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

The 2006 snow throwers no longer require you to stick your face into a noisy, hot, noxious cloud of carbon monoxide to operate the tricky little iced-up axle knob! There is now a nifty silver lever on the left grip for shift-on-the-fly capability. I complained bitterly about this to an Ariens tech rep last Winter - maybe they listened!?



I have emailed Ariens with this request, but thought I would also post here: Is there an accessory kit available to retro-fit the new system onto older machines? I will buy one in a heartbeat if so. There is no Tech info at the ariens website. If I hear anything from Ariens I will post the news.

http://www.ariens.com/snow_products/professional_sno_thros/926_dle/

This would make a great machine perfect IMHO. Thanks.

John Davies

Here is a repost from Paul koltz Engineering Leader at Ariens. 

Although the general design is similar, they share almost no common parts. The gear center distance is different as well due to a slightly different ratio and a more modern tooth profile. This would require a frame change. If the frame is changed, then the blower housing and handlebars need to be changed to match. You see where I'm going here.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

On a better note, there may be opportunity to offer upgrade kits for the 926 series models. Upgrading from the remote locking axle to the Traction Control Differential isn't too bad. The solid axle model would require new axles and wheels/tires so it wouldn't be as easy or as inexpensive. The only thing holding this back is demand (no one's asked for it yet).

- Kris

Well, the answer is apparently no:

"No, the new 926 model has a new frame and drive system. There is no conversion." - straight from Arfens, and my dealer confirms it.

Drat.

John Davies

I agree John.....I'd almost be tempted to trade mine in for this years model......just for that trigger.
The only thing I could still be smug about is the 220 degree rotation as opposed to the newer 200 degree rotation the new ones have.

Frank D.