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I’ve been getting a lot of readers asking, “Is the Ariens EFI worth the extra money?”
Here are three short videos that will help you answer that question.
The snow blower in this video is available at The Home Depot and your local Ariens dealer. Home Depot Link: Ariens Deluxe 30 EFI
Feel free to ask questions in the comment section below.
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John
Okay, so EFI is easy to start. But how easy is it for an average person to work on? I mean a carburetor has been around for a long time, and somewhat simple to fix or replace. That EFI unit sounds nice, but it also sounds expensive to maintain 20 – 30 years down the road.
Paul
Hi John, About the only thing you can do with today’s carbs is clean the float bowl and blow out the main jet. They are fixed-jet carbs so if that doesn’t work you have to replace them.
EFI is more “forgiving.” They are a “closed” system so if you use clean fuel (and add a stabilizer for long-term storage) they won’t develop varnish or gunk like regular carbs. Just like the switch from carbs to EFI on autos you will have to learn how to troubleshoot the EFI and you may have to own a piece of test equipment if you want to repair it yourself. But, the systems we are using right now are very modular. Battery, logic board, and injector. All the sensors, etc. are included in one of those three components. At this point in time, you would never have to replace all three components at once so the cost to repair would be no more than replacing a carb.
John
Thanks Paul. I just don’t like having to have computers to diagnose things. I didn’t like it when cars went this way. In theory, it makes them more reliable, but in practice it makes them a pain in the rear.
I guess it really doesn’t make a difference as I can’t see needing a unit larger than 28″ living on the south side of Lake Erie in the snow belt. I currently have an older 28″ 10HP unit that works… but looking to maybe get something newer. My old unit has a Tecumseh engine which in my book is one of the best out there. I put that thing away in the Spring, and in the fall, prime it, and it just starts up. The blower looks like hell, but for the most part, it works. A few years back I listened to my neighbor try and start his new Toro snow thrower, and he had a devil of a time with it. Granted, the guy was all thumbs, so that may not be any reflection on Toro.
I guess if it were me, I would get the 28″ SHO for the extra cash and not worry about the EFI. I’d really prefer the track drive, but just can’t justify that much money. What I struggle though is which is better Toro or Ariens?
Paul
Hi John, I’ve had a lot of Ariens snowblowers here over the last 10 years and I’ve never had one not start. Of course, When I’m done with the unit I leave it running, turn off the fuel valve, and let the gas empty out of the carb.
The Deluxe 28 SHO is very popular. You get the larger engine and the better impeller. It’s a really great machine.
One last thing, The Ariens AX is made by LCT. LCT is the company that formed after Techumseh/Lawson sold off the Techumseh name (they sold the refrigeration division) and used the Tecumseh OHV tech to make a new engine. So the new Ariens you get will have the same great “DNA” from your old engine that has worked so well for you over the years.
John
The only issue I see with the 28 SHO is finding one. I do see them online at Amazon, but I just don’t have a good vibe about buying something like this off Amazon. I do see a 28″ Deluxe available here locally, but not the SHO model. They also have the 24 Platinum SHO… I think that includes the EFI though. Once that is out of warranty, I would think that would be $$$ to fix (and most likely not something I could do).
Yes, thanks for the reminder about LCT. Only worry I have there is it is made in China buy an American company. I’d rather pay a little more to employ Americans and not the Chinese.
Paul
Hi John, Your local Ariens dealer can get you the Deluxe SHO. This time of year Ariens still has them available from their warehouse.
I understand and agree about China. Unfortunately, ALL snow blowers engines are made overseas. (Only one exception – Honda makes their little engine for their single-stage snow throwers here in the U.S.)
Rich
My Ariens has been out of commission for months. The error code says there’s a problem with the fuel system. It’s still under warranty but finding someone willing to work on it is difficult. Buying a snow thrower with EFI was a bad decision. I advise against it.
Paul
Hi Rich, I have to ask the obvious questions. Are you saying that no Ariens dealer in your area will work on it or are you trying to take it to a “small engine” repair shop? You can easily find an authorized Ariens repair dealer by going to Find An Ariens Dealer, selecting snow, service and input your zip code. Select a dealer with the orange mark.
A servicing dealer will have the knowledge and equipment to quickly diagnose and fix the issue.
Seth
How often do you have to charge the EFI? How long does it take to charge? How long does the battery last?
Paul
Hi Seth, The snowblower charges the battery when the engine is running so you should never have to charge it with the wall charger during the snow season. The manual suggests putting it on the wall charger every three months during the offseason. Leave it on the charger until the light on the charger turns green. (up to 10 hours) DON’T leave it on the charger for more than 48 hours. The battery is made up of high-quality lithium-ion cells so it should last 5-10 years. It’s not expensive to replace.
Randy Sattler
I have a 30″ Deluxe with the 256cc engine. At times, the engine will bog down in heavy snow and was wondering if going to a 28″ SHO with the 306cc engine would be worth it or, spending and getting the 30″ deluxe EFI unit?
Paul
Hi Randy, The Deluxe 28 SHO will give you about another 2 HP. The Deluxe 30 EFI will also give you about 2 more HP but the electronic governor will also react to heavy loads faster so it will bog down a lot less than the Deluxe 28. In addition with the EFI you just turn the key to “on” pull the recoil and it starts.
Richard Logan
I bought an Ariens snow thrower with EFI last November. It worked like a charm last winter. I’m trying to get it ready for the upcoming season but it just won’t turn over. I’m getting an error code indicating a problem with the fuel pump. So, I’d say no, EFI isn’t worth it. It’s difficult to troubleshoot and very expensive to fix.
Paul
Hi Richard, Why are you not using an authorized Ariens dealer to troubleshoot and repair your problem? It should be covered under warranty if you just bought it last year.
Brendan
Here’s the deal. We bought a new Suzuki outboard this summer. It is battery less EFI. One pull to start, and one,to,go. I’m absolutely sold on EFI.
except…… Ariens needs a battery?? This is unacceptable as the technology is there for battery less EFI.
until someone makes battery less EFI I’ll stick with a carb and use trufuel/aspen exclusively without worry.
Paul
Hi Brendan, there’s always a better mousetrap… That said, I’m sure Suzuki has a patent on their exclusive tech so it will be a while before the other engine manufactures can develop a work-around.
Brendan
I’d investigate,further. You’re in touch with the manufacturers.
There are other outboard manufacturers who sell battery less EFI. It’s also a thing with snowmobiles.
Like I said EFI is,a huge step forward in blowers, but to require a battery is a step backwards.
Especially if you have to charge the battery. Please tell me Aries at least has an alternator to charge the battery when operating the blower?
Paul
Hi Brendan, Yes, The snowblower charges the battery when the engine is running. It has an alternator.
Outboard motors still use electricity to set the EFI for starting. The outboards use a very high-efficiency alternator to develop the current needed when you first pull the starter rope. (electric start models use the power from the fuel pump)
That’s why the outboard usually doesn’t start on the first pull but always starts on the second pull.
Outboard motors are very expensive so the manufacturers can easily include the better alternator into the cost you pay. Snowblowers are much more competitive and consumers won’t pay for that extra cost – yet.
Richard Goodkin
Live in central MA. Winters can range from mild to brutal. Awaiting delivery of a Platinum 24″ SHO EFI for the promise of smoother idling and consistent power output. That said, I have had an Ariens 1024 PRO for about ten years. I drain the carb and run it until dry every spring. Put in fresh gas in December and it starts on the first pull 90% of the time and the second pull the other 10%. Never had to touch the carburetor. I am 75 and figure this will be the last snowblower I ever buy, but I suspect the 1024 PRO might be good for another 25 years with the usual maintenance. The 1024 PRO is a beast and goes through even huge piles of wet snow from the plows.
Blake
Hi Paul, I live in Fargo and just bought a Honda track 928 for $3k did I just make a big mistake or are Honda’s worth it long term. I’m thinking of getting a 24 369 efi ariens but they have a lot of plastic.
Paul
Hi Blake, I’m a little confused on the “lot of plastic” on an Ariens Platinum 24 SHO EFI. The only plastic I see is the gear cover over the chute gears, the clear plastic cover over the headlight and the plastic chute cleaning tool. Everything else, everything that matters is steel.
If you buy the Ariens EFI it will be the last snowblower you need to buy. It’s easy to use and has way more power than the Honda for it’s size.
Dean Eggermont
Hi Paul,
I’m in commercial snow removal in Fargo and searching for a efi paddel snowblower ,under 80 lbs with a quick rotating chute. Any thoughts ??? Also , are the new poly paddles from Kage worth the money ?
Paul
Hi Dean, I’m not aware of any single-stage snow blowers with EFI. That said, the Ariens Professional SS 21 in. 208cc Single-Stage Remote Chute already has commercial-grade paddles and the remote chute. The commercial paddles this machine comes with will last longer than the KAGE. It’s also designed so you can slide it into the back of your truck instead of lifting it.
Rich
I bought a Platinum 30 SHO in September, 2015. The EFI version had not been released yet.
I live in the lower Hudson Valley, NY. This thing is a beast. Never stalled out ever, not even once.
I use StaBil in the gas and turn off the gas feed and run it dry after every use. I do not drain the tank for storage.
It always starts on the first pull, even the first use of the season.
I could not be happier, except if the gas tank were bigger.
Brendan
I’m on the fence with EFI. I like all of the benefits, but what about repairs? It’s a new technology. I can at least rebuild or replace a carb. EFI not so much, and I’d be at the mercy of a dealer.
Kinda leaning towards a carb model and just use trufuel exclusively.
Maybe give EFI a few more years ? I’d like to at least see a stator instead of a battery.
Paul
Hi Brendan, EFI systems are electronic so they need electricity (battery) to set the fuel mixture before the engine starts.
Brendan
how do you feel about long term reliability for EFI?
It sounds good, but I’m kinda thinking a regular carb model, and just use trufuel.
As for what blower….. I’m in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada, literally in the middle of North America.
Driveway is a two car, let’s say no more than 60 feet. It’s paved and has a very slight incline.
Current blower is a 1981 Canadian tire model (Tecumseh motor). 8 hp, 26” wide.
Other than something 24” wide (fits in the garage better) I’m open to anything as any of the Ariens are better than what I have.
Obviously the platinum is the best, but could I get by with a deluxe?
Still Leary on the EFI, although I like it in theory but if it brakes I can’t fix it. At least I can rebuild a carb for 12 bucks.
Paul
Hi Brendan, EFI is here to stay. Will these first models have problems down the road – I don’t think so. Ariens is very good at prove-design. That said, if you are nervous about them and you can clean/rebuild your own carb I suggest buying a conventional carb.
Do you get a lot of heavy/wet snow? If you do – go with the Platinum. If your snow is more “normal” most of the time – the Deluxe is a good machine.