Back in January of 2013, winter hit with a vengeance here in western Pennsylvania. My 20 year old Snapper snowblower made one trip down the driveway, and halfway back up. Then the drive train broke down and I was left with the task of hand shoveling my 150 ft. long driveway. Later that day I hit all the box stores and dealers looking for a new snowthrower. Everybody was sold out. I then got online and began my research. The reviews I read on youtube, google, etc, led me to the Ariens website. Here was an American made product with all the features I was looking for. All steel construction, including the skid plates, cast iron gear case, 11 in. auger, 12 in. impeller, multiple speed gearing, and a quality Subaru engine. I ordered the Compact 24 model online, and it arrived three days later.
It was a great purchase. In the four winters I’ve used it, I don’t think it has ever failed to start on the first pull. And this thing can throw some snow! It put my old Snapper to shame. My driveway is now a 15 to 20 min. job, even with 8 in. of snow. I added the optional salt dispenser to save even more time. There have been some changes over the years with the new Ariens model. The Subaru engine has been replaced with one of their own manufacture, and the throttle has moved up to the handlebar. Reviews are still good. Check out the video om my Ariens Compast 24 in action. Thanks