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?

You've been very fortunate. 

I forgot to mention I replaced two rear main bearing seals as well and it was leaking again when I dumped it. 

Quite possibly the worst vehicle I've ever owned.  I do not miss that  p.o.s.  one bit.   The only things good that I have to say about it was that it did have a nice ride and wasn't too bad on fuel.  

You would seem to imply that I may be some type of representative for one of the domestic car manufacturers. I'm not. I do however own several businesses that have no relation at all to automobiles. I notice that you were totally unable to respond logically to my comments regarding toyota recalls and rusted out 1995 to 2000 pickups. You don't seem to be interested in verifying any of your prejudices or in discovering that the body of your pickup may fall off the frame. Numerous instances of this happening. Toyota admits these trucks are so dangerous that toyota will buy them back if necessary. In toyota's favour, this is an extremely responsible course of action for them to take. You might try selling your potentially dangerous pickup back to toyota.
My Ariens 9526DLE is still working flawlessly, during it's second season. I did have an issue with the machine spitting snow forward on occasion. Phoned the dealer, I was supplied with a baffle that simply bolted on in about a minute. There was no charge from either the dealer or Ariens for this. Dealer got baffle to me in about 3 days. Excellent company, excellent dealer.

terrier wrote:

I didn't respond to your comments because I'm not familiar with what you've said nor have I heard elsewhere of your claims.     Is there a possibility that the Toyota models you're referring to were built in the USA or Canada?  I'm pleased to announce that mine was built in Japan.  I made damned sure of that when I bought it.   By the way, the body on my Toyota is as sound as a new truck and probably stronger that what's available today.

Speaking of not responding to queries, I don't recall your response to my question concerning why the domestic auto manufacturers have been losing market share for the last thirty years and virtually unable to sell enough cars in the last five years to stay viable.  Willing to comment on that?  

Glad to hear you like your Ariens.  We'll be here to assist you when you need guidance for inevitable  future issues.

borat wrote:

Borat I think that a "part" of the reason has to do with a very poor marketing strategy on the part of companies like GM.   Unlike Toyota and Honda, who are focused on building brand loyalty, GM seems to be more interested in launching a new model every 4-5 years. 

For example Toyota came out with the Camray in 1983 and that model continues to flourish today.  By contrast in 1983 I bought a Chevrolet Citation (mid sized family car).  Chevrolet made the Citation from 1980 to 1985.  Then they replaced it with the Chevy Celebrity which was produced until 1989 when it was replaced by the Lumina, which was subsequently replaced by the Impala.  

Detroit strategy to launch a new model every few years makes brand loyalty impossibility.  I loved my Chevy Citation but it's hard to be a repeat customer or recommend a model that’s out of production.  Toyota's strategy was to stay committed to the Camary model and simply keep making it better. Obviously someone that bought a Toyota Camary in 1983 and loved it can still be a repeat buyer and a brand advocate today. 

I chewed up a gutter downspout with my Honda, but had to stop and unwind a set of Chrismas lights that got tangled in the auger.  Wire is strong.  I also chewed up 2" chunks of solid ice and spit them over 40', so I don't think the augers are flimsy but I'll let you know if I break one.  I also chewed up a plastic snow shovel,  it bit the handle into 3" dowels, but choked on the large plastic blade and I had to stop and chew it  out with a sawzall. 

Why was I hitting all this stuff?  Because the trac model digs down, and doesn't ride on top like the Ariens.  Tracks don't ride up over snowbanks, and Ariens is famous for it so I don't believe that point either.   I don't like the Honda because I like Honda.  I like what works.  Period.   I'm sure the Ariens would work for someone who is just blowing a path or whatever.   But 3 grand?  Sorry.  Overpriced for what you get and I hope you like working on them because they shake themselves apart like an old Harley.

NHMatt:
My two year old Ariens 9526 DLE simply has not had ANY of the problems or issues you you are so keen to describe at length. I buy new snowblowers every few years because it pleases me to do so. The last three have been Ariens of various sizes and horsepower, kept on average three years. Essentially no problems with any of them. Obviously your experience has been different. I truly hated my Honda 928 for five years until I couldn't stand it any more. COMPLETE AND ABSOLUTE PIECE OF CRAP, JUNK WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. Different people buy different snowblowers based on their perceived need. You obviously have a real, meaningful relationship with your Honda. Whatever turns you on. My Honda 928 didn't do all the remarkable things yours does. It was simply NOT a good machine, tool, whatever you want to call it. You seem to really enjoy, appreciate, like your Honda snowblower. That's good. If you're into machinery, it's good to own and use a machine that does the job for you. Like you, I totally don't care about the brand of snowblower that I own/use. Maybe next time I'll try a differnt brand, who knows?

terrier wrote:

I'm a little perplexed with your comment about replacing your machine every three years because it pleases you to do so.   It's obviously apparent that economics plays no part in your decision making process.  Virtually any machine will last three years and perform more than adequately.  Replacing an Ariens every three years sounds like a bit of an expensive habit.  Not that I'm questioning your decision to do so.  It's your money.  I prefer to buy one hight quality machine, take care of it and run it for ten years or longer.  The thousand plus that I'm not spending on newer snow throwers in that duration buys me other things to enjoy.  I would wager  that 90% of the participant of this forum are long term owners and would rather have one good machine for many years rather than turning them over every three years.  It is an unusual concept.  I heard of it for leasing cars.  Never snow throwers though.   Glad it works for you.   

terrier wrote:

I'm actually surprised that the Honda 928 which was disliked so much was the one snowblower that was kept the longest (5 years versus 3 years average for the Ariens).  Maybe it's the tracks that doesn't work for you.  The Honda could have sold after 1 year and would not lose much money since they have good resale.  Why keep it around for so long?

On the other hand, a newer (and better?) Ariens was bought on average every 3 years.  Snowblowers don't change that much in the last 10 years, maybe a few more plastic components, more powerful engines, and few more creature comforts such as electric remote chutes and grip warmers.  I'm just trying to understand your logic, that's all.  But it's your money. 

borat wrote:

From recently and limited exposure, either on forums or publications, the Tacoma is an excellent truck.  With a few exception to the "big 3" fans off-brand bashing without substantial evidence, I consider those are outliers data points, noted for completeness, but are statistically ignored.

At this point, I'm considering whether I really need a truck or a AWD SUV (read tall wagon) would suffice.