Ariens Classic Snow Blower: Best For Wet Snow?

The Ariens Classic 24, with its ability to move 58 tons of snow per hour, presents a compelling argument as the best snow blower for wet conditions. Equipped with an Ariens AX 208cc engine and electric start, it combines power with convenience in a compact, user-friendly design.

Performance and Ease of Use

On testing day, faced with over 4 inches of wet snow and a foot-high pile left by the plow, the Ariens Classic demonstrated exceptional performance. Its 24-inch clearing width and 20-inch housing height allowed for efficient snow removal, clearing a substantial area swiftly and effectively. The self-propelling feature, with six forward and two reverse speeds, facilitated easy navigation across various inclines, reducing physical effort.

Design and Specifications

This snow blower is designed for optimal user experience. The electric start, pin-lock steering, and Disc-O-matic drive system enhance operational ease and control. The Polar Trac tires ensure sturdy traction, while the steel serrated auger and three-blade impeller slice through wet snow, throwing it up to 40 feet away.

Set-Up and Operation

While the initial setup took about 40 minutes, the detailed video instructions provided a helpful guide, making the process manageable. Once assembled, the snow blower’s one-handed operation and remote deflector control standard feature offer a seamless snow clearing experience.

Durability and Storage

Constructed with durable materials like steel for the skid shoes and scraper bar, and an aluminum gear case, the Ariens Classic is built to withstand harsh winter conditions. Its dimensions and weight underscore its robust build, yet it remains maneuverable and easy to store.

Long-Term Durability of the Ariens Classic Snow Blower

The Ariens Classic Snow Blower is known for its robust build and reliability. With a sturdy all-steel construction, it’s designed to handle harsh winters year after year. Users commonly report that with regular maintenance, this machine continues to perform efficiently for over a decade, demonstrating its long-term durability.

The machine’s durable design, combined with the high-quality Ariens AX engine, ensures consistent performance and minimal wear and tear. Skid shoes, scraper bars, and other wear parts are easily replaceable, which contributes to the longevity of the snow blower.

Customer reviews often highlight the Classic’s endurance, with many stating their units work like new even after extensive use. Compared to others in the market, the Ariens Classic consistently ranks high for its lasting performance and build quality, making it a wise choice for those seeking a dependable, long-lasting snow removal tool.

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Ariens Classic 24 Snow Blower Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Ariens Classic 24 effortlessly cuts through wet, heavy snow, a real beast during the winter months. Its 208cc engine doesn’t flinch, even when tackling the dense pile at the end of the driveway left by city plows.
• With a 24-inch clearing width, this machine makes quick work of large driveways and paths. It significantly reduces the time I spend clearing snow, allowing me to get back to the warmth of my home sooner.
• The electric start is a godsend on cold mornings, firing up the blower without the hassle of a pull cord. The self-propelled drive with multiple speeds makes maneuvering effortless, especially on slopes.
• The build quality is solid, from its steel serrated auger to the robust gearbox. After several seasons, it still performs like new, proving its worth as a long-term investment.

Cons

• Assembling the snow blower out of the box took me about 40 minutes, which felt a bit lengthy. However, once assembled, the subsequent operation has been smooth sailing.
• Weighing over 170 pounds, it’s not the easiest to maneuver in tight spaces or to transport. Its size also requires a decent amount of storage space, which might be a consideration for those with limited room.
• While it’s marketed as capable of rear discharging, I’ve found that it doesn’t perform well in this mode. It tends to clump the grass on the side, which can be a bit messy and counterproductive.

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Maintenance and Repair Guide for the Ariens Classic Snow Blower

Maintaining your Ariens Classic Snow Blower is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Here’s a straightforward guide to common maintenance tasks and simple repairs:

Routine Maintenance

Before using your Ariens Classic Snow Blower, always check the engine oil level and top it up if necessary. It’s crucial to change the oil once per season or after every 50 hours of use, adhering to the specifications in your manual for the correct oil type and quantity. The belts require regular inspections for signs of wear such as fraying, splitting, or thinning and should be replaced if any damage is detected to avoid operational failures. After each snow clearing session, remove snow and ice from the auger and chute to prevent blockages and potential freezing, ensuring no debris is obstructing the mechanism. Skid shoes, which prevent damage to both the surface being cleared and the snow blower’s auger housing, should be checked for wear and replaced when necessary to maintain the correct height from the ground. Annually inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or carbon build-up and replace it to guarantee reliable start-ups.

Simple Repairs

Shear pins, which safeguard the auger and gears, should be inspected and replaced if broken, using only the specified pins for your model to prevent damage. In case of a chute blockage, turn off the machine and clear the obstruction with a clean-out tool, never using your hands to avoid injury. The drive cable may require adjustments if the self-propelling feature malfunctions; refer to your owner’s manual to correctly tension the cable. Lastly, monitor the scraper blade for wear; a thin or damaged scraper blade can hamper the snow blower’s efficiency and potentially harm the surface being cleared, necessitating its replacement.

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Comparative Analysis: Ariens Classic 24 vs. Husqvarna ST224

Engine Power	208cc	5.9 hp, 12.9 cu.inch
Clearing Width	24 inches	24 inches
Starting System	Electric (120v)	Electric
Transmission	Disc-O-matic	Friction Disc
Speeds	6 Forward / 2 Reverse	6 Forward / 1 Reverse
Weight	173.3 lb	201 lbs
Dimensions (LxWxH)	54.4 x 26.4 x 42.9 inches	58.5 x 24 x 40.5 inches
Price	$1,049.00	$1,099.99

Summary: Both the Ariens Classic 24 and the Husqvarna ST224 are well-equipped to handle serious snow clearing tasks with their 24-inch clearing widths and robust engines. However, the Husqvarna ST224 has a slight edge in horsepower and offers a larger fuel tank, potentially reducing the frequency of refills during extensive snow clearing sessions.

The Ariens is slightly lighter and may offer better maneuverability, while the Husqvarna’s noise level specifications provide insight into its operational volume, which is an important consideration for residential areas.

The choice between the two models will depend on the user’s specific needs, such as the preference for power and fuel capacity (Husqvarna ST224) versus maneuverability and weight (Ariens Classic 24). Both models are designed to be effective in snow clearing, with features that enhance their functionality and user experience.

Final Verdict

The Ariens Classic snow blower stands out as a top contender for the best snow blower for wet snow, proving to be a powerful and reliable tool for tough winter tasks. Its thoughtful design, geared towards efficiency and ease of use, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and effective snow removal solution.

FAQs

1. Can the Ariens Classic 24 handle the end-of-driveway snowbank created by city plows?
   Yes, the Ariens Classic 24 is designed to tackle tough snowbanks, including the dense, compacted snow left by street plows at the end of driveways.
2. How does the Ariens Classic 24 perform in wet, heavy snow?
   The Ariens Classic 24 excels in wet snow conditions, thanks to its powerful engine and two-stage system, which can break up and throw wet snow effectively.
3. What is the benefit of the electric start feature on the Ariens Classic 24?
   The electric start feature allows you to start the snow blower effortlessly, even in freezing conditions, eliminating the need for manual pull-starts.
4. Can I adjust the throwing distance on the Ariens Classic 24?
   Yes, the Ariens Classic 24 allows for throwing distance adjustments, enabling you to direct the snow precisely where you want it, up to 40 feet away.
5. What maintenance should be performed on the Ariens Classic 24 to keep it in optimal condition?
   Regular maintenance includes checking oil levels, inspecting belts and augers for wear, and ensuring the electric start function and other controls are in good working order.
6. Is the Ariens Classic 24 easy to maneuver?
   Yes, with features like Pin-Lock steering and self-propelled drive, the Ariens Classic 24 is designed for easy maneuverability, even in tough snow conditions.
7. How does the Ariens Classic 24’s two-stage system benefit snow removal?
   The two-stage system allows the snow blower to first break up the snow with its serrated auger and then throw it via the impeller, making it highly effective for clearing heavy and deep snow.
8. What type of surfaces is the Ariens Classic 24 best suited for?
   It’s ideal for various surfaces, including paved driveways, concrete sidewalks, and other residential areas that need efficient snow clearing.

We’ve covered the ins and outs of the Ariens Classic 24 Snow Blower, and now we want to hear from you! Have you battled winter’s worst with this machine, or do you have questions about its performance? Drop your comments and thoughts below. Your input can guide fellow snow warriors in choosing the right equipment. Let’s get the conversation started!