Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Ariens Compact 24 24-inch Clearing Width Snow Blowers

I can not figure out why Ariens named this snow blower the Compact 24 It's anything but small. Nevertheless, compared to a 42" behemoth I guess this model qualifies. Additionally, it's a good part of the snow clearing power of those actually big units. Here's why.

The Ariens Compact 24 (also called the ST24LE or sometimes only the 920014) is a two-phase snow blower offering - no surprise - 24 inch clearing width. What might surprise you - it did me - is how modest some of the other specs are while producing serious durability and power.

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For instance, it weighs only 178 lbs. That Is way from featherweight but it's unusually light to get a snow thrower that provides this degree of clearing skill. It quantifies 51.9" long x 26.4" wide x 44.3" high).

One reason for that skill is the 3-blade serrated steel auger. Having a diameter of 11" it's not the biggest auger around . however, it is demanding. It's becoming more common to make use of plastic these days.

Granted, modern plastic augers are lightweight, letting them whirl rapidly while needing less engine power. And, plastics nowadays are pretty robust.

However, they get chewed up pretty fast on gravel-lade drives or sidewalks. This one may get a ding or two (that could be smoothed out if need be) but it will never shatter.


Another reason for that high-powered operation is the 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine on board. True, that's not the biggest accessible by any stretch. Yet it has got the classic Briggs & Stratton quality and efficiency.

Those come from a gas-powered, 4-cycle OHV design with cast iron gear casing. The gasoline power will persist for a good long time - at least a couple of hours.