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

I don't have many details about it other than it's in good working condition and it was well maintained. 

Would you buy it for that price?







Thanks,
Lou

Thanks for the replies!

I knew it was a good machine.  I was just a little concerned about the age and if it would still be worth the money.

I'm buying it off of a friend of mine so low balling him might be a bit questionable.

Out of curiosity, is there any chance I could swap parts with this one:




The ST824 pictured above is from some time in the 80's.  I wonder if I could use the wheels, chute and engine from the other one and slap them on this guy.

Probably a long shot huh?

Lou, I bet that machine has a 8HP Techumsa. ;)

It looks a lot my 8Hp 1974, except yours has bigger sheet metal between the bars and a different shifter.  Yours is probably newer, but not by much.  Can't tell too much from the pictures, but it looks like the gearcase is a different color than the rest of the insides.  Perhaps it was replaced?  You also have the newer "round" end supports for the augers- they look kind of newer too.  The electric start can be a nice feature.  My chains are held on with pieces of hookup wire, not bungee cords. 

Regardless, it's a tough machine.  $350 is a little steep.  I paid $125 for mine, but I bought mine in July.  On the other hand, local dealers are asking about $500 for similar models.  If you get it, make sure you have a spare belt (my '74 only has one), and shear pins.  Check the drive disk before you buy it- that might be a good bargaining point.  Check the oil in the gearcase, too- although in this cold weather it is kind of tough to check. 

Good Luck

loubeck wrote:
Chute, for sure yes.
Engine  - 95% likely.
wheels 95% likely.

Right now, anything that runs and says Ariens sells pronto. Once the dealers run out of new machines they may even sell for more.

FWIW I bought a 1995 ST824 last year for $212, but it was Spring.

I just gotta say, this is a great site.

I really appreciate all the comments and assistance I've gotten from you guys.

In the end, I decided to pass on this Ariens.  I was hemming and hawing for a while until my neighbor informed me that he was going away for a few months and that I would be welcome to use his snowblower while he was away.

He reinforced his point by giving me a remote to his garage door opener.  I figured hey, why pay more than market value for a machine that's almost 30 years old when I can use a top of the line 32" 12hp Ariens any time I need it.

I'm going to keep the ST824 in my garage in the hope that I can slap some parts together and get it working by next year hopefully. 

Thanks again,

Lou

Good choice Lou. I probably would have done the same in your situation, as much as I like buying, I love to shop around even more for a great deal lol.

Is selection still out there when buying blowers in summer/spring? At least in my local area I havn't seen many in the classifieds around summer time.

I agree with loudsubz.  Springtime, Summer, and Fall are when I find my free snowblowers by the side of the road.  You might even stop by your local Ariens dealer to see if they have any old(er) engines or necessary parts (or even parts machines) that they might be willing to part with for little money. 

Good Luck

Ralph 

loudsubz wrote:

I'm not sure to be honest.  I know that the Home Depot's and places like that like to unload their snow blowers in the spring, but I'm not sure about my local Ariens dealer.

I've decided that if I'm not able to get parts for the ST824 in my garage, I'm just going to run out and by a new Ariens 7524 next fall (while they're still available).

Loubeck,

You ought to look at the Huskvarna snow blowers.

Lowes has the 10.5 HP, 27  or 30 inch auger opening for $999.00.

With a 10 % off coupon, you are looking at $899.00.

Email me and I'll send you a write up on them!!

                                                        Fred

Loubeck

If you want to sell the differential assembly in your ST824 let's talk, It looks like we both have the same machine, however you need the power train and i need the drivetrain.

If your interested shoot me a email.

All i need is the center case, my augers, handles top end are all in good condition, the bolts on mine stripped out and so i can't engage the clutch. This was due to the shaft bearing freezing up.

Let meknow

thanks,

KZ