BEFORE YOU BUY A SNOWBLOWER FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN 2024, WATCH THIS! (9th Largest Ariens Dealer)

[@danbelden7354]

When you find a good dealer, stick with them. They usually are there and will assist way more than the box stores.

[@GarageGear]

You got that right! 👍👍

[@brodygoalie]

​@@GarageGear shout out to Chris and Kevin at Quincy small engine. The best!

[@user-Jim-Peshak-08]

Plus smaller and locally owned businesses can also service your snowblowers and lawnmower as well. The place where I purchased my snowblower they even did the service work on the snowblower and they pulled up the service records and showed me and it was impeccable. And they even delivered it to my house as well.

[@jpmon-wd6xe]

I purchased a 30 inch platinum super high output, extremely impressed with the power. Wet snow does not have a chance highly recommended.Built like a tank

[@GarageGear]

@@jpmon-wd6xe thanks for sharing this jp 👍

[@brianbanks3044]

i got an Ariens 9/26 in 2005 and love it...still running after all these yrs and it's from a local dealer... the dealer is gone because everyone loves the box stores and they put the small guys out of business but the machine is still running strong...all steel construction and thick gauge steel....I also have a few electrics from EGO, the single stage and the 28 inch beast BUT the big boy has trouble with wet heavy snow...the Ariens bores right through it...the little one I use on the back deck for the dogs to get outside and it sure beats shoveling.....I say buy once, cry once with the biggest, best machine you can afford....in the long run, it will be the better investment

[@GarageGear]

I fully agree with my friend! Buy once cry once! 👍

[@jimmaltese1852]

I have an older arians snow thrower. Used it for a few years at my old house, I had a small driveway. Thing actually kicked ass. House I'm in now has a 5x bigger driveway so I had to buy a troy bilt to replace the arians. I had to replace the paddles and the bushings on the arians and still have it as a backup. Starts on one pull.

[@GarageGear]

Keep that baby around! 👍

[@neillepotakis8356]

In my area our Local Ariens Dealer is Western New England) HD Reynolds. I've been their customer for over 30 years. Family owned and they know their business with exceptional customer Service. I currently have the 24" Platinum SHO.. It's about 7 years old now and I happily have them service it every year prior to winter season. You'll always appreciate the fact that your local business is usually far superior to big box stores, offers better service and I know they have the parts in Stock when needed. Except for one time, I've never had an issue with my Ariens units and when I did they picked it up and returned the same day at no additional cost as they service the unit yearly . Now That's customer service. After 20 years my friend just traded in his Ariens for the exact model I have. He also has been a Reynolds customer. Can't beat local.

[@GarageGear]

@@neillepotakis8356 thanks for sharing Neil!

[@mikeswink1031]

I own a Ariens 30" Platinum SHO , 2023 model . I traded in my 2010 John Deere 928E purchased from the same John Deere dealer . You ask , orange in a green shop ? Yes , same as in my garage . I had a nice talk to all involved , and they do get along great !

[@stevepelino5986]

Another great video from top to bottom. I agree totally to support local businesses. I’ve also seen equipment assembled at big box stores done incorrectly. It really happens. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Steve! Glad I’m not the only one lol! 👍😂

[@Dave-ei7kk]

Not so fast skippy. I’ve seen local dealers do a crappy job of dealer prep too. It’s usually an entry level employee that gets that job and they usually have a high turnover.

[@jayoman4453]

Take note Ariens and Toro on your compact snowblower. Add a lifting handle and a longer chute control handle. Dealerships are the only way to go, support your local small engine shop.

[@GarageGear]

Oh yeah, my friend! You got it

[@dougduddles8464]

I agree, the Ariens Deluxe 24 is a great all-around snowblower. I bought one 3 years ago, and absolutely love it! It's got a bigger engine than most 24" snowblowers, and it's much more sturdily built than even the Toro equivalent. Also, if you've a local dealer, you're way better off getting it there than at a big box store. And, if you've got a good dealer, it helps a lot to build a relationship with that dealer.

[@GarageGear]

Spot on my friend!

[@bradpeterson5108]

Ariens platinum 24" SHO is AWESOME. Takes up smaller space, throws like Randy Johnson. I love Ariens "clunky' shoot control, works quickly and locks solidly in place.

[@GarageGear]

It does lock in place fast! 👍

[@GarageGear]

Here is a LINK to the BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK SNOWBLOWER! Thank you for supporting the channel! 👍 👉 amzn.to/3CCHTfI

[@2pugman]

During the blizzard of '96, we received 26" of snow and I didn't have a snow blower. Winters in central NJ usually aren't that bad. I found a small Snapper 2 cycle at a local shop and the price was $600. Take it, or leave it. I found out later that that machine normally sold for $350. I bought the 24" Ariens eight years ago and still love it.

[@GarageGear]

Oh wow did they mark that up or what?

[@apexiumim2741]

Uncovered my 24” SHO today, filled with gas, 4 to 5 primes, started first pull. Totally shines like brand new no thanks to JB’s tips etc. it’s now sitting dead centre in the middle of my garage waiting for snow. Bring it on!!! Go Bills!

[@GarageGear]

@@apexiumim2741 you’re the man, Apex! Appreciate you being a cool fan as always! Bring on the snow is what is say too! Go Bills!!!

[@apexiumim2741]

@@GarageGear Is the 24” SHO no longer available? I mean for 2024. I could check but thought I’d ask 😂

[@GarageGear]

@@apexiumim2741 I believe only on the platinum 24 models you get the SHO

[@a8f235]

Just bought myself a Deluxe 28 because that is the actual most bang for the buck model for most people. The most important part is you get a bigger engine(291cc) and you're not coughing up an arm and a leg for tracks that most people will never need anyhow. The wheels are big enough for its intended use, and you also get heated grips which is nice to have right out of the box. This model also has the auto-turn and can eat through 65 tons of snow and hour. Personally I feel this rapidtrack system is just a marketing thing that will make you pay more for less(less engine, lesser wheels, no auto turn, no heated grips and so on) Rapidtrack or belts in general I would only consider for the bigger and burlier models that are aimed for more serious heavy duty stuff. The compact 24RT cost the same as the Deluxe 28(at least where I live) and for me the choice was super easy. PS: The dealer did try and dump the old model on me, and I expected that could happen and the funny thing was that when I entered the dealer it had a sold sign on it even though I had just phoned them earlier that week to see if it was available. I immediatly saw the halogen light and I just knew that seller was trying to scam me. I gave the kid a new shot at it and told him to go find the new version because I ain't buying that one, and I saw the panick in his face when he knew he was busted lol Anyhow, long story short I got a brand new one right out of the box, so that's what matters.(It wouldn't surprise me if he had ordered that one as a replacement for when he would have dumped the old model on me, and just roll it straight out on the floor as I left the shop.)

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this with the community!

[@DFitz-bk7dj]

I have a 2023 30" Deluxe. Love this machine!!!

[@GarageGear]

@@DFitz-bk7dj RIGHT ON my friend

[@lj.7311]

Good video. Makes me glad I picked up a like new 2019 Platinum 24 SHO for $650. Use my local dealer for all parts and accessories. Good folks.

[@shanew7361]

Good deal, how many hours?

[@GarageGear]

@@lj.7311 awesome lj! Thanks for sharing

[@lj.7311]

@ No hour meter, but we have t had much snow the past few years so I’m gonna say less than 20 hours. Probably less than ten.

[@tomvarano3283]

They are an excellent dealer. If I don’t have time for to maintenance my equipment they are the guys. They have excellent technicians and very very knowledgeable staff. 👍

[@GarageGear]

RIGHT ON TOM! Super helpful staff! What’s up this weekend?

[@rockymoldenhauer6501]

What about wheel skids? An improvement maybe when pushing machine back up cleared drive into garage? My guess won't actually roll, while pushing snow...cold and salt or sand would clog it? What do you think?

[@GarageGear]

@@rockymoldenhauer6501 hey rocky I worked on one before with them. Seemed to be fine. Little loud because they were kinda rusty but snowblowers aren’t exactly quiet either lol. Seemed to do the job

[@Rev1Kev]

My mistake several years ago, was buying the cub cadet 3X 28 inches vs the Aherens 28 Deluxe. The 3X sucks in wet heavy snow, it acts more like a snow plow, as it pushes snow in front vs the augers pulling the snow into the unit. In powder it works fine

[@GarageGear]

@@Rev1Kev appreciate you sharing this!

[@tcbtcb]

My first snowblower I used as a kid was the old school model you showed at the end of your video. What a safety death trap that thing was. The auger was engaged all the time and would drive hands free….omg.

[@GarageGear]

@@tcbtcb oh yeah that thing is a disaster waiting to happen but built like a tank

[@PlatinumRC]

My 1978 Toro 826 Is still running strong. Still with the original Briggs engine. Very solid machine

[@GarageGear]

@@PlatinumRC thanks for sharing

[@djdawso]

Great video, JB!!! Just a few thoughts: First, I'm a huge fan of buying through a local dealer. The last Toro I bought (826OXE, I think) was through such a dealer and a day after they delivered it I noticed it was slowly leaking oil (not an unusual issue for the Toros of that time), and they just swapped it out with a new one, no questions asked. Second, I'm a huge, huge fan of trigger steering, since it's a convenient way to completely disengage the drive for rapid maneuvering, especially pulling back when clearing out the stuff the plow leaves behind. Once the wife and I move back to Minnesota I think I'm gonna miss that feature, but I suppose I'll get used to the new technology. Finally, I don't have an issue with the plastic Toro uses. It never rusts (which metal *always* will), and I've never had it fail, even in the super cold -20º (or colder) MN winters. Your car/truck almost certainly has plastic parts around the wheel wells and bumpers and it holds up just fine in winter conditions. They're doing impressive things with plastics these days, so other usability features are much more important to me.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you sharing this info djdawso

[@davejohnson5479]

Great video and a fantastic addition to your other snowblower productions. This will solve a lot of questions for first time buyers and those looking to replace existing machines. BUY LOCAL AND GO BILLS!

[@GarageGear]

RIGHT ON DAVE! Thanks for the positive feedback! GO BILLS!

[@brodygoalie]

As always tremendous informative vid from you. Looks like you could be having a tough winter with your snow storm happening now! Cheers

[@GarageGear]

It’s all hitting south of me! Appreciate the positive feedback brody

[@twintornados]

I have an Ariens Compact 24 - she is 10 years old and runs like a champ. Oil and grease is cheap insurance for a command performance. Also, I run non-ethanol gas exclusively in all my power equipment. No brainer there.

[@GarageGear]

@@twintornados all good points

[@Mikes-Custom-Wood-Crafts]

Love this channel you are my go to guy for my repairs and maintenance!

[@GarageGear]

@@Mikes-Custom-Wood-Crafts appreciate you Mike! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@charleschapman2428]

The shoot handle can be tweaked by adjusting it under the dash, I can move mine with one finger or a quick slap left or right.

[@GarageGear]

Perhaps some adjustments are in order! Thank you charles

[@rondeschenes8323]

Thanks for the review. Today I purchased the Airens 28inch deluxe in Lancaster, NY. Didn’t realize you live in West Seneca.

[@GarageGear]

@@rondeschenes8323 I actually live in Lancaster. I filmed this video at a dealer in west Seneca 👍

[@rondeschenes8323]

@ do you buy used snowblowers? I have a 190 Husqvarna 10527sb_ls. Runs great but not shooting the snow

[@GarageGear]

@@rondeschenes8323 sometimes I’ll buy a used snowblower for specific videos I need to film.

[@rondeschenes8323]

You can stop by this weekend if you want. Thanks, Ron

[@tratsch1063]

I pulled the trigger and bought a Propath model in January 22 . Took over month to get it . Yes bought at Lowes and was shipped from Areins . Took delivery on March 29th . Waited till fall to unbox and put together . Guess what not been used yet no snow . My wife is fine with that but I like to be outside in the cold . Go Areins

[@GarageGear]

@@tratsch1063 you’ll get your shot at some point here my friend! 👍

[@PainterD54]

You can always install sheer pins in a Toro auger if you are concerned about the gear box. You're right about finding a reputable dealer. The big box stores are nutorious for putting things together wrong because they do not repair them, just sell them. So they don't know how to put them together properly. I found this out the hard way when I bought my lawn tractor at a big box store. The "kids" that put it together didn't have a clue how to operate sockets and wrenches. Watching from a distance was painful to say the least. I spent an hour after I got it home putting things together, right.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this painter. Not a bad idea putting shear pins in. Smart to go back over it and check everything too!

[@mikalpechota770]

There ya go. Ariens. I have a Platinum 30” 414cc. Watched all your maint vids. Good stuff. Should last for many years.

[@GarageGear]

@@mikalpechota770 totally! You’ll have that one for a while

[@nodak81]

I love the joystick-style chute control on my two Troy-Bilts. They've served me well through heavy New England winters for 15 years and 5 years respectively.

[@GarageGear]

@@nodak81 awesome! Thanks for sharing this and glad they are working great for you

[@jerryq1000]

I bought an Airens 24 Deluxe 4 years ago to replace a Yard Man (MTD) 26 that I refurbished and donated. The YM had trigger steering, which I thought I'd miss, I don't. The Airens is a workhorse and does the job every time. I did have to add hand warmers to the Airens - those I did MISS from the MTD.

[@GarageGear]

Hand warmers are definitely a plus!

[@yalerich7417]

Morning coffee w/JB was a GOODIE today, Tkx!

[@GarageGear]

RIGHT ON YALE! Appreciate cool fans like you tuning in every Saturday! 👍

[@nickmislin5476]

Great video JB!! So happy I took your advice last year and bought from them!

[@GarageGear]

Can’t go wrong at Schaub! 👍appreciate you Nick!

[@hessuhopolainen]

I did put shearpins on my toro 926 blower. Feel allready better. That quickstick thing puzzles me. How long it takes to get use to it? Too fast. Fine blower general. Only small and detail issues.

[@GarageGear]

@@hessuhopolainen appreciate you sharing this with the community

[@tarocasinday8850]

I just bought a brand new Ariens 28 inch deluxe with auto turn 2024 at loes with the 254 cc engine before the change of the engine with the 252 cc engine I prefer the 254 cc for this type of snowblower it's has the l.e d headlight the other models have the halogen headlight my local mom and pop hardware store closed its doors for good to bad its was a certified Ariens snowblower dealer I miss theat hardware store very good employees that worked there they know there Ariens snowblowers hands down

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing taro! The “old” engines are tried and true!

[@vvegas9221]

been favoring the ariens 28" thru a local dealer

[@GarageGear]

@@vvegas9221 thanks for sharing

[@LL-mt2nz]

I have had a single stage Toro for over 15 years and that plastic is bullet proof. The polymer used is rated for cold weather and won’t give you a days problem.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing LL! Not to step on your toes but I have seen those chute bases crack inside. They’re only held down by 3-4 small screws once the mode holes crack she wobbles all over the place and will need to be replaced.

[@LL-mt2nz]

I have never seen that before. Those screws just hold the chute in place and the collar is held by another screw. But I never use an impact driver - just a screw driver to avoid any problems.

[@GarageGear]

@@LL-mt2nz got it! I have fixed a couple of those snowblowers for friends of mine and had to take chutes off for one reason or another and they were all cracked.

[@SydneyRadio2UE]

For those who don't do their own maintenance, you need to do a video on how to load these monsters into the back of a pickup truck, just in case it needs to be taken to the shop. Ace assembled and delivered my ARIENS DELUXE 921045 a few weeks ago. I didn't realize how heavy this thing was, until I helped the Ace driver unload it! A video showing some different ways of loading and securing one of these beasts would be great.

[@GarageGear]

@@SydneyRadio2UE like where your head is at Sydney!

[@brodygoalie]

What's the best one stage snowblower you can recommend? Best regards.

[@GarageGear]

Ariens or Honda if you can find one

[@cgreeneblue]

Is Arien's making snowblowers for Toro or Vise versa? They both have 252cc engines and autoturn? Sharing parts? manufacturing?

[@GarageGear]

@@cgreeneblue they share an engine manufacturer

[@cgreeneblue]

@@GarageGear Okay, good to know. Thanks.

[@yalerich7417]

Nice review, you put the time/research into that-Yes Ariens all day @ yes find a reputable dealer and you should be good with them (I'd take your 71' over them all) but there are some nice machines!

[@GarageGear]

@@yalerich7417 hey Yale! Appreciate you bud! A LOT of time and research went into every single snowblower to make sure I got my facts straight. I have another video coming out on the rebuild of the 71! Stay tuned my friend!

[@smallblock412]

A+ on using a dealer when possible. Especially if you're somebody who doesn't do your own service. If in the future you need repair work and you bought for a big box store, they typically outsource to a local dealer for the repair anyway. Cut out the middle man and you'll save yourself a whole lot of time.

[@GarageGear]

Oh yeah! That’s exactly what happens.

[@liljoeii6091]

You are up in West Seneca in my old stomping grounds I lived up on the corner of Seneca and Unger awesome video thank you for the video and Happy Thanksgiving

[@GarageGear]

@@liljoeii6091 very cool Joe! Remind me again where you’re located nowadays! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

[@angelicaconiguliaro3179]

#9 in the world is very impressive! I love those square handles on the Ariens. Agree with you on the bolts for the toro, I'd assume you can change them out too shear pins? Great video as always!

[@GarageGear]

@@angelicaconiguliaro3179 hey Angelica! I would say you could swap those bolts out for shear pins! Should work! Appreciate you! Thanks for watching

[@Santo_4413]

Nice job on the old Ariens snowblower! I thought you might have a whole video on the reveal? Looks great!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Santo thank you! Don’t worry that video is coming! Stay tuned! 👍

[@derrasenmaher9730]

Fantastic video thank you 👍🏻 Its Not always the biggest badest one you will need, keep in mind storing it and if you have to go in tight spaces.

[@GarageGear]

You nailed it derrasen! Tried to showcase a lot of options here so viewers can get ideas of what’s out there! Have a good weekend bud!

[@grege9862]

No good equipment dealers anywhere near where I live in Northern IL. The ones nearby are arrogant(!), quite expensive and don't carry Ariens. I'm stuck with the big box stores. So I bought my new Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO online from Jacks Small Engines in Maryland and got the extended Ariens warranty. The price was good & it was shipped by truck for $50 with lift gate service. I'm very pleased with the entire transaction but I do wish I could have purchased it locally.

[@GarageGear]

@@grege9862 thanks for sharing Greg!

[@nickc8760]

I have an old 2000 St824 Le. Had it for 6 years. If I were to go with a brand new machine. I believe it would be another Ariens. That compact 24 is catching my eye

[@GarageGear]

That’s a good snowblower my friend!

[@nickc8760]

@ I was wondering what Diameter fuel line should I use. ?? 1/4 ??

[@GarageGear]

@@nickc8760 typically that or 3/8. You can usually match it up.

[@johnbelliveau4704]

Good morning, Bud, finally get to see the fruits of your labor-FANTASTIC!! I'm wondering if I could put the compact wheels on my classic. Christmas Oreos-YUM. Happy Thanksgiving my friend.

[@GarageGear]

Morning John! That is a great question! Not sure if they will fit because the classic wheels are a pin lock design while the compact have a clip holding them on with auto turn. Have an awesome thanksgiving my friend!

[@rickcstein]

Just getting ready for my 2023 Compact on some great lake effect down rt 5. Ethanol free gas, changed break-in oil last year.

[@GarageGear]

@@rickcstein sounds like you’re ready to go! 👍

[@christopherblack4520]

If money was no object I would buy the Gravely Pro-QXT with all the attachments, snowblower, sweeper, plow and even grass cutting that you can use all year long. I'm buying a Ariens snowblower this year I'm not sure if I'm going for the new Deluxe 24" or 28" , after seeing your old Ariens rebuild might go old school.

[@michaelmactavish4445]

i bought the 10.5hp dr alltrain multi machine

[@GarageGear]

The newer models have a lot of convenience features. But the old ones can cut through anything!

[@barrywiseman7012]

Bought a Deluxe SHO 28 in 2018. Excellent machine. I believe the 28" has 303cc engine-don't remember what SHO 24 has-choice would depend an snowfall annual amt, and your driveway size, I suppose. Can't go wrong with either. Also Ariens has their own KZbin tutorials for a variety of maintenance topics which are excellent. While I generally use my tractor to plow snow, especially the 2-3 ft high wet sand/salt containing town plow deposit at the end of my driveway, I'd have no hesitation to use the Ariens for an 8"-12" dump of snow that isn't slushy in texture- and it does an excellent job for that. Good luck with your purchase, Christopher

[@donhgr]

That 21 is a commercial single stage and no electric start because no access electricity usually on commercial applications I was told. I’m wanting to replace my 30 year old Toro CCR2000 with it but as a senior electric start is a must or it would be sitting in my garage. I do also have a Ariens 24 and it didn’t get used last year at all because it beats me up so if snow is 8 inches or less the single stage comes out.

[@GarageGear]

@@donhgr appreciate you sharing this Don! Thanks for watching

[@Patrick-uu5xg]

I like that old snowblower as the end. Fun fact. Arron's still sells a ''clastic'' model with a white engine and perhaps some retro stickers. The bad news? Thay charge $30.00 per sticker and about $90.00 for the white paint! OLO

[@GarageGear]

@@Patrick-uu5xg yep that’s how it goes 🤷‍♂️

[@justinkolan5500]

Thank you for the video. Thanks for putting me up on the subscriber board Jb.

[@GarageGear]

You got it Justin! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@-jbmurphy3130]

Hey JB, how long do you recommend warming up a snowblower before putting it under load? Blower lives in an unheated garage. Thank you, and love your content!!!

[@GarageGear]

Usually let mine warm up for 2-3 minutes before I get going! 👍

[@-jbmurphy3130]

@@GarageGear Thank you! ❤️

[@cardo1111]

Always enjoy good snowblower focused content. I believe the Ariens pro-models also have heavier gauge steel auger housing side panels. Ariens has consistently built quality machines over the years. On the forum(s) there are few that will say quality has gone down since the heavy duty locking axle days. Toro stepped their game up a few years ago when they cut down on their excessive plastic/polymer use even on their higher end HD machines. I always appreciated the tank-like build quality of Simplicity's Professional series as well. Still some good machines out there but you have to do your research and know what you need and what you don't.

[@GarageGear]

@@cardo1111 absolutely cardo! You need to do your research. Thanks for sharing

[@Joe-y4x]

Love my 1970 ariens snothrow

[@GarageGear]

@@Joe-y4x can’t beat em’

[@pjpankratz8829]

Congrats! 100k subs!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you pj! Thanks for being a cool fan! 👍

[@mikedefelice2549]

I have a Toro 826 That is 21 years old and It is on its last legs with today's lake effect storrn. I live in Lancaster and will be making the trip to Schaub. This Toro has been a very good product and I like the no shear pins because my experience is that they break at the worst possible time but you make a compelling argument for the Ariens. Do you have any input on choosing between the 28 Powermax VS the 28 Airens Deluxe?

[@GarageGear]

RIGHT ON I’m in Lancaster too! I would go ariens. Better gearbox and construction. Thanks for watching mike

[@jaybooth4815]

Great content JB! They are definitely a very good dealership. Not sure if you remember when Toro had the large drum in the auger to limit the snow intake. I prefer the Ariens...release the Kraken!! Cheers my friend!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Jay I do remember those old toros! Never understood why they did that. Right On! Release the kraken! What did you do this weekend?

[@jaybooth4815]

​Watched the Grandsons yesterday. Today probably smoking a pork roast. You?

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! took a cold 15 mile bike ride. Cleaned up the garage and patio. All set for winter.

[@BK-qo5fn]

Just had the Toro 30 in. Power Max HD 1030 OHAE dropped off tonight. Dealer is a mile down the road, assembled and delivered for free with a full tank of non-ethanol gas. Shook my hand and a big thank you we appreciate your business. Yep, staying local is the way to go.

[@GarageGear]

@@BK-qo5fn that’s the way to go for sure!

[@BenNawrath]

The light on the chute is sweet on that big dog. Might have to strap one on my cub haha

[@GarageGear]

I’m sure you got ideas rolling already on how to install that bad boy! You and I should design a snow catapult that we could load all my snow in and launch it my neighbors house down the street! Hahah 😂

[@rlt1975]

The Toro Power Max 824 OE is 70lbs lighter than an Ariens Deluxe 24. Complain about the plastic all you want but I can lift my Toro onto the tail gate of my pickup. Good luck doing that with the Ariens.

[@GarageGear]

@@rlt1975 thanks for sharing

[@ScottWhalen81]

The Kraken I own, what grinds my gears about it... Snow packs in the light & rapid track controller. Wires exposed, super annoying. It would be nice if they made a breathable hood to protect the exposed wires.

[@GarageGear]

@@ScottWhalen81 good idea my friend! Thanks for sharing

[@hanchigo2355]

Ariens all day, not to big a fan of the classic line, but the deluxe on up is the way to go.

[@GarageGear]

That’s where you really start to see the ariens really shine! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@594bolt]

Cub 3xHD from Ontario,NY.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@bw6078]

Regarding the Toro, you'll never need to replace the gear box. Say no to sheer pins. About the plastic on the Toro, you didn't mention it's guaranteed for life. The plastic chute got a bad rap but it lasts forever and if you needed to have your worries soothed it is guaranteed for life as well. Just end your search with a Toro purchase.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@hifromspace]

Thank you for the very thorough review.

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend! 👍

[@kuva07]

You can't go wrong with the Honda single or multi-stage blowers. I would definitely get the Honda single stage over the Ariens PathPro because the replacement augers for the PathPro are like $80 and there's no aftermarket parts.

[@GarageGear]

Honda parts are even pricey!

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

I hear you on the clunky chute engagement JB - but it makes sense - like a gated shift plate on a high performance manual transmission - those larger Ariens are throwing serious volumes of snow and you want your chute to be 'locked-in'...if I had that 518 Toro with that handle - I would build an extension for ut out if PVC with a few elbows so i could reach ut easier...I run the older 2-cycle versions of that 721 with the Quick-Chute. I really like it but if i was running a crew instead if a one man operation - I would stick to the manual chute - less to go wrong...In terms of Orange vs Red for 2 stage units...Ariens all day every day...built in USA to much more robust standards...The second to last one us the one I would get if I was in snow country...any of the others would be perfectly suitable...with you 💯 on the sheer pins...your '71 turned out beautiful! The question is...will you use it or show it or sell it? There's an argument for each option i feel

[@SnowKing716]

The Ariens chute controls are all-metal, too. Even if the platinum/professional model controls are a little clunky. They're just going to last forever versus the plastic quick stick on the Toro.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Kirk! I hear what your saying the gated design! It’s just something to get used to. And it holds in place well! Not to worry that 1971 is staying put as my back up snowblower. It will get used from time to time after my 32 takes some laps. Put too much work into it to not use it. I’ll be doing a full video on that rebuild very soon! Stay tuned bud! Enjoy your weekend!

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@GarageGear 💯 machines are designed and built with an intended purpose - to be used...I think it is very cool you will bring it into service a lil bit! Cheers!

[@GarageGear]

@ it’s gotta flex its muscles once and a while!

[@johnnytopside3702]

About to order a 28” sho Friday or Monday gotta pay for freight shipping cause every dealer in my area can’t afford to buy truckloads of them.

[@GarageGear]

Enjoy the new snowblower my friend!

[@romans1vs6teen]

"Best bang for your buck" You sold me on that, that's my pick!

[@GarageGear]

@@romans1vs6teen it really is for what you get! 👍👍

[@frankcastle5294]

Good morning JB and those skies above you just seem to be saying "Lake Effect Inbound". Looks like some serious snow forthcoming for your area. Stay warm and Happy Thanksgiving. Another great vid, by the way. John from AmishLand

[@GarageGear]

@@frankcastle5294 hey John! We’ll see what happens. Happy thanksgiving to you and your family!

[@frankcastle5294]

@@GarageGear Thanks JB and it looks like several days of "lake effect" up there. Let me know how it all works out friend. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@GarageGear]

@ you got it John! Look like nothing by me 15 percent chances. All south of me.

[@frankcastle5294]

@@GarageGear Thank God JB. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family.

[@patjohnson3100]

I have a Toro 826 oe I inherited from my brother in law. It's really a good machine. Best snow blower I've ever had. My problem is that hardware chains like Ace sell Toro equipment but dont carry even basic parts like shear bolts. I needed a shear bolt last winter when I hit a frozen lump of snow. None of the four Ace stores in my area carried shear bolts. I went to the servicing dealer who carries other brands as well and is a pretty big, well established business. The unpleasant counter guy WOULD NOT sell me shear bolts until I brought in my snowblowers serial number. That has never happened to me before. I live in a rural area, and we had two snow storms before I could get back to the dealer with the s/n to get the bolts. Very poor customer service. This unpleasant guy shouldn't be behind a parts counter

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing pat

[@MrDrumz]

What would you recommend for commercial use?

[@GarageGear]

@@MrDrumz the professional models and up. Could maybe get away with the platinum models too! Those units can really move snow and time is money!

[@briangio5442]

Congratulations on over 100k Subscribers!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Brian! Couldn’t have done it without you! 🫵👍

[@robertknight4672]

Even though that single stage Ariens professional didn't have electric start, I'm sure it starts easily enough with the Rope. I have an older Toro power clear single stage that does have electric start but I rarely use it because it starts just as easily with the Rope. It's just my spare snow blower that I sometimes let people borrow.

[@GarageGear]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@ecttreker9816]

Great info JB 👍👍

[@GarageGear]

@@ecttreker9816 RIGHT ON ECT! 👍

[@lynheydt3304]

I’m hoping my 30 year old Troy Bilt last till I can no longer clean up snow. If I had to replace it it would be hands down an Ariens pro model. Old saying goes buy cheap get cheap.

[@GarageGear]

Yep you got it! 👍

[@The_Mace]

4:51 - Is the Toro chute handle "a little stubby," or is it the user? 🤣

[@GarageGear]

From what the female subscribers of garage gear say… it’s one of the many “toro tribulations”

[@The_Mace]

@@GarageGear So, female subscribers and "vertically challenged" KZbinrs agree... 🤣 Just kidding, JB!

[@GarageGear]

@@The_Mace lol hey all I know is I ain’t getting a fruit cake this Christmas from toro 😂

[@jeeptjxwrangler1088]

Toro is JUNK! Love your videos, keep em coming! And don’t do short videos I can’t stand them! 😂 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@GarageGear]

@@jeeptjxwrangler1088 thanks for sharing and watching jeep

[@BigDaddysGarage]

I wish I knew to buy my zero turn from a dealer rather than a big box store! But I have been very lucky with it as well.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you sharing flint! What kind is it? Can’t remember if you mentioned it or not

[@BigDaddysGarage]

@@GarageGear Cub Cadet Ultima Zt1

[@GarageGear]

@@BigDaddysGarage I will check that one out!

[@sharpie10ful]

Are the ariens at the dealer the same machine that they sell at Lowe’s?

[@GarageGear]

@@sharpie10ful yes, but would go to your local dealer over lowes.

[@451dskots88]

Hey, Schaub Equipment right by my house. Chuck is a good dude, my father went to school with him and his brother. I remember when I was a kid, my grandmother bought a Simplicity 7016 Hydrostatic garden tractor from Schaub. It was a beast, it had the mower deck, tow behind grass clipping collector and snow blower attachment (man, could that thing throw snow!) it also had a cab that you could put on in the wintertime but I remember the windows would fog up quite a bit.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you sharing skots

[@EAGLEDRIVER77]

How ya doin JB? Yet another great video, we certainly appreciate them.👍🏻🇺🇸

[@GarageGear]

Doing great how about you Eagle? Thanks for the positive feedback my friend!

[@EAGLEDRIVER77]

JB, I wanted to let you know my dealer had to put a hold on my Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO due to a safety brake arm recall. It was set for delivery last Monday and Ariens informed the dealer that they could not release it until the replacement parts were installed. Hopefully this situation gets resolved in a timely manner. Thanks for all of the great videos.

[@GarageGear]

@ thanks for sharing this Eagle!

[@tempusveritas8901]

I have a Toro mini It is great for my deck Rubber paddle is on year 3 I will bet those Toro "Bolts" have been turned on a lathe . so they snap. Did you pull one?

[@GarageGear]

Hey tempus they wouldn’t let me take anything apart

[@boatfreak207]

Greetings from the Syracuse area! I'm a little saddened😥 they had an Ariens Mammoth in the background and you didn't mention it, just for fun. Love your videos, keep up the great work! The repaint of the older Ariens turned out fantastic!

[@GarageGear]

Hey boatfreak may be doing a video on that soon. That one would be good to do with some snow. Appreciate the positive feedback bud! I’m really happy how the 1971 turned out. Stay tuned for that video!

[@ChevyCitation]

Hello JB 👋

[@GarageGear]

Hey Chevy! Hope you’re having an awesome day my friend!

[@davebruins8623]

Dealers are better for support later on...but you have to find a good dealer....thats difficult in my area

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching and sharing dave

[@14moldyhamsandwich]

Not to mention.... when you buy from any big box store and you need a repair or a service, the dealer will definitely not be in too much of a hurry for your repair, or service. They will be working with their regular patrons and commercial people who do snow removal professionally. You might save $50.00 up front, it will cost much more then that later.

[@GarageGear]

@@14moldyhamsandwich spot on my friend

[@ocsplc]

Hey JB. I subscribed a week ago and I didn’t know you’re from Buffalo. I’m a Buffalo native who now lives up near Lake Ontario near Rochester. Got my Cub cadet 420cc 3X heavy duty 30” beast. We get three feet of snow overnight it won’t even make the local news

[@GarageGear]

Awesome oc! I’ll be doing some content on my 3x this winter. Wonder why you guys don’t make the news. You get your fair share!

[@ChrisFredriksson]

Always so good videos, Thanks JB! ❤

[@GarageGear]

@@ChrisFredriksson appreciate you Chris! Have a great thanksgiving!

[@ChrisFredriksson]

@@GarageGear I wish you have a great Thanksgiving as well! 😀

[@BigPhatPaulie]

Have a compact 24 rapidtrak that is so good to use its like a mini tank. Cant wait to see your snow reviews!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing & for following along too! Stay tuned for more.

[@rk22cc]

When are you escaping NY state?

[@GarageGear]

Gonna be a little bit. I think KZbin needs a little longer to grow to get me out of teaching. We’ll see what the future brings! Florida sounds better everyday 👍

[@mlmt89]

I just bought the Ariens Kraken but I have to say I’m not impressed with their quality control or customer service! I had to buy it from AE Outdoor power because no one near me could get one until after January. The unit was very well crated and was delivered within 3 days. After un-crating I went over it completely, when I checked the oil it was less than half full and so I called customer service, talked to Georgina and she said that’s the way they ship them out, REALLY? So I filled it to full, put fuel in and it started right up, YEAH! I began checking the functions and all was going well until I tried the electric chute, side to side PERFECT but up and down NOPE the deflector was sticking when it was close to the raised position and wouldn’t go all the way and when I let go of the toggle control the motor wouldn’t stop running. I shut the engine off and waited a few minutes and as soon as I turned the ignition on the chute control motor was running , can’t get it to stop! As for the deflector the hinge is very tight, again Ariens customer service was no help and I was told that I had to take it to a dealer, GREAT $5,000.00 JUNK! Dealer wants $100.00 to pick it up and the same to deliver it and they’re backed up 4-6 weeks! WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT IN ARIENS! 🤬

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you sharing this with the community

[@SnowKing716]

@GarageGear you gotta put the Schaub store sticker on the front bucket of that '71 Ariens! 😂 Awesome video and the Schaub guys are the best in the area. Had tons of questions when I bought my Ariens Pro 28 and couldn't stump them. They know these things inside, out and backwards blindfolded. Also a direct comparison in a few feet of snow between that Toro 1428/1432 pro model vs. the Ariens Pro would make for a great video. I think the Ariens has 2" larger augers but the Toro has that unique anti-clog recycling system you mentioned. And the trigger steering on the Toro may not be as durable with its cable-driven system as the sturdy, cableless Autoturn gear system in the Ariens. I think overall Ariens support is much better than Toro, for both customers and dealers. I sent in a product-related question direct to both Toro and Ariens via their support websites when I was researching the two prior to my purchase. Toro never responded at all, Ariens got back to me the next morning. 😁

[@GarageGear]

RIGHT ON SNOWKING. Schaub is awesome and their service is great! Like your comparison idea. Toro never gets back to me either. I’m definitely on their hate list lol. Ariens reaches out to me from time to time with lots of positive things to say. They’re a good company! 👍

[@GiuseppeSalvatoreTriumbari]

Hi JB, If there is any possible chance if you could help me find a bottle of the SUPPER S 00 OR THE STENS 00 THAT I SAW YOU USE IN A PERVIUOS VIDEO THAT I SAW. I can not find any in the TORONTO AREA AT ALL. Awesome Videos JB Thank You.

[@GarageGear]

Have you tried tractor supply?

[@GiuseppeSalvatoreTriumbari]

Hi JB, Across the border here in Toronto tractor supply is called Peavey mart They used to be TSC STORES or Tractor Supply no luck at all JB. SUPERS S 00 SHOULD BE A GIVEN EVERYONE SHOULD DEFINITLY HAVE A BOTTLE IN THERE GARAGE. To bad you just cant throw me a bottle over the border LOL I want a bottle BIG TIME. Thank you JB

[@GarageGear]

@@GiuseppeSalvatoreTriumbari I would if I could my friend! !👍

[@electroddxful]

Amazing review JB. Ariens make some amazing snowblower 👍🙏👍🙏

[@GarageGear]

@@electroddxful they do for sure. Can’t wait to get out there and fire it up! What’s up for the weekend my friend?

[@electroddxful]

@@GarageGear Not much JB. It’s been really cold and we also getting some rain. So just staying in an enjoying your videos. 🙏👍🙏👍Many blessings and stay warm with family.🙏🙏🙏

[@GarageGear]

@ RIGHT ON Ray! will do my friend. Might try to squeeze in a cold bike ride with the garage gal today. We’ll see!

[@brodygoalie]

Aerins is domestically made vs toro is not??

[@GarageGear]

Ariens are made in Wisconsin with foreign and domestic parts. Toros are made Mexico