Ariens 938022 Sno-Tek SS22 205cc Electric Start 22 in. Single Stage Snow Thrower

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Price: $449.99    

Product Feature

• 205cc Briggs and Stratton engine with 120V electric start powers through deep and wet snow
• Single-stage operation for use on patios and small driveways
• 200 degree chute rotation with quick-chute deflector for optimal snow throwing control
• 8-in tires for easy maneuverability
• Steel handle for strength and durability

Product Description

Includes Sno-Tek SS22 205cc Electric Start 22-in Single Stage Snow Thrower - 938022

Ariens 938022 Sno-Tek SS22 205cc Electric Start 22 in. Single Stage Snow Thrower Review

This was given to me as a gift new two years ago, so I'm grateful for it. And it works, it moves a moderate amount of snow fairly quickly. It can work with a large amount of dry snow (6 inches let's say), but it's a single stage, don't expect it to power through it. Once the snow gets wet, you really must slow down or it bogs down and doesn't throw very well. Hasn't clogged too much except with the heavy stuff. Electric start, even though you need a power cord, is nice.

Honestly, anything is better than shoveling, especially if you have a bad back like me.

It does have some glaring issues. Some of these might not make a big deal, especially since this particular machine isn't sold anymore. Actually, it is. It is also sold as a Snapper SS822, with some Snapper specific parts (Don't take my word for it, the lawn equipment dealer where I buy my parts sells Snapper, Ariens, Honda,etc. "All they did to make it a Snapper was paint it red"). There may be other brands this model is/was sold under, as most lawn equipment sold by big box retailers all come from the same manufacturer (AYP or MTD, which might be the same company now.)

First: They did sell this model with a Chinese made engine. LCT is the brand name of the Chinese engine and if that's a concern for you, look for one with a Briggs and Stratton engine. Mine has a Briggs and Stratton, which works fine.

Second: The scraper blade wore out very quickly ( 2 years) of light to moderate use. I'll blame some of the premature wear on the concrete/aggregate driveway I first used it on. And this is a consumable part, meaning it is supposed to wear out. My dealer told me they had a lot of problem with this part, so they upgraded it. The old part was $10-12, the new scraper is $29! We'll see how long this one lasts. Double the price, double the wear?

Third: The chute control is simple but cheaply done. It is a simple plastic chute which clicks into place and is moved by rotating the handle on the chute. It became stuck and I couldn't move it. This means removing the chute and shroud, all of which are held on by different size and style fasteners. Some are metric, others are SAE, which is frustrating and adds extra time to the task.

Water gets into the rotation mechanism ( a plastic gear with a metal spring to lock it in place) The water dilutes the grease, wearing it out, making it impossible to move the handle.

Fourth: The handle to move the chute is held on by three large hexnut screws. The plastic has worn away under head of the screw, meaning you can no longer tighten the screws to secure the handle. A big problem on the part you use the most.

Finally, there is no handle to help you lift this onto a set of steps or anything. It is awkward to pick-up by the frame.

This thing will last until I am sick of fixing it or rusts away. I'd be interested to see if the Snapper or any other variation on this model has better equipment, fasteners,etc. I know the Snapper has the chute direction handle on the main handle, eliminating the cheap ratcheting motion.

This machine has the same problem all "big box" power equipment has. It was built to a price point, making it nearly disposable. It's why I bought my Honda mower from a dealer and why I will replace this thing when it falls apart with a Honda or at least something sold by a power equipment dealer.

If you're desperate or picking up one used, buy this thing. If you have time, check out other offerings,especially at your local power equipment dealer if you have one.

****Update***

After doing my driveway a few times( 6 lets say) and the neighbors driveways a handful of times( 3 driveways 3 times), most of which were in decent shape, the scraper is worn out again. I'm not happy about that, it seems very premature even for moderate use.

I have given up on fixing the chute rotation. I have removed the spring that locks the plastic gear in place. It no longer ratchets, but now I can at least move it. It's so stiff that it doesn't even vibrate out of position during use. Again, we'll see how long this thing really lasts.

**** Update October 2013*****

I've all but given up on this machine. Last season, I hit an extension cord with it and it wrapped around the impeller(you've never seen a more efficient cord winder!). I didn't notice it and started using it again. It began shaking violently and plastic began flying. The end of the extension cord whipped around so violently and thanks to the cold air, cracked a large hole in the housing.

Obviously, this isn't the machines fault. But I just returned from my mower service center to see if it was worth fixing. To have them fix the housing, fix the chute rotation and replace the scraper bar(again) and worn out impeller is Parts alone are $135 and to have them do the work, another $100. $250 with tax is half way to a new snowblower. I'm looking at the Honda and I will have no regrets. This hasn't been a good enough machine to really warrant fixing, but money is a bit tight, so I might do it myself. But I am considering biting the bullet and buying a Honda A520.

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