Hi Dany, Disconnect the cable from the discharge chute. Then move the chute by hand to make sure nothing is binding. Then do the same at the handle end. If you are then sure it’s just the cable talk to your local Ariens service dealer on how to get it repaired/replaced.

I have a little problem with my platinum, On my fourth usage the chute control cable froze up and I was unable to direct the snow. Can you help me?

Thank you!

Dany

Hi Ben, if your asphalt is packed down and smooth a single-stage should work. But, if it’s loose then you will need a 2-stage.

Yes, we had snow very early in the Midwest this year so all the brands are struggling to keep snowblowers in stock.

You didn’t mention how long the driveway was but since it’s so steep your best option is a tracked snow blower. If you are doing the entire driveway a snow blower like the Ariens Platinum 28 RapidTrak is an excellent choice. It will give you the traction you need and handle any snow you get. You can get it through your local Ariens dealer or the Home Depot here: Platinum Rapid Trak SHO 28

Most of the mountains in Maine average around 95 inches of snow a year so the Platinum RapidTrak is also a good choice for a cleanup snowblower. If you really wanted to go smaller for the cleanup I suggest the Ariens Platinum 24 SHO. Since it’s a wheeled snow blower it may struggle a little going up your slope clearing snow but it’s one of the heaviest 24-inch snow blowers so it will have the best traction you can get. (You can always clear going down the slope and then walk it back up – repeat)

Thrilled with your videos. Excellent advice from knowledgable and experienced source is dire in choosing these machines. Thank you for taking the time and energy to share all this.

We’re in the mountains of Maine and the drive inclines 10-15 degrees. Maybe more importantly, it’s a reclaimed asphalt drive.

1) Which do I choose if I’m going to blow it 100% of the time?

&

2) Which blower if I have it plowed for the big, heavy snows and want one more for clean-up and to clear paths to the heating oil fill?

I’d love the convenience of a Cordless but will heed your advice. Are cordless impossible to use on a reclaimed drive?

PS. Just watched your Ariens Pro 21 SSRC videos and really liked the build qualities you pointed out, but HD doesn’t have it currently. (I dream of the 100-V Sun Joe.)

Thank you,
Ben

Hi Brian, By the way, DO NOT put the higher E15 fuels in your lawn & garden equipment! E15 will ruin your engine! E15 is designed only for autos 2011 and newer.

Personally, I think Ariens has been holding off because adding EFI will bring the cost of the RapiTrak Pro 28 to almost $3500. Yes, more and more people want the EFI but will the cost be too high for them to buy it? That said, Ariens is very aware that people want the EFI but when I asked in October they wouldn’t commit to a rollout schedule. I suggest going one more winter with your Deluxe 30 and see if they come out with a RapiTrak EFI next spring.

Thanks again for letting us benefit from your experience!

– Brian

Hi, Roberto, I can’t get a handle on the prices up there. The Deluxe 24 here is $1099 and the Platinum is $1599. Anyway…

Yes, the Deluxe 24 will be a big step up for you 🙂 It will handle any snow you get – it just won’t be as fast as the Platinum 24.

I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada so we get plenty of snow. I have a two car driveway, 28ft
long.

I can get an Ariens 24 Deluxe for CAD $1349 from Home Depot or an Ariens 24 Platinum SHO from a dealer for CAD $2169. Is the 820 CAD difference worth it ?

Given the fact that I have been for the last 5 years shovelling and using an electric corded 18 inch snow joe I would assume the Deluxe 24 would be a hell of an upgrade.

Thanks

Hi Joe, Did you mean the Ariens Deluxe 28? There is only a $200 difference between the Deluxe 24 and that Craftsman. The Deluxe 28 is only $300 more.

Is the Ariens really worth paying extra for? It depends on where you live, the type of snow you get, the type of service you expect, and how long you want to keep the snowblower.
1. The Ariens will not plug on heavy/wet snow – ever. That Craftsman at Lowes is pretty much the same snowblower as the Troy-Built Storm 2890 I have here. It’s a decent snow blower but it does have issues clearing the wet/sloppy snow plow drift out by the road. (I live on an ambulance route so my snowplow drift is wet/salted snow that freezes into a rock-solid wall) The Ariens throws the snow farther (10-20 feet farther depending on the snow)
2. The Ariens is heavier so it has better traction pushing through deep drifts. It’s still balanced very well so it is as easy to maneuver as the Craftsman. Personally, I like the AutoTurn steering on the Ariens a lot better than the trigger steering on the Craftsman.
3. Everything on the Ariens is built tough – including the control cables and all those other little things that wear out on the Craftsman. Most owners get well over 20 years out of their Ariens without any problems. ie.s just change the oil and fill it with fuel.
4. Warranty and Parts for Ariens. Ariens are serviced by local dealers. Any warranty issues are quickly dealt with. Parts are easy to get. Just walk into your local Ariens dealer and they will either have the parts in stock or they can get the part quickly. (If you buy through Lowes check with your store first for warranty work. They may have one designated Ariens dealer in your area that does the work for them)
5. Warranty and Parts for Craftsman. Stanley, Black & Decker (SBD) owns the Craftsman at Lowes merchandise. So, if you have an issue with your Craftsman you have to go through SBD’s service network to get it repaired. At this point in time, you have to call an 800 number. Then take it to a “Service Center” or have it shipped off someplace for repairs. I strongly suggest that you research this before you buy a Craftsman at Lowes. Talk to your Lowes store and ask them about the repairs. If they say they use a local repair shop – call that repair shop and ask them if they actually do service the Craftsman snowblowers. (I’ve had a few readers say they did this and when they called the repair center, the center said, they did repair Craftsman in the past but no longer work on them) Just to be fair, SBD has the option to buy MTD in two years. If they buy that company these service complaints should go away after that because they get a nationwide service network with the deal.
6. Craftsman at Lowes will always be on sale. It appears SBD has taken a page out of the Sears Marketing Handbook. Jack the retail price way up and then offer “huge sales” all the time.

Really wanted the Ariens 24 deluxe but saw the craftsmen on sale. Is the Ariens really worth the extra $400?

Thanks