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

My son just bought a very nice-condition late 1990s Ariens ST 824.  It has a differential, so when moving, it will turn effortlessly.  It also has a pin-lock feature to lock the wheels together, if you so desire.   My question is about some other Ariens models that various brochures and online sources mention as having:

1.   "Fingertip Remote Lock/Unlock" (models 927LE and 1027LE)
2.  "Pin Lock" (models 624E, 824E, 926LE)

I am wondering if anyone can tell me if all of these above models actually have a differential, and that they just happen to have these two features for additional options.

It is interesting that the ST 824 has the differential and pin-lock in the same machine, since so many of the newest Ariens use the Automatic Traction Control differential feature without mentioning whether or not they also have the  pin-lock or fingertip lock/unlock.  I know they don't, but it's just interesting.  You have to really keep your eye out for what kind of features a certain blower will have.


Another question:  Just how good is the newer "XS Aluminum" gear case?  Does it have steel and brass gears, or what, as compared to the Cast-Iron gear case found in the Pro series of blowers? 

Thanks for helping me out!

None of these models have a differential. Would need a "D" in the suffix of the model designation. I.e. 926DLE

The 927LE and 1027LE have the trigger activated lock/unlock for the left wheel.

The guts of the aluminum XS are the same as the cast iron Pro box. Alloy steel auger gear. Very strong, capable of snubbing a 13hp engine if necessary.

PK

Snowmann,

Thanks for the  good information.  Much appreciated.

fingertip unlock is so much better.The internals of both gearboxes are the same its just the shell cast iron vs (cheaper) aluminum