Strengths

Weaknesses Don't bother buying an Ariens snowblower. Their gearbox is a piece of trash. My 1028 was new in 2003 and I only used it on my personal driveway in Minnesota, which is only 12 feet by 60 feet. The gearbox went out in 2010 and they no longer sell it because of poor quality and longevity. Now they expect me to pay $350 for the new and improved gearbox. I'll never buy Ariens again.

Overall Trash

Strengths Quick start, never use the electric start because it starts on 1 pull. Thorws great with a new belt.

Weaknesses Betls, belts... belts. Also, my throw shoot adjust lever snapped off the unit late in year 2, the weld broke off in the middle of a strom. Currently I use a set of tie wraps to adjust the throw now. Works OK but certainly not ideal.

Overall This is my 4th winter and the thing chews up belts. A new belt will throw the snow about as far as any machine I've seen. I am going to order belts on line just to have them, last time I needed one the place I bought it from was not sure if they had any in stock.

Strengths starts nice

Weaknesses i have had this for 2 yrs and bought it from home depot it has spent more time in the shop than throwing snow. the belts stretch and the ability to throw snow weakens after each use until it will not throw snow.

Overall i am so dissapointed in ariens that this will be the last one i own.as for parts hard to get and cant get the right belts.

Strengths Heated hand bars light

Weaknesses Auger belt does not hold up - You have to keep replacing belts - need a better design

Overall poor - not a s good as older models

Strengths Runs very well, Starts easy

Weaknesses Will not throw snow. Auger clogs constantly and the belts stretch.

Overall I will not buy another Ariens. It is a shame because I only bought this one because my oldvintaage ariens lasted so long and worked so well. This one has been in for repair twice and still does not work.

Strengths Solid as a rock. Easy to use and after 2 Canadian winters still throws snow 40"+ on the original belt. Sorry Artiist guess you got a lemon. L-Head starts first or second pull even at -30C have only had to use the elec start once and it was almost forty below with the wind chill.

Weaknesses A little light in the front end but the extra weight kit solved the problem.

Overall Very happy. Turned 2 hours of shovelling into 30 minutes.

Strengths the machine moves well, but not blowing.

Weaknesses i have bought the machine 8526 two years ago. i used it a few times. but it works not well. the first time i used it, it worked great, but very soon, it get worse. the blowing distance becomes shorter and shorter,it totally can not blow the snow out at last. i don't know what i can do. and no way to ask service. if i have to buy a new one, it will not be Ariens.

Overall very sorry for this machine.

Strengths My father has a 7 hp ariens snow thrower he purchased slightly used in 1972, which runs like a top. It starts on the first pull and no matter how deep the snow, it works great. My new snow thrower seems better because it is easiere to operate and has safety features which were not present on the earlier model.

Weaknesses None that I can see. I purchased it from HD as a reconditioned machine. It looked new and runs like new. The only thing I had to do when I got it home was adjust the drive clutch.

Overall Great machine. I would highly recommend ariens to anyone and in fact have done so to some of my friends looking for a snow thrower.

Strengths Well built...but initially a disappointment. Good engine.

Weaknesses Auger idler pulley system

Overall I am unhappy with my purchase of this product. I thought I did all the necessary research prior to buying a great name like Ariens, but this machine failed me on its second use. The problem is the auger belt engagement pulley. After only 2 hours of operation, the auger belt needed replacement. I just replaced it and will see how well it works with the next storm. If it needs replacement after the next use, there must be a design flaw and I will return it to HD.

Strengths New heavier auger gearbox for 2004, improved THF chute which prevents blow by, drift breakers are now standard, 120v electric start, taller 23.5" intake than the 2003 models, added quick release shovel in case chute clogs. This machine uses metal where most competition at this price uses plastic. 3 year warranty.

Weaknesses L-Head engine is being phased out, but parts will be available for many years. Muffler should have a cage around it to protect hands from accidental burns.

Overall A high quality machine for the money. The drive system uses a time proven friction disk which is very cheap to repair. Parts are available for many years. Machine made in USA by Ariens Corp.