Ariens 520 Snowblower Review: The Compact Titan for Tough Winters

Winter often presents a significant challenge for homeowners: finding the right tool to conquer heavy snowfall without investing in a massive, hard-to-store machine. The market is saturated with options, leaving many to wonder if a compact snowblower can truly handle the dense, wet snow and icy plow piles at the end of the driveway. This uncertainty leads to frustration and the exhausting work of manual shoveling.

The core of the problem lies in the compromise between power and size. Many smaller, single-stage snowblowers struggle with more than a few inches of light powder, while larger two-stage models are often overkill for suburban driveways and a burden on limited garage space. The Ariens 520, a classic and durable model, was engineered to solve this exact dilemma, offering two-stage power in a maneuverable, compact frame.

Unpacking the Ariens 520: More Than Just a Compact Snowblower

The Ariens 520 is a testament to the brand’s reputation for building long-lasting, all-steel snow-clearing machines. Though an older model often found on the second-hand market, its performance and durability continue to make it a sought-after piece of equipment. It was designed specifically for homeowners who need the snow-chewing capability of a two-stage system but have small to medium-sized paved driveways and value efficient storage.

Its enduring popularity stems from its straightforward, no-frills design that prioritizes reliability and raw power over complex features. For those who need a dependable workhorse to tackle serious snow, the 520 remains a formidable contender, bridging the gap between underpowered compact units and oversized professional machines.

Core Features and Specifications: What Makes the 520 Tick?

Understanding the technical specifications of the Ariens 520 reveals why it performs so well in harsh conditions. Its design focuses on efficient snow processing and user control, ensuring it can handle more than its small size suggests. The combination of a powerful engine and robust all-steel components delivers performance that rivals many newer, more expensive models.

Here is a breakdown of the key specifications that define the Ariens 520’s capabilities. This table highlights not just the features, but the tangible benefits they provide to the user during a snowstorm.

Feature	Specification	Benefit for the User
Engine	5 HP Tecumseh Snow King L-Head	Provides ample power to break up packed snow and throw it a significant distance, reducing clearing time.
Clearing Width	20 inches	Ideal for sidewalks and single-to-double car driveways, offering great maneuverability in tighter spaces.
Action	Two-Stage	The serrated steel auger first breaks up heavy snow and ice, then the high-speed impeller throws it far, preventing clogs.
Drive System	Disc-O-Matic with 6 Forward / 2 Reverse Speeds	Offers precise control over pace, allowing you to slow down for deep drifts or speed up on lighter snow.
Construction	All-Steel Housing and Chute	Ensures exceptional durability and a long service life, resisting damage from ice chunks and harsh conditions.
Chute Control	2.5x Quick-Turn Crank (200-degree rotation)	Allows for rapid and easy redirection of snow discharge without stopping.

Real-World Performance: Can It Handle Winter’s Worst?

On paper, the specs are impressive, but the true test is how the Ariens 520 performs in real-world winter conditions. Its two-stage system is the star of the show. In light, fluffy snow of up to a foot, the machine moves effortlessly, throwing a clean plume of snow up to 40 feet away. This throwing distance is crucial for clearing wider driveways without having to move snow twice.

The real challenge, however, is wet, heavy snow or the icy, compacted pile left by the city plow. This is where the 520’s serrated steel augers shine, aggressively chewing through dense material that would stall a single-stage blower. The high-speed impeller then takes over, ejecting the slush and ice with force, minimizing the frustrating clogs that plague lesser machines. Its compact 20-inch clearing width and balanced weight make it surprisingly easy to pivot and navigate around obstacles, a significant advantage over heavier, more cumbersome blowers.

The Ariens 520 Owner’s Guide: Common Problems and Solutions

Even the most reliable machines require maintenance and troubleshooting. Over its long lifespan, an Ariens 520 may encounter a few common issues that are typically easy to resolve with basic mechanical knowledge. Addressing these problems promptly ensures the snowblower is ready to perform when the next storm hits.

Understanding these potential pain points and their solutions can save time, money, and the stress of a non-functioning machine during a blizzard. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues and how to fix them.

Problem: Engine Won’t Start

One of the most common complaints for any gas-powered equipment is a failure to start. With the Ariens 520, this is often related to fuel or spark. Stale fuel is the number one culprit; gasoline left over from the previous season can gum up the carburetor and prevent proper ignition. Always use fresh, stabilized fuel at the beginning of winter.

If the fuel is fresh, the next step is to check the spark plug. A fouled, oily, or damaged plug cannot create the spark needed for combustion. This is an inexpensive part that is easy to replace. Finally, ensure the starting procedure is followed correctly—choke engaged, key in place, and primer bulb pressed a few times if it’s very cold.

Problem: Not Throwing Snow Effectively

If the engine is running but the snow is barely trickling out of the chute, the issue lies with the auger or impeller system. The most common cause is a broken shear pin. These small bolts are designed to snap if the auger hits a hard object like a rock or thick ice, protecting the more expensive gearbox from damage. Always keep a few extra shear pins on hand for a quick replacement.

Another cause could be a loose or worn auger belt. Over time, this belt can stretch, causing it to slip under load and fail to transfer full power to the augers. Inspecting the belt for cracks and proper tension is a key part of pre-season maintenance.

Problem: Difficulty in Shifting Gears

The Disc-O-Matic drive system is robust, but its performance depends on the condition of the friction disc. This rubber-lined wheel is what transfers power to the drive axle. If it becomes worn down or contaminated with oil, the snowblower may struggle to move or change speeds.

A visual inspection can reveal if the rubber is glazed or worn thin. Replacing the friction disc is a straightforward repair that can restore the drive system to like-new performance. Proper adjustment of the shift linkage can also resolve issues with sticky or imprecise gear changes.

Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance: An Investment That Lasts

The Ariens 520’s reputation is built on its all-steel construction, making it a multi-decade machine with proper care. Unlike plastic components that can crack in the cold, its metal housing and chute can withstand the rigors of harsh winters. A consistent maintenance schedule is the key to unlocking its full lifespan.

Before the first snowfall, perform a pre-season check: change the engine oil, inspect the spark plug, and check the condition of the belts and shear pins. Lubricate all moving parts and ensure the tires are properly inflated. After the final storm of the season, prepare it for storage by either draining the fuel tank or adding a high-quality fuel stabilizer. Proper off-season storage in a dry location is critical to prevent rust and fuel system degradation; you don’t want a winter equipment failure to be caused by something as preventable as a leaky shed, where a serious issue like a roof caved in from rain could cause major damage.

Is the Ariens 520 Still a Good Buy Today?

Given that the Ariens 520 is primarily available on the used market, its value proposition is excellent for the right buyer. For a fraction of the cost of a new compact two-stage snowblower, you can get a machine with legendary durability. When inspecting a used model, look for excessive rust on the auger housing, check the scraper bar and skid shoes for wear, and listen for any unusual noises from the engine or auger gearbox.

Compared to modern compact models like the Ariens Classic or Compact 24, the 520 lacks newer features like auto-turn steering or advanced chute controls. However, its core performance—the ability to move heavy snow reliably—remains highly competitive. For those who prioritize build quality and power over modern conveniences, a well-maintained Ariens 520 is an outstanding investment.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Ariens 520?

The Ariens 520 snowblower occupies a unique and valuable niche. It is the perfect solution for homeowners who need more power than a single-stage unit can provide but do not have the space or the need for a large-frame machine. Its combination of a powerful two-stage system and a compact, maneuverable design makes it a versatile and effective tool.

This snowblower is ideal for individuals with small to medium-sized paved driveways who value long-term reliability and are comfortable with basic maintenance. However, it may not be the best choice for those with very large properties, steep gravel driveways, or those who strongly desire modern ergonomic features like power steering. Ultimately, the Ariens 520 stands as a classic example of quality engineering—a compact beast that proves great things truly do come in small packages.