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Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?

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cleanmaxx_brian


"At least I am enjoying the ride"

Location: Wantagh, Long Island, NY
Joined: Mar 12, 2005
Points: 231

"Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Original Message   Dec 13, 2005 5:53 pm
Hi all,
     Went upstate this past weekend to Cortland County (near Syracuse) to visit my mother. While I was there I swung by an old Ariens dealer to see if he had any of those snow cabs for my Ariens 8526LE. When i walked in I was greated with lots of nice machines....Simplicitys all over and a bunch of Toros. But no Ariens...so I just wondered around and was really digging Toro's new quick aim snow shoot! Pretty cool! But lots of plastic.... The Simplicitys look rugged and well built. Then the salesman/owner came out to ask if he could help. He didn't have any of the cabs but they were due in a week or so....then I asked him "where are the Ariens machines?" His reply.... "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Is there any truth to this? He went on to say that warranty work was killing him...his shop was full of repairs...and mainly all with the same problems. He said that the tranys were a major problem....plastic bushings causing problems and some other things that I can't remember. He said that after the last 2 years, he gave up.

Clarks garden power supply
They carry Simplicity, Ferris, Echo, and Toro...and no longer Ariens:(

Brian Chang

Ariens 8526LE, Bradley 32" 12.5HP walk behind mower, Echo BP200 blower, Troy Built 4.5HP Pressure Washer,  Craftsman 4.5HP Yard Vac, Homelite line trimmer, Scotts 21" high wheel mower, MTD 3.5HP Edger.

Replies: 1 - 37 of 37View as Outline
gary31570


Life is a journey, enjoy the ride.

Joined: Nov 6, 2005
Points: 27

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #1   Dec 13, 2005 7:35 pm
Thru this group, I found an great Ariens dealer in Buffalo. We still have 4-5 dealers on the eastside of Cleveland, who matched the HD $999 price for the model 926.

I suspect HD made an offer to Ariens which was difficult to ignore. HD did not have Ariens change the model numbers,
which some big box stores can get mfg. to do, if they are different machines.

So far on this discussion board those who have purchased Ariens snow throwers from HD have not complained of their quality; therefore, Clarks Garden Power Supply may have another issue as to why they no longer carry the Ariens line.

I look forward to hearing from those who have bought from HD.

Gary

Cleveland,, OH
PCPC


Honda 1132 snow thrower, Simplicity 1060 snow thrower, RedMax EBZ8000 leaf blower, older Snapper self propelled mower, Echo weed wacker, 20 + year old 16" McCulloch Chain Saw, wheel barrel with a flat tire, and a rusty shovel!

Joined: Nov 26, 2005
Points: 26

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #2   Dec 13, 2005 7:48 pm
It's possible, but also I can see where a lot of small mom and pop shops can get a bit upset when a company like Ariens sells huge quantities to these large chains, probably a lot cheaper then they sell to their smaller dealers. They must feel betrayed by the company. I would. How can you compete, when a company, that you're a dealer for won't back you up. I would think they have a minimum advertised pricing policy, but even still, when the little shop matches that price, he's still making less then HD.
MountainMan


Overpowered is Usually Adequate


Location: Connecticut
Joined: Feb 19, 2003
Points: 1564

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #3   Dec 13, 2005 8:10 pm
Cheapened the machine? NO..

Cut the profit margine for small OPE dealers?  YES.....

Only difference between Identical stock number machine purchased from Agent Orange or a small OPE dealer is the quality of setup and experiance. Once Home Depot sells a machine, thats it. The OPE dealer will set the machine up properly and service after the sale.

Ariens 1128PRO- Honda Generator_ Husky 480-257 Jonsered 2050Turbo- Shindiawa T2500 SCAG Mower -little wonder blower-Sears track blower-Coleman Generator- Bombadier ATV-Stihl HS-45 Etc-Etc-Etc
AZinOH


Those who accept self-deception will perish by it.
Shakespeare said "to thine own self be true".


Joined: Nov 25, 2004
Points: 189

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #4   Dec 13, 2005 8:14 pm
"His reply.... "Ariens really cheapened their product to get it into Home Depot"

I also wonder if the allegation is true. But if you're HD, what do you do? You want to offer a quality snowblower to your customers. Maybe you're tired of having to deal with customer dissatisfaction over the MTD/Yard Machine/Poulan/AYP-type product. So you go looking for a manufacturer to supply you. There's really only three viable choices (Ariens-Toro-Simplicity). I didn't count Honda because of their likely price point. Of the three, only Ariens has the high marquee name recognition as a maker of snowblowers. Toro and Simplicity are good products, but those names are more associated with lawn equipment. So you court Ariens. I probably wouldn't buy a snowblower from HD but many people do, and if Ariens can get more of their machines into customers hands than the competition by selling through HD that's probably okay with Ariens...as long as some of the dealers stick around to service them.

AZ

Snowblower...Toro Power Max 726te 2004

Lawn tractor...AYP w/ 14.5 Briggs-42in 2000

Majorxlr8n


Location: Freehold NJ
Joined: Aug 6, 2003
Points: 1092

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #5   Dec 13, 2005 8:32 pm
FYI - HD DOES sell the small, single stage Honda HS520A snowthrower, but thats the only Honda model they offer...

Marty

Garandman


Location: South Boston, MA
Joined: Mar 10, 2005
Points: 341

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #6   Dec 14, 2005 5:09 am
cleanmaxx_brian wrote:
Hi all,
     Went upstate this past weekend to Cortland County (near Syracuse) to visit my mother. While I was there I swung by an old Ariens dealer to see if he had any of those snow cabs for my Ariens 8526LE. When i walked in I was greated with lots of nice machines....Simplicitys all over and a bunch of Toros. But no Ariens...so I just wondered around and was really digging Toro's new quick aim snow shoot! Pretty cool! But lots of plastic.... The Simplicitys look rugged and well built. Then the salesman/owner came out to ask if he could help. He didn't have any of the cabs but they were due in a week or so....then I asked him "where are the Ariens machines?" His reply.... "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Is there any truth to this? He went on to say that warranty work was killing him...his shop was full of repairs...and mainly all with the same problems. He said that the tranys were a major problem....plastic bushings causing problems and some other things that I can't remember. He said that after the last 2 years, he gave up.

Clarks garden power supply
They carry Simplicity, Ferris, Echo, and Toro...and no longer Ariens:(
If you look at the upgrades to the Ariens line for this season, they have added steel in some critical areas that increased the thickness of the drive unit. Where are the plastic bushings located?

I don't suppose the dealer mentioned that all the warranty work that's "killing" him will become service work once the warranty is up?
jcco


Joined: Dec 3, 2005
Points: 5

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #7   Dec 14, 2005 1:02 pm
 Don't know if they are cheapened because my 1128LE is the first and LAST ARIENS I will own.

I bought from HD. They do not know how to set up anything. Had to re-work drive right away & still has one reverse speed only.

Machine is in repair shop now. Went in Nov. 16th & is now Dec. 14th. Auger worm gear stripped on first storm 14"

A month to fix? Might be an OK machine until it breaks, then good luck with repair & warranty. Ariens doesn't care, HD doesn't care, nobody cares. Now my driveway is so screwed up I'm sure 1128LE will break again trying to regain my now full snow storage. Hand shoveling 11' of snow in the last month has taken It's toll on me. When it breaks I will fix it myself which will cause "cancellation of warranty" But, what good is it? I not only have a worthless snowblower but a worthless warranty as well.

If I had to do it again I would buy 2 machines @ half the price so at least I would have a machine if one breaks down.

I am surviving using one of those little Toro electric power shovels. It is a joke but has hung in there better than ARIENS. Heck, go buy 10 power shovels & save yourself the trouble.

From Colorado, Summit County, which by the way has record/great skiing I hear. I am too busy hand shoveling to find ski time. Thank you ARIENS.

oakville


Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 92

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #8   Dec 14, 2005 5:26 pm
sounds like your problems is Home Depot, not Ariens.  just reinforces that the best place to buy is your local OPE store, not a big box.  around here, there was no price savings, and the local guy would deliver an assembled, fueled unit ready to go, and give you a quick lesson in the driveway.
Garandman


Location: South Boston, MA
Joined: Mar 10, 2005
Points: 341

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #9   Dec 14, 2005 6:16 pm
jcco wrote:
 Don't know if they are cheapened because my 1128LE is the first and LAST ARIENS I will own.

I bought from HD. ////


Just curious - since HD has a 30 day return policy why didn't you just bring it back?

You say Ariens doesn't care, did you call Customer Service, or?
newjerseybt


You want it done right?...You better learn how to do it yourself!

Ariens 1128DLE
Ariens 8526LE
Honda HRC216
Bosch 3221L
Craftsman DYT4000
Stihl FS90R


Location: Honesdale, PA
Joined: Dec 19, 2004
Points: 171

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #10   Dec 14, 2005 6:23 pm
I bought 2 Ariens machines the last 2 years from my local OPE dealer. One is a 1128DLE the other a 8526LE. I COULD have saved a bunch on the 8526LE with a 10% HD coupon...but....when something breaks that I bought from HD, I know this OPE shop will fix it but ........I will be at the back of the line.

In previous years I did notice that some of the Ariens blowers were slopped together. Well, just look at their help...these folks just come and go out the revolving door. You had better be handy if you purchase one from HD IMO.

That auger should not have broke so soon even if it was a 2004 as it is an improved version over the 2003 model. Maybe just bad luck.

PCPC


Honda 1132 snow thrower, Simplicity 1060 snow thrower, RedMax EBZ8000 leaf blower, older Snapper self propelled mower, Echo weed wacker, 20 + year old 16" McCulloch Chain Saw, wheel barrel with a flat tire, and a rusty shovel!

Joined: Nov 26, 2005
Points: 26

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #11   Dec 14, 2005 6:50 pm
The problem with Home Depot is, if you notice, when a new one opens, they are great. The store has a great inventory, they staff it with top notch people, who really know what they are doing. Once they steal all the customers from the local small businesses, forcing them to go out of business, they then move that "cracker jack" staff somewhere else, and replace them with useless imbeciles, and the customer service goes down the drain. Now you can't go back to your local guy, that you've trusted for years, because he's gone...
BBgarage


Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 98

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #12   Dec 14, 2005 11:50 pm
I agree. I don't know how many times I have called and spoken to someone mentally retarded(It is good they are giving them jobs, but it is annoying when you are trying to find something) or someone who speaks virtually no english. Also I find people are too lazy to check stuff for me. I have been at HD and Best Buy and heard the phone ring and the guy just hits the mute button, or says forget it and walks away, its very annoying when you are the one on the other side of the line.

I also hate going in and asking for something and I show it to them and they just don't get it. Or they say they don't have it(I check anyway) and they do, or vice versa.

My blower had a few loose nuts and bolts but besides that it is working fine.
jcco


Joined: Dec 3, 2005
Points: 5

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #13   Dec 20, 2005 4:38 pm
Hi Folks

Today 12/20/05 & still no Ariens fixed. Had to finally borrow neighbor's Yard Machine 8/26 [Wal Mart].

Ariens service is quite casual about my concerns. They don't care.

I had asked to upgrade shipping to Fedex overnight and I would pay the difference. They did not do it. UPS ground.

My machine is in a small town shop. Not my town. I bought @ HD 2003. We have been in drought last 2 years and 1128le sat virtually unused. So much for 30 day return.

I will simply fix it myself from now on. Forget their warranty, it does nothing.

BTW, the WalMart 8/26 actually did a darn good job, plenty of power & easy to handle. Half the price -- Hmmm.

All you skiers - We are drowning in Colorado Mtn. snow. Central & North.

Good luck wAriens 

jcco


Joined: Dec 3, 2005
Points: 5

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #14   Dec 20, 2005 5:02 pm
Oh, I forgot my HD comment.

I used to be a HD stockholder. Sold it because the service in stores is horrific & I generally need to believe in the product to own the stock.

I don't go to HD with much expectation. You have to know exactly what you want or trust the "name brand" attached to product.

I have no local dealer any where close for Ariens. I had to trust the brand & go with it.

No one want's the 1128le to be  good more than me. So far, Ariens customer service is that of only lips. They are real nice, but nice isn't removing my snow.

In the shop Nov. 16. Now Dec. 20 still not fixed because Ariens is committed to providing service center with prompt parts.

It's the worm gear [stripped] in the auger gear case.

JC

jcco


Joined: Dec 3, 2005
Points: 5

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #15   Dec 20, 2005 5:08 pm
Whoops,

Last thread should have read Ariens NOT committed.

& how can you edit a post?

JC

toolpig


Joined: Nov 12, 2005
Points: 53

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #16   Dec 21, 2005 5:27 am
I bought my Ariens 11528 a month ago and it works great. One morning I went out to start it started hard and wouldn't run right.  I called my OPE dealer and a service guy was at my door in 1 hour . It turns out it was my fault , water got in my gas jug !

Ariens 11528 snowthrower, Craftsman 18hp lawn tractor, Craftsman 5hp lawn mower, Craftsman 4.25hp pressure washer, Stihl BG55 leaf blower and vac, Stihl SH26 string trimmer, Husqvarna 365 special Chainsaw, Husqvarna 254XP chainsaw.
jubol


Location: Dover, De
Joined: Oct 3, 2003
Points: 1558

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #17   Dec 21, 2005 6:17 am
Toolpig,

You can buy a filter / water seperator, called Mr Funnel.

West Marine also sells them under there own label.

www.:// mrfunnel.com

                                                       Fred

Husqvarna STE927(11.5HP) snowblower,  MTD Pro Series 18/42 Lawnmower, MTD 6.5 HP  Self Prop Lawn Mower,  Weedeater 1500 Blower, Web Gensis  2000 
toolpig


Joined: Nov 12, 2005
Points: 53

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #18   Dec 21, 2005 7:34 am
I'll check that out Fred,  thanks!

Ariens 11528 snowthrower, Craftsman 18hp lawn tractor, Craftsman 5hp lawn mower, Craftsman 4.25hp pressure washer, Stihl BG55 leaf blower and vac, Stihl SH26 string trimmer, Husqvarna 365 special Chainsaw, Husqvarna 254XP chainsaw.
Mads


Rather be scared to death than bored to death

Location:
Joined: Dec 7, 2005
Points: 30

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #19   Dec 23, 2005 8:24 am
It's no secret. You ALMOST always get better service whit small dedicated business than the big surfaces stores when it comes to maintenance and repair.

In fact in Canada except for the Ariens (regular models, not the Pro models) at HD, the "good" more expensives brands are always find in the smaller stores while you can find the more "unexpensive" more affordable ones at the big surfaces stores.

2muchtime


Joined: Dec 24, 2005
Points: 1

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #20   Dec 24, 2005 10:00 am
I have an old ariens 24" 5hp that I was tired of working on. I was all set to buy an Ariens 11hp, went to the Home Depot the day after a storm, and they were sold out.  My daughter and I looked around the store and finally, out in the garden department we saw 12 of the 11hp models.  Evry single one of them (two still in the original boxes) were marked defective for return.

After seeing this I decided, thanks to a great post on this site, to buy a new engine for my old war horse.  I ordered the 7.5hp Intek from smallenginewarehouse.com for $222 (free shipping). They sent me an 8hp for some reason but after drilling 4 new holes in the deck to mount the engine, putting some gas in and pulling the cord it started right up. Now all I need to do is move the chute control linkage and I have a really great snow blower :)

From what I've read, if your worried about quality, the Hondas seem to be very well built and well liked, although they are pricey.

Majorxlr8n


Location: Freehold NJ
Joined: Aug 6, 2003
Points: 1092

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #21   Dec 24, 2005 10:29 am
jcco wrote:

It's the worm gear [stripped] in the auger gear case.



Just curious - did you pull something into the augers by accident? If not, I wonder if a keyway fell out. It seems like a stripped worm gear is an oddity for a brand new machine. Have you actually seen this stripped worm gear? Paul from Ariens (Snowman?) does monitor this site from time to time - I wonder if he might be worth a PM...

Marty

Majorxlr8n


Location: Freehold NJ
Joined: Aug 6, 2003
Points: 1092

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #22   Dec 24, 2005 10:32 am
Paul's Forum name is SnowmanN - thats two "N"s. I goofed above...

Marty

cleanmaxx_brian


"At least I am enjoying the ride"

Location: Wantagh, Long Island, NY
Joined: Mar 12, 2005
Points: 231

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #23   Dec 24, 2005 1:22 pm
2muchtime wrote:
I have an old ariens 24" 5hp that I was tired of working on. I was all set to buy an Ariens 11hp, went to the Home Depot the day after a storm, and they were sold out.  My daughter and I looked around the store and finally, out in the garden department we saw 12 of the 11hp models.  Evry single one of them (two still in the original boxes) were marked defective for return.

After seeing this I decided, thanks to a great post on this site, to buy a new engine for my old war horse.  I ordered the 7.5hp Intek from smallenginewarehouse.com for $222 (free shipping). They sent me an 8hp for some reason but after drilling 4 new holes in the deck to mount the engine, putting some gas in and pulling the cord it started right up. Now all I need to do is move the chute control linkage and I have a really great snow blower :)

From what I've read, if your worried about quality, the Hondas seem to be very well built and well liked, although they are pricey.



I think you may have missed something... The problem is not with ARIENS but with the place that they are purchased from. You see, at Home Depot, they sell the machines built for a mere $15 more, so most if not ALL people have Home Depot set their machines up. Now the customer takes it home and something goes wrong from the assembly. Home Depot has such a great return policy...so they just take it back and give the customer a new one. These "bad" machines are now sent back to the vender....and it is those machines that you saw at the back of the store.

Brian Chang

Ariens 8526LE, Bradley 32" 12.5HP walk behind mower, Echo BP200 blower, Troy Built 4.5HP Pressure Washer,  Craftsman 4.5HP Yard Vac, Homelite line trimmer, Scotts 21" high wheel mower, MTD 3.5HP Edger.

nibbler


Joined: Mar 5, 2004
Points: 751

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #24   Dec 24, 2005 9:36 pm
I wonder if you could get a serious discount by offering to take a "defective" machine off their hands?
cleanmaxx_brian


"At least I am enjoying the ride"

Location: Wantagh, Long Island, NY
Joined: Mar 12, 2005
Points: 231

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #25   Dec 25, 2005 10:12 pm
nibbler wrote:
I wonder if you could get a serious discount by offering to take a "defective" machine off their hands?

Nope! I worked for Home Depot as a district manager and there are NO deals for employees or customers for the most part. The only time they will discount (and spray with orange paint!!!) is with a return that the customers says is in good working order.

Brian Chang

Ariens 8526LE, Bradley 32" 12.5HP walk behind mower, Echo BP200 blower, Troy Built 4.5HP Pressure Washer,  Craftsman 4.5HP Yard Vac, Homelite line trimmer, Scotts 21" high wheel mower, MTD 3.5HP Edger.

MountainMan


Overpowered is Usually Adequate


Location: Connecticut
Joined: Feb 19, 2003
Points: 1564

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #26   Dec 26, 2005 3:23 pm
2muchtime wrote:
 I was all set to buy an Ariens 11hp, went to the Home Depot the day after a storm, and they were sold out.  My daughter and I looked around the store and finally, out in the garden department we saw 12 of the 11hp models.  Evry single one of them (two still in the original boxes) were marked defective for return.

I dont believe they were Defective, mearly misued or mis assembled by HD employees. HD doesnt troubleshoot the proble,. Just ships them back.

Ive see the same setup in the summer with John Deere tractors.  All in the steel shipper crates set for return. Customer brings it back and HD returns to Deere. A true servicing dealer would re-adjust or find the problem and fix the unit, or avoid the problem with proper setup.

Defects in large products are less then 1 in several hundred. So why do HD and other box stores have dozen and dozens of defective returns from the same product line? They dont.... Defective employees and customers.

Ariens 1128PRO- Honda Generator_ Husky 480-257 Jonsered 2050Turbo- Shindiawa T2500 SCAG Mower -little wonder blower-Sears track blower-Coleman Generator- Bombadier ATV-Stihl HS-45 Etc-Etc-Etc
Charlie4350


Joined: Dec 21, 2005
Points: 2

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #27   Dec 27, 2005 1:00 am
This is really getting carried away. 12 defective units, some still in boxes. Use you head. Too much speculation and guessing going on IMHO.  Here's what I found and BELIEVE to be fairly accurate when looking for snowblower. Recall on Several snowthrowers with Tecumseh engine concerning the gas line and a 10 cent part. What exactly, don't know, but received this same story from several vendors and on many makes and models. All units were pulled from the floor to be corrected. Now, I won't state this as fact, but I'm sure some of you guys are aware of what the problem was. Again, this was at a few different stores and included several manufacturers.

What to do. Get your snowblower home and check it over. There's not much assembly done at the store and is well described in the manul.  On the bright side, one is forced to become familiar with their machine to make sure all is well before the snow hits.

MountainMan


Overpowered is Usually Adequate


Location: Connecticut
Joined: Feb 19, 2003
Points: 1564

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #28   Dec 27, 2005 9:33 pm
Exactly charlie. Possible gas leak on the nipple coming out of the gas tank. A 2 minute fix, if that much. But since HD cant do any service work, or trust timy to fix it, they will either have to call a mechanic in to cheak them, or ship them back. A fellow forum member here stated it was a 2 minute fix, but most units didnt even need fixing.

Ariens 1128PRO- Honda Generator_ Husky 480-257 Jonsered 2050Turbo- Shindiawa T2500 SCAG Mower -little wonder blower-Sears track blower-Coleman Generator- Bombadier ATV-Stihl HS-45 Etc-Etc-Etc
russman


Joined: Dec 14, 2007
Points: 1

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #29   Dec 14, 2007 2:57 pm
I bought a brand new snowblower from HD 3 years ago because I heard Ariens was the best. It ran great the first year and then the second year it would run and die after 5-10 mins. I used an old snowblower that was given to me as a second and it started up and ran well, even with old gas in it. On the new one I took the carborator apart, cleaned it, and cleaned out the gas tank and it still does the same thing.  I spent 1300 on this 11 HP piece of junk and found out other people had the same problem.  Some say it's the float that is bad in the carborator so I'm going to try that next. I bought this machine so that I wouldn't have to work so hard shoveling snow and yesterday I worked on it for 3 hours it started and died again. Then, after trying to start it so many times the cord broke. I pushed it aside and used the old snowblower instead.
Gelid


Location: Maine
Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Points: 84

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #30   Dec 14, 2007 4:08 pm
I don't think I would even buy a Honda from large chain outlet, a quality $1000+ snowblower is not a mass-market product like a walk-behind mower, it requires to be assembled and serviced by people who know what they're doing and if they're doing it right.

Honda HS928 TCD - If you lived where I live you'd have one too
MountainMan


Overpowered is Usually Adequate


Location: Connecticut
Joined: Feb 19, 2003
Points: 1564

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #31   Dec 14, 2007 5:12 pm
russman wrote:
I bought a brand new snowblower from HD 3 years ago because I heard Ariens was the best. It ran great the first year and then the second year it would run and die after 5-10 mins. I used an old snowblower that was given to me as a second and it started up and ran well, even with old gas in it. On the new one I took the carborator apart, cleaned it, and cleaned out the gas tank and it still does the same thing.  I spent 1300 on this 11 HP piece of junk and found out other people had the same problem.  Some say it's the float that is bad in the carborator so I'm going to try that next. I bought this machine so that I wouldn't have to work so hard shoveling snow and yesterday I worked on it for 3 hours it started and died again. Then, after trying to start it so many times the cord broke. I pushed it aside and used the old snowblower instead.


OLD TOPIC. BUt, Its not an Ariens problem, its a Tecumseh problem, they make the engine. They alos built a huge majority of the engines. BTW, Gas issues are the #1 reason for failure.  I think it needs a pro to go through the carb.

Ariens 1128PRO- Honda Generator_ Husky 480-257 Jonsered 2050Turbo- Shindiawa T2500 SCAG Mower -little wonder blower-Sears track blower-Coleman Generator- Bombadier ATV-Stihl HS-45 Etc-Etc-Etc
snowman


Joined: Jan 18, 2005
Points: 29

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #32   Dec 15, 2007 8:22 am
My 2004 9 HP from HD has run flawlessly.  Purchased as a serviced unit on sale and with a coupon, but that was a joke of sorts.  The machine appeared to never have been started, and the fuel line was kinked and blocked just under the tank and before fed into the engine.  Straightened that out, it started right up and has run fine.  I only regret not getting the DLX with a differential, but that's my problem.

I bought it to replace a 1970 7 HP because the growing number of times it wouldn't start I really had a problem.  Kept it as a "backup" but prefer using it to the newer one and put a NOS engine on it.  Use the new one to throw distance and do the initial "dig", and the nimble and easy to turn older one, which is still incapable of a long snow throw, to cleanup with.

The local dealer really has his "nose in the air".  I only once bought a belt there in desperation.  He made it seem  like I was buying a bag of gold, and charged accordingly.

I see nothing wrong with buying one from HD.  Seems everyone here is inclined enough to assemble one from the box, and shouldn't be set back if "Timmy" doesn't set it up to perfection.
Gelid


Location: Maine
Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Points: 84

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #33   Dec 15, 2007 2:23 pm
snowman wrote:
I see nothing wrong with buying one from HD.  Seems everyone here is inclined enough to assemble one from the box, and shouldn't be set back if "Timmy" doesn't set it up to perfection.

The problem is not so much fixing Timmy's assembly goofs -although this will be an issue for many people- as getting the unit seriously serviced under warranty should it require it. They won't always give you a new one and more than likely won't lend you one while yours is being serviced (elsewhere) like my dealer does for his customers who don't have a backup.   

Honda HS928 TCD - If you lived where I live you'd have one too
Tubby


Joined: Dec 5, 2007
Points: 78

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #34   Dec 15, 2007 11:15 pm
Quoted in whole from another post on this board:


Re: Help on Ariens model 932101
Reply #6   Today 10:19 pm
Quote Quote

Ok heads up to all you Ariens 824 932101 owners Purchased from the Home Depot or other Ariens dealers . The Important thing here is 824 932101. Let me tell you about my experience not unlike what you are experiencing  and others as well I am sure. I purchased this product brand spanking new from the Home Depot in December of 2000 In MA for $ 999.00 total of $1050.00 with tax..

This machine never worked right from day one. Would not throw the snow. You would have to stop or run it very slow. To all of you wanna be mechanics with a quick fix please take a chill and let me finish before you offer your solutions. Plus they will not fix the problem. Took it to an Ariens Dealer in Natick MA that i do not recommend. The unit was 2 weeks old and they charged me 85 bucks and it was under warranty. They adjusted the machine and installed a new auger belt. Nothing else said. I called Ariens corporate nice woman took care of the problem and got my money returned to me with her corp appologies.

So guess what? You got it, the machine starts doing the same thing. At this point I am bulls$%*. Being mechanically inclined I take the cover off of the auger and adjust the pully to put more tension on the belt throws like a charm. A few other adjustment. Then as the season goes on it starts throwing snow less. You have to slow the machine down. Stop it let the auger catch up to speed to throw the snow.  New belt. Calls to home depot no satisfaction. Calls to Ariens same woman but I asked her the following., Miss do you make a lower grade Snowblower for the Home Depot? Her response was NO we make them with all the same internal components. PLEASE keep this prior underlined sentence in mind for later it is very important.

So I keep fixing it adjusting and have been fed up. 2 more years go by more calls to ariens and the depot no satisfaction. In the interim I also own a MTD 8 horse same motor that is on the Ariens that is 12 years older and tt works like a charm. I use it at my mothers house 2 miles away. Never Stops working blows the snow and ia considerably faster than this Ariens.

Around 2006 I phoned an Ariens dealer and he told me to call Ariens with my model Number the dealer new what was up. I Called Ariens now please keep in mind that almost 6 years has passed. I ask the question of recalls or anything pertaining to the 824=932101 SHAZZZAM wanga Bango. Ariens Tech " Sir there is a problem with that machine we have a gear reduction kit that will replace the problems that you are having with your machine, please give me all your information and I will put you in the computer this will repaired by Ariens free of charge at any Ariens Dealer"  WOW after 5 years somebody tells me they had a problem with the machine.

The unit gets the GEAR REDUCTION KIT. Sounds kinda funky..Like sorry your new car had the wrong transmission for the engine we are gonna reduce the ratios so instead of you going 60MPH you can only go 30 MPH max. That is esentially what the gear reduction did. Changed the ratio of the drive gears to compensate for the horspower of the engine which intern kill the auger as well. Major DEFECT and we where all hosed by Ariens and The HomeDepot.

The gear reduction has slowed my machine down in 5th gear to more than half. The Unit is throwing snow porly at best. The machine churps/Belt which is adjustment again the cycle just continues.

More calls to Ariens now this one gets great the other day. The womans Name is Joy In Consumer Tech. Tell her the story she admits there was a problem but the unit is so old and plus the gear reduction should have taken care of the problem. Take care of the problem for Who Ariens. Not me. And then she ads you know there is more moisture in the Air  in the east coast where you are located and the effects the machines. I almost lost it on her. So I think we all know where I am coming from. I also met with the NORTHEAST Ariens Rep..Accidentally I might add. I walked into my Dealer that has done the repairs and this guy cam over to me and asked if  he could help me. This gets really good. Yes I say. Have you repaired the problems with these damn friction disks. Not knowing he is a rep. He answers there are no problems with the friction drive. I chuckle. Then I say. hmmm I had a gear reduction kit put in mine.. He answers oh yes you must have the 824 932101 and purchased it from the home depot. My reaction put it this way it was one of those kodak moments. Then he continues after I push the conversation. Well you know the depot wants so many of these machines at a pricepoint we cut some corners when we made this machine. Plus the snow in the east has more moister in it. Hmmm I wonder if the 16 year old MTD knows about moisture that exceeds the dependability of this Ariens that was defective from the manufacture the day it left the plant.

 

What bothers me, how many consumers purchased this unit that had now clue that it was defect or just plan gave up and either bought a new one or a different make.


In closing all interested parties I am going to pursue a class action suit against The Home Depot and Areins over this mater. If you have this machine please contact me at the below email for particulars in the subject line please Enter; RE 932101  smugman_ola@yahoo.com

Thank you all.




(end quote)

From my observations getting back into the blower market, I would say yes, their quality has gone down. My old machine has steel rods for controls, the new ones seem to only have cables? That is just one visible observation I made anyway.
This message was modified Dec 15, 2007 by Tubby
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: "Ariens really cheapend their product to get it into Home Depo" Any truth to this?
Reply #35   Dec 16, 2007 11:34 am
I've been making that point for a while now.  Maybe it's my eye for detail but when I started looking over the Ariens and Toros at HD, I was immediately turned off.  I know mechanical stuff.  I have tons of it.  I'm a hands on person and can readily see problematic design and deficient build quality.  After looking at their line up, I was out of HD in less than two minutes and very much disappointed with the quality of the "vaunted" Ariens and Toros they were offering.  Don't ask me to go into specifics.  I didn't take notes and I certainly did not buy either of these two brands.  And did I mention the prices?  It's not like they're knocking off hundreds of dollars from these machines.  Not in Canada.  The machines are cheaper (build wise) but not less expensive.  To me, that's the rub.  They're capturing  reputable brand names, having them manufactured at much lower standards and still demanding big bucks.  One must wonder how many unfortunate customers have fallen for this ruse?   When I bought my equivalent Simplicity, I paid three hundred less than the asking price of the Ariens and close to five hundred less than the Toro.  And the Toro had the old Tecumseh L head engine and aluminum auger drive gear case????   Maybe there are wiser people out there who can help me understand how an equivalent Toro of obviously lesser build quality can demand $500.00 more than a Simplicity that has far better all the way around construction and components?   Five hundred buck is a lot of money to pay for a name and it's sad to see those names being sullied by affixing them to inferior machines.   
This message was modified Dec 16, 2007 by borat
nibbler


Joined: Mar 5, 2004
Points: 751

Re: Why more money
Reply #36   Dec 16, 2007 1:31 pm
Unfortunately most people look at a line of blowers from a series of manufacturers and see the same thing painted differently. They have a list of "features" which for the most part are sales features as opposed to use features, they then compare cost.

The problem is that the devil is in the details. Plastic parts can be good in a lot of places on a blower, they just have to be made well of the proper material and not as a manufacturing cost savings item. The same can be said for all metal construction, it could be tin foil, it could be 1/4" plate, its still "all metal". The point is that most people don't want to hunt up the information and find out what is important and which manufacturers do a good job. Add in that there could be variation from year to year with any given manufacturer and it really becomes a trick. It sort reminds of wine enthusiasts ... "As yes an Ariens 1020DLE from 2004, a somewhat presumptuous blower  with a traction system that just won't quit, the ones manufactured in the south plant in July are the best" .

I don't want to get into dealer support and parts availability since that can also affect "good".
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Why more money
Reply #37   Dec 16, 2007 2:48 pm
nibbler wrote:
Unfortunately most people look at a line of blowers from a series of manufacturers and see the same thing painted differently. They have a list of "features" which for the most part are sales features as opposed to use features, they then compare cost.

The problem is that the devil is in the details. Plastic parts can be good in a lot of places on a blower, they just have to be made well of the proper material and not as a manufacturing cost savings item. The same can be said for all metal construction, it could be tin foil, it could be 1/4" plate, its still "all metal". The point is that most people don't want to hunt up the information and find out what is important and which manufacturers do a good job. Add in that there could be variation from year to year with any given manufacturer and it really becomes a trick. It sort reminds of wine enthusiasts ... "As yes an Ariens 1020DLE from 2004, a somewhat presumptuous blower  with a traction system that just won't quit, the ones manufactured in the south plant in July are the best" .

I don't want to get into dealer support and parts availability since that can also affect "good".


I understand what you're saying.  I would like to add that "Nothing blinds more completely than brand loyalty."   It's a fault that many seem to acquire after hemorrhaging huge amounts of money to pay for a name then spend the rest of their lives defending the action.  Go figure???   I, on the other hand consider myself to be a "value loyalist".   I'll recommend/defend a product providing it has the right stuff and also has the right price.  I will not recommend a product simply because it has/had a good reputation.  Not good enough.  Each item will be measured on it's own merit.  If it  passes muster, I'll endorse it otherwise I won't.  That's why I own such a wide array of OPE brands.  I have Husqvarna, Jonsereds, Echo, Stihl, Kubota and even a Honda powered Craftsman lawn tractor.  I don't care what the name is, as long as it's built with quality components and assembled correctly. 

Ahhhh yessss.....Muyyy Simpliciteeee comes from the Port Washington Plant in Wisconsin......a robust machine with aspirations of grandeur albeit with a dash of humility..... 

This message was modified Dec 16, 2007 by borat
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