Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I am purchasing my first snow blower.  Saw this model at HD and at an independent Ariens retailer and service provider:

http://www.ariens.com/products_snow/s_deluxe_group/s_deluxe_24/Pages/default.aspx

Any takes on this model?  The price is $899 + tax.

I am in New England.  The driveway is small, flat, and paved.

-C

perhaps buy from the dealer...if you have an problem they may 'bump' their customers ahead of HD shoppers...should there be a wait.

buy from a dealer, home depot has NOTHING to do with the unit once sold. the will tell you to contact your local ariens dealer for any warranty and service work....now once this units gets to "freds" repair shop and he see you bought it from home depot you will WAIT, his loyal customer do and will come first. we have this exact scenario happen here in minnesota. we happen to see toro products and i hate to say it but this is usually the case.

I wouldn't be afraid to buy from a HD rather than a local store.  Any company with a good reputation, such as Ariens, wouldn't have "authorized service center" from any shop that's going to second rate any of their customers. 

Suggest you try turning one that's running.   Some users think nothing of turning it, others call it a "bear" to turn. 

I will be buying it at the local store since the price, which includes free delivery, is the same for both places.  I am interested in how the unit handles because it uses the pin-lock system.

-C

grump wrote:

All things being equal, inc. price, get it at the independent Ariens retailer (assuming they have a good rep., etc.).

These things are what, roughly 200 lb. beasts. If you're in good shape, & have garage space, shouldn't be a problem. But, how big is your driveway, exactly?

WoodyWW wrote:
I will be clearing two small diveways.  One is no more than 15' x 25', and the other one is maybe half that size.  Both are flat, paved, and rectangular.  I initially thought that I would buy a small snowblower since it would be easier to move around.  But people have been advising me to choose the 250cc B&S so that clearing the compacted snow at the end of the driveway would be easier.  The next step up on the Ariens would be same engine but with the remote wheel lock.  I am not convinced that it would make that much of a difference with my two driveways.

-C