Testing the Ariens Deluxe 24 Snowblower: Best Bang for Your Buck?
Winter can be a beautiful season, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to snow removal. If you’re like us, you might find yourself in a situation where traditional snow plowing just isn’t enough to keep your driveway clear. We might also be slightly unique in that we are clearing all of our driveway toward the pond- the hope is to fill that pond with snow melt. That’s precisely why we decided to invest in the Ariens Deluxe 24 snowblower. In this post, we’ll go through our first impressions, the features we love, and a few things we wish were different.
Why We Chose the Ariens Deluxe 24 snowblower
Our John Deere snowplow works great to clear the driveway, and do it quickly. However, it has no capability to push that snow beyond the edge of the driveway without a front loader to lift over the snow bank. Our driveway was shrinking with every snowfall, and we needed something to help manage the snow piles left behind after plowing. The Ariens Deluxe 24 seemed like the perfect fit for our needs, allowing us to throw snow off into the pasture, which would eventually melt and fill our pond come spring.
Initial Impressions and Ease of Use
Starting up the Ariens Deluxe 24 is a breeze, thanks to its electric start feature. This is a game-changer, especially when temperatures drop. After a minute of warming up, it’s ready to tackle the snow. And let me tell you, this machine throws snow like nobody’s business! It’s incredibly effective at moving even the toughest, hardened snow piles that have already been plowed. We have had no trouble throwing any of the snow so far this year.
The Ariens Deluxe 24 is a two-stage thrower, and it performs exceptionally well with thick snow piles. I can confidently say it would have no issues with fresh snow, either. The two-stage system churns through the snow effortlessly, making it an excellent machine for anyone facing heavy winter conditions.
Driving and Maneuverability
Another feature worth mentioning is the drive system. It works seamlessly for moving forward, or reverse. However, I find it a tad slow in reverse. This isn’t a deal-breaker, especially since we hope the kids will eventually pitch in with the snow removal process and I’d rather they move slowly with more confidence. Overall, the maneuverability is solid, allowing for easy navigation around the driveway, even when driving into hard snow piles.
Simple, Effective Controls
One aspect I genuinely appreciate about the Ariens Deluxe 24 is its manual crank for adjusting the throwing chute. There are no gimmicks here—just a straightforward gear system that lets you spin right or spin left. This design means fewer things can fail, which is a relief for anyone who has experienced mechanical issues with more complicated machines. When we were shopping, we compared this machine to a similar Toro, and Toro’s joystick model for chute control left me with an uneasy feeling for long term durability. NOTE: It may totally be fine, this was just my personal impression when comparing the two options we were considering.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability is crucial when you live in a place where temperatures can plummet to -25°C or even -40°C. The Ariens Deluxe 24 is primarily made of metal, with very few plastic components. This is a significant advantage for those of us working in harsh winter conditions, as plastic can become brittle and break easily.
Things We Would Change
No product is perfect, and there are a couple of things I wish were different about the Ariens Deluxe 24. The auto-turn feature, for instance, can be a bit overzealous. When you’re pushing through thick snow, it tends to engage automatically, which can be frustrating if you want more control over your turns. It would be nice to have the option to manage the turning manually for a bit more precision.
Comparing to Other Models
While I won’t dive into all the technical specifications—there are plenty of videos and blogs out there for that—I can tell you that the Ariens Deluxe 24 is a cut above your standard box store offerings. If you need something to clear a significant amount of snow, consider the wider models available. They’re robust and will likely perform exceptionally well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a snowblower that can handle tough conditions and make your winter easier, the Ariens Deluxe 24 is worth considering. Its combination of power, ease of use, and durability makes it a fantastic investment for anyone dealing with heavy snowfall. While there are a couple of minor drawbacks, the benefits far outweigh them.