ariens compact 24 920021 manual

The Ariens Compact 24 (Model 920021) is a 24-inch two-stage snow blower designed for residential use. It features a 208cc Ariens AX engine, electric start, 6 forward speeds plus reverse, serrated steel augers, dual-stage clearing, adjustable discharge chute, LED headlights, and a durable steel construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls and Operation 4. Specifications 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Engine Care 7. Auger & Drive System 8. Storage & Off-Season Care 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 208cc Ariens AX engine, Electric start with key, 6-speed shift-on-the-go transmission, Serrated steel augers, Adjustable skid shoes, 180° rotating discharge chute with deflector, LED headlights, Steel auger housing.

Feature	Description
Engine	208cc Ariens AX engine, 4-cycle, OHV
Starting System	Electric start (120V outlet) with recoil backup
Clearing Width	24 inches
Intake Height	21 inches
Transmission	6 forward speeds, 1 reverse
Auger	Serrated steel, 12-inch diameter
Chute Control	Crank-handle for 180° rotation
Deflector	Lever control for discharge height
Skid Shoes	Adjustable for scraping depth
Headlights	LED for visibility in low light

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Handle Assembly: Attach upper handle to lower handle using provided bolts.
Chute Assembly: Install discharge chute onto housing, secure with shear pins.
Controls: Connect control cables for auger engagement and chute rotation.
Skid Shoes: Attach to sides of housing, adjust to desired height.
Add Oil & Fuel: Fill engine with SAE 5W-30 oil. Add fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before assembly or maintenance. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with controls before starting.

Electric Start: Plug into 120V outlet, turn key to start. Recoil start if electric unavailable.
Auger Engagement: Pull lever to engage auger and impeller.
Drive Control: Squeeze lever to propel machine; release to stop. Use shift lever to select speed (1-6).
Chute Rotation: Turn crank to direct snow discharge.
Deflector: Adjust lever to control snow trajectory.
Stopping: Release all controls, turn key to OFF, disconnect spark plug for safety.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from rotating auger. Never operate without properly installed shear pins.

Specifications

Model: Compact 24 (920021)
Engine: 208cc Ariens AX, 4-cycle OHV
Starting: Electric & Recoil
Clearing Width: 24 in (61 cm)
Intake Height: 21 in (53 cm)
Max Snow Throwing Distance: Up to 40 ft (12 m)
Transmission: 6 forward speeds, 1 reverse
Auger Material: Serrated steel
Chute Rotation: 180°, crank control
Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.5 gal (5.7 L)
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (0.6 L)
Weight: 229 lbs (104 kg)

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check shear pins, skid shoes, controls, fuel level
First 5 hours	Change engine oil (break-in period)
Every season	Change engine oil, check spark plug, inspect belts
Every 25 hours	Lubricate control cables, chute mechanism, auger shaft
End of season	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean entire machine, check for wear

Engine Care

Refer to separate engine manual for detailed instructions.

Oil Change: Use SAE 5W-30. Drain when warm. Refill to proper level on dipstick.
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-cleaner every 25 hours. Replace paper element if dirty.
Spark Plug: Check gap (0.030 in). Clean or replace annually.
Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane min). Add fuel stabilizer for storage.

WARNING! Engine is hot during/after operation. Allow to cool before maintenance.

Auger & Drive System

Inspect auger and drive components regularly.

Shear Pins: Replace immediately if broken. Use only Ariens replacement pins.
Auger Lubrication: Grease auger shaft bearings every 25 hours.
Belts: Inspect for cracks/wear. Adjust tension if slipping.
Traction: Check tire pressure (maintain 10-12 PSI).

CAUTION! Always disconnect spark plug before inspecting or replacing shear pins or belts.

Storage & Off-Season Care

Proper storage prevents corrosion and fuel system issues.

Fuel: Run engine dry or add fuel stabilizer and run for 5 minutes.
Clean: Wash off salt and debris. Dry thoroughly.
Lubricate: Apply light oil to all exposed metal and control cables.
Store: Keep in dry, covered area. Engage auger clutch to relieve spring tension.

Tip: Place a piece of cardboard under tires to prevent flat spots.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety labels and instructions.

Never allow children to operate.
Wear appropriate clothing, eye protection, and sturdy footwear.
Clear area of debris, rocks, and obstacles before use.
Never put hands or feet near rotating parts, even if engine is off.
Shut off engine and remove key before unclogging or adjusting.
Use only in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

DANGER! Risk of serious injury or death. Always follow safety procedures.

Warranty & Support

Ariens Limited Warranty: 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Proof of purchase required. For technical support, parts, or service, contact Ariens Customer Service or an authorized Ariens dealer. Register your product online at www.ariens.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, bad spark plug, stale gas	Check fuel level, replace spark plug, drain old fuel.
Electric start not working	No power to outlet, faulty cord	Check outlet/circuit breaker; inspect power cord.
Loss of power	Clogged chute, worn drive belt	Clear chute obstruction; inspect/adjust drive belt.
Auger not turning	Shear pins broken, control cable loose	Replace both shear pins; adjust auger engagement cable.
Machine vibrates excessively	Loose parts, damaged auger	Tighten all bolts; inspect auger for damage/obstruction.
Poor traction	Low tire pressure, worn friction disc	Inflate tires to 10-12 PSI; inspect friction disc.

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact an authorized Ariens service dealer.

Support: 1-800-678-5443; www.ariens.com