Ariens RapidTrak Professional 28-inch snowblower from big box store

I just purchased an Ariens RapidTrak Professional 28-inch snowblower. While I tried to buy it from a local Ariens dealer, I ended up getting it from one of the big box stores. I had planned on making a video that showed how to assemble the RapidTrak, but to my surprise they assembled it for me. Well, they tried. Well they got and A for effort, well excluding the individual who attempted to assembly it. That person earned a big fat F for both their ability and effort. Watch the video to learn more! 😊
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[@Huntgolfride]

You are a lot more patient than I would be. For that price, bent brackets and smashed gears would be a deal breaker. It would be right on their doorstep very fast. Nice machine.

[@AccentAlarms]

I hear you, it was pretty frustrating. If it wouldn't have been way more hassle for me I would have been back at the store.

[@hotwiredpc4079]

I ordered my first Ariens snowblower professional 30 from snow blowers direct 12 years ago. It arrived in a crate and without any of these issues. I just ordered an Ariens single stage professional 21 from snow blowers direct. I highly recommend them.

[@AccentAlarms]

Thanks for sharing, you know what they say about hindsight... lol

[@glennleslie6127]

Thank you for this video; I would've sent that unit straight back to Lowes..

[@AccentAlarms]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I totally understand, that's certainly how I felt. It has definitely worked out though. I got to share my experience, didn't have to wait for another one to show up, and I learned a LOT about how it goes together! :) Make today a great one! 😁

[@johnoberle9750]

I had a 1994 John Deere and half of it was produced by Murray. It was a good machine. Soon after John Deere’s were green and yellow Ariens. Been a long time since John Deere produced their own machine if ever. I have an Ariens 24 platinum now. I think the current line in the last eight years is the best Machines Ariens built in a long time. They went back to the cast iron gear box. Either Ariens or Toro for an American machine. Honda ? Back in the day Yamaha was hands down the best. Can’t get them in the states anymore. Ariens is the best of the best right now. My research on Honda is a mixed bag. They are expensive. There’s no cost savings buying from a big box store. Support your local dealers unless they are bad. They know how to assemble the product.

[@AccentAlarms]

Thanks for the info. As a small business, I desperately tried buy from a local small company. They repeatedly tried to sell me what I didn't want and from the previous years models that they had in stock. Advised them exactly what I wanted, but they wouldn't order it for me. 😲🤷‍♂

[@ironheadbiker]

I feel your pain. These big "box" stores also get away with using a same model number as a dealer but with cheaper parts. Case in point, a zero turn mower at a dealer could have 3100cc hydros running it and the "same exact model number" at a big box store will have 2800s or 2500s, hence they can sell it at a cheaper price because it's made cheaper. My dealer told me that and I checked it out and he was right. I don't know if snowblowers are that way, but I'm like you, I'd rather be the one to assemble it to become familiar with it. You definitely got that!

[@AccentAlarms]

😁 I sure did get to become familiar with it, which is ultimately a good thing. I don't believe they use the same model with different parts on the Ariens, at least not on this model at least not that I've noticed or discovered yet. lol

[@soundmapper]

I pretty much did the same thing as you. Local dealer acted like he didn't know what was coming in shipments and I've been waiting 2 months. Happened to see a platnium 28 trak at lowes and said frig it lol. Now I'm going to have to go over it all and make sure it was put together right. If not, it will go back.

[@AccentAlarms]

That hindsight it pretty remarkable! 😁😁😁😁

[@AccentAlarms]

I was able to confirm that the chute assembly is almost put together correctly. The Ariens parts manual has a nice part "exploded" view. I put a washer on each side of the "Gear, Chute Actuation", but I did get the order correct (after lots of trial and error) on the Chute Gear (the one that is chewed up). :)

[@AccentAlarms]

👍

[@mikeadams2339]

I looked around and the nearest dealer said I would have to order in the spring?!? Got lucky and found a 17 horse 2 years old. But the frame is not as tank built as yours.still no snow to try it out as of yet.

[@Drewg351]

I know you stated you didn't want the 2018 model (926060). But the 2018 is exactly the same as the newer 2019/20 model (926078) accept for the motor and the gas tank. The 2018 came with the Briggs and Stanton 420 CC engine and almost 1.5 gallon fuel tank. The newer 2019 comes with the LCT 420 CC engine and 3/4 gallon fuel tank. Both great motors, but the fuel tank difference is significant. If you're a commercial user, you may have preferred the 2018 model. With that said, the one other difference is the 2018 model with B & S engine gets warranty work by B & S which could mean delays. With the 2019 LCT motor, all warranty work goes thru Ariens and can be done at any Ariens dealer. So those are the differences with the newest machines. Ariens wanted to get away from B & S as they are also making snowblowers now so it's a competition issue. Plus, Ariens wanted to be able to warranty the entire machine. Much better for customers and customer service.

[@AccentAlarms]

Yeah, I debated back and forth for several days. lol I obviously felt that it made more sense to buy the 2019/LTC vs. 2018/B&S that had likely been on the dealers floor for at least a year. It's clear that Ariens is moving away from B&S and even though I felt both machines are amazing - it just seemed like buying a 2019 made more sense. 😊😊

[@jamesorsby7553]

I didn't even know you could buy any of the Ariens Professional models at Lowes... that's good to know.

[@AccentAlarms]

I didn't either, who knew. 😃

[@soundmapper]

All I've seen are under the platnium trim.

[@dalek.6171]

I have an Ariens RapidTrak 32'' bought from a Dealer. All was assembled fine. Really impressed with the 420 Briggs Engine, except I think they could of brought the Noise level down some. The safety Lever on the Left is a joke. They should eliminate it. I should of bought the 28" so I could fit it on a rear Hitch carrier. Broke a safety pin once, easy to replace. Blows Snow very far.

[@AccentAlarms]

Dale, thanks for watching and commenting. I'm still loving mine and I've broken a few shear pins myself. Super easy to replace. I end up doing several of our neighbors homes and the safety lever ends up being a real "arm" sore after a few homes. :)

[@PaulSikkema]

Thanks for the shoutout!

[@AccentAlarms]

Of course! I wouldn't have purchased this w/o your great videos. 👍😁

[@ronsteitz4535]

Buy the blower that fits your needs for the right price no matter where you buy it. It’s back saving work,you can’t put a price on that. I’ve owned a Cub Cadet track machine for over 40 yrs with 8 hp. It will climb hills with ease and chop though the snow drift the snowplow leaves behind. Still get all the parts if needed for repairs.👍😀

[@AccentAlarms]

Good point :)

[@dewaynemitchell3931]

I take my hat off to you sir because i couldn't have done it and for that kind of money im planning on get the same one for next year

[@AccentAlarms]

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed this one! 👍

[@HHO64]

Well done!

[@AccentAlarms]

Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@Drewg351]

I purchased the exact same machine (926078 with LCT motor) from Lowe's too. I ordered it in November and it came in a week later. I picked it up in the "crate" unassembled. I DID NOT want their assembler wrenching on my machine. After watching your video, I'm sooooooooo glad I didn't have them assemble it. These big box stores don't normally stock or sell these more expensive machines. Therefore, their assembler doesn't work on these regularly. I knew that would be the case and I told them I wanted it in the crate. It's soooooo easy to put it together. Took me an hour. I would never recommend having some assembler who comes in once a week to the "big box store" put together your machine. Get it in the sealed crate. It only requires a few minor, everyday, hand tools to put together. Nothing special. You're simply unbolting the handlebars, flipping them around and bolting them back on, bolting on the chute, and connecting a few cables. That's it. Even comes with oil already filled. Just add gasoline.

[@AccentAlarms]

Hindsight! In all fairness, I didn't think there would even attempt to put it together. Made for a much more interesting video; don't you think? lol I was sooooo close to taking it back and telling them to bring in another machine.

[@Drewg351]

@@AccentAlarms, yea. I kinda figured they don't sell many of these 3K machines and their installer probably hasn't done many, if at all. Not that it's hard, but I'm sure these assemblers are paid per machine and are rushing to get as many done as possible. No offense, but judging by the way yours was assembled, I think my opinion is confirmed (lol). Luckily there's not much they have to do, therefore, not much to screw-up.

[@AccentAlarms]

Oh your opinion is certainly confirmed and 100% on point! I would not suggest that anyone let a big box store set-up their snowblower. Based on my experience this not only holds true for a machine they have probably never seen, but even the ones they do sell in the stores. Some of there errors were just common sense, or complete lack of caring. Not only did they do it incorrectly, they flat out made no effort to do it correctly. Bolts were barely threaded into the holes, cables routed and installed incorrectly, and leaving the chute like that was pathetic. I'm very lucky that I had all the pieces as they could have easily fallen out in the store and been lost forever. It would have been 100% easier to get it in the shipping box and put it together on my own (with a guide) vs. trying to find out what they did wrong w/o any sort of guide.

[@Drewg351]

@@AccentAlarms, yup. I totally agree. Luckily, there's only very minor assembly required so, while it stinks the assembler screwed up the few things he had to do, he could not do much damage. Even if you have to replace that brass chute turning part, it really isn't expensive and would take minutes to replace. I realize being brand new, that's not comforting and you should not have to deal with it, at least it's nothing major.

[@soundmapper]

Although a year l after, I had no idea you could order one from Lowes. Our local big box stores, both Lowes and HD only have up to the deluxe. I went to the local ariens dealer and they didn't even have ANY new models yet... No platniums or pros. They had received two shipments in the past couple weeks but only the same models as the box stores. I guess I'm uncertain what "Ariens exclusive dealer" means vice "Preffered retailer".

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

at least you get to know the machine, when you had to fix it all by yourselfe. better you did go over the whole machine and tighten all the bolts and nuts, my friend had a machine put together from the shop and when he started it in winter the machine start to fall apart because they did not tighten all the bolts

[@AccentAlarms]

Thanks for watching. I agree, it was good to really learn the machine. Bummer about your friend, I wish I could say that I'm surprised. Seems that sub-standard work is becoming the norm at so many places.

[@OZBIE]

I'm amazed that thing was allowed out the door, shame on Lowes.

[@AccentAlarms]

:) I agree, that being said it sure seems like it is becoming more and more acceptable to provide such sub-standard work. I see it in my industry all the time.

[@jrb737]

I just bought the same machine (except w/ the B & S engine) to use at a cabin in the mountains in Northern, CO and your's should have drift cutters with it. Although maybe you have since added them.

[@AccentAlarms]

I hope you like yours as much as I've like mine. I have the drift cutters on a shelf. We don't see snow that deep down here, well maybe once a decade. lol I have them if I need them. 😀

[@merrymanrc]

If it was me I would contact arien company and let them know what going and how you got run around from the dealer too

[@ronsteitz4535]

I will keep my Cub Cadet Trax with power steering. I’ve owned for years and no manhandling is required. Pull lever on left or right and machine effortlessly turns in direction desired. It’s the only way to handle a snowblower. 👍😀

[@AccentAlarms]

Right on.

[@jesseward9723]

Due to the assembly quality, it might be wise to check the auger gearcase’s oil level, and crankcase oil level. I know with the deluxe 24 the oil level in the auger gear case should be 2.4 - 2.6” from the flat top of the case. The bolt is only torqued in inch pounds not foot pounds. Your specs may be different. I doubt the assembler would have opened the gear case. Butt in the off chance they did and let some oil spill out, it would be a painful experience down the road if the worm gear was running dry.

[@AccentAlarms]

Good point Jesse! I did check the engine oil level, but certainly would be a a good plan to check the gearcase too. 👍

[@garyp1930]

yah welcome to america people couldnt be bothered then the others ruin it ,, but your good man good job !

[@AccentAlarms]

Thanks for watching and the kind words.

[@theRandy712]

I'm about to get the 32" version I think ... How's it handling the latest Denver snows?

[@AccentAlarms]

:) Without any issues! Takes a little getting used to as the controls are in different locations than the Deere I used for the past 15 plus years. lol Considerably easier to maneuver, the Deere had the axle locked so it was a workout turning it around. Waiting for something worthy of this beast. 😁 I attempted to make a video last week, but after a few minutes my camera was covered with snow and then fell off. Rookie mistakes! lol

[@ronsteitz4535]

Also is this a steerable Track machine? Nice job figuring this machine out. Hope you didn’t pay extra for assembly 🤔

[@AccentAlarms]

Steerable, yes and no. For years I had a Deere with a fixed axle, that you could pin the wheels to the drive shaft. If you left one wheel loose (free-turning) the blower would push to that side and if you had both wheels locked you had to essentially drag the wheels to turn-around. Real work, especially as I've aged. lol The Ariens RapidTrack doesn't have steering controls, but the wheels have a sort of clutch system that allows them to move freely in the reverse direction allowing you to easily turn/change directions.

[@BigmoRivera]

Well Good Luck To You 😉👍🏽I Stop Watching At Seven Min.

[@adamton7274]

Any updates? How'd you like the machine this winter?

[@AccentAlarms]

Well, apparently the secret to not receiving much snow is to buy a beast of a snow blower. 🤣😂🤣 I've used it 3X on 2-4 inch snow storms, it worked awesome. I was hoping for some big snows to really give it a test. I know what's wrong with me, wishing for snow. 🙄😮🙄 I'm running out of time this year.

[@kielbasaglen6843]

Were the dealers sort of close to you? Maybe you should have drove over to them and taken care of business face to face? I would have. I would let Ariens know about how Lowes (does not) know how to assemble their machines. Maybe they could do something for you with possibly getting a dealer to go over the whole machine? Then you can let the dealer know how P.O.'d you are at them for never returning your phone calls. It has been a crappy situation for you. Hopefully you will get everything corrected. But with you doing a lot by yourself, at least you see things for what they are and you will learn about the machine. Good luck...

[@AccentAlarms]

:) Dealers close to me? One is 10 minutes, 25 and 45 minutes away. The furthest one is the only one who responded, but they only had 2018 B&S model. 30 plus minutes of driving in the opposite directions is a long ways to drive for them to tell me, "No we don't have any "Professional" models." Besides if they can't answer emails or phone calls, I probably wouldn't want to do business with them. One of them actually ignored both my requests and Ariens. As I found them via the Ariens website, they (Ariens) followed up about 2 weeks after my inquiry. Told them the dealer never contacted me, but I was still very interested. Still no response. :( I wouldn't say the entire situation was crappy, as you stated I did get to go through the machine pretty thoroughly, certainly learned way more than I would have just putting it together following directions or even picking it up from a dealer. I also go the exact machine I wanted, plus 10% off for prior service (through Lowes) AND I got to make a video. Definitely an overall win for me. Even if I order that chute gear, I'm out $30-$40, no big deal. :) 😁 Have a great weekend, thanks for watching and the feedback! 👍😁👍

[@luptonpittman6520]

It was assembled by the appliance sales lady

[@AccentAlarms]

Or potentially the teenager who has never touched a tool and has no self-respect for their job. 😒 The 2nd half of that is true regardless of who put it together.

[@smallblock412]

If you contact Ariens they will send you the proper manual and a replacement gear for the chute. Their customer service is top notch.

[@AccentAlarms]

SmallBlock412, thanks for the suggestion. I hate to have Ariens pay for it, its not as though it's their fault that Lowes has crappy assemblers. I feel that I somewhat asked for it by not buying it from a local dealer. Although, I truly did attempt to buy it that way and they were 66% non-responsive and 33% wrong machine. 😒

[@smallblock412]

@@AccentAlarms Just a frustrating situation all around. Ariens won't mind eating that small cost to keep a paying customer happy.

[@uTubed007]

Wouldn't it been faster to just turn around and give it back to the store after talking to the dept. manager maybe.

[@AccentAlarms]

Maybe, or maybe they have their guy wrench on it again and make things worse. I tend to think that would have been the result. As I state in the video, I didn't expect it to be assembled at all and I probably learned more about this machine having to figure it out vs. putting together with the zombie illustrations that come with new products. ;)

[@Peter-976]

What is the car under the cover? Looks deceiving.

[@AccentAlarms]

🤔 Any guesses?

[@Peter-976]

@@AccentAlarms well you drive a Chevy p/u so with the low profile tires and high back end I would guess a Chevy Camaro. On a different note, what would you recommend for a front and back door motion detecting residential security camera that does not break the bank?

[@AccentAlarms]

@@Peter-976 You should be a detective, pretty accurate too! :) SS, Spring Edition 1 of 293 Coupes (816 Total) in the US. :) I'm not really a resi guy, but I did just participate in a new product webinar and will probably put a couple of these around my place soon. Unlike Nest/Ring there is not monthly subscription (you can add an sd card locally) and the initial cost is lower. I should be putting them on my website later this coming week, but you can check them out at: us.dahuasecurity.com/products/lincx2pro/

[@Peter-976]

@@AccentAlarms lol. thanks. Just subbed

[@klepper00]

You should have gotten drift cutters with that !

[@AccentAlarms]

I have them, I just haven't put them on. If we get enough snow to need them, I can put them on easily. 😎

[@garypatton3637]

How much did you pay?

[@AccentAlarms]

I don't recall, but I was able to take 10% off as a vet and they were about 15-20% cheaper than all the local Ariens dealers, who didn't have the machine I was after.

[@pasqualepapaleo662]

How much did you pay for that?

[@AccentAlarms]

I don't recall exactly, but it was a few hundred less than any of the local places wanted to special order one for NEXT season, plus I received a 10% off as a veteran.

[@ronsteitz4535]

Why isn’t an American company supporting our American made engine like Briggs and Stratton or Tecumech. I’ve always thought og Chinese engines as throwaways.😬🤨

[@AccentAlarms]

I wouldn't know the answer to that, it's a few hundred notches above my paygrade. lol

[@ronsteitz4535]

Does the Airens blower have an American made motor or Chinese knock off?

[@AccentAlarms]

It has the Ariens AX engine is made for them by LTC (an American company) but they are made in China. At least that is what I recall reading. 😀

[@dergibog27]

There isn't an American made small motor built in the US in 2021. Literally.

[@jasonbronson672]

Not sure why you would need such an expensive snow blower, it's January and you have no snow?

[@AccentAlarms]

If having an expensive snow blower is the trick to having no snow I'd say that's a win! lol Thanks for watching and lets hope this January is snow free. 👍😊

[@pasqualepapaleo662]

Those big box stores are not the place to buy something that expensive kids put those together teenagers they are stupid you should’ve waited for a dealer that’s a big expense too much of an investment for you to fix it yourself

[@AccentAlarms]

I tried to by it from three different local Ariens dealers. As a small business myself, I go out of my way to support as many other local guys as possible. I either couldn't even get a call back or they would NOT order the model I desired. One local place had a 2-year old machine and I was not impressed with paying extra for an considerably older machine and determined my only option was to special order through Lowes. Why none of the local Ariens dealers would do that, I'm not sure but waiting an entire year (e.g. snow season) was not an option for me. As a side note, the Airens dealer closest to me, that I pushed on the most to sell me a new tracked machine is out of business. I can't imagine why. Since I can turn a screw-drive, there was no harm in buying from "those big-box stores" and it actually worked out pretty good for me. Much better than buying something that I didn't want. Plus it turned out to be much cheaper as Lowes offers 10% discount to vets and they were about 15-20% cheaper than the local guys wanted to buy what I didn't want.

[@tommiller6580]

$3200.00 plus tax, no thanks ! I can buy one a good Toro $699.00 ( not all the bells and whistles, mind you ) toss it after 10 years and buy another........

[@AccentAlarms]

Thanks for watching Tom, you certainly can do that. 😀

[@malinoisnation9392]

And depending on the job you’ll spend 30 mins to hours longer each time. What’s your time worth?