Ariens Sno-Tek 28 Review

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The snowblower was used for the first time during and after the December 26, 2010 storm. It was purchased just two months earlier to replace a 14 year old MTD. Although we had been looking at larger snowblowers with more features, the solid design and attractive pricing made this our top choice.

Now, did it meet our expectations?

The video and audio were shot on a handheld Samsung TL350 digital camera in 1080p30 using the preset "beach and snow" setting.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Ariens
• Sno-Tek
• Snowblower
• Snowthrower
• review
• reviews

[KraytonMC1980]

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!

[DavidNJ1]

@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]

Does anybody know how long this will last im short on dough and need to get something to last?

[DavidNJ1]

@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.

[vindactive]

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?

[DavidNJ1]

@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.

[DeffHi]

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.

[851995STARGATE]

@Myer58 i was wondering that too i guess ill have to buy a stator, if it doesnt...

[vindactive]

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.

[zzwhale]

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..