So I want to do some maint on my old Ariens, just get some backup parts etc. Grab the model/ serial #s and go online and come out two hrs later lol. Found all kinds of info, history...there are forums out there just for snowblowers (and ANYTHING). Got it real cheap and well used in 88.My machine goes back to 1966! Well at least the tractor part, the blower attatchment is 1970, turns out my machine is a modular system that offered leaf vacumes, mowers, tillers etc, pertty kool haha. Also pictures of old snowblowers including mine that have been totally restored- yup sandblasted, rebuilt all shiny like new.I find it funny and interesting what some people get in to and good for them. Hmm, maybe next yr as a 50th birthday present for my lil antique I just might do a bit of restoration, no sandblasting but a good overhaul, she deserves it lol! And speaking of old machines this reminds me of a old mower. Back in the early 70s when I was akid my neighbor gave us a used Sensation mower. Needed some tlc and was one of the first mechanical undertakings I ever did.Used it for 10 yrs, moved out, brothers used it then it seized and went lost in the shed for 25 yrs or so.Few yrs ago was cleaning up around moms, rediscovered it was going to toss it to the curb but, any value? Fast forward to a response on Craigslist some guy was stoked to have it, rebuilds them and got me educated on Sensations and yes there are clubs/ forums on them too lol!

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Keep an eye out for the other mating equipment. Could come in handy.

Is it truly an Ariens or is it a Gravely?

 

Cause THERE is a rabbit hole you can really fall down into...

 

My dad had a Sensation at one point as well.  We always had the oldest mower in the neighborhood, my dad was either picking them up on large item trash days or buying them cheap at garage sales so i recall some various different designs from the 70's.  Wish he would have kept the Sensation.  When i was in an apartment i had grabbed a Snapper (I think) with a cast aluminum deck.  Stupid me I threw it out when I couldn't get it to work.  I should have at least recycled the deck (duh).