Why September is the Right Time to Bring Out Your Ariens Snow Blower
According to climate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, the average date for the first autumn freeze in Saint Croix Falls and Dresser, WI lands between September 21 and October 1.
Leaving your snow blower tucked away in the back of your shed until the first heavy snowstorm hits a few months down the line creates severe problems:
- E10 Ethanol Degradation: Gasoline containing 10% ethanol begins breaking down in as few as 30 days. Water absorption leads to phase separation, leaving a sticky, varnish-like residue inside small carburetors.
- Parts Supply Chain Issues: When an early-season blizzard rolls through western Wisconsin, replacement parts like drive belts, friction disks, and shear pins sell out instantly across the region.
- Cold-Weather Starting: Attempting to pull-start a motor filled with cold, high-viscosity oil under freezing temperatures accelerates engine wear and strains starter ropes.
So, how do you avoid these problems? Simply follow Boyd’s Outdoor Power’s five-step September Ariens maintenance plan!
The 5-Step September Ariens Maintenance Plan!
Follow this professional guide to transition your Ariens Sno-Thro from summer storage to snow-ready status. With just five easy steps, it’s as simple as setting one afternoon aside to prepare your equipment!
- Drain Stale Fuel and Replenish with Non-Ethanol Gas: Prevents 80% of small engine starting failures.
- Inspect and Replace the Spark Plug: Ensures fast ignition in sub-zero temperatures!
- Inspect Drive Belts and Friction Disks: Avoids loss of drive or auger power under heavy loads.
- Check Shear Pins and Gear Case Lubrication: Protects expensive auger gearboxes from damage.
- Adjust Skid Shoes and Scraper Bar: Protects concrete, pavers, and housing metal.
Boyd’s Outdoor Power Is Wisconsin’s Outdoor Partner!
When pre-season maintenance reveals a larger issue, or when it’s time for an upgrade, residents across Polk County and the greater St. Croix Valley rely on Boyd’s Outdoor Power in Dresser, Wisconsin!
Not only do we carry the top mower brands, like Gravely and Ariens, but our competitive, low-APR financing plans make it simpler than ever to get the machine you need home on a plan that works for you!
Come visit our showroom to speak with an expert and experience our inventory hands-on:
- Address: 930 State Road 35 South, Dresser, WI 54009
- Phone: (715) 294-3014
Don’t wait for the first winter storm warning to discover a stubborn small engine. Bring your Ariens equipment to Boyd’s Outdoor Power for a comprehensive tune-up, or explore our full lineup of new mowers, snowblowers, and FIT trailers. Call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my Ariens snow blower carburetor needs to be cleaned or replaced?
If your snow blower only runs with the choke fully closed, surges (revs up and down repeatedly), or refuses to start despite having a spark, stale fuel has likely clogged the internal fuel jets. A professional carburetor cleaning or replacement will restore smooth operation.
Q: Can I use standard automotive motor oil in my Ariens snow blower engine?
Ariens small engines require specific oil viscosities tailored for sub-zero operation, typically 5W-30 synthetic oil. Summer automotive oils (like 10W-40) are too thick in cold weather and can prevent proper internal engine lubrication during startup.
Q: What is the difference between single-stage and two-stage Ariens snow blowers?
Single-stage throwers use a rubber paddle to scrape the ground and throw snow in one motion. Two-stage blowers use a heavy steel auger to break up packed snow and ice, feeding it into a high-speed impeller fan that launches snow up to 50 feet away—ideal for heavy St. Croix Valley drifts.
Q: What size shear pin does my Ariens snow blower take?
Shear pin sizes vary by model series (Deluxe, Platinum, or Professional). Always check your user manual or bring your model and serial number into Boyd’s Outdoor Power in Dresser, WI to ensure you receive exact OEM factory replacement pins.