The Ariens 520 snowblower is built tough with a steel chute and 120V starting system and can throw snow up to 40 feet away.
While winter can be fun with the snowfall, hot chocolates and the festivities, there are a few challenges that come with it. One of these is the tedious task of clearing your driveway, which gets even more annoying when you only have a shovel to help get the job done. For this reason, it is wise to invest in a quality snowblower if you deal with regular, heavy snowfall each winter. One model worth exploring is the Ariens 520 snowblower.
Following is a detailed review of this snow blower, for you to make an informed buying decision!
Overview of Ariens 520 snowblower
Ariens is an established snowblower manufacturer known for producing quality equipment every year. The entire manufacturing system of all Ariens equipment revolves around innovative compatibility and easy usage; I can personally attest to that! The Ariens 520 model is no different in this regard; it is a chute-enabled design with self-propelled drive and has an impressive engine capacity; allowing you to invest in an efficient, compatible and built-to-last snow blower.
This particular snowblower is an ideal choice for individuals looking for some added help to clear out their driveways every morning!
Pros
- Comes with a steel built chute with 120V electric starting system
- Can throw snow up to 40 ft.
- Fuel tank capacity of 1.5 qt
Cons
- Does not include integrated hand warmers
- Lacks light options
- Is on the loud side
Features & Benefits
Following are features that make the Ariens 520 snowblower an ideal tool to have stored away for the winter months.
- Powerful engine
The Ariens 520 comes with a powerful 210cc engine in a compact form; allowing it to handle a large amount of snowfall efficiently. This snowblower features an innovative design and encourages user-friendliness so anyone and everyone can use it.
It’s an all-metal snowblower with an impressive four-way chute, dash and has a discharge chute gear available as well. It comes with both a manual and an electric starter. It also has a high-speed impeller which has the ability to move more snow per hour than many other blowers!
- Impressive blowing distance
If you want a machine that can quickly clear out your two-car driveways, sidewalks, patios and the lawn along your cars, you are in luck with Ariens 520. Not only that, this classic snow blower can easily be readjusted for gravel driveways. I recommend this snow blower for areas like Chicago, Pittsburgh, and the likes.
- Adjustable speed settings
The Ariens 520 snowblower comes with a quick turn chute that can be rotated 205 degrees, allowing you to blow snow on either side of the path you’re clearing. This feature is further enhanced by the six forward and two reverse speed control settings; giving you more control of how fast you want to blow that snow!
This is an important feature because if you live in an area where it snows a lot; a lower speed is preferable to go through the dense snow. If you get a lighter blast of snow, feel free use a higher speed to get done sooner. Additionally; the 13-inch tires and 11-inch serrated auger aid you in this tedious process.
- One-hand operation
The one-hand operation features the user-friendliness aspect of this snowblower; it allows you to drive the equipment with one hand and use the other one to operate the remote chute.
- Power steering
The Ariens 520 snowblower gives you a solid/pin lock designed power steering, making it easier to change directions; even more so when you couple it with the one-hand operation.
- Unique for every user
Ariens realizes that the machine is only as good as the user. For this reason, there are adjustments in various parts for every individual to adjust according to their preferences. The steel chute is highly adaptable and can be adjusted to 204 degrees. The maximum discharge of the machine reaches up to 40 feet, which you can operate with one hand. Similarly, the snow blowing range can also be adjusted according to what you think is appropriate.
- Precise chute construction
The chute construction is entirely made from steel; with a small footprint, self-propelled drive, and a completely electric chute rotation system. All these features make the Ariens 520 snowblower an attractive option to invest in.
- SIP fuel
Ariens 520 comes with a SIP fuel specification, which is a feature of the engine. This creates more fuel-efficient combustion, making every drop of gas count. Usually, other snowblowers on the market have carburetors instead, which are not as efficient when it comes to optimal utilization of fuel and consume more fuel.
- Skid shoes
The 11-inch auger, the clearing tool, is an essential part of the snow blowing model. Using it can be tricky, but the Ariens 520 snowblower has the feature of reversible skid shoes, which you can adjust according to your comfort. Made entirely from steel as well, you can use the auger for efficient performance and effective use.
These skid shoes are specifically designed to lessen hassle and hazards not only for the user but also the surface it is used on!
- Sturdy tires
The 520 comes fitted with 13-inch by 14-inch tires that are designed specifically for snow tread. According to many reviewers, the tires are ideal for this compact model.
- Ideal size
Before buying any equipment, you must always go through its size specifications; I vouch for this trick as more often than not, we invest in a machine that may be too massive for us to use with ease.
Thus, this Ariens 520 snowblower comes with a height of 43.3 inches, a length of 51.9 inches and width of 26.4 inches. It weighs around 180 pounds and has a clearing width of 24 inches and the housing height of 20 inches. It might not be the smallest snowblower out there, but it is pretty compact for its class
- Comes with warranty
This 520 model is not only compatible but also highly reliable; in case of any issues, you can always avail the warranty benefits. The Ariens 520 comes with a three-year warranty and five-year warranty for the gear case, so you can rest easy!
Customer reviews
Like all products, Ariens 520 snowblower is no stranger to good and bad reviews. Many sang praises of the snowblower and how it is so powerful despite its size. In fact, many have suggested this to others as one of the best tools to use after heavy snowfalls.
According to various reviews, the Ariens 520 is generally revered for its compact size and electrical system. Many are pleased by its option of one hand operation and variable speeds.
But, like everything; this 520 model also has a few shortcomings. Some customers reported that their models froze up and refused to start on some occasions and that for some, the price didn’t do justice.
Conclusion
Clearing your driveway is a task no one wants to do. But, if you have a well-designed snowblower at your disposal, the task can be easily done. Not to mention that it is important in your everyday life when winter hits!
The Ariens 520 snowblower has many attractive features such as good chute control, reversible skid shoes and many, many more. You can choose a lot of adjustable options and work according to your preferences. As mentioned earlier, it boasts a compact design and can be used by any member of your family.
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