First look at Ariens 2018 snow products

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin – Ariens recently unveiled its Professional 21 series – a line of single stage blowers running at 1,200 rpm. 

The Professional 21 blowers have an adjusted handle and grip on the housing in order to be able to be lifted onto, and pulled into a pick-up truck easier. The equipment also underwent tumble testing to be able to withstand the use.

The Professional series will also be available with EFI engines for easy start up and efficiency.

“For this line, we went to our customers,” said Matt Medden, vice president of marketing. “At a visit in Chicago, we realized our customers were really having to lift this equipment into their trucks.”

The series was shown to Lawn & Landscape at a media event at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. At the event, the company launched two more contractor grade items:

- The RapidTrak is a track system with back wheels that can be adjusted independently from the front wheel in the track. This allows the track blower to maneuver turns easier and move faster than traditional track equipment. RapidTrak will only be offered to dealers this season, but Medden said he expects the technology to be available on more track products in the future. Josh Wilson, senior director of engineering, said the products underwent rigorous testing in areas with up to 300 inches of snowfall annually. Each piece of equipment was tested beyond its expected lifespan.

- The compact Sno-Thro has been upgraded with a 223 cc engine allowing for faster use. The compact equipment is designed for use on up to 12 inches of snow and comes in both wheeled and track models. Adam Stanton, production manager, said preparation for this year’s new products began in March. All fabrication and quality checks for Ariens products are performed in house. The products are on display at the Ariens concept store in Brillion, Wisconsin, where the company partnered with a local dealer to run their shop. The store also features STIHL equipment.