How to Adjust Your Snow Blower | Ariens®

[@jimm3370]

About five years ago I bought a 2nd hand Ariens to do a rental property's driveway and parking area. It was built in the 1960's... so yeah, it's more than SIXTY years old. And it was NOT loved by the previous owners- dents/scratches, rusted cables and impeller... etc etc. BUT... two pulls and it ran well. Not a whiff of burning oil when it ran, so the cylinder rings were still in great shape. When I sold the property I threw in the snow blower. At my home I've gotten by with another snow blower. But I'm getting old and was going to get one with a reverse gear. This morning, my wife woke me up- 'Your Chritmas present's here!' she said. Huh? CHRISTMAS CAME TODAY! A BRAND NEW ARIENS was delivered. As I said to my wife- you just bought me the frikkin Maytag of snow blowers! A doggone Ariens. WOW. LET IT SNOW BAYYYYBEEEE! LET IT FRIKKIN' SNOW!!!

[@Veetheoneandonly]

This is one of the best videos I've seen on making needed adjustments to the Ariens Snow Blower. The local dealer I bought mine from did things wrong and I've had to made many of there suggested adjustments and they really helped. Be sure to buy your Ariens Snow Blower from a "servicing" dealer and not just a retail hardware store like I did. I got mine from Lowe's. It was a floor model. Their inventory stock had sold out during a recent heavy snow storm and they delivered it to my home. It was not set up correctly. It's taken me a long time to work through these adjustments. This is an excellent video and the suggestions and instructions and very good and easy to understand. I've saved it for future reference!

[@EEDad401]

Can't believe there aren't more likes for this video. You did great giving us these tips for adjustment! Thanks!

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks, Burt. We appreciate that!

[@robat7]

Fantastic vid. I just purchased a 28" deluxe model and like to maintain my own machines. This was extremely helpful. Thank you very much!!

[@AriensChannel]

You're very welcome, James. We're happy to help!

[@cpsmonroe1]

Ariens, 2 words . Lav Mic . Other than that , this is super helpful for those of us who are DIY . Thanks !

[@AriensChannel]

Haha, we won't disagree with you! We actually just stared investing into more video production equipment, including a lav mic. We use one in our next video. Thanks for the compliment, though! Our goal is to empower our customers to get the best use from our products by doing the work themselves.

[@roadrailn]

Can ‘Drive’ and ‘Auger’ levers be switched? Or cables crossed perhaps. Being right handed I’d feel more in control with drive in my right hand.

[@dtom1145]

Before adjusting the skid shoes make sure the tires are inflated and the pressure is the same in both tires. If not you will be adjusting the scraper blade on a skew.

[@Rebel9668]

I always keep my scraper bar and my skid shoes adjusted so that they make the sno-thro sit about a half inch above the surface. I have a gravel driveway and I'm not fond of blowing both snow and gravel into the lawn, lol.

[@bobsmith1101]

Question: Why do Ariens snow blowers rust out so badly? Seems, very often rust forms , bubbles at first , at ALL the welds especially. Is this a prep issue post weld? I am currently restoring an older unit, loaded with rust. A lot of grinding , sanding and will be sealing all seams before paint.

[@Peter-.H]

Awesome video for an awesome machine. Well done guys 👍

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks, Peter! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks, Peter! We appreciate the compliment!

[@greggm.9057]

Great video

[@SimpleMan9841]

The better adjustment would be adjustable height of the handle bars for us taller people.

[@rick3301958]

Igreat video. Thank you. I hit some gravel for a neighbor and broke the sheer pin. I bent the auger blade a little and that rubbed to bolt. I bent it back with a Pilar’s and rubbing noise gone after I replaced sheer pin. However I notice a loud sound when auger handle disengages. Auger stops within 5 seconds but there’s a metal sound as handle releases and auger stops It may have been there before but I don’t remember. Hard to hear in full power. More noticeable at lower power. Is this a concern?

[@cudazi]

Is there a way to slow down my unit's low-end drive speed? In deeper snow it moves faster than the unit can handle. Thanks for these really useful videos!

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks for asking, Curt. Unfortunately there's no way to slow the unit's drive speed any less than when the unit is in its slowest setting. However, it's possible that your unit may be out of adjustment. Refer to your operator's manual for the adjustment procedure, complete the adjustment and see if that makes an improvement. If you don't have your operator's manual, reply with the 6-digit model number and the 6-digit serial number of your unit and we'll reply with a link to your unit's manual. Hope that helps!

[@002-i7u]

Yes my new deluxe 28 is too fast in 1st also for deep or heavy snow

[@Mike-ig2zq]

I had this problem too in big November storm. Machine kept riding up on the snow where it was very deep. Only thing I can think of is to order the weight kit or make something up. Their kit weighs 10 lbs, which to me doesnt seem enough.

[@allaunier8143]

When setting the skid shoes you should first set the tire pressue equal in both tires. Then loosen the bolt on each side of the chassis housing (9/16" wrench) so the auger housing settles evenly, touching the floor on each side. THEN lower the skid shoes to the floor & tighten to keep this alignment. Then re-tighten the bolts on the chasis housing. Now, when tilting & then lowering the snow blower onto the floor, both skid shoes will hit the floor at the SAME time. Now you can tilt the blower up & place 1/8" spacers under the lower edge of the auger housing and then loosen the skid shoes & drop them to the floor, then re-tighten the skid shoes.

[@remimetivier4395]

1- If I need to tilt the unit on its handlebars or on the maintenance position to try your tips, can I do it with gas still in the tank or do I need to empty everything? 2-My tracks snowblower reverse speed feels incredible slow, even on the fastest gear. I don't know if that's normal but it's taking ages. What would you suggest?

[@vanceprice7890]

What would be causing a thumping sound when I engage the wheels. Thanks

[@akaredcrossbow]

Is the snow chute supposed to sit on the the plastic gasket or is it supposed to float a little bit above the gasket. I have a Classic 24 and it floats above the gasket and it seems loose and not correct. Thank You!

[@tomjohnson7988]

After five uses the motor on my Ariens deluxe slowed way down to the point it won't throw four feet. Is there a way to speed that up? Our local Ariens dealer is useless as far as service goes.

[@Clemson-rc2yq]

I have a 2017 snow throw 24 in deluxe it surges I got a new carb and it still doing it what is it

[@cachondomix1]

hi i have a ariens riding mower model #fm626e and the wheel lack and wont move wheels at all du u have any idea plz ?????

[@BigBear--]

My Deluxe 28 (254cc) is about 2-3 years old, and has only been used like 5 times throughout that time. However this season the motor started surging up/down (frequency of like someone bouncing a basketball). On RUN with the Throttle in Rabbit (high) position it will surge, unless I turn the Choke ON to position 2 - then it will run much smoother, though still will kind of hiccup here and there, and sometimes backfire the exhaust. I tried cleaning out the carburetor float bowl, pulled and cleaned the main jet, surging still persists. What can I do/check next? I can’t seem to find any carburetor fuel ratio adjustments on the Carb, or am I just missing something? Please help.

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks for reaching out to us, and we're sorry you're experiencing issues with your Sno-Thro. It's hard to determine where the issue exists without physically inspecting the unit, which is why we encourage you to contact your nearest Ariens dealer for help. Our servicing dealers are an extension of our team and will be able to help you diagnose and resolve the issue. You can find an Ariens servicing dealer in your area using our dealer locator tool linked below: www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator

[@cardo1111]

Well done. Some helpful vids lately. 👍🏽

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks! We're going to keep them coming, too!

[@eftro2266]

Excellent video. I used my brand new 24" Compact today for the first time. Powerful and easy to maneuver. My concern is with the brief, loud clutch noise whenever I engage the auger. (The noise is much louder than my 33 year old Ariens ever was.) Engine RPM drops momentarily and then machine seems fine. The loud noise happens every time. Suggestions?

[@AriensChannel]

Glad to hear, Ed! And thank you for your purchase - we love hearing about our repeat customers. The clutch engagement noise you're hearing shouldn't be of concern. When you engage the auger clutch, a pulley under the belt cover engages the auger belt, which is driven by the engine crankshaft at about 3600 RPM. This then turns the auger drive pulley, which is large pulley right behind your impeller at the rear of your auger housing. When that load is first applied to the engine, there can be a noise and the engine can dip briefly before adjusting to the load. Again, should not be of concern, but if you're still not comfortable with it, we suggest contacting your nearest Ariens dealer. An Ariens dealer in your area can be found using our dealer locator tool linked here: www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator

[@MK7of7of7of7]

I cannot move the scraper bar without first removing the skid shoes.

[@madjohnshaft]

I inflated the tires this summer and now it feels like it has trouble driving forward in the snow. Is it possible that it is better to have slightly underinflated tires for a better grip in the snow?

[@AriensChannel]

Inflate the tires to the specifications in the operator's manual. If it feels like you're pushing snow, or is having trouble driving forward, try driving at a slower speed, or check for a busted shear bolt. Learn about shear bolts here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGWTdGh4esZqm6s

[@njmtbiker]

How tight should the two bolts be on the gear selector arm?

[@AriensChannel]

If you're referring to the two rods that connect the shift lever in the dash to the shift arm coming through the rear of the tractor, they should be nice and tight!

[@njmtbiker]

@@AriensChannel thank you. Mine has been loose since I got it from the dealer. Nice and right now/

[@charlieg.6242]

Hey Aaron, i hope you can give me some ideas on how to correct a steering issue with my Deluxe 28, with Easy Turn. I've allingned the machine as per your instruction, and when clearing my sidewalk, it still pulls like a bull in a rodeo. Could something be wrong with the Easy turn mechanism?

[@AriensChannel]

Hi Charlie, we're very sorry you're experiencing this issue. For assistance, please reach out to our customer support team through our customer support portal: www.ariens.com/en-us/support Also, feel free to contact your nearest Ariens servicing dealer. Our dealers are an extension of our team and will be able to help you resolve the issue. To find a dealer in your area, use our dealer locator tool here: www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator

[@SicillianmanDon]

Would ice cause it to suddenly run super fast, then in gear run slow until there is a heavy load of snow to throw?

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks for asking. Most current-production two-stage models operate at a top engine speed of around 3600 - 3700 revolutions per minute. When units with carbureted engines encounter heavier loads, the engine speed can slow down as it adjusts to the load, but it should not operate faster than the speed listed in the specifications section of your operator's manual. If your engine speed is faster than what's listed in the operator's manual, please contact your nearest Ariens servicing dealer to correct the issue: www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator

[@mattm5423]

Hey man. Thanks for your videos! They are awesome and give me TONS of confidence to effect repairs on my own. I do have a question: my ariens drives and throws snow no problem, except when it tries to roll through heavy snow, or pass an obstruction, the drive wheels just stop pushing. I give it a shake or even pull it backwards and give it a nudge forward and they will start turning again. Uh... friction disc? Also, it pushes in forward when I’ve selected the first reverse position, but it will roll extremely slowly in reverse if I use the second reverse position on the selector. I appreciate the help.

[@AriensChannel]

You are very welcome, Matt! We really appreciate your feedback and are glad these videos are helpful to customers like you. We can't know for certain without having an authorized Ariens servicing dealer physically inspect the unit, but it definitely sounds like a friction disc issue. If the rubber wore down too far, it could be time for a replacement. However, you should first try adjusting your traction drive clutch cable to compensate for that wear. Again, this may not solve the issue you're experiencing, but it's a good place to start. If that's not it, you might want to check the traction drive belt. If you reply with your 6-digit model number and 6-digit serial number, we'll provide a link to the digital version of your operator's manual. The information in there can help you through those processes.

[@Mike-el3hr]

I have a Deluxe 30 EFI and the engine surges. I have it set for full power but it's constantly bogging down to the point I see black smoke. This doesn't happen when I just have it idling. Any suggestions?

[@AriensChannel]

Hi Mike, we suggest downloading the service manual to review if there are any codes or contact a local Ariens dealer for diagnosis and repair.

[@Johonld]

My Ariens is not running at its full rpm even with the acceleration max'd is there a Adjustment in the carb or spring? or could it just be a worn out spring?

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks for asking, Simon, and we're sorry you're experiencing this issue. We recommend contacting your nearest Ariens servicing dealer, which can be found here: www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator Our dealers are an extension of our team and will be able to diagnose and resolve the issue.

[@serruhattn]

when putting the snowblower in service position, must the gas tank be empty?

[@AriensChannel]

It will require the fuel tank to be drained, otherwise fuel will leak out of the vented gas cap.

[@serruhattn]

Ariens Thank you :)

[@redveiner]

Having watched several snowblower repair vids on KZbin , the mechanics seal the gas cap with a plastic baggie by screwing the cap down on it. No gas leaks. Try it outdoors first.

[@rayw8177]

sure would be nice if you had parts store so persons can get them directly when waiting for shipping to arrive. not all service centers have parts on hand. i had to upgrade my drive unit (differential axle retrofit kit #72601300) and in doing so one wheel and axle wouldn't come apart of factory so could put back together. model number 926102 ser no 005481, would be left side wheel/tire. also in the kit for tools a 1/8" punch listed, it is not was too small and got stuck in removing the roll pins. fortunately after spending half hour getting punch out had the next size bigger and with no issue pins came right out. do you have a military/veteran discount for parts by calling directly or online ordering?

[@AriensChannel]

Thanks for asking, Ray! Replacement parts can be found at our online parts store linked here: parts.ariens.com/ If you can't find the parts you're looking for, your best option is to source parts from your nearest Ariens dealer. However, as you pointed out, parts availability varies from dealer to dealer. You can find dealers in your area with our dealer locator tool: www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator Also, we currently do not have a military / veteran discount, but we'll be sure to address that with our greater marketing team. Thank you for asking, as well as your service!

[@matt88169]

Are we SURE you simply finger tighten the nuts on the auger or drive cables when removing slack? I had a ton of slack in my auger cable so I adjusted as shown. When snow blowing, in less than an hour, the nut and barrel separated and went totally slack. Because I was in the heat of battle, didn’t see it happen and I didn’t know something might be wrong until it wasn’t throwing good and, finally, black smoke out of the dang belt housing. Probably smoked something and this is a brand new machine. My guess is you need to get SOME torque on that nut.

[@mcman6572]

Who is assembling these machines with all the stripped out and broken fasteners? Why isn't the axle, spindles, gears sprockets, and chain not lubricated? Why is there metal shavings in the fuel tank? Why do they leak engine oil from the front cover?

[@AriensChannel]

Hi there, we're sorry to hear that you're not having a good experience. If you are having issues or questions about your unit, please contact your nearest Ariens servicing dealer. Our dealers are an extension of our team and will be able to diagnose and resolve any issues that you may have. An Ariens servicing dealer in your area can be found using our dealer locator tool linked below: www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator

[@mcman6572]

@@AriensChannel Unfortunately I have already made the mistake if taking it back to the Ariens dealer I purchased it from. They have no business working on anything. They had just enough mechanical experience to know how to screw it up and no customer service skills to speak of.

[@AriensChannel]

@@mcman6572 We're very sorry to hear about that. That's certainly not the experience we want our customers to walk away with. We'd like to learn more about this. If you have a spare few minutes, we invite you to detail your experience using our support portal linked below: www.ariens.com/en-us/support/contact-us

[@Veetheoneandonly]

@@mcman6572 I had the same experience with the dealer I bought mine from, Lowes. They didn't put it together right. I bought one off the sales floor and when it was delivered, the plastic handle for the speed selection lever was broken. I went to Lowe's with the broken handle and they said to order it from Ariens, I pushed a little and the salesman took one off another floor model and gave it to me. They don't stock any spare parts. He told me to glue it on with two-part epoxy. I saw that the new one would slip onto the metal shaft and if pushed down it hard would hold without epoxy. The handle is one piece and would have been very difficult to glue to the shaft with epoxy. It uses a T-15 Torx screw. It seems to work very well with the new handle. I've had to go through all the steps shown in this excellent video and most of the adjustments were done wrong by this dealer. I asked him if they had a repair shop and he said they use an outside repairman. He picks up the broken ones about once a month and it takes a couple of weeks for the repaired ones to be returned to Lowe's. Then the owner needs to get it home from there. He did suggest I call the local Ariens service dealer (but didn't tell me who it was) and see if they could order it for me. Really should have bought my Ariens from the servicing dealer in town. The Lowe's 5% "discount" using their credit card was not worth the hassle. I hope the servicing dealer will work with me when I need to have him fix it in the future, since I didn't buy it from him. Lesson learned! Cost isn't the only parameter to look at when buying a $1500 tool.

[@GiftHorse123]

Any more adjustments that we need to know about? Calling my local Ariens dealer!

[@AriensChannel]

No more than those listed in the operator's manual for you unit. If you don't have your manual, give us the 6-digit model number and the 6-digit serial number of your unit and we'll link the electronic version.

[@FrostyTheBeerMan]

KZbin can support really long videos, with that said, maybe spend more time on specific things. At 3:14 in, you talk about the drive and how to adjust the cable. Notice how the host spends about 2 seconds and moves on. Never talk about how much tension should be on that cable. I just watched 3 other videos for Ariens adjustment and they all go into detail on how much to do it. I wanted concrete info that their methods were correct, so came here, and was very disappointed. This tutorial seems to be rushed. Relax, pretend the viewer is a newbie, and actually try to help them out like they are your friend.

[@Peter-976]

When all else fails, buy a Honda!

[@AriensChannel]

Oh Peter, that makes us sad 😢

[@Peter-976]

@@AriensChannel only kidding😊

[@AriensChannel]

​@@Peter-976 That's a relief! Appreciate the loyalty, Peter! 😉

[@richl.4143]

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[@sommers13]

Your products are terrible. Unreliable. You shouldn’t have to be a mechanic to own and use your products. Had it catch fire one season. (Note - was 2nd season ... so basically brand new). You all chose to repair vs replace. Genius customer service. This season wouldn’t start. Had to head off you KZbin to clean out carb, and then some fuel injector screw thing. I have Mikita, Ferris, etc etc etc products that start up and run. If anyone is watching this video and has NOT already purchased an Ariens snowblower ... get another brand and save yourself a ton of aggravation.

[@AriensChannel]

Hi there, Steve. We're very sorry you didn't have a good experience with our brand. If you experienced a no-start issue, which is common if the leftover fuel in your tank from last season wasn't stabilized correctly, we encourage you to contact your nearest Ariens dealer. Our dealers are an extension of our team and will be able to diagnose and resolve the issue. If your unit is still within its three-year warranty period, we cover the diagnosis and repair if your dealer determines the issue is a result of a manufacturing defect. You can find an Ariens servicing dealer in your area with our dealer locator tool linked here: www.ariens.com/en-us/dealer-locator