky. Man, that little 5.5 really tosses the snow or should I say ice.

Anyway, I ended up with a unit that commonly sells for $750 for $500. Just in time for summer. 8)

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

When you store it wipe a coat of grease inside all the metal surfaces. Tiny chips in the paint can turn to rust real fast.... the blades too.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

I love my Ariens!!!! 8)

Should be at least 8 HP

 

[Mark42]

Re: Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

I love my Ariens!!!! 8)

Should be at least 8 HP

Well, I have had a 4hp two stage 21 inch wide Toro since 1984 and it performed great for 95% of the snow I get. So replacing it with a 5.5 24" model is a real step up 8)

Plus, I really don't want a huge machine because it takes up too much space to store.

Anyway, 5.5 on a 24 seems to be a really great performer.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

I bought an 8.5 Ariens 2 stage a few years ago.It is a good machine.I use it when we have over 2 inches. For less than that we just shovel.( it goes faster).For Jersey a 5.5 is probably big enough.Up here in upstate NY it must at least be an eight horse and it would be better if it is a ten.
By the way,take that little black plastic shovel thing off when you use it,or you will loose it.You will find it back in small pieces.

 

[Pony]

Re: Anyone have a Ariens Snow Thrower?

I actually just fixed on of those 5hp Ariens. When running properly they are really quite smooth. When I had the one I was working on, it threw snow pretty well. Not nearly as well as my 8hp Simplicity, but it gets the job done. With a 24" cut I would personally want more power, but if the snow isnt real wet and deep the thing can throw it real nicely.

Mark I think you got a great deal. Even in real deep heavy snow it will do the job......just have to take less snow on each pass and take it slower. Still beats the heck out of a shovel