Sno-Thro ® Operator’s Manual Manuel du Utilisateur Compact Series Models 920025 – Classic 24 (SN 350000 +) 920029 – Compact 24 Auto-Turn (SN 350000 +) 920030 – Classic 24 Plus (SN 350000 +) 920032 – Compact 24 RapidTrak (SN 000101 +) 920033 – Classic 24 LT (SN 000101 +) E10 ENGLISH FRANÇAIS 09435500B • 9/21 Printed in USA
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Register Your Product!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SAFETY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Practices & Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emission Control System. . . . . . . . . . . . Required Operator Training . . . . . . . . . . Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Decals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Rules. . . . .
WELCOME Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the Ariens family! Every machine in the Ariens lineup is designed for long-lasting and unsurpassed performance. We are confident your machine will be part of your family for many years to come. Have Questions or Need Assistance? www.ariens.com A service manual and parts manual for your unit are available for free download or purchase at www.ariens.com.
SAFETY WARNING: AVOID INJURY. This snow thrower is capable of crushing or amputating body parts. Failure to observe the safety instructions in the manuals and on decals could result in serious injury or death. ALWAYS disengage auger, stop unit and engine, remove key and allow moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s position. Read these safety rules and follow them closely.
4. Notice Safety Decal Descriptions NOTICE: Indicates information or procedures that are considered important but not hazard related. If not followed, property damage could result. 1. CAUTION! Danger! 5. Important IMPORTANT: Indicates general reference information worthy of special attention. SAFETY DECALS The safety decals on your machine are visual reminders of the important safety information in this manual. All messages on your unit must be fully understood and carefully followed.
Complete a walk-around inspection of the unit to understand the unit, your work area and all safety decals. 2. DANGER! Understand how to operate all controls, the functions of all controls and how to STOP in an emergency. Danger! ROTATING PARTS! Keep clear of auger while engine is running. • Read operator’s manual. • Allow operation only by properly-trained adult, never children. • Stop engine and remove ignition key prior to leaving the operator’s position for any reason.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running (except when specifically recommended by manufacturer). Always allow unit and engine to adjust to outdoor temperature before clearing snow. Never operate the snow thrower without proper guards, and other safety protective devices in place and working. Operation Disengage all controls before starting engine. Always stand clear of the discharge area when operating this unit. Never leave a running unit unattended.
Avoid contact with sharp edges; sharp edges can cut. Always refer to operator's manual for important details if the snow thrower is to be stored for an extended period. Do not throw snow higher than necessary. Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary. Hand contact with the rotating auger / impeller inside the discharge chute is the most common cause of injury associated with snow throwers. Never use your hand to clean out the discharge chute.
Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Handle with care. Use only an approved gasoline container with an appropriately-sized dispensing spout. No smoking, no sparks, no flames. Always allow engine to cool before servicing. Never fill fuel tank when engine is running or hot from operation. Never fill or drain fuel tank indoors. Replace fuel cap securely and clean up spilled fuel. Never fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
CONTROLS & FEATURES 15 27 20 26 17 11 25 24 16 19 22 12 13 14 28 21 18 23 8 Models 920025, 920033 4 4 10 6 7 Models 920029, 920030, 920032 6 8 10 7 2 5 1 8 3 5 1 3 9 1. Engine Key 2. Engine Run / Stop Switch (Model 920033) 3. Primer Bulb 4. Fuel Tank and Cap 5. Fuel Valve 6. Electric Start Button 7. Choke Control Knob 8. Oil Fill / Dipstick 9. Oil Drain 10. Recoil Starter Handle 11. Speed Selector Lever 12. Auger 13. Impeller 14. Shear Bolt (2) Figure 3 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
WARNING: Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. See Figure 3 for all controls and features locations. ENGINE KEY Models 920029, 920030, 920032 Controls power to the engine. The key cannot be removed when in the run position. Model 920025 The removable engine key must be inserted for engine to start. Remove engine key to shut off engine. ENGINE KEY AND RUN /STOP SWITCH R F Model 920033 The removable engine key and the run / stop switch are used together to start the engine.
TRACTION DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (LEFT SIDE) DISCHARGE CHUTE DEFLECTOR LEVER See Figure 6. Allows unit to travel forward and in reverse. See Figure 8. Moves discharge deflector up or down to control height of snow discharge. Figure 6 DUAL HANDLE INTERLOCK Allows auger / impeller to rotate without holding attachment clutch lever continuously. Auger continues to turn until both clutch levers are released. DISCHARGE CHUTE ROTATION LEVER See Figure 7.
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER (RIGHT SIDE) IMPORTANT: Use fresh unleaded fuel with an octane rating of at least 87. DO NOT use E85 blended fuels; the engine is not E20 / E30 / E85 compatible. The maximum recommended ethanol content is 10%. Ariens recommends using a quality fuel stabilizer in all fuel. See Short Term on page 27. Model 920032 See Figure 9. Raises or lowers auger housing for various snow-clearing situations. 3. Check engine oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to engine manual. 4.
OPERATE UNIT Wheel Operation 1. Rotate discharge chute and move deflector to desired positions. 2. Select desired speed. 3. Engage attachment clutch. NOTICE: Stop auger when traveling between work areas. 4. Engage traction drive clutch. NOTICE: Release lever before changing speed. Adjust Track Angle Model 920032 See Figure 10. • Wheel Operation: Allows for maximum maneuverability and ease of turning for locations not requiring high traction. Squeeze height adjustment lever and push down on handlebar.
Set Axle Lock Pin Models 920025, 920030, 920033 NOTICE: Wheels must be locked in the outer axle holes when using tire chains. See Figure 11. Axle lock pins may be positioned so both wheels lock with axle rotation for greater traction, or so one wheel is unlocked from axle and rotates freely for easier turning. For greater traction: 1. Align both wheel hub holes with inner axle holes and insert lock pins. For easier right turns: 1. Remove lock pin from right wheel hub. 2.
SERVICE POSITION See Figure 12. WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Before tipping unit, close fuel valve and drain fuel from tank and fuel system. (Refer to engine manual for instructions.) Make sure unit is secure and will not tip. • • As Needed Annually Your Ariens dealer can provide service and adjustments to keep your unit operating at peak efficiency. Contact an authorized engine manufacturer’s service center for engine service. Every 25 hrs. Service Performed Every 5 hrs.
ADD FUEL STABILIZER CHECK ENGINE OIL Add fuel stabilizer to gasoline at time of purchase to help ensure the best performance over the life of that fuel. See Short Term on page 27. NOTICE: Engine oil level must be maintained at correct level or engine damage may occur. Refer to engine manual. CHECK DUAL HANDLE INTERLOCK Refer to engine manual. CHANGE ENGINE OIL 1. Stop engine. 2. Engage attachment clutch and then the traction drive clutch. 3. Release the attachment clutch lever.
LUBRICATE UNIT Ariens recommends using Ariens Hi-Temp Grease or equivalent (see Service Parts) to lubricate fittings. Lubricate each season or every 25 hours of operation. 1 IMPORTANT: Wipe each fitting clean before and after lubrication. Remove Bottom Cover Models 920025, 920029, 920030, 920033 1. Place unit in service position. See Figure 12. 2. Remove six hex bolts retaining cover and remove cover. Save for reinstallation. Model 920032 See Figure 14. 1. Place unit in service position. See Figure 12.
Lubricate Unit Model 920032 Use the following key for all lubrication procedures. Grease Oil * = Lubricate on Both Sides Traction Drive 1. Lubricate as shown in Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. 2. DO NOT allow grease or oil to contact friction disc, friction plate or belts. 3. Reinstall bottom cover and return unit to operating position.
7. Tighten bolts to 7.9 N•m – 16.5 N•m (5.8 lb-ft – 12.2 lb-ft). If a torque wrench is unavailable, tighten bolts until they no longer spin freely. DO NOT overtighten. Model 920029 * * * Figure 19 * Figure 21 Model 920029 ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. ADJUST SCRAPER BLADE The auger housing may be damaged if blade wears down too much. 1. Tip unit back onto handlebar, support auger housing and loosen nuts retaining blade. 2.
ADJUST SKID SHOES See Figure 22. 1. Place unit on a hard, flat surface. 2. Place a spacer under each scraper blade end. • Use two 3 mm (1/8") thick spacers for hard, smooth surfaces. • Use two 13 mm (1/2") thick spacers for uneven or gravel surfaces. 3. Loosen skid shoe hardware and lower skid shoes to contact surface. Adjust both shoes equally. 4. Tighten skid shoe hardware. See Figure 24. 2. Align shear bolt holes in auger with shear bolt holes in the shaft. 3. Insert bolts through holes. 4.
If deflector does not follow full range of travel: 1. Position deflector control in the rear-most position. 2. Adjust nuts on chute cable. See Figure 26. • To adjust deflector lower, loosen lower nut and tighten upper nut. • To adjust deflector higher, loosen upper nut and tighten lower nut. ADJUST DISCHARGE CHUTE See Figure 27. If discharge chute does not stay in selected position, tighten nut on carriage bolt. 1 2 3 Figure 27 ADJUST SPEED SELECTOR LEVER 1. Chute Cable 2. Upper Adjustment Nut 3.
b. Stop unit, position speed selector lever in the first reverse position and engage traction drive clutch. Unit should move in reverse. c. Stop unit. If unit does not travel correctly, repeat adjustments. 1 2 3 1 3 2 4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. Attachment Clutch Cable 2. Cable Adjustment Barrel 3. Jam Nut Figure 29 5 Shift Rod Adjustment Pivot Pin Speed Selector Arm Hairpin Jam Nut Figure 28 5. With the attachment clutch disengaged, make sure auger idler arm lightly touches the frame. See Figure 30.
Check Attachment Idler Arm Roller Clearance 1. Place unit in service position and remove bottom cover. See Remove Bottom Cover on page 16. 2. Engage attachment clutch and check the clearance between the frame and plastic roller on the lower end of the attachment idler arm. Roller should be 12.7 mm – 22.2 mm (1/2" – 7/8") from the frame. See Figure 31. Figure 32 Check Attachment Brake With the attachment clutch disengaged, brake pad must contact attachment belt or pulley, whichever is closest.
Check Belt Finger Clearance 1 See Figure 34. With attachment clutch engaged, the belt finger located opposite the belt idler must be less than 3.2 mm (1/8") from belts, but must not touch the belts. To adjust belt finger: 1. Remove belt cover. 2. Loosen bolts and move belt finger to correct position. 3. Tighten bolts and recheck belt finger clearance. 4. Reinstall belt cover and tighten hardware. 2 3 1. Traction Drive Clutch Cable 2. Cable Adjustment Barrel 3. Jam Nut Figure 35 4.
ADJUST HEIGHT-ADJUSTMENT CABLE Model 920032 See Figure 37. NOTICE: Make sure height adjuster lock finger is fully engaged before making adjustments. 1. Loosen jam nuts on cable adjustment barrel. 2. Tighten right jam nut to remove slack between adjustment barrel and cable eyelet. 3. Tighten left jam nut. 1 2 6 5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Probable Cause Engine is turned off (Models 920025, 920029, 920030, 920032). Engine switch is in stop position (Model 920033). Engine key is not in unit. Choke is off. Fuel valve is closed. Fuel tank is empty. Engine will not Engine is not primed. start. Engine starts hard or runs poorly. Engine stops. Unit runs briefly then stops. Correction Turn engine key to run position or insert key. See Engine Key on page 9. Push engine switch to run position.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Probable Cause Friction disc is worn. Correction Replace friction disc. Refer to the service manual for your unit. Traction drive cable is not Remove slack from cable. See Adjust adjusted correctly. Traction Drive Clutch on page 23. Unit does not Traction belt is not functioning. Repair or replace traction drive belt. Refer drive forward or to the service manual for your unit. in reverse. Speed selector is not adjusted Adjust speed selector. See Adjust Speed correctly.
LONG TERM STORAGE WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. SHORT TERM 1. Run auger / impeller for a few minutes to remove loose or melting snow and prevent impeller from freezing. 2. Tighten all hardware to correct specifications. 3. Inspect unit for visible signs of wear or damage. Repair as needed. 4. Apply a light layer of oil or anti-rust compound on bare metal areas. 5. Prepare fuel system for storage.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number Description 920025 920029 920030 Classic 24 Compact 24 Auto-Turn Classic 24 Plus Ariens AX208 120V Engine Gross Torque* – N•m (lb-ft) 3 3 Displacement – cm (in ) 12.9 (9.5) 13.6 (10.0) 208.0 (12.7) 223.0 (13.6) Maximum RPM – No load 3600 ± 100 Electric Start 120V Fuel Tank Capacity – liter (qt) Headlight Ariens AX120V 1.4 (1.5) N/A Halogen N/A Chute Chute Rotation Angle 205° Rotation Control 2.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number Description Engine 920032 920033 Compact 24 RapidTrak Classic 24 LT Ariens AX120V Ariens AX179 Gross Torque* – N•m (lb-ft) 13.6 (10.0) 11.3 (8.3) Displacement – cm3 (in3) 223.0 (13.6) 179.0 (10.9) Maximum RPM – No load 3600 ± 100 Electric Start 120V Fuel Tank Capacity – liter (qt) 1.4 (1.5) Headlight LED N/A Chute Chute Rotation Angle 205° Rotation Control 2.5X Quick Turn Deflector Control In-dash Lever Auger Snow Clearing Width – cm (in) 61.0 (24.
Warran ty Outdoor Power Equipment Limited Warranty AriensCo warrants to the original purchaser that Ariens brand products purchased on or after 1/1/2021 will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the time period noted in the chart below. Equipment put to personal use around a single household or residence is considered “Residential Use.” Equipment put to any business use (agricultural, commercial, or industrial) or used at multiple locations is considered “Commercial Use.
Exclusions and Limitations The charts below detail special exclusions and limitations to this warranty. Warranty Term Exclusions Warranty Period Air filters, auger paddles, brake arms, brake linings, brake shoes, brushes, cutters, fuel filters, halogen headlights, knives, halogen light bulbs, lubricants, mower blades, oil, oil filters, spark plugs, scraper blades, shear bolts and skid shoes. Components are not covered under warranty. Hydro-Gear Transaxle Limitation See Hydro-Gear warranty.
Engines The chart below details engine warranty information. Engine warranty terms may vary from the specific terms of this warranty. If inconsistent, the terms of the engine warranty shall apply to the engine and its component parts. Engine Manufacturer Detail Ariens AX Ariens-branded engines are warranted by the manufacturer and the warranty is administrated by AriensCo. Refer to the engine manual or www.ariens.com for warranty statements.
Disclaimer AriensCo may from time to time change the design of its products. Nothing contained in this warranty shall be construed as obligating the AriensCo to incorporate such design changes into previously manufactured products, nor shall such changes be construed as an admission that previous designs were defective.
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