Forums Archive Index > Snowblowers-Reviews Only Please > 1970 Ariens 724 Snowblower Review
Date: 13 Dec 2005 11:11 am
This old monster has rarely let us down in 35 years. The original H70 engine worked flawlessly until the day it suddenly blew at 31 years of age. The replacement HSK70 hasn't missed a heartbeat.
Starts right up, eats anything we give it and well, it doesn't throw as far as the new ones but it meets our needs. Handles very nimbly.
Had a wheel axle weld break about 15 years ago, stripped a drive gear about 5 years ago digging deep into frozen EOD, and sometimes things go out of wack (latest was the auger getting stuck, before that the chute wouldn't turn too well) but with a few kicks and some grease it keeps on going.
I change the oils annually, maybe unintentionally abuse it a bit and give it a new belt and plug every five years or so.
It could use a new set of tire chains; can only patch so many missing links with bent nails.
I think this will still be in the family in another 35 years. Wish new ones were made like this.