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

I have an Ariens ST824 that is about 20 yrs. old.  This year it needed a new carburetor and has been working well since.  The machine was used by the maintenance dept. at a 11 acre site before I obtained it about 10 years ago.  It has been used and neglected for years and owes me nothing.   I would like to replace it next year.  A replacement Ariens machine would probably be in the $1000+ range and I really don't have that money to spend.  I am considering a 5hp equivalent Troy Bilt 2 stage  machine from Lowe's.  They are priced more in my area of spending.  I live in Northern NJ and my driveway is about 70 ft. long.  I usually throw the snow in front of the machine and rethrow it until I get to a point in front of the house where I can get it on the lawn.  I realize I would be going from a Cadillac to a Chevy but am trying to determine if the Troy Bilt will satisfy my requirements.   I am sure I am not getting the original 8hp out of the old machine and am trying to determine if the 5hp (equivalent) will do the job in a heavy snow.  Rethrowing heavy snow puts the most load on the machine I have noticed.  All opinions are welcome, thanks.

Buying the new 5 HP for $500-$600 would be the most expensive and least cost effective of your options.

Talk to the independant dealers in your area.

Option 1: They may have a refurbished used unit in the 8 to 10 HP range for about $250-$300 and be willing to take yours as a trade-in.

Option 2: Get an estimate on repairs. If your carb is recently new, but you feel that you are not getting full power it may be valve wear.
Try throwing snow after dark. If the engine lugs and you see blue flame from the exhaust under load, this may indicate the exhaust valve
is not sealing and burning combustion gases are escaping past the valve. They may quote you about $200 for a valve job.

Option 3: DIY. Removed the head and replace the valves with new for about $25-$40 for the valves and $6 for the head gasket. While you have
it apart, replace the fuel and primer lines and clean out the fuel tank. Might want to get a new fuel cap too -- it's vented. 

A Sno-Tek 24 might be a good choice if you're not looking for used or refurbished and want to stay in a more premium machine. $599... Not sure you'll find any this late in the season though. A Sno-Tek 26 is $699 if there are any of those left.

Snowmann wrote:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ARIENS-Sno-Tek-26-208cc-Two-Stage-Snow-Thrower-920401_W0QQitemZ280428403739QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414ad5dc1b

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ariens-Sno-Tek-24-Snowblower-snow-thrower-920400_W0QQitemZ300398927824QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45f12bdfd0

Thaks for all the replies.  I had some issues with the carb, mainly the place that did the work.  Probably bring it to a good Ariens dealer for a thorough inspection and put the money there.  As long as parts availablility does not become an issue I should be ok with the older machine.  Thanks again for the advise.