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spottedpony


Joined: Aug 23, 2004
Points: 301

Just an observation
Original Message   Feb 1, 2006 11:39 am
I find it interesting that as highly rated as the Ariens blowers seem to be rated, that i see so many posts about them having problems. or breaking down. Ive paid attention for quite some time now & it seems always 30% to 40% of the posts are referencing a problem of some type with the Ariens & it seems to mainly be newer blowers. This brings to mind several questions, first and formost, if they are the quality they're reputation seems to hold, why are there so many problems with them? Is it only a matter of cutting quality to stay in a competitive price range while keeping profits as high as possible, or is it just poor quality control?  Even if this brand is the majority of blowers owned by people, 30+% seems to be an excessive amount of blowers having varied problems.Its understandable that after some years of use, parts wear out and repairs are necessare but since it seems to be mainly newer models with low hours on them having problems, it makes me wonder how much the quality has been reduced over comparable models say 10 years old, & they are relying soley on reputation for sales in todays market?
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Garandman


Location: South Boston, MA
Joined: Mar 10, 2005
Points: 341

Re: Just an observation
Reply #11   Feb 4, 2006 5:45 pm
http://www.landscapemanagement.net/landscape/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=290993

LM Week in Review

BRILLION, WI — Ariens Co. will invest $6.5 million for manufacturing plant upgrades and a new production and engineering training facility. The company said its goal is to reduce delivery times for its walk-behind power equipment products, including its line of Sno-Thro machines.

“This investment will allow us to take on the challenges of worldwide sources of supply, and provide consumers and commercial landscape contractors with a truly American-built product,” said Dan Ariens, president of Ariens Co.

Four new powder-coating systems will be installed in the company’s Plant 3 location, allowing Ariens to convert raw materials to finished goods in a single location for all of the company’s walk-behind power equipment products, including Sno-Thro machines, walk-behind mowers and wheeled string trimmers.

Additionally, when the training facility is complete, each of the company’s plants will hold independent learning centers.

“The addition of this third training facility provides opportunities for all of our associates to learn the techniques of the Ariens Production System in a classroom setting, reinforcing what they are learning as part of hands-on training,” said Ariens.

EGreen


Location: Amherst (Buffalo), New York
Joined: Nov 4, 2005
Points: 57

Re: Just an observation
Reply #12   Feb 8, 2006 2:33 pm
patsfan wrote:
      I read a lot of posts that blame poor setup for a lot of problems. This makes me wonder how much setup is involved. When I bought my Toro a few years agoI had to buy it online because I couldn't find any locally due to a big storm that cleaned everyone out.

      When it was delivered i had to assemble the handle,tractiong control linkage,chute control rod,and headlight.  Then it was just a matter of checking the tires and skid height,and filling the engine with gas & oil. I'm hardly a qualified mechanic,so it seems that anyone that can read should be able to setup a snowblower. 

     Problems such as belts,etc.would seem to be the manufacturer's problem,not the dealer's; unless it specifically relates to setup for that particular brand. I know that they are covered in the manual,but not under setup,so it falls back on the manufacturer.

                                                                        Just my $02



The manual details what needs to be done in setup,  it states that a run in of the engine, to check to make sure it wont fail, adjust the carb, for smooth idle etc, for the blower itself its states to check pulleys/belts/friction wheel/friction disc/augars/implaller/drive speed/engagment of clutches and check for proper chute rotation and tension of the lines/belts.  Mine actually came with a seperate pamphlet for the chute control assembly.

Toro might do it differantly but it seems a majority of problems come from home depot and don't get rectified, instead just replaced with a new blower or it goes to a dealer and is charged for inproper setup, while as with a dealer they stand behind their product and run it through the paces to make sure it will last and wont have to come back for awhile.

faithfulFrank


He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep
to gain what he cannot lose....


Location: Batavia, N.Y.
Joined: Jan 20, 2004
Points: 1067

Re: Just an observation
Reply #13   Feb 12, 2006 12:03 pm
I'll still stick with my Ariens.....


Frank D.

Ariens 1332DLE Pro, Exmark 52" HP ZTR, Gardian Generac generator, Shindiawa T230  Excell/Honda PW, Craftsman rototiller, Favorite IPE- My Mac + Ipod- No Windoze for me!
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