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

I was ready to purchase the Ariens Platinum 24 snow blower from the Home Depot. However, I've read various posts on the Internet that state the Ariens snow blowers sold by HD are not the same as the ones you would get from an Ariens dealership (even though HD is listed as an Ariens dealer on the Ariens website).

My local dealer does not carry the Platinum 24 model. However, they stated that when you order a snow blower from HD, it goes to your closest dealer for setup and delivery. I've also read posts on the Internet that state the same thing.

I then contacted HD customer service (via their online chat feature) and they didn't seem to know anything about this.

So, my questions...
1. Should I buy an Ariens Platinum 24 from the HD store (online)? Are their units the same (and same quality) as those carried by the Ariens dealerships?
2. If "yes", will it go to the local Ariens dealership for setup before I receive it?

Thanks for any help you can provide on these questions.

stealth94rt wrote:

Did you get your snow blower yet??

 When I bought my Ariens Platinum 24 through HD (unfortunately I don't have a local dealer), I found out where the 3rd party assembler was located and contacted them directly.  After speaking to the actual guy who would be setting up my machine I found him to be very knowledgeable about the machine.  Granted, I purchased it before the season was kicking into high gear and the guy had some spare time to answer all of my questions...probably by now they are starting to get pretty busy.  I feel I got just as much info as if I went to a local dealer.  Obviously, some of these assemblers are going to be better than others but at least I had a good experience there.  The unit arrived set up properly, but they didn't seem to lube everything very well.  Sure, grease fittings are all taken care of but there are so many other points of friction that seemed to be left dry. Once I hit them all myself the machine felt so much smoother all around.  I also did a bunch of little tweaks to improve things (in my mind anyway), but I'm pretty picky about how I think things should be built since I've worked in manufacturing for 30 years. 

Another reason I went with HD was the cost savings:

* Free Shipping
* Received 5% back from a cash back site
* Received an additional 10% back from HD

PM me if you would like more detailed info.

Snowmann wrote:

If you buy on Homedepot.com, the unit gets delivered to you by a dealer from dealer stock, setup, and often fueled up with some operational instruction from the dealership.

If you buy from Homedepot.com in Marlboro Massachusetts the machine is delivered to your address free in a box unassembled by a delivery type guy, not an Ariens dealer.  I went over the dealer delivery with setup and check out but Home Depot guy said no, does not happen.   I went over this a few times to be sure we were on the same page.  No setup by a dealer, no check out by a dealer and no delivery by a dealer.  If you want setup you buy it at the store and they will setup free there for your pickup.  Deliver is $56.  The policy is not for a lack of local dealers as there are plenty around.     

Why Not Buy a machine from the people who service them and sell the spare parts ? ?  It is true that Home Depot beats down the price of the product so they're the cheapest.  Do You know how they allowed the manufacturer to compromise your machine to make certain it becomes the Cheapest one they make ?  Bolts that rust instaed of expensive stainless steel ?  Maybe even self tapping screws instead of nuts and bolt with lock washers. A motor made in Bangladesch ?  Maybe they removed the fuel shutoff valve or the carb with the ability to trap dirt and be cleaned and drained.  Would you buy your car from Walmart knowing you have to take it to the local dealer for everything else  ?   Be smart, NOT CHEAP !  In the end it costs you less ! Companies who refuse to Compromise their product, don't sell to Home Dump-O, who expects to Dictate the Price they'll pay,  there's a lesson in that for you.

New_Yorker wrote:

My understanding is that an Ariens is an Ariens no matter whom you buy it from. No differences as long as you are talking about the exact same model number.

money is money right ? I agree to both camps but if it's $50 spread, I would be inclined to push the sale to the local OPE dealer. Margins are tough as is, and if I can keep the smaller guy in business, within price differntial reason, it's the way to go. If you have a warranty issue, who do you think you will get better service from ? The local Ariens OPE dealers or Home Depot ?

I'll admit that there are tons of materials that the supply houses are better, but if I'm going to buy 2x Wood.....I generally go to HD cause I get to pick the ones I want ........