Hi William, It depends on the size. Each auger flight has one. So 2-4 on the auger shaft flights plus one for the front fan and another on the rear fan.

Paul, it’s a 2016 model from a dealer who has somehow acquired a bunch of 2016 models that are still in the box. The deluxe 28 sounds like a better deal I’m going to look into that for sure, I don’t mind the $900 price savings 🙂 thank you for the quick response

Hi Peter, If the Ariens Pro is older than a 2015 I will tell you it’s very hard to turn compared to the new machines. Where you live an Ariens Deluxe 28 is a better choice. (about $1099) The Deluxe is one of the better machines for the snow plow pile. The Deluxe will last you many years. This would be my first choice for you.

I’m always very hesitant about suggesting used machines. Most of them have starting issues and problems with ethanol fuels. A new carb and hoses is usually $250.

The 3X is a good machine but you may not like it for the amount of snow you get. It likes deep snow but can be very messy when cleaning 2-4 inches. (the front impeller spins very fast and will throw snow out the front)

The Ariens Classic is their economy machine. It will do the job for you but it will be slower than any of the others you looked at. It does not have power steering. It does not have the heavy duty components the Deluxe/Platinum and Pro series have so it won’t last as long as you want.

The Toro SnowMaster is fast and will clear 2-10 inches well. It’s a very good replacement for your Sunbeam. But, it’s very lightweight and won’t handle the snow plow pile as well as the other machines you listed.

Hi Tom, Let me go through your list of snow blowers.

The New 24 inch Ariens Classic with the 208cc uses a new engine. It will not have the sins of the past units. The revised Ariens 24 inch Compact has been upgraded to a 252cc engine so again any issues that it may have had years ago are no longer valid. Ariens is very dedicated to improving their snow blowers so any problems get fixed in a timely manner. Both of these snow blowers don’t have power steering so they may be harder to use for multiple driveways.

If you want to make money or help out others in NJ I suggest you look at the Ariens Deluxe 24. It’s heavier duty and will put up with loading, unloading and finding an occasional boot or kids toy in the snow. The Deluxe 24 has power steering but it does not have the steering riggers so it may be easier to use with a bum hand.

The Cub Cadet 3X series is not a good match at all for the little snow you usually get. It likes deeper (8-14 inch) snows a lot better. It will splatter 2-4 inch snows out the front of the machine. Any of the 2X Cub Cadet snow blowers will work well for your area though.

Have you considered a Toro SnowMaster for your driveway? Search snowmaster in the search box at the top of the page for articles about that. Alos please look at the 20 best article and Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS – Read This For The Truth if you haven’t done so already. I’ll be glad to help you narrow it down a little more.

I was also wondering what you think about snow blower impeller kits that bolt rubber extensions to the impellers that make for a tighter clearance between the impeller blades and the housing to prevent clogging and are rumored to make the impeller throw snow farther.

I’m wondering if I should just look for a used snowblower since we don’t get a ton of snow fall here in NJ. There are plenty in the $300 range. Or perhaps just buy new and get a long life out of it. Thanks for your advice.

Hi Tom, $1000 is right at the price point for a snowblower that will consistently throw far. Once of the best in that price range is the 24 inch Ariens Deluxe 24. It has a larger impeller (fan) than most that allows it to throw far.

The Toro PowerMax 826 OXE is also a good choice.

The farthest throwing snow blowers for your area are the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO and the Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO. They about $1500 though.

Please see you local Ariens or Toro dealer for these models.

Hi Anthony, Great! Track drives also work well for turf. You can raise the front up and inch or more and clean a spot for your dogs. I like the new 3-point track on the Cub Cadet (and Husqvarna, Ariens) because it has a lot more clearance.