Ariens Path-Pro SS21EC (21") 208cc Single-Stage Snow Blower w/ Electric Start & Handlebar Mounted Chute Control

We bought this snow blower for its compact size and electric start. There is a lidded compartment for all the self-servicing it needs, and there are start up instructions with pictures. It has easily handled the snow we have had so far, including the city plow deposits at the end of the driveway, with a few back and forth swipes. It zips along as if self-propelled on smooth surfaces, may take a little pushing on bumpy ice ruts, etc. I like the simple sturdy chute handle, as there is no need for a remote crank, which has been flimsy or otherwise problematic in other small blowers. There were no small blowers available locally in January, so we ordered from Snow Blowers Direct, with a good price and free shipping. The machine arrived sooner than expected, so a good experience so far. Still waiting for the big, heavy snow that will be the real test, but so far, so good.

We bought this snow blower for its compact size and electric start. There is a lidded compartment for all the self-servicing it needs, and there are start up instructions with pictures. It has easily handled the snow we have had so far, including the city plow deposits at the end of the driveway, with a few back and forth swipes. It zips along as if self-propelled on smooth surfaces, may take a little pushing on bumpy ice ruts, etc. I like the simple sturdy chute handle, as there is no need... more

First let me say that Snowblowers Direct is awesome. Shipped and received in two days on the east coast. Couldn't ask for more. With that said, I unpacked the machine and everything looked good. I did the minimal assembly that is required and noticed that the remote chute handle was extremely difficult to use( lots of resistance to the point it felt like the handle would break). obviously this couldn't be right. I started to loosen the three screws that hold the chute on and the resistance freed up quite a bit but the chute was too loose (the screw heads weren't even contacting the chute base)

The cause of the resistance was the cover of the unit has a lip that the chute rotates on and the lip was distorted and slightly damaged so as soon as you tighten the chute there is a lot of friction as the lip is not perfectly round. Bottom line is I need a new cover. Contacted Ariens customer service and told them my problem and what part was defective. Most companies would send you a replacement part with no questions.

Some may want you to send the defective part back to them on their dime. Some may request a few pictures of the damage before sending out a new part. Well Ariens customer service wants me to load up a brand new 90 lb. snowblower and bring it to the nearest service center during snow season so they can evaluate what the problem is. Who knows how long before the service center gets to it. This thing is brand new never used! If I was using it for a season or even a few weeks then that's a different story. Very disappointed in Ariens response to this situation. This is my first Ariens product and well you can guess the rest of the sentence.

First let me say that Snowblowers Direct is awesome. Shipped and received in two days on the east coast. Couldn't ask for more. With that said, I unpacked the machine and everything looked good. I did the minimal assembly that is required and noticed that the remote chute handle was extremely difficult to use( lots of resistance to the point it felt like the handle would break). obviously this couldn't be right. I started to loosen the three screws that hold the chute on and the resistance... more

Machine works great! I'm starting my 3rd snow season in Central Ohio with it. Plenty of power, starts quickly even with pull start. I really only use the electric cord to start it the first time or two of the season. Deepest snow I've had was 10". It loads up the motor and you can hear it is working, but the deeper the snow, the better it throws!

I run fresh Sunoco 93 octane treated with StarTron enzyme fuel treatment which gets rid of the 10% ethanol garbage that is in all pump gas now.

At the end of the season, I pump the remaining fuel out of the tank, shut the fuel lever off, and run until it's out of fuel and it shuts off. Change the oil with Mobil 1 synthetic and put it in the shed. Fires right up next winter.

My only apprehension was the LCT brand engine, but it has performed very well so no complaints.

An excellent machine!

Machine works great! I'm starting my 3rd snow season in Central Ohio with it. Plenty of power, starts quickly even with pull start. I really only use the electric cord to start it the first time or two of the season. Deepest snow I've had was 10". It loads up the motor and you can hear it is working, but the deeper the snow, the better it throws!

I run fresh Sunoco 93 octane treated with StarTron enzyme fuel treatment which gets rid of the 10% ethanol garbage that is in all pump gas... more

Received two days after ordering. You have to install a few of the parts, the chute and auger control on the handlebar. When installing the control lever one of the four bolts broke and I used little torque. It is not as simple to fix as using a different bolt. It is holding with three but it should not have broke with the small amount of torque used. Like another reviewer, my machine also seems to have flat spots on the tires.

I'm sure it will perform fine when we get snow, and the engine seems robust. There is a lot to like, but I didn't expect these quality issues with an ariens, even if they are minor things.

Received two days after ordering. You have to install a few of the parts, the chute and auger control on the handlebar. When installing the control lever one of the four bolts broke and I used little torque. It is not as simple to fix as using a different bolt. It is holding with three but it should not have broke with the small amount of torque used. Like another reviewer, my machine also seems to have flat spots on the tires.

I'm sure it will perform fine when we get snow, and the... more

Used this snow blower for the first time in 4" of wet snow. Unit threw the snow a good 20'. Unit feels very sturdy, I like that it appears to be more easily serviceable than some of the others. Don't need to remove the shroud to gain access to spark plug.

Ordering from PED was quick and easy. Unit was delivered to my back door upon my request undamaged by Fed Ex. There were a few simple parts to assemble. Snow chute, chute control and add oil. Looking forward to the next snow and using my new snow blower.

Used this snow blower for the first time in 4" of wet snow. Unit threw the snow a good 20'. Unit feels very sturdy, I like that it appears to be more easily serviceable than some of the others. Don't need to remove the shroud to gain access to spark plug.

Ordering from PED was quick and easy. Unit was delivered to my back door upon my request undamaged by Fed Ex. There were a few simple parts to assemble. Snow chute, chute control and add oil. Looking forward to the next snow and... more

I wanted to follow up my review after a real test. We just received the 5th largest snowstorm in Chicago area history---19". My new Ariens saved my back (and back side) by performing absolutely perfect.

It starts on the first pull every time and runs like a finely tuned machine. It muscled through the heavy, wet snow with no problem and never stalled once as my previous Toro did all the time.

I am so overwhelmingly impressed! This machine gets an A+ and was the best decision I could have made.

Thank you Snow Blowers Direct!

I wanted to follow up my review after a real test. We just received the 5th largest snowstorm in Chicago area history---19". My new Ariens saved my back (and back side) by performing absolutely perfect.

It starts on the first pull every time and runs like a finely tuned machine. It muscled through the heavy, wet snow with no problem and never stalled once as my previous Toro did all the time.

I am so overwhelmingly impressed! This machine gets an A+ and was the best decision I... more

We just finished up cleaning up after the fifth largest snow fall in Chicago. 18 inches with drifts. Yes we cleaned three times, but it never quit and really moved the snow.

I even went down my block clearing the walks for the neighbors who had not touched them. Great piece of equipment thanks Snow blower direct.

I do like the snow blower and it operates very well. When we got it out of the box delivered by FedEx was left in our driveway by our front steps, which is fine except they did not ring our doorbell to let us know it was there.

Upon opening the box we found the orange covering has a crack in it. Because we were expecting snow we kept it. But it operates so good. Very easy for myself. a senior to operate.

I am very satisfied with it. Very easy to push along our 85 ft driveway and across front sidewalks.

I do like the snow blower and it operates very well. When we got it out of the box delivered by FedEx was left in our driveway by our front steps, which is fine except they did not ring our doorbell to let us know it was there.

Upon opening the box we found the orange covering has a crack in it. Because we were expecting snow we kept it. But it operates so good. Very easy for myself. a senior to operate.

I am very satisfied with it. Very easy to push along our 85 ft driveway and across... more

We used the blower 3 times with no problems BUT THE 4th time the engine stopped working which resulted in oil all over the garage floor!!!!!!! It is now being repaired and hopefully the warranty will cover all repairs since we only had it for a month. If this is taken care of in a professional manner I'd like to edit this rating.

I had a Toro for about four years that always ran rough and had trouble re-starting after stalling in heavy snows. I finally decided to make a change and found snowblowersdirect.com.

I found this to be a great site, full of helpful recommendations and information. I ordered the Ariens SS21EC and it literally arrived the next day.

After some quick and easy assembly I got to try the unit right out on about 4" of new snow. It started instantly and outperformed my old Toro very solidly.

This is a great machine at a good price from a great dealer. I am especially happy with the design of the Ariens product with the easy to operate choke and the convenient top access gas and oil. Get one of these!

I had a Toro for about four years that always ran rough and had trouble re-starting after stalling in heavy snows. I finally decided to make a change and found snowblowersdirect.com.

I found this to be a great site, full of helpful recommendations and information. I ordered the Ariens SS21EC and it literally arrived the next day.

After some quick and easy assembly I got to try the unit right out on about 4" of new snow. It started instantly and outperformed my old Toro very... more

First I have to say is I haven't put it to the test yet. Its still fall and no snow. First impression is this is definitely a midsize machine. It will take two people to lift safely on to your truck bed. Assembly was simple. Install chute with self tapping screws, but make sure cable is routed on top of folding handle, otherwise it will bind when folded for storage.

Follow starting instructions and it will fire on the first pull as it did with me. It comes with oil but make sure it's full before starting, just common sense. Another thing to adjust is the plastic scraper wear bar. Its held in place with 3 or 4 bolts. I adjusted mind so the rubber anger just clears the pavement for now.

There are a lot of good throwers out there to pick from, so the differences are probably like splitting hairs. To me I've always been a Ariens fan. This is my third one that I currently own. I wanted this one to be able to handle all depths of snow up to 12 inches.

Another note. The top access panel is nice. One thing though it's a little difficult reaching the all too important gas shutoff valve. You have to reach with your right arm inside the panel down the right side of the motor to turn the valve on and off. This will be harder with a winter coat. One other reason I like Ariens throwers is they like to put the larger diameter wheels on there units. That was one important criteria when I shopped.

Hope this review is helpful to someone.

First I have to say is I haven't put it to the test yet. Its still fall and no snow. First impression is this is definitely a midsize machine. It will take two people to lift safely on to your truck bed. Assembly was simple. Install chute with self tapping screws, but make sure cable is routed on top of folding handle, otherwise it will bind when folded for storage.

Follow starting instructions and it will fire on the first pull as it did with me. It comes with oil but make sure it's full... more