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

I bought this machine because I needed a rugged machine that would last me. I would rather purchase a "Tim Taylor" machine rather than fuss with an inferior one. This beast has 13hp, 36" wide, locking diff, heated hand grips, light, elec start, ect.... I have a 100 foot paved driveway. It has snowed 4 times since I purchased it, and it has broke down on me 3 times.  everything from a factory recall that i wasnt notified of, so it burned belts (4)!!, to nuts & bolts falling out, chute breaking, auger stops turning, wheels stop driving, etc.... The dealer has a special place for it in his shop that they dont fill when it is at my place. I believe this machine would last forever,  if i dont use it. The dealer stood behind me 100% when I told them enough is enough I wanted something done, money back, or a replacement. Now it has snowed today, 20", I have a bad back and have to shovel while the ariens company sits on my $3000.00. Anybody else have this problem?

marchhoops1 wrote:

Good call, I have been looking at Ariens machines for the last two years, at big box sotres such as HD and pro shops. I have seen some things that were caused by incorrect in store assembly but nothing that could be attributed to "flimsy" or "totally missing from the factory". It could be that the original poster is just fed up but I must admit I've been suspecting that we are being trolled ever since the remarks about flimsy and all lock nuts missing. One or two is possible, all would require a major problem at the factory which would show up on more than just one machine.

We shall see.

model: 1336DLE  PRO

sn: 000-0201

Looking Back on all the threads, I fail to see where I stated ANYTHING about "all" or even one single locknut falling out. Bolts that are threaded directly into the lower housing sheet metal with NO nuts are the trouble, as are the console bolts, and the belt cover bolts,... nope, still no mention of a locknut. Maybe I need glasses,  and I am sure I can get my hands on a complete record of repairs from the dealership If needed to "freshen the air".  If anyone is interested, the dealed AGAIN called yesterday to offer to do my drive for me (yep, more snow). I talked to the owner of the company today, and after seeing the record of this machine, he told me he will make it absoulutely right for me and assured me that I would not in any way be dissappointed. This is why this dealership came highly recommended to me by other customers I know. They've been in buisness for many years, and I believe for good reason.

It does appear that I misinterpretted what you said:

I.E. "As for nuts and bolts, none of these had lock nuts on them, they were on the console, and cable guides"

I thought you were refering to all nuts and bolts, not just the ones on the console and cable guides. Sorry for the confusion.

I would also guess that part of the "suspicion" was due to the timing of your postings. I'm in the habit of checking at least once a day and am used to seeing "hot topic" threads with several postings per day, including replies to queries from the original poster. Since you had reported a problem and then didn't post for several days the antenna started to go up. At the same time as I previously stated maybe you were just fed up with the ongoing problems. I can also see that if there has been no news from the dealer then you wouldn't necessarily have anything to post here. I must also admit that Ariens has a very good reputation around here so there is some scepticism when a horror story like yours occurs. That's not to say you aren't having a problem and that it should be fixed, it just means it hasn't happened that often with that manufcturer.

I hope we will all see a post soon that says the matter was resolved and that you are now happy.

good Luck

I am self employed and work all over the state, so i dont get to go online that often. Sorry, but when you get frustrated, and then have somebody question your integrity, I guess I might have over reacted. I have been in contact with snowmann. we'll see.

I don't feel that you over reacted, I do understand the frustration though both with the machine problems and with the allegations of people's suspicions. You have handled the situation well, as did the other people who posted. You bought what I would consider a top of the line machine from a dealer and you've had nothing but problems. We will have to see what happens next.

Please let us know how this turns out, enquiring minds need to know !

It appears snowman was well aware of this machine beforehand, and has been  in contact with several individuals (my dealer, etc) who can do something about it. We'll see.

heyyip

The way Ariens is going on your problem, you might have it repaired by the end of next years snow season!!!

Lots of luck on having your problem solved!!

                                                                 Fred

I'm new to this forum but I have to admit that from reading numerous posts, it appears that many of the posters appear to be pro Ariens.  Not trying to offend anyone,  but  I get the sense that there  are participants who try to mitigate anything negative said about Ariens.  Maybe it's just my imagination........ 

Ariens does seem to be a gold standard in price/performance.  That's true here and just about everywhere else I go.  Nothing wrong with that.  However, it's just impossible to make that many machines without a lemon.  Whether all the tolerances lined up, it was a Friday afternoon build, or whatever, it just happens.  A good company isn't defined solely by defect rate -- it's also how it responds when the few unavoidable defects happen.  Obviously, none of us know the full story of what has happened in this case, but hopefully Ariens will use this as an opportunity to demonstrate the brand promise of the Ariens name.