Hi Stone, The obvious answer is the impeller belt is worn and needs to be replaced. If you hold the impeller drive handle down when blowing snow and it throws farther then all it probably needs is the belt tension adjusted.

If you want to adjust the tension or replace the belt yourself and you don’t have the operator’s manual you can go to husqvarna.com, click on the support tab and then click on the manuals tab. You can read the manual there, download it or print it out. IPL is “illustrated Parts List” OM is “Operators Manual.”

Hi Pascal, The p version uses a hydrostatic transmission. That’s why it cost so much more. The non-p version is the friction disk style that is most common on snow blowers.
The cables on the Husqvarna are sealed on the ends and commercial quality. They will not freeze – even if you use the snowblower outside and then bring it to warm up.
the Husqvarna 4 blade cast iron impeller throws snow a long way. Is it better than a 3 blade? It really depends on the brand. It’s better than a Cub Cadet/MTD but not as good as the Toro PowerMax HD or Ariens Platinum.
Yes, it’s as reliable as the p version. In fact, it will be less expensive to repair if you ever have tranny problems.

Thanks Paul,

It’s new in box shipped direct to me. Lowes has the husqavarna’s on sale over 50% off on their website. I missed out on the 24″ ones, but they have the ST227p and ST230p. I figure that the 30″ is overkill, and that price point for a new husqavarna I really can’t go wrong.

Hi Gary, Yes, that will be a good replacement for your old Toro. That’s really cheap. If it’s a return make sure it’s working correctly before you take it home. Start it and check all the controls.
We usually don’t have clearance sales on snow blowers in the spring. The snowblower models usually carry through from year to year so most retailers and all dealers don’t get rid of their overstock. The best sales are usually in August, September and early October. If you want an Ariens sign up for the newsletter at Ariens.com and wait for the preseason sale.

I live in NJ just outside of NYC. The old 1980’s Toro 624 I inherited with the first house I bought 14 years ago and put a harbor freight engine on a few years back has seen it’s last winter. Lowes has the ST227 on for $539 and though I was hoping to get a Ariens Deluxe 24 on clearance this deal seems to good to pass up. Any thoughts or issues on the ST227 in this area of the country.

Hi Paul,
Just want to thank you for your assistance and give you the conclusion on the used Husqvarna ST 324 P that I was looking at.
The unit did start a few hours later, we guess that the fresh fuel made its way through. I then did all of the checks you recommend and everything looked good.
So, I purchased the unit.
Since then, I have added SeaFoam to the fuel and ran it dry. While I was doing that, I went over to a snow ploughed area and chewed through a snow bank. Went through it easily.

Tires are to spec. and we are ready throw snow.
Without your knowledge and website, I would not have been so confident in making this choice.

Thanks a ton!
Frank

Paul,
You are super fast! Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I will follow your advice.
Will let you know how it goes.
Frank

Hi Frank, The plastic cover on the bottom of the case is normal. There really isn’t much inside the case beside the one-piece hydrostatic transmission. And a few brackets to mount it. If the cover is deformed it may indicate the transmission case is bent.
I am concerned that the handles are loose. The handle is attached to the frame with screws going into weldnuts on the inside of the frame. Those nuts could all be broken off, They could be stripped so they no longer hold the screws or it may be just loose. If you go back to look at it again take a socket/wrench set with you and see if they will tighten down.
I am concerned that it won’t start. If you take it to a repair shop to get it started the minimum they would do is replace the carb (About $250 including labor) If you do it yourself – it’s about $70 and a cold couple of hours out in the garage.
If you are mechanically inclined, you can take a chance and hope the snowblower engine and drivetrain are good. If you are not mechanically inclined I’d pass on it.