Paul7

I currently have three different Ariens walk-behind mowers.  One is an older self-propelled 2 cycle...I used it to mow steep slopes.   One is a three year old Pro model with a 6hp Robin OHC engine.  It’s build like a tank and works flawlessly.  The chain driven OHC engine is as quiet and smooth as any Honda GX engine I’ve ever used.  The only thing I could complain about is that Ariens put 8 inch steel rear wheels on this Pro model instead of the 10 inch nylon wheels that are on the Classic model.  Also my Pro model has a three speed drive instead of the infinitely variable drive. 

I do have a 3 year old classic model as well.  It’s the LM21S with the 6.5hp Intek engine.  It’s a joy to use.  Solid but not too heavy.  The bag is extremely easy to use.  Much, much easier to use than my Snapper.   It’s a good mulcher but I really like the way the side discharge chute disperses clipping.  The 10 inch rear wheels make it very easy to pivot and maneuver.  The first week I had it I hit a steel rebar property marker stake...ruined the blade but didn’t damage the mower at all.  It has the friction disk drive so you can set it at any speed you need.  A few times during the mowing season I have to grab a wrench and tighten the speed adjusting lever so it stays at the speed I set it at. 

I bought my first Ariens classic in 1987 and the machine was 100% trouble free for 20 years.  I only got rid of it because it’s Tecumseh engine was wearing out and burning oil. 

I really like the Ariens Classic mowers but I’m not impressed with their Blade Runner line of mowers.

Check out the Ariens Classic LM21S.

Snowmann, thank you.  I finally get it...The Automatic Traction Control "is" the true differential and comes on the Pro and Platinum Deluxe wheeled models.  And the D in DLE continues to designate the differential.  Also, I'm very pleased to know that the larger deluxe models will continue to be supplied with the remote lock/unlock lever.  

It looks like Arien's line-up of snowblowers is well positioned to fill the needs of a wide variety of customers.   If I sounded frustrated it wasn't due to the products but because I was having trouble differentiating between them.  What might be helpful is a PDF type of file of noting the features of the entire line-up side by side.   It's not on the website yet but it's probably in the works.

Thanks again for taking the time to explain this.

Paul7

PS...Are you this "up" on other Ariens products?  If so I have a lawnmower question I'd love to ask.

Nibbler I don't think that the dual handle interlock feature on the deluxe model is related to traction control.  I'm not sure but I think that it means you can operate the snowblower with both the drive wheels and the auger engaged by depressing a single lever on either either the right or left handlebar.  If that is correct then I think that the duel handle interlock feature may mean a user could operator the snowblower with one hand while having the other hand free to do other things like adjusting the chute direction.

Which leaves me wondering what turning assist feature is associated with the Ariens Deluxe models.  Over the last few years the larger Deluxe models came with a remote axle lock/unlock lever.  I recommended the deluxe models to a lot of people based on that feature so hopefully it's still there.  I'd hate for someone to buy a one only to find out that they have to bend over and manually pull the axle pin every time they turn the machine.

As far as the 2.5X Ice Drill remote chute control goes....I have nothing.

Snowmann wrote:
Snowmann, one thing is for sure...it's very difficult for ME to understand.  And all I'm thrying to understand is what they do.  After all my reading I think that it works like this:

Ariens Pro "wheel" models  -  I think that they have a true differential that automatically supplies a percentage of the total power independently to the right and left wheels as required.  On straight lines the power might be divided 50:50.  On turns the power might be divided 90:10.

Ariens Deluxe "wheel" models  -  I believe that they have a remote lock/unlock lever that locks the axle so both wheels are powered the same.  When unlocked the left wheel is free turning but the right wheel is powered for easy left hand turns.

Ariens Platinum Deluxe "wheel" models  -  They have the automatic traction control that I think works the same as the remote lock/unlock lever however the locking/unlocking of the axle happens automatically without the need to manually operate a lever. 

I might be all wrong with my perceptions so please feel free to correct anything that's off base.

In marketing 101 you learn to never mention a feature without it's benefit.  Example, the Ariens Deluxe 30 has a dual handle interlock system, which to the user means...(insert benefit).

Whoever manages Arien's website does a nice job of listing all the features...but a terrible job of associating a benefit to those features.