Vintage snowblower

[turbokev]

I just picked up this cool old Ariens SnoThro machine.. Top of the line 10970 with the 'big' engine and locking differential.




Still trying to pinpoint the year.. It was sold to me as a 1966, but the engine serial number is 8290 16946, which I think may be Oct 17th, 1968 (290th day of 68)

Original paint..fires up on the first pull and runs great.. I've got a plow truck but wanted a 24" blower for making paths to the oil tanks, the chicken coop etc.

It's kinda cool for an old machine.. I'm actually looking forward to snow so I can try it out.. never had a snow blower before~





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[nhdungeonracer]

I'm sure you know this, but I'm gonna tell you anyways (it's what friends do sometimes :D )

If the auger or blower gets clogged, SHUT THE MOTOR OFF before sticking your hand or tool in there to clear it out. I've heard too many stories (one being a nephew) where guys stick their hand in, and the auger or blower engages. I think you can guess the result (trip to hospital).

Otherwise, enjoy it. Just be warned that when the snow is dry and it's a little windy, you may be wearing the snow you're blowing... :lol:

[turbokev]

Thanks Dickie.. Never hurts to be reminded to not be foolish :D

Spent the last hour researching the machine and think I've got it nailed down..

Tecumseh engines at that time did date code by those first 4 numbers, so I was right.
Motor was built Oct 17th, 1968

In 1968 this model was called the 10M6D.. In 1969 it chaged to 10970





So it looks like I've got a 1969 machine.. Now if only I could find this mower deck and seat attachment for it~ :lol:




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[bobbyraz49]

YUP !!!
I just got my snow blower ready for another Buffalo winter.
Waxing my machine is a yearly must !!! It works great !!
Then I silicone spray the chute and inside the auger.
Last winter was a bad one, but the 2 years prior I only used it a combined 3 times.
Stay safe !

[TuscoTodd]

That is a clean lookin' machine! :D

My parents have one of nearly the same vintage and it still runs like a top!
If you live in an area that gets hard packed and deep drifts, it is highly advantageous to have someone standing on top of the drift breaking it down with a shovel - but other than that, if the snow is dry, it will eat it up like nobodies business! :D

[VenturaAlfa]

I'm curious, what is this "snow" stuff you speak of :lol: ? I have heard tell of it before but here in California we have only warm and dry. Once in a great while we have tears from heaven that come down but even those only fall a couple of days a year and lately, not much at all as you may have heard. :whistle:

Just kidding, really cool old snowblower. I lived in Mammoth for years and worked for the ski area, I could have used one of those on many mornings during the winter. Probably why I prefer the coast now. :music-rockout:

Ventura Alfa

[turbokev]

I posted it on a snowblower forum that has a large Ariens following.. and someone on there who has a whole website dedicated to these early models identified it as a 1968..
The motor date code, the thrower attachment serial number and the design of the gear that turns the chute all say it's a '68..
Who am I to argue LOL.. All I know is that it's cool in a retro sort of way..

[ccobra]

I think I'll stick to the way I used to test snowblowers when I worked for Kubota, I would set the unit in a tank of water and watch the water fly. And that was with the temperatures in the 80's. I did have to go up to Big Bear once to test one, after I got home I took a very hot bath for a long time just to warm up. That's why I left Indiana.