Don’t Get Stuck in the Cold: Mastering Your Ariens Snow Blower This Winter

Published January 6, 2026

In the Berkshires, we don't just get snow; we get everything from light powder to heavy, wet "heart-attack" slush. While an Ariens Snow Blower is famously known as the King of Snow, even the best machine needs a skilled operator to handle a Cheshire or Pittsfield blizzard efficiently.

To help you clear your driveway faster and avoid mid-storm breakdowns, the team at H.D. Reynolds has put together these professional operation tips.

1. The Pre-Storm Setup

Preparation starts before the first flake falls. Checking these two components can save your afternoon:

• Skid Shoe Adjustment: If you have a gravel driveway, adjust your skid shoes to raise the auger housing. This prevents the machine from "digging in" and throwing rocks. For paved surfaces, keep them lower for a clean, "to-the-pavement" finish.
• Stock Up on Shear Pins: Shear pins are designed to break if you hit a solid object (like a frozen rock or a hidden toy), protecting your expensive gearbox. Never replace a broken shear pin with a standard bolt, as this can destroy your machine. Keep a pack of genuine Ariens shear pins in your garage.

2. Techniques for Heavy Berkshire Snow

When the snow is deep and wet, your technique matters more than your machine's horsepower.

• Take Half-Width Passes: If the snow is over 6 inches deep or particularly heavy, don't try to clear a full width at once. Taking a half-width pass keeps the engine RPMs high and ensures the chute doesn't clog.
• Watch the EOD (End of Driveway) Pile: The slush the plow leaves at the end of your driveway is the hardest on your machine. Tackle this pile as soon as possible before it freezes into a solid block of ice.
• Chute Maintenance: To prevent wet snow from sticking, spray the inside of your discharge chute with a silicone or polymer spray. This helps the snow slide out smoothly rather than building up and causing a clog.

3. Post-Storm Care

Once the job is done, take two minutes to ensure the machine is ready for the next round:

• The Cool Down: Let the engine run for a minute or two after you finish. This helps evaporate any moisture and prevents controls from freezing up.
• Clear the Auger: Spin the auger for a few seconds after you stop clearing to throw out any remaining slush that could freeze the blades in place overnight.