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

Now Ariens has a platinum series line.Which is last years deluxe models.The only new item on the snowblowers is the B&S engines.Someone should tell Ariens either come up with new features or stop this relabeling of the same machines.Maybe I will lol.Now last yrs deluxe models dont have the auto traction control .The more things change the more they stay the same.

Guys, the axle feature isn't necessarily tied to the platform of the machine. The terms Pro, Deluxe, and Compact refer to the base platform (Think Ranger, F150, F250 Super Duty etc). Each platform has a certain latitude of features it can be equipped with.

Your questions revolving around the Ariens axle features...

The Automatic Traction Control (ATC) is a bi-directional overrunning clutch (available since 2007). That is, it senses torsional load across the axle from one side to the other and unlocks the over-running wheel when you start to turn the machine. When the axle resynchronizes (when the turn has ended) it re-locks the axle. This is available on Pro and Platinum or DLE Deluxe models. A test drive is the best way to get a feel for the convenience of this feature.

The Pro Track models do not get the ATC feature because the tracks do not supply enough torsional load accross the axle to properly unlock the ATC clutches. The tracks don't counter-rotate like wheels when you turn, they scrub the ground mostly. These units use the older style planetary differential with a knob on one of the drive wheels to lock the axle when needed.

The Remote Locking Axle is a trigger on the left handlebar that cycles the left wheel's power. One click unlocks power from the left wheel making it easy to turn. Another click and it re-locks that wheel. This works like the Simplicity Easy Turn with the added benefit that you don't have to hold the trigger to keep it in single wheel mode. This feature is available on Deluxe models only.

The conventional pin-lock system (lynch pins at the axle) is used on all compacts and the entry level Deluxe models.

There are alot of confusing terms used by certain other manufacturers with repsect to axle systems. Pin-lock units have been referred to as "Differential Lockouts" (how is that when no differential is present?) and sometimes "All wheel drive" (well, yeah...). Other systems are referred to as "differential equipped" when it is really more like a dog clutch (like the dual trigger "Power Steering" systems that are fairly common).

"Automatic Traction Control" is the premier feature in this category as it requires no inputs from the operator and is fully automatic.

The "Ice Drill" chute crank... Well, it's the normal 2.5X Quick Turn (a crank with 2.5 turns lock to lock) whereas the crank is forward of the dash and in an intermediate location on the crank itself (not on the end of the crank rod, in the middle, like an old style hand drill).

Snowmann, thank you.  I finally get it...The Automatic Traction Control "is" the true differential and comes on the Pro and Platinum Deluxe wheeled models.  And the D in DLE continues to designate the differential.  Also, I'm very pleased to know that the larger deluxe models will continue to be supplied with the remote lock/unlock lever.  

It looks like Arien's line-up of snowblowers is well positioned to fill the needs of a wide variety of customers.   If I sounded frustrated it wasn't due to the products but because I was having trouble differentiating between them.  What might be helpful is a PDF type of file of noting the features of the entire line-up side by side.   It's not on the website yet but it's probably in the works.

Thanks again for taking the time to explain this.

Paul7

PS...Are you this "up" on other Ariens products?  If so I have a lawnmower question I'd love to ask.

My point snowmann was that its last yrs model. They added hand warmers.The only reason it has a different engine is because tecumseh is gone.And this yrs deluxe is last yrs deluxe with less features and probably the same price.They r repackaging the same model.Take something from here and put it on this model and take something off this model and put it on this model.Nothing new just juggling a few features around and renaming them.So now Ariens has a compact,deluxe,deluxe platinum and pro models.Geez what r they going to do next yr?Add a silver and bronze model lineup lol...And then they will take something off the platinum model and add it to the silver lineup??Last yrs deluxe had the quick turn remote chute now it doesnt.Now the deluxe gets a manual one(2.5x ice drill).

Personally I think the Ariens webmaster should take your explanation and put it somewhere in the snow thro section of the site. Its not necessarily what everyone wants but it is what I want .

Automatic Traction Control  - bi-directional over running clutch
Directional Snow Trac          - planetary differential ( only on pro tracked units?)
Locked Axle                            - deluxe tracked units
Remote axle lockout             - trigger release/engage of left hand wheel to the axle

Your comment about all the names that are used out there is what I was referring to and is bang on. I much prefer the correct mechanical descriptions than some sort of new name made up by a sales type who wants to "simplify" things while actually confusing the issue and trying to make their pin lock system sound like something its not. As a final thought look at the amount of time we are spending trying to figure out what is actually being said.

BTW - I also evaluate web sites for ease of use and clarity of presentation.

Sounds like Ariens is following General Motors philosophy to marketing and manufacturing.  One platform with a million variants of the same thing?   Which begs the question:  Why? 

Hopefully Ariens wakes up before they're in a situation similar to GM. 

I have to admit when shopping for a snowblower last November, I thought it was absolutely ridiculous of all the superlative model lines and complex nomemclature of traction/differential to sell snowblowers. After all, a snowblower, while effective, is a fairly primitive technology. It doesn't need to be this complicated. The average earthworm has a more complex digestive system than a snowblower.

Gold is no longer the highest standard, platinum is higher. Is Platinum the best? What will snowblower manufacturers use next to vault their products higher? How about Ariens Plutonium Professional SNOW-MASTER, FLIR adaptive GPS-guided all wheel drive (2), TORQ-Direct traction control, occular-activated snow vectoring with atmospheric and terrain compensation.

How about Ariens Plutonium Professional SNOW-MASTER, FLIR adaptive GPS-guided all wheel drive (2), TORQ-Direct traction control, occular-activated snow vectoring with atmospheric and terrain compensation.

Good one aa335.

Yeah!!!!! And how about adding a  Tight Quarters Snow Blaster Laser Beam Nozzle and a Plasma Beam Icicle Vapourizing Cannon?   It will be built by an Ariens/Toro joint venture and will be called the "Snow Death Ultra"!   I'll be first in line to buy one.  NOT!! 

"Yeah!!!!! And how about adding a  Tight Quarters Snow Blaster Laser Beam Nozzle and a Plasma Beam Icicle Vapourizing Cannon?   It will be built by an Ariens/Toro joint venture and will be called the "Snow Death Ultra"!   I'll be first in line to buy one.  NOT!! "

I'm leary of blasting and vaporizing anything without a climate-controlled personal protective cabin, aka Borat 9000 Ultra Deluxe  Textile Resin Composite Canopy.  :)

Instead of just calling it a remote chute control,Ariens names it....."The 2.5x ice drill remote chute control" LOL..............I guess after your done snowblowing,you can use ur 2.5x ice drill to make a hole in the ice on the lake and do some ice fishing...Ariens has now become "The Masters of gizmology"......

It took me a while to find out what is THF chute. I thought it was Arien's unique patented teflon impregnated steel chute that is super slippery.

Turns out, THF only means, wait for it..................... "Taller Higher and Farther". Ta da!!! Hmmm. Honda has this type of chute since the Reagan era, only they didn't make a big deal about it. Back then, GM was busy applying Limited Edition, ABS, EFI, Quad-Four, and Euro-Sport badges on their ever so exciting sedans, curb feelers were out of style and gold model badges and non-functional trunk spoilers were the rage. 

Then I thought to myself, WTF?, BFD, BS, MS and Ph.D. What the Flock? Big Fricken Deal, Bull Sh*t, More Sh*t, Piled Higher and Deeper. Who the hell is is in charge of Arien's public communications department? Chalk one up for celebrating mediocrity.

Really now! The world of urban cowboys with quick reflex text messaging shooter does need a few more misused acronyms to get a leg up on the competition.

And what's the deal with Heavy-duty Aluminum XS Gear Case? Isn't that a oxymoron? Aluminum, XS (Extra Small) and Heavy Duty just doesn't seem to go hand in hand.

So the question is, if I want the best that Arien's have to offer, should I buy the Deluxe Platinum or the Professional line?