T. H Zdy
map-marker Livingston, New Jersey

Inferior product from Ariens lawn mowers

The Ariens lawn mower was purchased in 2007. It has had problems after the first year of use.

We have replaced 2 spindles, the frame is cracked on both sides, now the problem is when pushing the arm levers forward or backward the mower jerks really hard in either direction.

Belts have been replaced 3 times. There is no place to grease the spindle bearings.We have replaced blades 3 times.

This many problems should not be occurring when the mower is only used for residential purposes. We only mow a 1/2 acre of flat surface.I -am -not -happy.

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6 comments
Guest

So I've been having the same problems. Turned out that the tube steel in the frame is poor quality and it cracked on both sides almost all the way through.

Cracks are why when you push forward there is so much flexing which creates the jumping or lurching. Had to tair down to the frame and weld on supports.

New belt and pulley and it's pretty close to stopping. Ariens did nothing to stand behind their product.

Guest

I bought a Ariens self propelled mower at Home Depot in 2010 of April. Model # A173k22.

You get what you pay for. I paid $250 for a piece of junk. It sat in a repair shop from Sept 2011 till January for repair from a authorized Kohler dealer. I contacted Kohler and they advised me to take it too another authorized dealer to see if they can repair this piece of junk.

Finally I got it back in March 2012 with only 1 month left on the warranty. It runs but not without 20 or more pulls to get it started.

Guest

Same problems plus. Have had for three seasons, and needed to replace belt and a different wheel hub/axle each year.

Transmission won't allow back-up now, and starting/pull rope has snapped.

Does a *** job when grass is just slightly damp. Dealer has been a useless ***; customer can't order parts directly from Ariens.

Guest

I am now having the same problem that when pushing the arm levers forward or backward the mower jerks really hard in either direction. So this is a common problem? And what had to be done to resolve the 'jerking' if I might ask.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-297695

I have the same problem.

Guest

i use to be a ariens dealer back in the early 90s, had to give them up because they would not stand behind thier products, had a cust buy a rear engine rider nothing but problems, spent its warrenty life in my shop, 2yrs to get a factory rep here, told me that they are done with this and they were not going to help no more, so dont count ariens to help you if you have problems down the line

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jsorrell
map-marker Tulsa, Oklahoma

Ariens 911514 lawn mower manual.

I need an operator, user or maintenance manual, for an Ariens 911514 walk behind lawn mower. The Ariens web site is currently inaccessible. Trying to connect to the web server times out. This mower was hand-me-down and if I can not get it work, I will buy a new mower but certainly not an Ariens. I found one manual at another web site but it was in a foreign language and I need one in American English because I don't speak, read or write French. Does anyone know what Ariens web site is down??? Please help me.
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Anonymous
map-marker Green Bay, Wisconsin

2010 Snowblower Ariens Pro26

I purchased an Ariens Pro 26 Snowblower in 2010. I just completed my first year with this $1800 machine and could not be more disappointed.

After having had an Ariens prior to this for 26 years, I thought that I would be happy again. Not a chance.

I experience extremely poor traction many times and has trouble clearing the snow in front of the machine even when left running.

I've contact several of the dealers in the Green Bay area and have received no satisfaction from them. I inquired about chains for the tires and the dealer told me they weren't any good.

Feel free to contact me with any suggestions.

Tom Vande Walle

plumbervw@***.net

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4 comments
Guest

I had a mid 80's ST824, it had a true differential and would eat everything in it's path. It gave me everything it had until 2011, just needed too much repair.

Bought new PRO 26 in Nov 2011, It works but I can't believe they say it is 9hp (305cc), no way, front end is too light, shys away from the snow, engine strains in the thick stuff.

Still have the old ST824 in a shed,may be worth doing a total restoration and selling the new PRO. Had a bolt on handle fall off first time I used it too, Ariens sent me a couple new ones - for next time, uggggh

Guest

Stay away from anything Ariens. I am speaking from Experience with over 35 years of using their products.

Snowblowers and Mowers.

Up Grade kits because of poor design etc... Etc...

Guest

I'd stay away from the new John Deeres. They've got a motorized chute rotator.

Why would anyone want that complexity? Give a good ol' hand crank that I don't have to worry about failing.

John N Mzy

I gave my 28 year old Bolens to my Brother in Law and bought a new John Deere 726. With no hood, heated handles or chains, the John Deere is still almost as good as that old 8 hp Bolens.

I am in Michigan and we had a few good snows this past winter and the JD came thru just fine. All new snowthrowers(the new word)come with snow tyres, no chains. I doubt most people would know what to do with chains nowadays anyway. I have heard good words about Honda Snowblowers and I like all John Deere equipment as I know they are made in USA and are well-build and do the job.

In your case, I problably would put a sign of the Ariens and sell it to some private party and buy a good JD. If you're not happy with it now, you never will be. Time to cut your losses and move on.

I know the feeling, I bought a Sears Lawn tractor 15 years ago and was happiest with it when I sold it a year or so later. What a pile of junk.

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Anonymous
map-marker Boston, Massachusetts

Ariens sno blower

I bought new Ariens 24" 7hp sno thrower 38 years ago.(1973) It swallowed a brick in 2009, my fault and damaged the gear case..that plus worn axel bushings and axel are the total problems..Found one that had been run without oil and had blown engine. Swapped the front end which has worked ok. For 75 bucks it also had electric starter. Life is good ! Getting these items fixed this Summer and new chains. I fully expect it to give me another 38 years.(some question as to if I have another 38 years). Great Machine. Wish they made cars...BUY AMERICAN
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1 comment
Guest

Now I know what my tenant gobbled up with my wonderful Ariens ST 824, 8 hp 24"...'a brick'!

Worm shaft and gear parts seem to be replaced by a whole gearcase cast to the tune of $189.00.

Wish I was lucky like you to find one to swap out so I can keep my 1978 for a few more years.

Bought a new 8 hp Ariens 2 years ago. Fancy lites, lots of plastic and parts keep coming loose. Seems Home Depot hires kids to put them together all wrong!

Cari Jti
map-marker Dallas, Texas

They advertized 19hp tractor. Not true

Got a 19hp Ariens tractor to replace a hp riding *** Eater. The Ariens 19hp lacks the power of the 8 hp *** Eater riding mower. As a matter of record the Ariens riding tractor could hardly make it up a slight incline while running full throttler. Had an old Montgomery Ward 12 hp riding mower that could tow a dethatcher and aerator at the same time with with no problem. Ariens advertized 19 hp is a farce and the Briggs and Stratton engine is not equal to 8 hp *** Eater. Don't do as I did. Read a bad review and several good reviews. Someone was lying thru their teeth about the 19hp Ariens tractor, don't be taken by some sucker wanting revenge for buying an Ariens tractor.
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1 comment
Guest

Your complaint is with the engine manufacturer not ariens

Bacawitz
map-marker San Jose, California

Ariens Lawn mowers. Bad. Broken. Awful service.

Are you looking for a lawn mower, or did you want to buy overpriced junk? If you want a machine that doesn't work well, gives you mass quantities of problems, and guzzles your gas, look no further than Ariens. I bought two different units from them, from Home Depot. Unfortunately, they have been in the shop a number of times for the same issues: Overheating and carburetor problems. No customer service to speak of, and Home Depot didn't want anything to do with them. No more. I will soon purchase another brand, from another store. Don't buy anything from this company. Ever!
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1 comment
Guest

Not only don't buy Ariens, don't buy from Home Depot they do not back the *** they sell. I bought an Ariens mower that worked twice.

Home Depot customer service provided me with a disconnected number to call for service.

Great help......Thanks Home Depot. Now I have to pay for repairs on a, basically unused, lawnmower.

Marek L

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Cary, North Carolina

ARIENS - model 932101

Purchased the wonder machine in 2005 Jan. Next few days I try to used - won't go anywhere. called service in Peters store in Highland MI. The unit spend 2 weeks in shop. First year spend 5 times, never fixed, used maybe 2 times for 15 min. Always stop working. Last 5 years spend time in service over 22 times. Aprox. 5 times per winter. Replaced many times bushings (no bearings?) friction plates every year ( I never used all winter), belts, pulleys, some another plates. Now need to replace all drive unit - why? China made ARIENS? Never again ariens. Mark
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Anonymous
map-marker Huntington, New York

Ariens Snow Blower Still no good

I stand by my original judgement about my new Ariens 11528LE 926009 Model snow blower. The first big snow storm the machine was useless because the tension roller was completely loose and the auger would not lift heavy snow.

It just clogged and stopped working. The All In One Rental Place that sold me this expensive machine said $70 to pickup and drop off for repair in warranty. But they could not pickup for several days. They suggested I check the belts.

When I checked the belts I found the tension roller was set on the least tension position so I increased the tension and then I got through the next snow storm ok. Then today, my third time using the machine, the auger stopped working half way through the job and I again had to shovel the rest of the drive way by hand while the snow blower sat and watched and laughed at me again. I took off the top belt cover and now found that the belt had completely stretched and the belt material was shreaded inside this compartment. I stand by my first appraisal of this machine.

It is a piece of junk. Sorry I ever bought the machine. The tension pins are fine but the auger will not turn at all. I am very frustrated and I feel that Ariens should do whatever it takes to remedy this situation or just give me my money back.

A full refund. The machine does not even have 5 hours on it.

I worked with the media for many years and I am more than willing to contact my friends to publish my story in print and on radio. Just stating the facts about very poor reliability of my new Ariens Snow Blower.

Lee Soroca Kings Park, New York

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3 comments
Guest

Aeriens 921017 - less than 20 hours. 1 year old 2x service for drive clutch - machine keeps moving when drive is released, 1x carburator leaking when new.

Now first significant snow and impeller will not turn. Shear pins fine.

Guest

Hi, everyone, yeah I too have a junky ariens snowblower my OLd Toro power-max can out do any ariens so sorry I sold the Toro the dealer won't fix my ariens cause they know it's junky never again to buy an ariens, it keeps pulling to the left you have to pull to the right to make a straight line by that time I'm tired out to finish the job

Guest

I sold by Ariens 926009 machine today to another dealer being it has only 4-5 hours on it. Got back $1000 of my original $1400 + tax and delivery charges.

Ariens said the double belt kit would correct the problem but they did not have this kit in stock. That's great. So if I kept the machine I was back to square one. So I took the loss of about $500 and applied it towards a Canadian built Columbia 28 inch snow blower with 16" auger and much larger snow shoot opening.

I could have waited and tried to get all my money back from the dealer but I have better things to do with my time. All I know is that I did not treat this new Ariens machine any different then the 30 year old Ariens I had before. Apparently the two machines don't compare when it comes to reliability.

End of story. Ariens should still foot the bill and pay me the full refund if they are good sports.

At least they did get the local dealer to put on another belt without having to wait 2-3 weeks.

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jamesp B
map-marker Danbury, Connecticut

Snoblower with constant maintenance/repairs

I've had my 8hp ariens snowblower since 9-20-01. I've replaced friction disc 5 times since then. I won't buy another ariens product again. It seems every snow storm something is conking out. Especially this year with 3 feet of snow and it craps out before the job is complete. Friction disc is gone again! My wife and I shoveled the driveway. Honda snow blower here I come. Just came from the dealer-they said they had a heavy duty friction disc kit-they said they would install it and replace 2 belts for $500 bucks---no thanks!
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Loss:
$1000
1 comment
Charles Fmk

Hi Jamesp, Are you in Canada? If yes, could you tell me is there any Ariens snow blower Repair Centre in Toronto?

My Ariens is still under warranty.

I bought it from Home Depot Canada, but even Home Depot cannot tell me any Ariens Repair Center in Toronto. Thanks.

Jillianne Umj
map-marker Stockton, California

Ariens design flaw

I purchased a brand new Ariens 28 deluxe track two weeks ago. Had to buy online and have it delivered due to no dealers within 100 miles and I have no way to transport it home. Setup went fine until I came to the part where you perform the 15 minute attachment run in and check the belt finger clearance. The belt finger was way out so I adjusted it exactly according to the manual. One of the mounting bolt would not tighten, it just spins. It was never tight to start with which is probably why the belt finger needed adjustment anyway. So I called Ariens today and the guy said I have to take the 300 pound machine to a dealer and pay to have it repaired at my own expense. My first customer service experience with Ariens was not helpful, and I have not even moved any snow yet. The rep also said he had never heard of this problem before, thats hard to believe, the internet is full of posts of the belt finger hardware stripping immediately on the Ariens blowers. You would think the company would have some fix for this problem and not put it back on the consumer. Yes I am upset, $1700 purchase and I can't even use it.
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2 comments
Guest

Just purchased an ariens compact 24 in northern OH set up by dealer. The belt on idle slaps against the guard.

Mechanic said they all do it...design flaw he says. He said to monitor it and if others have problems with it Ariens will be notified. I'm a very dissatified customer also.

ARE YOU LISTENING ARIENS! So far you've lost me for a reference AND anyone else wanting to know how I like it.

Guest

We should start a class action law suit against Ariens unless they start being responsible for the *** they make.

I bet you there are hundreds of pissed off customers that got stuck paying the bill on brand new Ariens snow blowers.

Let's talk more.

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Anonymous
map-marker Manchester, Connecticut

Ariens snowblower ***!

I purchased an Ariens 11528DLE snowblower in 2004. I have used it at most 12 times since then and every time I turn it on something breaks. I was told that I need to break it in-Huh ain't that something.So it haden't snowed in a couple of years and he we go 2010-**** all *** broke loose. I have taken it back to the place I purchased it and have had multiple belts replaced, replaced the auger pins and today the attachement clutch level broke. It would be nice if it worked once without something breakin.
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1 comment
Guest

uum my understanding that auger pins breaking is an occurance that happens with all snow throwers. That's why they tell you to have spares.

Anonymous
map-marker Maryville, Tennessee

Ariens warranty card

bought a new tiller and this co. is so poor they cant even supply a self stamped card which is their information and requirement for warranty and they are so tight they cannot even supply a stamp. mmeybe next time I will consider this when purchasing.If a company is this kind of shape what good is their warranty because they might be either out of business or cannot afford to do warranties or better yet won:t Most all companies are cutting corners but leaving off nuts and leaving cotter pins is a bit much.I wonder why J.D.is growing so fast?
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Quaneshia Rpl
map-marker Chicago, Illinois

Ariens fails to support its products

Updated by user Sep 22, 2012

This is an update - Home Depot gave me a new snow blower even though Airens did not honor the warranty.

Original review Jan 05, 2011
Watch out for Ariens! Don't believe all the reviews that state they are a great company to work with. In my case they are not standing behind their product, a 22" two stage Snow Blower. In November of 2010, I purchased above model from local Home Depot. I bought it early in the season so that it would be available to me when I needed it. Salesperson said, "This will be the first model that will sell out". The very first time I used it, December 2010, the snow was several inches deep, and I ran over a buried newspaper. The news paper lodged in the auger and I stopped to remove it. To my dismay, the shear pin failed to do its job by disengaging the drive shaft and the shaft cracked. Isn't that the purpose of a shear pin? Ariens and Home Depot are refusing to repair/replace the unit stating that it is not a defect in the equipment. The rep from Ariens was extremely rude and refused to consider the possibility that the part/machine was defective. His comment to me was "this is not a wood chipper you know". Very poor customer service. Am I wrong in thinking that the shear pin should have stopped the drive shaft from rotating? I bought an Ariens because I had heard that they produced a good machine and stood behind their product. Not the case for me. Josh Cooper, Geneva, IL
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Anonymous
map-marker Manchester, Connecticut

Ariens snowblower sucks!

I purchased an Ariens 11528DLE snowblower in 2004. I have used it at most 12 times since then and every time I turn it on something breaks. I was told that I need to break it in-Huh ain't that something.So it haden't snowed in a couple of years and he we go 2010-**** all *** broke loose. I have taken it back to the place I purchased it and have had multiple belts replaced, replaced the auger pins and today the handle that engages the augers broke. It would be nice if it worked once without something breakin.
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DaveSSr
map-marker Cobleskill, New York

Weak Engineering

I purchased a 42" Ariens Riding Tractor from Home Depot in May. It is a 20 horsepower model with hydrostatic drive. My problem started after using it several times mowing the lawn. Suddenly the tractor would not move forward or backward. Upon inspecting the drive belt I found it had jumped off the transmission pulley. I took it to an area Ariens dealer because it was under warranty. They put the belt back on but found no reason for the failure. After using it again to mow my lawn about 3 times it stopped moving again. I found the problem to be that the belt had come off again. Having been a mechanic for many years this time I decided to see what was wrong myself. Upon inspection I found that the bolts holding the front of the transmission to a bracket had stripped out, the frame where the axle bolts up was cracked and thr front holes were torn out. A very weak system for mounting a part that has so much torque. I reinforced the frame with steel and installed bolts that went through the transmission case so they won't strip out again. These were two simple solutions to an obvious weak engineered system. Dave Slater
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1 comment
Guest

javascript:ac_smilie(':cry')

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