Dude you just saved me a major headache and probably back aches... Had the same exact issue where the houseing wasnt touching down on both sides at same time, just sitting it looked aboit 1/4 inch higher. Since i just bought it a couple days ago i figured id make them figure it out, but they wanted $25 for warranty claim, $25 to pick it up, then it could be in their shop for 2 weeks (middle of a blizzard right now) then another $25 to deliver it back to me. So you saved me money too. Loosened those houseing bolts and picked it up and sat it down a couple times and it was perfect. Thank you again so much!!
Great info. Very important to adjust your snowblower accurately. Skid shoes, skid blade, and housing alignment must be set right and you nailed it! Thanks for 1/8" clarification. Was about to lift my blade to that, but now leaving it same height as shoes. Saved me the hassle. Thx!!!
I have a similar model about 12 years old now. I love it. It's not perfect, but hasn't let ne down. I'm never going back to a fixed axel blower. No way.
Great video, thanks for posting. I’m actually going out to pick up a new Ariens and will make the adjustments as needed. All the best from Ottawa Canada.
Thank you for this! I have had my Deluxe 30 Platinum for 11 years now and have tried everything to make it go straight. I always notice when I lift it and put it down slowly 1 side touches before the other, no matter how I set the shoes or how many adjustments I make to them, and it always steers left or right (mostly left even when I try to counter it) never straight. I will loosen those bolts you pointed out tomorrow and follow the procedure you talked about, but I will still use the nickel trick (2-3 nickels under the housing) and let the shoes touch the pavement first. I don't want the 30" housing dragging on the driveway all winter long. I can't imagine that's good for the snow blower or my old driveway. It has been snowing every 2-3 days here lately and it is seeing a lot of use right now..
Thanks for the tips. I readjusted my bucket as it has been lop sided since I purchased six years ago. I replaced my cutting bar today as the old one was quite worn from my unevenly paved driveway. I also use poly shoes which greatly reduces the machine from trying to turn while blowing.
I just used my Deluxe 28" SHO for the 1st time, and had no problem keeping it in a straight line. The turning feature is incredibly better in managing the direction of the snow thrower than was the fixed axel of my previous Troy-Bilt snow thrower. I appreciated your description of how to adjust the auger housing and the skid shoes. Thanks -
Going on my 7th season now with a Deluxe 28. I agree with you about the fixed axle. My 24 inch ran for 22 years when I traded for a new machine. My 24 ran straight and sweet. This one is a struggle. I have to adjust it about every 5th snowfall. Other than that it's a great machine. Throws the snow, and heavy snow without effort. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Wisconsin!
Good points man! I just got my Deluxe 24 and the housing tilt was an issue I noticed right away. Same deal, the housing touched down on the left side first and measuring showed about 1/16 height difference side to side. Will have to make that adjustment next time. This is my first blower and only used it once on fluffy snow so far unfortunately, but really worked well for gravel. I left about 3/4" snow so I wasn't throwing too many rocks, could probably go a tad lower.
This adjustment is told everywhere online. Mine is aligned properly but some has to do this trick. Glad you discovered it. Gets abs shoes either ariens or aftermarket or DIY them. It makes the autoturn much better.
I took your advice and got the ABS shoes the other day and WOW its like a new machine. Wish I knew this a few years ago. It is so much easier to use. Thank you for the info.
Get the poly shoes. It makes such a difference. I am so impressed with my Ariens 28 inch. I plan on buying a new one in 30 years when I retire just to have a new one. (As long as they are as good as they are now)
I got the poly shoes. Trouble is, no matter how tight the bolts are, the shoes keep moving. To get them tight enough you will crack them. I guess this would not be an issue if I set the blade with no gap, but it hurts when you run into a concrete gap and get a handlebar in your chest.
I just used my brand new Deluxe 28 SHO for the first time today. It replaced a 35 year old John Deere 826 (made by Ariens?) fixed axle machine. I totally agree with your observation about the challenge of keeping it moving a straight line!
Thanks good info for flat surfaces, but I have blacktop with some cold seams that are uneven if you have any uneven parts you will destroy your cutting edge and have sudden jerking stops.
Thanks for the great video. As you mentioned in the description - by far the biggest help to a wandering unit when going straight are the poly shoes. They make it glide like butter in general, but in my case completely solved the wandering.
Is a “perfectly clean” walk/garage way worth that much to you? Most folks find that the 1/8” left will melt quickly and have less chance of damage. Just my thoughts. Thanks
I go no2 pencil height or about 1/4 inch. Saves on damage and that last bit melts off fast. When I got my snowblower the hardware store adjusted the skids unevenly. One side was 1/8 inch and other side was touching the ground. Gotta watch out for that stuff
This guy in the video doesn’t understand what a snowblower is supposed to do. If anything an eight of an inch is borderline too low. Get a poly shovel if you want to scrape.
Buy a snow blower with trigger steer, that is the best of both worlds. Not many are completely honest about their auto steer experience. Or they just have perfect conditions all the time. When I blow snow, I don't want to feel like I've been to the gym working out for a couple hours. I'm getting too old for that. The trigger steer on my Toro HD Power Max 1232 works perfectly in all conditions. I'm glad I did lots of research before pulling the trigger on a high-end snow blower. Ariens really needs to offer trigger steer as an option on their larger high-end machines. The trigger steer and the joystick shoot control is what sold me on the Toro over the Ariens.
Greetings, everyone. First off, I want to thank OldSoulMillennial for posting your follow up video. And thank you for being completely honest and unbiased about your views and experiences with your machine. I am looking to replace my 1980 snow blower that has been a great machine. It is time to get a bigger more powerful snow blower. I have done my research. I have come to the conclusion that I do not want a machine with auto steer. I am amazed Ariens does not offer the trigger steer as an option. Especially on their larger commercial grade machines. I have looked at all the brands, the pros and cons of each machine. All have good power, blow snow to the moon and beyond. For me, it came down to having less things go wrong down the road. Like some machines have electrical shoot control. That is a nice feature as long as it is working. And where controls are located and how well they work. Out of all the machines I looked at, the quick stick on the Toro was by far the best and simplest shoot control system. I am sure that feature has sold a lot of snow blowers for Toro. It also gets good reviews by those who have the newer updated version of the quick stick. Like most everything new, it takes time to perfect it. I do wonder if Ariens and Toro will improve their auto steer systems sense so many complain about them? There is always room for improvements. I am sure manufactures keep close tabs on reviews of their machines. My suggestion would be to offer trigger steering on the commercial grade snow blowers. That is one of the reasons I went with the Toro Power Max HD commercial grade snow blower. For me, trigger steer was the best option. It is funny listening to review videos. Even in the snow blowing world, most are bias to their brand. All the big brands of snow blowers are great machines. The power and ability to move snow is incredible. It really comes down to what works best for your application. Mine is a mixed bag, so I need a machine that will work well in a variety of terrain conditions. So, enjoy the summer and hope gas prices go down soon. Three more years of Bozo Biden and his unqualified administration may sink us all. Let's hope change comes sooner rather than later. Our Nation depends on it. Also, don't forget to use Sea Foam gas treatment in all your outdoor equipment. I have been using it for years with good results.
Bozo Biden and his merry band of misfits of an administration is even worse than anyone could have ever imagined. What a mess they have made out of our Nation. 2024 can't come soon enough. How bad will it be by then??
You're never supposed to put the machine away with a big wad of snow in the impeller. If you didn't have a heated garage that block of snow you left inside the impeller would freeze solid and then you'd smoke the belt next time you tried to engage the impeller.
i suggest that you install a weight kit, Ariens Part Number: 72406500. On my snowblower I built one of 20 lbs. I made it with steel flat bars. Each flat bar is 24" x 3" X ¼" and weights 5 lbs.
This is one of the few sensible solutions in the comments. Even the video is misinformation. 1/8" clearance is standard and if you have an uneven driveway it needs to be more. This operator is simply ruining the scraper bar AND the skids, whereas the skids are meant to be the wearable item, and the scraper is replaceable in extreme cases due to damage. much more involved and costs double what the skid shoes do...
There are instructional videos on youtube on how to make the auto turn into a posi axle using little 3/8" x 5/16 ( I believe) wood shim blocks in the differential. I did that to mine last year and love it. It's not that difficult to do and reversible. Took me less than an hour.
Hi Hunter. Were not getting much snow in lower Michigan either :-( Hope the Ariens works better for you in the next snow. Thanks for the video, thanks for posting!
This is why you have to learn about your products/tools as this user did. Definitely need to have a service shop nearby but relying completely on a business (with sales to find) to tell you what you need to do is recipe for disaster. Kudos to OP for the research, this is also exactly what I've had issue with and now have the fix!
I did this the day after my first 24+" snow storm in MA this week. Very annoying to have a layer of snow still sitting on the driveway that turned into ice that evening. The instructions say to put the snowblower in maintenance which is to flip it up on the auger to adjust the blade. make sure all gas is drained from the tank and you run the gas out of the bowl otherwise the fuel will leak on the floor. I did not just put it back on the handlebars like this video which i wish i saw first. I would rather replace the blade every couple of years rather than have 1/8" snow residue on my driveway.To vtecharry S., i like the nickel trick
Try to install the skid shoes behind the bucket then (Like on Honda snowblowers. There are advantages and disadvantages to that of course). You need at least 1/8 space clearance for uneven surface. Also, install a weight bar on the bucket. They moved the axle an inch forward, but used larger wheels so weight distribution doesn't change as much. People continue to have problems with these machines. They should work right right out of the box. I no longer want auto turn. Solid axle isn't that hard to turn on snow.
I just got four free Ariens snowblowers from the local power equipment shop including a deluxe 30 with "power steering." The power steering is two sprag clutches mounted on a split axle and in my case was used hard and never maintained. It was very easy to take apart and rebuild without any new parts needed. The only other issue was the use of ethanol gas and them having sat for what appears to be at least ten years so I bought carbs for all but one.
Very Good Video with info and tips I will check. I have the Plat SHO version and agree keeping it going straight has been a fight. Also since I have a hill driveway I thought to put on chains. This seems to have aggravated the power steer and agree that the old style lock hub worked much better. You nailed the same complaints I have had with mine.
That’s exactly what my snowblower was doing the other Night If somebody walked down the sidewalk and matted the snow down the snowblower would go over that little hump of hard snow and not start cleaning the sidewalk for another three or 4 feet so I might just do what you suggested raise the skids up so the blade touches the cement Thanks for the video Also I got the bigger one the one with the non-carburetor the fuel injected one and it runs great other than the problem with picking up the snow like yours was doing
What I did here definitely helps the machine dig down. It does seem to help with the pulling from side to side slightly, but I just thing the drive system is poorly designed. Let me know how this works out for you. Cheers
I hated the auto-turn. Every time I would clear my sidewalk, the side skid shoe would get snagged on the frozen grass and instantly turn me into lawn (I edge my sidewalk every fall). I took my Ariens Deluxe back to the reputable lawn and garden shop I purchased it from for adjustment and they basically said there was nothing more they could do and that it is a sealed unit. I am a big fan of Ariens and believe they make great quality outdoor equipment. However I went with a Toro 1128 OHXE with the axle release levers and never had that problem again. Funny thing is older Ariens Deluxe models used to have an axle release lever on 1 side.
Read on another YT video, guy brought his SB to the dealer and they replaced the auto turn gear and it worked fine afterwards. Seems they had a run of faulty SBs, until they got the bugs out.
Glad I wasn’t the only one who this bothered. I researched forever for my first house and bought a 28 SHO brand new. I had never had a snowblower and ended up selling it after my first season here in New England. It was a constant fight like you said. It also grabbed everything in my driveway. I should have kept it and tried to do some adjustments but I ended up buying a used simplicity. Has power chute controls, heated grips, and steering brakes. Night and day difference on use. I do think Ariens is still the best quality but no more running up on the snow or pulling.
The adjustments really didn't help much to be honest. It still fights me. A lot of people have suggested poly shoes, but Im too cheap to spend 50 bucks on them. Maybe I'll make homemade shoes one day. Good to hear someone else shares my feeling about the aliens auto turn. A lot of people just don't understand/see the issue we have/had. People will only understand when they get behind the controls and actually use the thing.
Call the factory or the dealer you’re just about right I just did mine 32 inch pro series but the dealer did not say to lose a nose bolts but if you go online it says to do that I have brand new payment and it seems to be good that machine you can’t beat nothing can blow snow like that machine it’s a good machine it’ll last you a long time as long as you maintain it
I agree with you about preferring a fixed axel snow blower. I’m constantly adjusting my Deluxe 28 with auto turn, or wrestling it all over the driveway. My previous fixed axel units were problem free and much easier to use. I’m on my third Ariens and will never buy another!
Mine was a brand new starter that quit working after one time using it. Got it right before winter ended and put it in the garage. Did all the things that I had to do before storing it. The next winter no snow and it sat all covered up. The next winter got it all ready and no electric starter. I could not pull start, due to a bad arm. Called Ariens and they told me it was out of warranty and take it to a Ariens service center. They would not do anything for me. Got a new starter from someone else and installed it myself. I think this was made in China and put together here in the us. Never again, They would not stand behind this machine when I used it for less than one hour one time.
Agree on the autoturn. Its horrible. And the bucking... OMG. Was thinking that this past summer was going to pull the autoturn clutch and rig up a way to defeat it internally. But "always put off today what you can do tomorrow" and now tomorrow is gone, and winter is here. But great tip on the housing adjustment!!! Lets hope that helps some.
A retrofit kit to enable locking of the auto-turn is available and the only thing that works. I tried long plastic skids (they would not stay adjusted due to slippery plastic) and finally welded 8 inch long by 1.5 inch wide mild steel shoes to the original shoes. That helped a bit but I still had to fight the machine.
As far as that auto turn, I couldn’t agree more, junk! I’m sweating my azz off right now after using mine for a small driveway. It’s a horse! You little comment of ‘God forbid you walk (or drive before you snowblow is spot on!’. I’ve used mine once last year and twice this year and I hate it. I’ll try your tips though, and hope there’s a kit out to lock that axle. Thanks.
I prefer to work on my own equipment. I elected to build my blower out of the box. Helps to give one an understanding of how some of the components work.
Thank you, I'm going to try what you said. I been having alot of problem with mine too. I'll let you know if it worked for me. I miss my craftsman. I feel that turn better.
The adjustments help, but don't make it perfect. I've had a few suggestions to replace the steel shoes with poly shoes. I think the kit is $40. For how often the thing gets uses, I haven't justified the expense yet. Maybe one day ill make my own plastic shoes. Should help to cut down on the friction I would think.
@@OldSoulMillennial I did what you said loosening side screw on side of snow blower, loosen side sliders. I then left it up and had it flush. I tighten all screws and snow blower still lifts more on shoot side. I am little discouraged. But I wanted to thank you again. I would have never known.
I think you’re a little too obsessed with this, no snowblower is going to go perfectly straight on pavement, grass or on top of snow, auto-turn or not… lawnmowers don’t even go perfectly straight, your lawn is never perfectly flat. You don’t want to go down to the pavement anyway, it’s either going to snow again or that snow is going to melt. If it’s really bad yes it could be the shoes are an issue or something is unbalanced, try putting a level on top of the housing and see how level it is if you think it’s severely unbalanced
My snowblower goes perfectly strait and it has for decades. I can let go of it and it will not turn unless it hits something. This is 100% related to the auto turn feature
@@TheFanatic340 I don’t have one, never bought one and don’t really need it. However a lot of my neighbours do and I used to use one to do a neighbour’s drive, it was a high end Toro which had a transmission when they were fairly new. I recall it sliding in icey conditions, if it’s just new snow on pavement it won’t but since snowblowers have been created it’s always been a challenge.
Just bought the compact...great in moving around..well see come Snow time on straighness..but with bad back/knee wanted easy turning an d compact.. read that plastic shoes work better with auto turn...so picked them up to put on..not sure why
If you pull apart the auto-turn clutch and jamb the inner discs so they cannot slip on the shaft driven hear ring, it turns it into a single-shaft drive system. The 1/8 inch gap is an ariens myth fix for crappy auto-turn design. Look for the video named patented auto turn system.... from ariens. It shows an exploded view of the inner workings.
Thank you. Very helpful. I will check mine out for these issues. I agree with you on the auto-turn. I don't know if mine is not set up properly, but every time I turn under power, the thing jerks and heaves. It really s*cks. Have you noticed this?
Thank you! I have been searching for how to level the auger housing. It’s nowhere in the directions. I just bought a platinum sho. Hoping I have better luck with the auto turn.
I’m with you on this. Same issues for me as well. I’ve done ALL the adjustments to the tee. If you driveway is uneven or driven on before clearing is a constant fight. Sometimes it will buck. All of these little adjustments don’t matter on uneven pavement or ground. I hate the auto-turn.
any heaver on the front you would be going through friction discs like crazy. mine is very heavy on the front and scrapes very well but eats friction discs
If you guys want trouble try using a single stage on a driveway with cracks. Everytime it lurches to a stop my back cramps up. Ruined the scraper blade in 2 years. Id rather raise up a 2 stage and let the sun melt the rest the next day.
Ariens sell a 10 pound front weight kit that attaches to the Auger cone that helps keeps the front of the snow blower down in hi or heavy snow so front stays down.
@@OldSoulMillennial the weight Ariens sells is like $60 without shipping. A resourceful guy like yourself could make something that will work. I have read that 15-20lbs is better. My machine tends to climb also, I just got it. Also, mine moves too fast for wet snow, even in 1st. Need a granny gear.
@@OldSoulMillennial no it isn't. Watch this video . If you drill a hole straight through and bolt it you have a locked system. czcams.com/video/MVuRuHGZFeA/video.html
Auto turn is horrible and a constant struggle to keep straight. And it gallops over the snow. I agree with lowering the housing flush to surface (assuming auger doesn't hit) then tighten skid shoes to scrape more down to surface . I'll replace any worn scraper blades.
Here is an interesting observation regarding the steering pulling you all over: I have a brand new unit out of the box, probably 1 hour on the machine now. I have a large driveway with a slope at the end. If I blow snow going down the driveway (Gravity helping) the unit pulls right and left due to the steering. If I blow snow up the driveway (Fighting gravity) no left and right pulling at all, it drives straight as an arrow. There may need to be more load or weight on the drive system to stop it from steering all over the place, or maybe the front is lighter (auger end) due to the uphill slope? It's snowing like crazy here right now, so today I will experiment with it.
I had a 2 stage Cub Cadet. Didn’t throw very well. Saw ariens all over CZcams throwing like a canon. Sold Cub Cadet. Got Ariens deluxe 30 EFI. It throws better. The steering is very annoying. Cub cadet had levers that made it turn like a tank. Much better. Perhaps dumb question. If you don’t care about scraper wear, do you even need the skids?
there's a video on how to lock the axles so they don't auto turn. My machine is brand new so I won't be tackling the job myself any time soon.. but I did notice today that it does ride over the top of packed snow and has a tendency to wander left or right on it's own... irritating considering the money I spent on it and the fact that my cheep Craftsman that I just donated to a neighbor never had this problem.
I think the 1/8 is to make up for the uneven driveway surfaces. I only use my snowblower in my yard now being of course I have my snowplow. I need to add the weight on the front so it helps it from riding up on to the snow. Seems i'm always lifting up on the handle bars to keep the nose down. Other than that I love my Ariens and it blows through any type of snow. BTW did you get that transmission flushed?
Heres my opinion. You can push up on the handles, causing the machine to be forced to dig down (simulating a weight on the front). The issue then becomes that the tires loose traction. If you added weights and chains, that might help some. But who wants to spend another 100 bucks on accessories with no guarantees that things will work better
@@OldSoulMillennial I have two weights on mine, one is made by Ariens the second one is from a local steel shop I bought for half the price and drilled the holes myself.
Is there a reason that people need to see blacktop after moving snow? Do whatever you want, but I move the snow so I can move around where it used to be. I would never wreck my machine just so I don't have to look at a thin layer of snow which will be gone in a couple days anyway.
Good question Bryan. So I generally get wet heavy snow. If I don't remove that snow down to pavement, and someone steps or drives on that thin layer of snow, it compacts. Once it compacts, it turns into a sheet of ice that is impossible to scrap off (without the use of ice melt). If you live somewhere where its always below freezing, not a huge deal because the snow will not likely turn to ice because it will be lighter and powdery. If you live somewhere warmer that generally doesn't get snow, the thin layer of snow will generally melt off the next day. Im in-between those two zones, so for me, that thin layer must be removed.
@@Farfignewton29 thanks for info -- going to Lowe's today and secure a pair.. Will try on line and see if I can order up and have ready at the service desk.... Michigan Mike
@@Farfignewton29 Thank you! I just bought a Deluxe 24 and haven't used it yet, been watching lots of youtubes and keep seeing everyone talk about getting the plastic shoes. I guess the new shoes mine came with are going in the bottom drawer of the tool box never used lol.
I have a gravel driveway. I have to raise the skid shoes up max. Just got my new ariens. Am I in trouble? Sounds like it ! No snow yet. Gave my old ariens to my kid...looks like he may be getting a new one. There goes another $thousand$. I thought that was only for boat owners?
raise the shoes up to max height but then lift the front bolt on each shoe about 1/8-1/4". It will make the shoes function like the tip of a ski, and give you less resistance against the uneven gravel driveway. It's when the front end digs into a divot or hits some gravel that the AutoTurn kicks in and thinks you're trying to spin the machine around at the end of a pass. having them at a slight incline facing forward will help the front end bounce over the imperfections in your driveway instead of digging into them.
I have a relatively new Ariens SHO and I’m not impressed. Doesn’t get down to pavement, clogs easily, rides up, and jumps around. My neighbor’s craftsman chews right through 15 inches of snow and I was struggling with mine.
take your blowing a concrete driveway. you don't DIG Into gravel, dirt driveway. You need at least 1/8 to leave a base layer of snow, to avoid digging into and throwing dirt or gravel.
1:28 "How you adjust these shoes if you are plowing pavement...." If you're Blowing on dirt or gravel, if I recall correctly, the manual calls for at least 1/4" of space set under the blade.
I HATE FIX AXLE!! Even with the 24-in two-stage snowblower. Tore doesn't offer it in anything but the 26 and above until recently they offer it in the 24 inch snow master. What a pain in the ass it was trying to turn a 24-in Toro snowblower without auto turn same thing that's on the Ariens. Had to make big huge circles pulling the thing while one wheel didn't turn. Had to make tight turns some places. The solid axle stinks. I never want to go back.. I could turn my Toro with a zero turn!! Just like a shopping cart. It's so much easier. So much less work. From what I understand people who are having problems the way you were. Is actually a certain way you have to snow blow to learn how to use it correctly. And then it's like butter..
Get a cub cadet. Their steering system is awesome. No jerking or fighting the machine. I can see where this machine can give trouble, hit clumps of grass on one side and the jerk disengages the clutch on one wheel sending it off course. Probably ok most the time though. Just not the best.
also what you said in this video is exactly the same as in this Ariens video so I’m not sure why it would not be included in the instructions… czcams.com/video/fDVAnmvbovs/video.html
It's because a lot doesn't need it. It's not a mandatory. Something that also help are the abs shoes, something they should include with every snowblowers imo. It makes the autoturn much different.
@@moog38yearsagoupdated1mont9 yeah I sort of feel like Ariens will use steel over plastic 100% of the time... Toro loves their plastics but they are using cast iron shoes now for their commercial stuff, or steel at least. If it was an issue you would think that everyone would be providing the cheaper plastic shoes
@@SCraig-Handsome the polyurethane shoes are actually better. Sure they are used faster but it protects much better. The steel shoes almost cost nothing to them. Probably cheaper than plastic ones haha
@@moog38yearsagoupdated1mont9 it’s stamped steel and very thick, in fact it’s even thicker than a typical bending machine can handle. I haven’t done this recently but I used to work on this type of machinery in the past. You would likely need a diecast to do it and then you could do hundreds an hour. This is definitely not cheap metal though, perhaps it is too smooth so the cast iron is a better option, this is essentially a mold so it’s not as strong as stamped steel
Sounds like his machine wasn’t aligned properly, cutting more on one side than the other. The extra pressure on the one side causing the the clutch in the drive axle to disengage initiating a turn.
The scrape blades on almost all snowblowers is relatively soft steel. I have a Sno-Tek snowblower which is distributed by Ariens and wore a gouge in my scaper blade from blowing snow on an asphalt driveway at my neighbors house. As a result I fabricated a much sturdier and thicker scraper blade for my Sno-Tek blower. Watch the following video starting at 9:08 minutes to see how I solved the problem and the new scraper blade. czcams.com/video/3ZJMfH6MAEo/video.html
Dude you just saved me a major headache and probably back aches... Had the same exact issue where the houseing wasnt touching down on both sides at same time, just sitting it looked aboit 1/4 inch higher. Since i just bought it a couple days ago i figured id make them figure it out, but they wanted $25 for warranty claim, $25 to pick it up, then it could be in their shop for 2 weeks (middle of a blizzard right now) then another $25 to deliver it back to me. So you saved me money too. Loosened those houseing bolts and picked it up and sat it down a couple times and it was perfect. Thank you again so much!!
Great info. Very important to adjust your snowblower accurately. Skid shoes, skid blade, and housing alignment must be set right and you nailed it! Thanks for 1/8" clarification. Was about to lift my blade to that, but now leaving it same height as shoes. Saved me the hassle. Thx!!!
I have a similar model about 12 years old now. I love it. It's not perfect, but hasn't let ne down. I'm never going back to a fixed axel blower. No way.
Great video, thanks for posting. I’m actually going out to pick up a new Ariens and will make the adjustments as needed. All the best from Ottawa Canada.
Thank you for this! I have had my Deluxe 30 Platinum for 11 years now and have tried everything to make it go straight. I always notice when I lift it and put it down slowly 1 side touches before the other, no matter how I set the shoes or how many adjustments I make to them, and it always steers left or right (mostly left even when I try to counter it) never straight. I will loosen those bolts you pointed out tomorrow and follow the procedure you talked about, but I will still use the nickel trick (2-3 nickels under the housing) and let the shoes touch the pavement first. I don't want the 30" housing dragging on the driveway all winter long. I can't imagine that's good for the snow blower or my old driveway. It has been snowing every 2-3 days here lately and it is seeing a lot of use right now..
Thanks for the tips. I readjusted my bucket as it has been lop sided since I purchased six years ago. I replaced my cutting bar today as the old one was quite worn from my unevenly paved driveway. I also use poly shoes which greatly reduces the machine from trying to turn while blowing.
I just used my Deluxe 28" SHO for the 1st time, and had no problem keeping it in a straight line. The turning feature is incredibly better in managing the direction of the snow thrower than was the fixed axel of my previous Troy-Bilt snow thrower. I appreciated your description of how to adjust the auger housing and the skid shoes. Thanks -
I’ve always used nickels to gap the bottom scraper. Loosen shoes, one nickel below scraper on each side and tighten shoes.
Going on my 7th season now with a Deluxe 28. I agree with you about the fixed axle. My 24 inch ran for 22 years when I traded for a new machine. My 24 ran straight and sweet. This one is a struggle. I have to adjust it about every 5th snowfall. Other than that it's a great machine. Throws the snow, and heavy snow without effort. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Wisconsin!
what is "adjust it" curtail??
Good points man! I just got my Deluxe 24 and the housing tilt was an issue I noticed right away. Same deal, the housing touched down on the left side first and measuring showed about 1/16 height difference side to side. Will have to make that adjustment next time.
This is my first blower and only used it once on fluffy snow so far unfortunately, but really worked well for gravel. I left about 3/4" snow so I wasn't throwing too many rocks, could probably go a tad lower.
This adjustment is told everywhere online. Mine is aligned properly but some has to do this trick. Glad you discovered it.
Gets abs shoes either ariens or aftermarket or DIY them. It makes the autoturn much better.
I took your advice and got the ABS shoes the other day and WOW its like a new machine. Wish I knew this a few years ago. It is so much easier to use. Thank you for the info.
@@WalterNadeau yeah indeed. And when they worn out of. One side. Flip them.
They aren't as solid as the metal one but it's so smooth.
@@moog38yearsagoupdated1mont9 which abs shoes did you use?
@@harryharry3193 ariens brand.
I since 3D printed mine tho.
Get the poly shoes. It makes such a difference. I am so impressed with my Ariens 28 inch. I plan on buying a new one in 30 years when I retire just to have a new one. (As long as they are as good as they are now)
Agreed the poly shoes should come standard from the Ariens factory. Some people with gravel driveways have also had good luck with Armorskids.
Where do you get the poly shoes?
@@thomaseichstaedt4988 Amazone, universal fit ones worked on my 2020 Ariens SHO 30 but whent back to stock because of gravel drive.
I got the poly shoes. Trouble is, no matter how tight the bolts are, the shoes keep moving. To get them tight enough you will crack them. I guess this would not be an issue if I set the blade with no gap, but it hurts when you run into a concrete gap and get a handlebar in your chest.
I just used my brand new Deluxe 28 SHO for the first time today. It replaced a 35 year old John Deere 826 (made by Ariens?) fixed axle machine.
I totally agree with your observation about the challenge of keeping it moving a straight line!
Thanks good info for flat surfaces, but I have blacktop with some cold seams that are uneven if you have any uneven parts you will destroy your cutting edge and have sudden jerking stops.
Thanks for the great video. As you mentioned in the description - by far the biggest help to a wandering unit when going straight are the poly shoes. They make it glide like butter in general, but in my case completely solved the wandering.
Is a “perfectly clean” walk/garage way worth that much to you? Most folks find that the 1/8” left will melt quickly and have less chance of damage. Just my thoughts. Thanks
I go no2 pencil height or about 1/4 inch. Saves on damage and that last bit melts off fast.
When I got my snowblower the hardware store adjusted the skids unevenly. One side was 1/8 inch and other side was touching the ground.
Gotta watch out for that stuff
This guy in the video doesn’t understand what a snowblower is supposed to do. If anything an eight of an inch is borderline too low. Get a poly shovel if you want to scrape.
Buy a snow blower with trigger steer, that is the best of both worlds. Not many are completely honest about their auto steer experience. Or they just have perfect conditions all the time. When I blow snow, I don't want to feel like I've been to the gym working out for a couple hours. I'm getting too old for that. The trigger steer on my Toro HD Power Max 1232 works perfectly in all conditions. I'm glad I did lots of research before pulling the trigger on a high-end snow blower. Ariens really needs to offer trigger steer as an option on their larger high-end machines. The trigger steer and the joystick shoot control is what sold me on the Toro over the Ariens.
Greetings, everyone. First off, I want to thank OldSoulMillennial for posting your follow up video. And thank you for being completely honest and unbiased about your views and experiences with your machine. I am looking to replace my 1980 snow blower that has been a great machine. It is time to get a bigger more powerful snow blower. I have done my research. I have come to the conclusion that I do not want a machine with auto steer. I am amazed Ariens does not offer the trigger steer as an option. Especially on their larger commercial grade machines. I have looked at all the brands, the pros and cons of each machine. All have good power, blow snow to the moon and beyond. For me, it came down to having less things go wrong down the road. Like some machines have electrical shoot control. That is a nice feature as long as it is working. And where controls are located and how well they work. Out of all the machines I looked at, the quick stick on the Toro was by far the best and simplest shoot control system. I am sure that feature has sold a lot of snow blowers for Toro. It also gets good reviews by those who have the newer updated version of the quick stick. Like most everything new, it takes time to perfect it. I do wonder if Ariens and Toro will improve their auto steer systems sense so many complain about them? There is always room for improvements. I am sure manufactures keep close tabs on reviews of their machines. My suggestion would be to offer trigger steering on the commercial grade snow blowers. That is one of the reasons I went with the Toro Power Max HD commercial grade snow blower. For me, trigger steer was the best option. It is funny listening to review videos. Even in the snow blowing world, most are bias to their brand. All the big brands of snow blowers are great machines. The power and ability to move snow is incredible. It really comes down to what works best for your application. Mine is a mixed bag, so I need a machine that will work well in a variety of terrain conditions. So, enjoy the summer and hope gas prices go down soon. Three more years of Bozo Biden and his unqualified administration may sink us all. Let's hope change comes sooner rather than later. Our Nation depends on it. Also, don't forget to use Sea Foam gas treatment in all your outdoor equipment. I have been using it for years with good results.
Bozo Biden and his merry band of misfits of an administration is even worse than anyone could have ever imagined. What a mess they have made out of our Nation. 2024 can't come soon enough. How bad will it be by then??
You're never supposed to put the machine away with a big wad of snow in the impeller. If you didn't have a heated garage that block of snow you left inside the impeller would freeze solid and then you'd smoke the belt next time you tried to engage the impeller.
i suggest that you install a weight kit, Ariens Part Number: 72406500. On my snowblower I built one of 20 lbs. I made it with steel flat bars. Each flat bar is 24" x 3" X ¼" and weights 5 lbs.
This is one of the few sensible solutions in the comments. Even the video is misinformation. 1/8" clearance is standard and if you have an uneven driveway it needs to be more. This operator is simply ruining the scraper bar AND the skids, whereas the skids are meant to be the wearable item, and the scraper is replaceable in extreme cases due to damage. much more involved and costs double what the skid shoes do...
There are instructional videos on youtube on how to make the auto turn into a posi axle using little 3/8" x 5/16 ( I believe) wood shim blocks in the differential. I did that to mine last year and love it. It's not that difficult to do and reversible. Took me less than an hour.
Wood shim blocks in the differential?!!! What the heck is he talking about?
I would like to know too. I don’t seem to have any movement with my left wheel. It doesn’t drive at all
Wow... you got to love the internet. Found it... czcams.com/video/KcpuBOAq3ng/video.html
Hi Hunter. Were not getting much snow in lower Michigan either :-( Hope the Ariens works better for you in the next snow. Thanks for the video, thanks for posting!
For that 1/8 inch space, I just use a old worn scraper blade... Good vid.
This is exactly why you buy a snow blower from a servicing dealer and not a box store.
This is why you have to learn about your products/tools as this user did. Definitely need to have a service shop nearby but relying completely on a business (with sales to find) to tell you what you need to do is recipe for disaster.
Kudos to OP for the research, this is also exactly what I've had issue with and now have the fix!
I did this the day after my first 24+" snow storm in MA this week. Very annoying to have a layer of snow still sitting on the driveway that turned into ice that evening. The instructions say to put the snowblower in maintenance which is to flip it up on the auger to adjust the blade. make sure all gas is drained from the tank and you run the gas out of the bowl otherwise the fuel will leak on the floor. I did not just put it back on the handlebars like this video which i wish i saw first. I would rather replace the blade every couple of years rather than have 1/8" snow residue on my driveway.To
vtecharry S., i like the nickel trick
The psi on both tires. Plays a very important for the autoturn.
I disagree, although it is important for traction.
thats my issue, i have a very small leak, what a bear to control...proper psi is a must
Try to install the skid shoes behind the bucket then (Like on Honda snowblowers. There are advantages and disadvantages to that of course). You need at least 1/8 space clearance for uneven surface. Also, install a weight bar on the bucket. They moved the axle an inch forward, but used larger wheels so weight distribution doesn't change as much. People continue to have problems with these machines. They should work right right out of the box. I no longer want auto turn. Solid axle isn't that hard to turn on snow.
I just got four free Ariens snowblowers from the local power equipment shop including a deluxe 30 with "power steering." The power steering is two sprag clutches mounted on a split axle and in my case was used hard and never maintained. It was very easy to take apart and rebuild without any new parts needed. The only other issue was the use of ethanol gas and them having sat for what appears to be at least ten years so I bought carbs for all but one.
Very Good Video with info and tips I will check. I have the Plat SHO version and agree keeping it going straight has been a fight. Also since I have a hill driveway I thought to put on chains. This seems to have aggravated the power steer and agree that the old style lock hub worked much better. You nailed the same complaints I have had with mine.
That’s exactly what my snowblower was doing the other Night
If somebody walked down the sidewalk and matted the snow down the snowblower would go over that little hump of hard snow and not start cleaning the sidewalk for another three or 4 feet so I might just do what you suggested raise the skids up so the blade touches the cement Thanks for the video Also I got the bigger one the one with the non-carburetor the fuel injected one and it runs great other than the problem with picking up the snow like yours was doing
What I did here definitely helps the machine dig down. It does seem to help with the pulling from side to side slightly, but I just thing the drive system is poorly designed. Let me know how this works out for you. Cheers
I hated the auto-turn. Every time I would clear my sidewalk, the side skid shoe would get snagged on the frozen grass and instantly turn me into lawn (I edge my sidewalk every fall). I took my Ariens Deluxe back to the reputable lawn and garden shop I purchased it from for adjustment and they basically said there was nothing more they could do and that it is a sealed unit. I am a big fan of Ariens and believe they make great quality outdoor equipment. However I went with a Toro 1128 OHXE with the axle release levers and never had that problem again. Funny thing is older Ariens Deluxe models used to have an axle release lever on 1 side.
Read on another YT video, guy brought his SB to the dealer and they replaced the auto turn gear and it worked fine afterwards. Seems they had a run of faulty SBs, until they got the bugs out.
@@redveiner that happened to my machine in 2017. Runs great now.
Glad I wasn’t the only one who this bothered. I researched forever for my first house and bought a 28 SHO brand new. I had never had a snowblower and ended up selling it after my first season here in New England. It was a constant fight like you said. It also grabbed everything in my driveway. I should have kept it and tried to do some adjustments but I ended up buying a used simplicity. Has power chute controls, heated grips, and steering brakes. Night and day difference on use. I do think Ariens is still the best quality but no more running up on the snow or pulling.
The adjustments really didn't help much to be honest. It still fights me. A lot of people have suggested poly shoes, but Im too cheap to spend 50 bucks on them. Maybe I'll make homemade shoes one day. Good to hear someone else shares my feeling about the aliens auto turn. A lot of people just don't understand/see the issue we have/had. People will only understand when they get behind the controls and actually use the thing.
@@OldSoulMillennial Look into a simplicity. They’re built really solid. On par or better than the new Ariens
Good info on how to properly balance it. Thanks,
Call the factory or the dealer you’re just about right I just did mine 32 inch pro series but the dealer did not say to lose a nose bolts but if you go online it says to do that I have brand new payment and it seems to be good that machine you can’t beat nothing can blow snow like that machine it’s a good machine it’ll last you a long time as long as you maintain it
I agree with you about preferring a fixed axel snow blower. I’m constantly adjusting my Deluxe 28 with auto turn, or wrestling it all over the driveway. My previous fixed axel units were problem free and much easier to use. I’m on my third Ariens and will never buy another!
I prefer the ones that have the triggers for steering. It's simple and never breaks.
Mine was a brand new starter that quit working after one time using it. Got it right before winter ended and put it in the garage. Did all the things that I had to do before storing it. The next winter no snow and it sat all covered up. The next winter got it all ready and no electric starter. I could not pull start, due to a bad arm. Called Ariens and they told me it was out of warranty and take it to a Ariens service center. They would not do anything for me. Got a new starter from someone else and installed it myself. I think this was made in China and put together here in the us. Never again, They would not stand behind this machine when I used it for less than one hour one time.
take off the skids and replace them with wheels- I did this with my snow blower 30 years ago and it made it a machine I could operated with one hand
Agree on the autoturn. Its horrible. And the bucking... OMG. Was thinking that this past summer was going to pull the autoturn clutch and rig up a way to defeat it internally. But "always put off today what you can do tomorrow" and now tomorrow is gone, and winter is here.
But great tip on the housing adjustment!!! Lets hope that helps some.
A retrofit kit to enable locking of the auto-turn is available and the only thing that works. I tried long plastic skids (they would not stay adjusted due to slippery plastic) and finally welded 8 inch long by 1.5 inch wide mild steel shoes to the original shoes. That helped a bit but I still had to fight the machine.
As far as that auto turn, I couldn’t agree more, junk! I’m sweating my azz off right now after using mine for a small driveway. It’s a horse! You little comment of ‘God forbid you walk (or drive before you snowblow is spot on!’. I’ve used mine once last year and twice this year and I hate it. I’ll try your tips though, and hope there’s a kit out to lock that axle. Thanks.
Ariens makes a Great Lakes version for heavy snow.
Here on Long Island we too have wet snow and or slush a lot of the time. The hardest thing is finding something 1/8 inch.
A poker card is about .012" so 10 will get you close. Not sure where you'd find that many cards though, hmm...l
Purchase from a Ariens Dealership and all those adjustments are done for you...you won't get that service from the Big Box Stores.
I prefer to work on my own equipment. I elected to build my blower out of the box. Helps to give one an understanding of how some of the components work.
Probably use poly shoes or you can even by or make roller shoes and you would love the auto turn.
Thank you, I'm going to try what you said. I been having alot of problem with mine too. I'll let you know if it worked for me. I miss my craftsman. I feel that turn better.
The adjustments help, but don't make it perfect. I've had a few suggestions to replace the steel shoes with poly shoes. I think the kit is $40. For how often the thing gets uses, I haven't justified the expense yet. Maybe one day ill make my own plastic shoes. Should help to cut down on the friction I would think.
@@OldSoulMillennial I did what you said loosening side screw on side of snow blower, loosen side sliders. I then left it up and had it flush. I tighten all screws and snow blower still lifts more on shoot side. I am little discouraged. But I wanted to thank you again. I would have never known.
put a weight bar on the front super simple solution they sell them for that reason
I think you’re a little too obsessed with this, no snowblower is going to go perfectly straight on pavement, grass or on top of snow, auto-turn or not… lawnmowers don’t even go perfectly straight, your lawn is never perfectly flat. You don’t want to go down to the pavement anyway, it’s either going to snow again or that snow is going to melt. If it’s really bad yes it could be the shoes are an issue or something is unbalanced, try putting a level on top of the housing and see how level it is if you think it’s severely unbalanced
My snowblower goes perfectly strait and it has for decades. I can let go of it and it will not turn unless it hits something. This is 100% related to the auto turn feature
@@TheFanatic340 I don’t have one, never bought one and don’t really need it. However a lot of my neighbours do and I used to use one to do a neighbour’s drive, it was a high end Toro which had a transmission when they were fairly new. I recall it sliding in icey conditions, if it’s just new snow on pavement it won’t but since snowblowers have been created it’s always been a challenge.
do you have a valve adjustement video on the same machine ,mine is running to fast and muffler is red and flame sticking out
Just bought the compact...great in moving around..well see come Snow time on straighness..but with bad back/knee wanted easy turning an d compact.. read that plastic shoes work better with auto turn...so picked them up to put on..not sure why
If you pull apart the auto-turn clutch and jamb the inner discs so they cannot slip on the shaft driven hear ring, it turns it into a single-shaft drive system. The 1/8 inch gap is an ariens myth fix for crappy auto-turn design.
Look for the video named patented auto turn system.... from ariens. It shows an exploded view of the inner workings.
Thank you. Very helpful. I will check mine out for these issues. I agree with you on the auto-turn. I don't know if mine is not set up properly, but every time I turn under power, the thing jerks and heaves. It really s*cks. Have you noticed this?
excellent
Thank you! I have been searching for how to level the auger housing. It’s nowhere in the directions. I just bought a platinum sho. Hoping I have better luck with the auto turn.
I’m with you on this. Same issues for me as well. I’ve done ALL the adjustments to the tee. If you driveway is uneven or driven on before clearing is a constant fight. Sometimes it will buck. All of these little adjustments don’t matter on uneven pavement or ground.
I hate the auto-turn.
any heaver on the front you would be going through friction discs like crazy. mine is very heavy on the front and scrapes very well but eats friction discs
If you guys want trouble try using a single stage on a driveway with cracks. Everytime it lurches to a stop my back cramps up. Ruined the scraper blade in 2 years. Id rather raise up a 2 stage and let the sun melt the rest the next day.
What if you don't have a flat level surface?
Ariens sell a 10 pound front weight kit that attaches to the Auger cone that helps keeps the front of the snow blower down in hi or heavy snow so front stays down.
Thomas, do you have the weight installed on your machine? I have several logical concerns with adding weight to the front of the machine
@@OldSoulMillennial the weight Ariens sells is like $60 without shipping. A resourceful guy like yourself could make something that will work. I have read that 15-20lbs is better. My machine tends to climb also, I just got it. Also, mine moves too fast for wet snow, even in 1st. Need a granny gear.
Drill a hole through the auto turn hub and put a nut and bolt through it. You now have a locked solid axle
I think its more complicated then that. Its more of an internal slip gear in the gear box
@@OldSoulMillennial no it isn't. Watch this video . If you drill a hole straight through and bolt it you have a locked system. czcams.com/video/MVuRuHGZFeA/video.html
Auto turn is horrible and a constant struggle to keep straight. And it gallops over the snow. I agree with lowering the housing flush to surface (assuming auger doesn't hit) then tighten skid shoes to scrape more down to surface . I'll replace any worn scraper blades.
Yus are write about skates flush with knife on pavement but 1/2 to 9/16 inch if it’s a gravel drive way
Here is an interesting observation regarding the steering pulling you all over: I have a brand new unit out of the box, probably 1 hour on the machine now. I have a large driveway with a slope at the end. If I blow snow going down the driveway (Gravity helping) the unit pulls right and left due to the steering. If I blow snow up the driveway (Fighting gravity) no left and right pulling at all, it drives straight as an arrow. There may need to be more load or weight on the drive system to stop it from steering all over the place, or maybe the front is lighter (auger end) due to the uphill slope? It's snowing like crazy here right now, so today I will experiment with it.
How did it gwork out for you? I just picked up the 28" SHO.
I had a 2 stage Cub Cadet. Didn’t throw very well. Saw ariens all over CZcams throwing like a canon. Sold Cub Cadet. Got Ariens deluxe 30 EFI. It throws better. The steering is very annoying. Cub cadet had levers that made it turn like a tank. Much better. Perhaps dumb question. If you don’t care about scraper wear, do you even need the skids?
there's a video on how to lock the axles so they don't auto turn. My machine is brand new so I won't be tackling the job myself any time soon.. but I did notice today that it does ride over the top of packed snow and has a tendency to wander left or right on it's own... irritating considering the money I spent on it and the fact that my cheep Craftsman that I just donated to a neighbor never had this problem.
Ken, could you post a link to that video? Myself and likely many other people would like to see how the axle can be locked.
@@OldSoulMillennial how to disable the auto turn function watch?v=KcpuBOAq3ng
I think the 1/8 is to make up for the uneven driveway surfaces. I only use my snowblower in my yard now being of course I have my snowplow. I need to add the weight on the front so it helps it from riding up on to the snow. Seems i'm always lifting up on the handle bars to keep the nose down. Other than that I love my Ariens and it blows through any type of snow. BTW did you get that transmission flushed?
Are you aware of the housing weight that can be bought? It would help the shoes to dig down to the surface.
Heres my opinion. You can push up on the handles, causing the machine to be forced to dig down (simulating a weight on the front). The issue then becomes that the tires loose traction. If you added weights and chains, that might help some. But who wants to spend another 100 bucks on accessories with no guarantees that things will work better
@@OldSoulMillennial I have two weights on mine, one is made by Ariens the second one is from a local steel shop I bought for half the price and drilled the holes myself.
Wow, thank you very much
Is there a reason that people need to see blacktop after moving snow? Do whatever you want, but I move the snow so I can move around where it used to be. I would never wreck my machine just so I don't have to look at a thin layer of snow which will be gone in a couple days anyway.
Good question Bryan. So I generally get wet heavy snow. If I don't remove that snow down to pavement, and someone steps or drives on that thin layer of snow, it compacts. Once it compacts, it turns into a sheet of ice that is impossible to scrap off (without the use of ice melt).
If you live somewhere where its always below freezing, not a huge deal because the snow will not likely turn to ice because it will be lighter and powdery. If you live somewhere warmer that generally doesn't get snow, the thin layer of snow will generally melt off the next day. Im in-between those two zones, so for me, that thin layer must be removed.
Poly skid shoes plus a weight kit might help
Put some Poly skid shoes on it. If you want it down to the pavement, then get a single stage with the rubber paddles.
Where do you get the poly skid shoes? I have one of these machines and would like to get a pair...thx...part # ..
??.where? MICHIGAN MIKE.
@@MICHIGANMIKE12 Lowe’s should have them right in stock. I’m gonna grab a pair of them today.
Ariens Part# 726003
Lowe’s item# 858538
@@Farfignewton29 thanks for info -- going to Lowe's today and secure a pair.. Will try on line and see if I can order up and have ready at the service desk.... Michigan Mike
@@Farfignewton29 Thank you! I just bought a Deluxe 24 and haven't used it yet, been watching lots of youtubes and keep seeing everyone talk about getting the plastic shoes. I guess the new shoes mine came with are going in the bottom drawer of the tool box never used lol.
Ariens own CZcams channel shows how to adjust it ..
To me it sounds like you want a two stage to scrape like a single stage blower .
Thanks a good word "Fackackad" I'll have to remember that one.
Did u add a quick shoot turn to ur dashboard area or was that already there, if u added it, have any instructions on that part?
I have a gravel driveway. I have to raise the skid shoes up max. Just got my new ariens. Am I in trouble? Sounds like it ! No snow yet. Gave my old ariens to my kid...looks like he may be getting a new one. There goes another $thousand$. I thought that was only for boat owners?
raise the shoes up to max height but then lift the front bolt on each shoe about 1/8-1/4". It will make the shoes function like the tip of a ski, and give you less resistance against the uneven gravel driveway. It's when the front end digs into a divot or hits some gravel that the AutoTurn kicks in and thinks you're trying to spin the machine around at the end of a pass. having them at a slight incline facing forward will help the front end bounce over the imperfections in your driveway instead of digging into them.
My Ariens 24 deluxe with auto-turn is the bomb. I absolutely love it compared to the barbaric old-school solid axle.
I have a relatively new Ariens SHO and I’m not impressed. Doesn’t get down to pavement, clogs easily, rides up, and jumps around. My neighbor’s craftsman chews right through 15 inches of snow and I was struggling with mine.
Remove the two front pads. In this way I eliminate the problems of resistance. It's been 4 years since I did this, and I will not go back.
Ive thought about that as well, how fast do you go through cutting edges?
Or just switch to these abs shoes. Either ariens one or aftermarket.
It's gonna destroy your driveway or snowblower anyway.
@@moog38yearsagoupdated1mont9 $50. for the abs skids...need a cheap lawyer go after ariens.
I love the auto turn myself. Hmmmm.
take your blowing a concrete driveway. you don't DIG Into gravel, dirt driveway. You need at least 1/8 to leave a base layer of snow, to avoid digging into and throwing dirt or gravel.
1:28 "How you adjust these shoes if you are plowing pavement...."
If you're Blowing on dirt or gravel, if I recall correctly, the manual calls for at least 1/4" of space set under the blade.
You might take a grinder and put a sharp edge on the scraper blades so they dig into the harder snow.
I hate starting these Ariens. Honda all the way for me
I HATE FIX AXLE!!
Even with the 24-in two-stage snowblower. Tore doesn't offer it in anything but the 26 and above until recently they offer it in the 24 inch snow master.
What a pain in the ass it was trying to turn a 24-in Toro snowblower without auto turn same thing that's on the Ariens.
Had to make big huge circles pulling the thing while one wheel didn't turn. Had to make tight turns some places. The solid axle stinks.
I never want to go back..
I could turn my Toro with a zero turn!! Just like a shopping cart.
It's so much easier. So much less work.
From what I understand people who are having problems the way you were. Is actually a certain way you have to snow blow to learn how to use it correctly. And then it's like butter..
Get a cub cadet. Their steering system is awesome. No jerking or fighting the machine.
I can see where this machine can give trouble, hit clumps of grass on one side and the jerk disengages the clutch on one wheel sending it off course.
Probably ok most the time though.
Just not the best.
You think a straight axle is better until you run one for awhile.
I have the 30 platinum I hate the pos needs 30-50lbs on the front and solid axle poly skid shoe's
Get 2 Arlens front weight kits it will make it not skim
AUTO TURN IS THE BALLS!
also what you said in this video is exactly the same as in this Ariens video so I’m not sure why it would not be included in the instructions… czcams.com/video/fDVAnmvbovs/video.html
It's because a lot doesn't need it. It's not a mandatory.
Something that also help are the abs shoes, something they should include with every snowblowers imo.
It makes the autoturn much different.
@@moog38yearsagoupdated1mont9 yeah I sort of feel like Ariens will use steel over plastic 100% of the time... Toro loves their plastics but they are using cast iron shoes now for their commercial stuff, or steel at least. If it was an issue you would think that everyone would be providing the cheaper plastic shoes
@@SCraig-Handsome the polyurethane shoes are actually better. Sure they are used faster but it protects much better.
The steel shoes almost cost nothing to them. Probably cheaper than plastic ones haha
@@moog38yearsagoupdated1mont9 it’s stamped steel and very thick, in fact it’s even thicker than a typical bending machine can handle. I haven’t done this recently but I used to work on this type of machinery in the past. You would likely need a diecast to do it and then you could do hundreds an hour. This is definitely not cheap metal though, perhaps it is too smooth so the cast iron is a better option, this is essentially a mold so it’s not as strong as stamped steel
I love my auto turn. On mine. Super easy. I domt understand why so many cant keep it straight? Its no worse than the Troy built.
Sounds like his machine wasn’t aligned properly, cutting more on one side than the other. The extra pressure on the one side causing the the clutch in the drive axle to disengage initiating a turn.
The scrape blades on almost all snowblowers is relatively soft steel. I have a Sno-Tek snowblower which is distributed by Ariens and wore a gouge in my scaper blade from blowing snow on an asphalt driveway at my neighbors house. As a result I fabricated a much sturdier and thicker scraper blade for my Sno-Tek blower. Watch the following video starting at 9:08 minutes to see how I solved the problem and the new scraper blade. czcams.com/video/3ZJMfH6MAEo/video.html
Lol it does make sense no need to be in manual..or ask your dealer to put machine together
Found this video about what you are explaining so hope it helps
m.czcams.com/video/fDVAnmvbovs/video.html
If you took the machine off the carpet it would be easier to see
sell it move on...
Facaca? Really?
you always have to pull upon the machine as you go