How to Operate Ariens Snowblower – Simple Guide for Beginners

What You Need Before You Start

Before you learn how to operate an Ariens snowblower, you need a few things. First, make sure you have fresh gas. Old gas from last year can cause problems.

You also need the right oil for the engine. Check your owner’s manual for the type. Using the wrong oil can hurt your machine.

Find a flat, clear area to practice. Your driveway is perfect. Make sure there are no kids’ toys or rocks in the way.

Wear good boots and gloves. Safety glasses are a smart idea too. Snow and ice can fly back at you.

Take five minutes to look over the machine. Find the choke, the throttle, and the auger control. Knowing where things are makes the first start much easier.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says to always check for debris. A hidden rock can damage the auger or hurt someone.

Now you’re ready. Let’s move on to the actual steps for how to operate an Ariens snowblower.

Step 1: The Pre-Start Checklist

This step is the most important one people skip. Don’t turn the key yet. Go through this list first every single time.

Check the oil level using the dipstick. It should be between the two marks. Add oil if it’s low.

Look at the fuel gauge. Make sure you have enough gas for the job. It’s no fun running out halfway through a big drift.

Inspect the auger and the chute. Make sure they turn freely by hand. There should be no ice or packed snow jamming them.

Set the machine on a flat surface. This is key for how to operate an Ariens snowblower safely. An uneven start can make it tip.

Engage the parking brake. This little lever stops the wheels from moving. It keeps the blower still while you start it.

Make sure the discharge chute is pointed away from people, cars, and windows. You control where the snow goes. Point it safely before you begin.

Now you’ve done the checks. The real fun of learning how to operate an Ariens snowblower starts next.

Step 2: Starting the Engine (Cold & Warm)

Starting a cold engine is different from a warm one. I’ll show you both ways. This is the core of how to operate an Ariens snowblower.

For a COLD start, turn the fuel valve to the “On” position. You’ll find this near the gas tank. It lets gas flow to the engine.

Move the throttle lever to the “Fast” or “Rabbit” symbol. This setting gives the engine more gas to start. You can slow it down later.

Pull the choke control all the way out. This helps a cold engine get the right mix of air and fuel. It’s like giving it a little help to wake up.

Turn the ignition key to the “On” position. Then pull the recoil starter cord firmly. Don’t yank it, just a smooth, strong pull.

The engine should cough and start. Once it’s running, push the choke control in halfway. Let it run for 30 seconds like this.

Then push the choke all the way in. The engine should sound smooth. For a WARM start, you usually don’t need the choke at all.

Just turn the key and pull the cord. It should start right up. Knowing this difference is a big part of how to operate an Ariens snowblower well.

Step 3: Engaging the Auger and Drive

The engine is running. Now you make it clear snow. This is where you see how to operate an Ariens snowblower in action.

To make the wheels move, squeeze the drive control lever. It’s usually on the right handle. The machine will start to creep forward.

Control your speed with this lever. Squeeze a little for slow, squeeze more for faster. Start slow while you’re learning.

To make the auger spin, squeeze the auger control lever. It’s on the left handle. The big spiral in front will start to turn.

This auger grabs the snow and feeds it into the machine. Only engage it when you’re ready to clear snow. Don’t run it on bare pavement.

You can use both controls together. Drive forward slowly while the auger is spinning. This is the basic clearing motion.

Practice moving forward and stopping. Get a feel for the levers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration stresses knowing your controls to prevent accidents.

You now know the main action of how to operate an Ariens snowblower. Let’s talk about technique.

Step 4: Clearing Snow Like a Pro

Throwing snow is easy. Throwing it where you want is the skill. Good technique makes the job faster and safer.

Always clear snow in layers. Don’t try to take a four-foot drift in one bite. Take a few inches off the top, then another pass.

Overlap your passes slightly. This ensures you don’t leave a thin strip of snow behind. It gives you a clean, complete job.

To change where the snow goes, turn the chute direction crank. It’s usually a little handle near the chute. Turn it to aim left or right.

You can also change how far the snow throws. Use the chute pitch lever. This adjusts the angle up or down.

For deep snow, go slow. Let the auger chew through it. If the engine sounds like it’s struggling, take a smaller bite.

If you hit a hidden object, let go of the auger control immediately. Turn off the engine and check for damage. This is a critical safety habit for how to operate an Ariens snowblower.

Step 5: Shutting Down and Storage

The job is done. Turning it off the right way is just as important as starting it. This keeps your blower ready for next time.

First, release the auger control lever. Let the spinning auger come to a complete stop. Never just turn the key with it still engaged.

Next, release the drive control lever. The machine will stop moving forward. Engage the parking brake to lock the wheels.

Move the throttle lever to the “Slow” or “Turtle” position. Let the engine idle for about 60 seconds. This cools it down gently.

After idling, turn the ignition key to “Off.” The engine will stop. Remove the key and put it in a safe place.

Turn the fuel valve to the “Off” position. This stops gas from flowing. It’s a good habit that prevents leaks.

If you’re storing it for the season, run the gas tank dry or use a fuel stabilizer. The Environmental Protection Agency notes proper storage prevents fuel evaporation and pollution.

Now you know the full cycle of how to operate an Ariens snowblower, from start to finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I see the same errors all the time. Avoid these, and you’ll have a much better experience learning how to operate an Ariens snowblower.

Using old gas is mistake number one. Gas goes bad after a few months. It gums up the carburetor and the engine won’t start.

Forgetting to disengage the auger before turning is another big one. This puts stress on the starter and the drive belt. Always release the lever first.

Trying to clear too much snow at once strains the engine. You might hear it bog down. Take smaller bites for deep snow.

Not checking for obstacles is dangerous. A newspaper, a rock, or a toy can become a high-speed projectile. Always clear your path first.

Leaving the machine out in the wet snow causes rust. After you learn how to operate an Ariens snowblower, store it in a dry place.

Ignoring strange noises is a bad plan. A new clunk or grind means something is wrong. Stop and investigate right away.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Here are some pro tips that aren’t in the manual. They make learning how to operate an Ariens snowblower easier and more effective.

Spray the inside of the chute with cooking spray before a big storm. This non-stick layer helps wet, heavy snow slide out instead of clogging.

Clear snow before cars drive over it. Packed snow is much harder to remove. Try to clear the driveway early in the storm.

If the snow is very deep, clear a narrow path first. Then go back and widen it. This gives the machine an easier starting point.

Keep an extra shear pin or two in your toolbox. These are designed to break if you hit something hard. It’s a cheap, easy fix that saves the auger.

Let the machine do the work. Don’t push it or force it. A steady, slow pace gets the job done without wearing you out.

After a wet snow, clean off the machine before storing it. Use a brush to get snow off the auger and chute. This prevents ice buildup.

Following these tips will make you better at how to operate an Ariens snowblower. You’ll work smarter, not harder.

Safety Rules You Must Follow

Safety is not optional. These rules keep you and others safe while you learn how to operate an Ariens snowblower.

Never put your hands or feet near the auger or chute while the engine is running. Even if it’s clogged, turn it off first.

Always be aware of where the discharge chute is pointing. Never aim it at people, animals, windows, or cars. Snow flies out with a lot of force.

Wear proper footwear with good grip. Icy driveways are slippery. Sturdy boots help you keep your balance.

Be extra careful on slopes. Go across a slope, not up and down. This reduces the chance of tipping over.

Turn off the engine and remove the key before you do any maintenance or unclogging. This is the golden rule. The National Safety Council emphasizes this lock-out/tag-out principle for all machinery.

Keep kids and pets far away from the work area. They might not understand the danger. It’s your job to keep them safe.

Following these rules means you truly know how to operate an Ariens snowblower responsibly.

Basic Maintenance for Long Life

A little care goes a long way. Simple maintenance keeps your blower running for years. It’s part of knowing how to operate an Ariens snowblower well.

Check the oil level before each use. It only takes a second. Low oil can destroy an engine fast.

At the end of the season, change the oil. Old oil has dirt and metal bits in it. Fresh oil protects the engine.

Check the tire pressure once in a while. Soft tires make the machine harder to push and steer. Keep them firm.

Look at the scraper bar and skid shoes on the