I have the same machine and I love it. Can't find a bad thing to say about it.
I have both wheels pinned as I prefer even power to each side. Turning I don't find to be a big problem. Usually starts on the second pull with 2 primes and full choke. Be ready to cut the choke back very quickly when it fires up. As for the 1/8 inch coating. Who cares about 1/8 inch of snow. It's a non-issue.
Do you ever pin both wheels? I just bought an ariens 24 with a similar set up and was wondering (since I have an slight incline to my driveway) if I will need to pin both wheels. I don't know how I'll be able to turn without on wheel un pinned and freewheeling. Very informative video!
@KraytonMC1980 If you need the traction on a slippery surface or going uphill it makes sense to connect both wheels.When both wheels have traction, it makes it more difficult to turn. In the video, the snow is still pretty powdery. If it was a wet slush, more traction may have been needed.
@MrNicky900 The unit is built by Ariens and the construction of all the components is comparable to their other units. The gearbox that drives the auger is not as strong as the commercial units, and the 208cc engine isn't as powerful as the engine on their 28" (248cc) and 30" (305cc) Deluxe models. However, engine power as an impact on the speed at which snow can be thrown and not the lifespan. I don't see any component that shouldn't provide a long service life in residential use.
That's what I said I just said. The only reason would be if you have a bumpy driveway, gravel, lots of cracks, debris etc.
But if you have a typical driveway, a better way of adjusting the scraper blade would be to leave it where it is, loosen the skid shoes, let them drop to the ground so that they're even with the scraper and then tighten them back up. That way the skids and the scraper will all wear down evenly. Not to mention you can scrape right to the asphalt.
Why do you want that 1/8" coating of snow? Why not just lower it to the scraper and get directly to the cement? Unless of course you have a bumpy drive-way, then why?
@vindactive This is a case where reading the manual helps. Too low and it can catch over seams. Toro offers a floating scraper on a model over double the cost of the Sno-Tek 28".
Adjust skid shoes by inserting a spacer of desired thickness under center of scraper blade, loosen skid shoe hardware, slide skid shoes to flat surface. Allow 1/8 in. (3 mm) between scraper blade and hard smooth surfaces. Allow 1-1/4 in. (30 mm) between scraper blade and uneven or gravel surfaces. Retighten hardware.
nice presentation. just bought one at HD for $699 and found a coupon from HD for $50 off. So paid $649 + tax, with free delivery, Last winteer's storm was the straw tat broke my back. Had been shoveling as a form of exercise for 34 years and enjoyed it.
I am also getting additional sheer pins (amazon) in case i plow any debris that might harm the impeller. Did not get the drift bars cause dont think will need them. Could have kept shoveling but like toys..
David, Nice clear video and informative commentary. My neighbour across the street has the Sno-Tek 28 and I have the Ariens Deluxe 28. Hope to get some more major dumps of snow, they are fun to use and watch being used.
@Myer58 The ring part needs to be snapped over the axle. If you operate it in your hand you will find it has a strong overcenter spring keeping it closed. That keeps it in place over the axle.
@Grado2003 The ring is a detent ring with a fairly strong pin holding the ring against the pin. It is more an effort to move than a risk of falling out. It is vaguely possible you have a defective detent pin, in which case I'm sure your local dealer or Ariens will give you a replacement.
@Myer58 The pin is a detent pin. After you place the pin through the holes in the wheel and axle if its locked or just the axle if the wheel is freewheeling, flip the ring down over the axle. A detent 'locks' the ring in place, securing it.
i just bought the ariens 28 brand new pray for snow wife made me buy it my single stage was a joke last storm dec 26 she stayed in and cooked and shook her head in discust watching me make a fool out of myself with the little crappy single 21 2stroke while neibors did the job and went back in well i learned my lesson my back finally straightened out and i,m ready for next snow wish me luck??
@matt0218 Try Calling some dealers...you never know who may have one. Note, the Ariens Deluxe 28" is $1000 and has a slightly more powerful motor, bigger impeller and auger, remote chute deflection control, and freewheel engagement on an grip mounted lever that allows switching between both wheels engaged and one wheel freewheeling.
BTW thanks for posting a review of sorts ( you didn't give your personal opinion at the end of the video). Gets me even more excited and confident about buying it.
I think my neighbor has the smaller 20" or 24" one, so I can't wait to show him up with the 28" one! haha. Though they all have the same 208cc engine.
I can recommend it over other units in the same price range (under $1000). We were actually looking at snowblowers from $1300-1900, but each one had an 'issue'.
The amount of snow processed, not the width, is where engine power is the limiting factor. Adjusting the speed so first gear was slow, reduces the rate snow was processed letting it go through heavy snow. In lighter snow, say 2-6", when speed is the limiting factor the 28" would really show its stuff over the narrow units.
@DavidNJ1 Hey David--great to see this post as I was looking for videos and ratings and found nothing anywhere. This machine must be new in the game! Anyway, I just purchased it from Home Depot which I was even surprised they had one left. I live in the paramus NJ area...too bad I just missed the storm we had during the holidays but cant wait to use it soon...Hope it does the justice...I was actually looking and almost bought the MTD Pro 277...(sears brand)..Hope I diodnt make the wrong choice!
@amablefilms It was the right choice. The MTD in doesn't have as effective a design in the auger or impeller, some of the controls are problematic, and the scoop is a much thinner and weaker design (more likely to bend after hitting curbs, etc.).
This is the exact snowblower I'm waiting to buy, once it gets back in stock @ homedepot. They're selling it for $699 with free shipping. Where did you buy yours and for how much? I assume home depot (sorry if I missed that if you mentioned it in the video) ? Because I haven't seen it sold anywhere else.
Let me know, because I can't wait to get my hands on it. As you probably know, we just got bombed with 12-20 inches here in Massachusetts. It costs $100 just to plow for one storm. Too much!
While I did get it at Home Depot, most dealers will sell it at the same price, usually charging around $25 for delivery. In the box it fit in my SUV, otherwise the lower delivery price would have made the dealer less expensive.
We have similar plowing costs here. However, to us the big issue is timeliness, they often get behind when the snow is heavy, and damage from snow being pushed into plantings and the plow hitting curbs.
I have the same machine and I love it. Can't find a bad thing to say about it.
I have both wheels pinned as I prefer even power to each side. Turning I don't find to be a big problem. Usually starts on the second pull with 2 primes and full choke. Be ready to cut the choke back very quickly when it fires up. As for the 1/8 inch coating. Who cares about 1/8 inch of snow. It's a non-issue.
DeffHi 1 month ago
Do you ever pin both wheels? I just bought an ariens 24 with a similar set up and was wondering (since I have an slight incline to my driveway) if I will need to pin both wheels. I don't know how I'll be able to turn without on wheel un pinned and freewheeling. Very informative video!
KraytonMC1980 2 months ago
@KraytonMC1980 If you need the traction on a slippery surface or going uphill it makes sense to connect both wheels.When both wheels have traction, it makes it more difficult to turn. In the video, the snow is still pretty powdery. If it was a wet slush, more traction may have been needed.
DavidNJ1 2 months ago
Does anybody know how long this will last im short on dough and need to get something to last?
MrNicky900 3 months ago
@MrNicky900 The unit is built by Ariens and the construction of all the components is comparable to their other units. The gearbox that drives the auger is not as strong as the commercial units, and the 208cc engine isn't as powerful as the engine on their 28" (248cc) and 30" (305cc) Deluxe models. However, engine power as an impact on the speed at which snow can be thrown and not the lifespan. I don't see any component that shouldn't provide a long service life in residential use.
DavidNJ1 3 months ago
@Myer58 i was wondering that too i guess ill have to buy a stator, if it doesnt...
851995STARGATE 5 months ago
That's what I said I just said. The only reason would be if you have a bumpy driveway, gravel, lots of cracks, debris etc.
But if you have a typical driveway, a better way of adjusting the scraper blade would be to leave it where it is, loosen the skid shoes, let them drop to the ground so that they're even with the scraper and then tighten them back up. That way the skids and the scraper will all wear down evenly. Not to mention you can scrape right to the asphalt.
vindactive 5 months ago
Why do you want that 1/8" coating of snow? Why not just lower it to the scraper and get directly to the cement? Unless of course you have a bumpy drive-way, then why?
vindactive 6 months ago
@vindactive This is a case where reading the manual helps. Too low and it can catch over seams. Toro offers a floating scraper on a model over double the cost of the Sno-Tek 28".
Adjust skid shoes by inserting a spacer of desired thickness under center of scraper blade, loosen skid shoe hardware, slide skid shoes to flat surface. Allow 1/8 in. (3 mm) between scraper blade and hard smooth surfaces. Allow 1-1/4 in. (30 mm) between scraper blade and uneven or gravel surfaces. Retighten hardware.
DavidNJ1 5 months ago
nice presentation. just bought one at HD for $699 and found a coupon from HD for $50 off. So paid $649 + tax, with free delivery, Last winteer's storm was the straw tat broke my back. Had been shoveling as a form of exercise for 34 years and enjoyed it.
I am also getting additional sheer pins (amazon) in case i plow any debris that might harm the impeller. Did not get the drift bars cause dont think will need them. Could have kept shoveling but like toys..
zzwhale 6 months ago
David, Nice clear video and informative commentary. My neighbour across the street has the Sno-Tek 28 and I have the Ariens Deluxe 28. Hope to get some more major dumps of snow, they are fun to use and watch being used.
TorontoSwede 1 year ago
@Myer58 The ring part needs to be snapped over the axle. If you operate it in your hand you will find it has a strong overcenter spring keeping it closed. That keeps it in place over the axle.
DavidNJ1 1 year ago
@Grado2003 The ring is a detent ring with a fairly strong pin holding the ring against the pin. It is more an effort to move than a risk of falling out. It is vaguely possible you have a defective detent pin, in which case I'm sure your local dealer or Ariens will give you a replacement.
DavidNJ1 1 year ago
@Myer58 The pin is a detent pin. After you place the pin through the holes in the wheel and axle if its locked or just the axle if the wheel is freewheeling, flip the ring down over the axle. A detent 'locks' the ring in place, securing it.
DavidNJ1 1 year ago
i just bought the ariens 28 brand new pray for snow wife made me buy it my single stage was a joke last storm dec 26 she stayed in and cooked and shook her head in discust watching me make a fool out of myself with the little crappy single 21 2stroke while neibors did the job and went back in well i learned my lesson my back finally straightened out and i,m ready for next snow wish me luck??
sheddski 1 year ago
They're out of production for the year, unfortunately.
matt0218 1 year ago
@matt0218 Try Calling some dealers...you never know who may have one. Note, the Ariens Deluxe 28" is $1000 and has a slightly more powerful motor, bigger impeller and auger, remote chute deflection control, and freewheel engagement on an grip mounted lever that allows switching between both wheels engaged and one wheel freewheeling.
DavidNJ1 1 year ago
Just bought the 20" sno tek with the same engine. looking forward to using it.
croke66 1 year ago
BTW thanks for posting a review of sorts ( you didn't give your personal opinion at the end of the video). Gets me even more excited and confident about buying it.
I think my neighbor has the smaller 20" or 24" one, so I can't wait to show him up with the 28" one! haha. Though they all have the same 208cc engine.
matt0218 1 year ago
@matt0218
I can recommend it over other units in the same price range (under $1000). We were actually looking at snowblowers from $1300-1900, but each one had an 'issue'.
The amount of snow processed, not the width, is where engine power is the limiting factor. Adjusting the speed so first gear was slow, reduces the rate snow was processed letting it go through heavy snow. In lighter snow, say 2-6", when speed is the limiting factor the 28" would really show its stuff over the narrow units.
DavidNJ1 1 year ago
@DavidNJ1 Hey David--great to see this post as I was looking for videos and ratings and found nothing anywhere. This machine must be new in the game! Anyway, I just purchased it from Home Depot which I was even surprised they had one left. I live in the paramus NJ area...too bad I just missed the storm we had during the holidays but cant wait to use it soon...Hope it does the justice...I was actually looking and almost bought the MTD Pro 277...(sears brand)..Hope I diodnt make the wrong choice!
amablefilms 1 year ago
@amablefilms It was the right choice. The MTD in doesn't have as effective a design in the auger or impeller, some of the controls are problematic, and the scoop is a much thinner and weaker design (more likely to bend after hitting curbs, etc.).
DavidNJ1 1 year ago
This is the exact snowblower I'm waiting to buy, once it gets back in stock @ homedepot. They're selling it for $699 with free shipping. Where did you buy yours and for how much? I assume home depot (sorry if I missed that if you mentioned it in the video) ? Because I haven't seen it sold anywhere else.
Let me know, because I can't wait to get my hands on it. As you probably know, we just got bombed with 12-20 inches here in Massachusetts. It costs $100 just to plow for one storm. Too much!
matt0218 1 year ago
@matt0218
While I did get it at Home Depot, most dealers will sell it at the same price, usually charging around $25 for delivery. In the box it fit in my SUV, otherwise the lower delivery price would have made the dealer less expensive.
We have similar plowing costs here. However, to us the big issue is timeliness, they often get behind when the snow is heavy, and damage from snow being pushed into plantings and the plow hitting curbs.
DavidNJ1 1 year ago