Snow blowers

Comment:

Bought this machine December 2010. Tip- used credit cards link to the retailer at xmas time- got 10% cash back reward for purchase-used this machine extensively last winter. Had NO PROBLEM clearing up to 10 inches of snowfall. have almost 4000 sq ft of driveway and it throws snow wherever I need it. Engine is powerful and starts easily on first pull- never used electric start. throwing chute is all metal not cheap plastic like competitors.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

This is getting to be a common theme with Consumer Reports: Incomplete testing which misses common issues.<br />I purchased this Ariens snowthrower based upon CR's review. Had it sitting in my garage waiting for the first big snow of the season which came this evening. Heavy, wet snow.... about 7 inches deep. <br /><br />The unit started and ran fine, but there were two main issues which were very disappointing: First, the headlight sucks. It disperses about 35% of the light vertically into your eyes, about 35% outward into the sky at about a 45 degree angle and the remaining 30% on the driveway where you really want light.<br /><br />The second problem: This unit is unusable in wet snow... I was pushing all 220 lbs of it with little help from the drive wheel. I thought the drive wheel wasn't working but after kneeling down, half blind from the stupid headlight shining in my eyes.... I noticed that the wheels were turning, they just weren't getting any traction on my blacktop driveway and were spinning as if they were on solid ice - which they were not. <br /><br />If you buy this unit - don't leave the store without tire chains for traction and buy a pair of sunglasses - you'll need them.<br /><br />I would suggest another model that has a headlight that doesn't have a funky curved lens - get one that has an old 'tractor style' external headlight that you can adjust and aim so you can actually see what you're doing.<br /><br />I'm starting to question why I subscribe to CR.

How long have you owned it:

One-to-three months

Bottom Line

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

Comment:

I work for a goverment agency in maintenance;in the north east,where winters can be BRUTAL.I have used these for over six years cleaning out snow from walkways,parking lots,ramps etc...Very reliable as long as you take care of them.These snowthrowers cut through the snow effortlessly,and have more than enough power for home use.Very powerfull.My only complaint is the electric starter needed to be repaired,but the snow thrower worked fine.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.