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

I have two snow blowers, a 2 stage Ariens ST724 and a single stage CCR 2450 Torro. Spoiled, yes I know. The Ariens is great for the big stuff, deep snow, specifically at the end of the driveway where the plows leave the crappy stuff. The Ariens will eat right threw it, however, it is $#%*bersome, heavy, and does not do a good job scrapping the snow down to the surface of the pavement. This is where the single stage Torro shines, the blade literally scratches the pavement and rips up ice and ruts leaving you a clean driveway. The Torro throws snow 20 plus feet, easily, and is easy to maneuver. With a little sun, you will always have the cleanest driveway in the neighborhood. Both have electric start which makes life so much easier. Both had a major tune ups last year, costing me $800. carbs were rebuilt, belts greased, oil changes, filters replaced, blades changed, etc. Odd part, the Torro throws the snow much further than the Ariens. Can I, and if so, how can I get the Ariens to throw the snow further? It has the bigger engine and is the beast of the two. Yes, if i place the throttle to its highest speed on the Ariens the snow will go further but the negative is it really does not scrape the snow off the ground. I end up exerting too much energy on placing all my weight on the bars to keep the front down close to the ground. Where as the Torro just pulls you and throws the snow. Any ideas on how to increase the snow throwing distance of the Ariens? http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1874301856425&set=a.1872286166034.2115194.1207539249

Pardon me, I just have to get back on my chair....... Eight hundred bucks?????  

 Run the Ariens wide open.  That's how they're supposed to be operated.  

Eight hundred bucks..................  
                                                  ..........................
                                                                            ......................  YIKES!!!!!!

Tell us, was the dealer wearing a eye patch or a full mask?  

Rhode Island Grinding Service Wish i saved the receipt. Guy said gas line needed to be replaced bc of new gasoline, needed new starter in both, replaced blade on the torro, and rebuilt carbs on both. I paid the bill. :( I happy with results. Run wide open? You mean throttle up and choke down? how can i increase the rpm? the throttle is always high! When i place in a higher gear it throws further but i have problems keeping the front end down.

specialeducator wrote:
Despite the fact that I didn't see the machines prior to you getting them serviced, I can tell you that having to replace both starters at the same time sounds very suspicious.  Rebuilding two carbs also sounds fishy.   I've got 35 to 40 small engines.  Some close to 40 years old.  All have seen lots of use.  I have yet to rebuild a carb.  Cleaned tons of them but never had to rebuild one.  Sorry to say it but, it sounds like you may have been severely had.  I'd definitely NOT go back to that dealer. 

Re the Ariens.  The engine is to be run a wide open throttle when clearing snow.  If you don't have enough snow to feed the machine, you won't get volume nor distance.  Use the smaller machine if conditions don't warrant the Ariens.  

By the way, is that the real name of the dealership you went to?  Rhode Island Grinding Service?   If so, how appropriate!!

Google Clarence Impeller kit.  Buy this kit and install it in your Ariens.  It will throw heavy snow twice as far. Works unreal.

    The ST724 is a marketing designation and refers to many models over many years.  There was a compact type with small wheels, small diameter rakes and not so high bucket.  That one is not the best at plowing through snow but should do well enough.  It can clean to the pavement if the skids are set right and you have a straight scraper blade.  What's the factory number of your machine?   If it's got the lawnmower handle engagements then it's the small version.

   There are also larger tire versions of the ST724 with bigger rakes and bucket.  It would have been able to go through bucket deep snow without too much of a problem if you were in first which is set for slow speed and gave it a chance to much before proceeding.  It should have been able to do that and toss 15-20 if you let it catch up on rpm before going on.   

    I used a 724 10,000 and ST724 924 in the last two storms and they did fine here(half way between Boston and Worcester).  I could go with either into snow bucket deep and toss 15-20.  They had to be in first and letting them catch up to keep the rpms up.  For high EOD you could not take full cuts with them and keep up distance without catchup especially if you got to the EOD way after the snowfall ended. 

that guy ripped you off!  I live in RI and would only trust my machine to Precision Power and Saw in Warwick !  Dealer in Ariens and Toro  !   Wow   $800.00  That must of hurt !

maybe....it was the belt grease.

I ordered the impeller kit. $30 Lets c if that helps. Will keep you posted.