Arien's??

[Ingersoll444]

Well I have to say, I know little about the Ariens tractors. But they are grouped here with the Gravelys, so figure I would ask a little about them.

Any one have one? How are they? I had looked at an old GT14 [think thats what it was called] when I was shopping for my first tractor, and have to say, it sure LOOKED like a tough tractor. Lot of beef to it, shaft driven deck, and snow blower. Tough stuff. How were they? Were they good tractors??

[bobodu]

The Ariens side of the family...well....we don't talk about them....
That's why it took three months to get a reply..

[bobodu]

The Ariens side of the family...well....we don't talk about them....
That's why it took three months to get a reply.. :eck15:

[bontai Joe]

The old GT series were great machines, except maybe for the fiberglass rear fenders that are commonly seen now a days all cracked up. They were able to handle a cat "0" 3 point hitch, and had full ground engaging abilities. Similar to the Deere 300 series of the same vintage in abilities and attachments (1970's to 1980's) just not as many built, so parts and especially attachments are harder to find. Their were also sold as New Hollands.

[TMK]

Hi
Sorry to drag up an old post, but I have an input that may be helpful. I myself own a Ariens tractor. It is a 936 series LT12 with 12 H.P B&S engine with a 32 inch deck. So far, it seems to be a decent built machine.:congrats: .Even though it is only designed as a lawn tractor, I have hauled everything form 150+LBS of firewood to a full 10 cu. FT. trailer of compost. It has even pulled out a few Mid-size trees, and moved a few decent sized logs in it's lifetime here :bannana: .The only bad part to the machine is the tranny, and the lack of power for mowing. The tranny on this machine is a peerless 5 speed transaxle, which has definitely not been the smoothest of transmissions I have used, but it gets the job done. The mowing deck will mow down everything, including small bushes and shrub :omg: , but if the grass, or whatever you are cutting with it is over a good 6-7 inches, the discharge will clog up. So overall, I would recommend the Ariens tractors, but make sure you buy the right one with the right H.P and cutting width when you buy one, or you will end up paying for it in the long run. :banghead3
p.s. if you want pictures of my Ariens, all you have to do is ask! :trink39:

[jodyand]

:Welcome1: TMK and OK wheres the pictures ROF

[Durwood]

First off :Welcome1: TMK. Hope you enjoy your stay here and please post often. As far as pics go we love pics so please show us what you got. :fing32:

Dur

[TMK]

Not sure if these should be posted in the Gallery or not, but please do move these if you have to. Apologies for the pic background. New pics of it playing in the snow should be here next time we get a substantial snowstorm! :trink40:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/129061/Ariens11.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/129061/ariens8.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/129061/Ariens5.jpg

Hope thses arent too large, I'm having trouble with the photo sizing :banghead3

[TMK]

A few More
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/129061/Ariens1.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/129061/Ariens2.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/129061/Ariens3.jpg

[Durwood]

Nice pics TMK. How much land you got there that you mow? I'm asking because i see these pics of a purdy tractor , but i don't see one blade of grass anywhere. :trink40:

Dur

[jodyand]

Thanks for the picture it looks almost brand new. :fing32:

[TMK]

Durwood-I have a little over a half an acre of lawn to mow here. Half is a field that is about .3 acres, and the rest of the lawn surrounds the house. That is why when I bought it, I did not want much more then a 32 inch deck.
Jodyand-Hard to believe, but it is about a 93'-95' tractor! It has had the original 12HP Tecumseh engine taken out, and replaced without he B&S before I bought it. To tell you the truth, I bought it used last year, but it seems like i've had many years of productivity with it. I can't even remember the days when I had to mow with that awful push mower now! ROF

[LPBOLENS]

I had a 1989 Gravely 1238H (which was really a re-badged Ariens) lawn tractor. It had a 12.5 HP B&S and hydrostatic drive with a 38" deck, bagger, and a 36" or 38" snowblower. All of the attachments were belt-driven.

It was not a bad machine, it was just inadequate for what I wanted it to do. Mowing 3+ acres with that machine became too much of a chore if the grass had any height to it at all. The deck on the machine would also plug the discharge if the grass was the least little bit damp.

[Ingersoll444]

TMK,
Thats a lot diferent then the one I had looked at. The one I was looking at was much bigger.

Yours looks like a neat little tractor though.

Welcome to MTF!

[draddogs]

Welcome TMK, to MyTractorForum.

You pictures of your tractor are as Jody said "looks new".As Durwood said we like pictures and more pictures.. Also post as much as you wish and enjoy the comradery
amongst the best group people anywhere...........

[TMK]

I had a 1989 Gravely 1238H (which was really a re-badged Ariens) lawn tractor. It had a 12.5 HP B&S and hydrostatic drive with a 38" deck, bagger, and a 36" or 38" snowblower. All of the attachments were belt-driven.

It was not a bad machine, it was just inadequate for what I wanted it to do. Mowing 3+ acres with that machine became too much of a chore if the grass had any height to it at all. The deck on the machine would also plug the discharge if the grass was the least little bit damp.
Hi LPBOLENS!
Do you have any pictures of your tractor by any chance? Thanks!

[Keweenaw4310]

I was looking for a used Deere this past summer and wasn't coming up with anything in my price range - free or cheap. I had the opportunity to buy an Ariens but I wasn't sure how their riders held up. I like their snowblowers.

I might give them another look this summer. My mowing season is from June - mid August, so I don't really worry about riding mowers as much as some people.

[bobodu]

I'll never pay anything for an Ariens since they buggered up Gravely...just like I won't own anything that says AMF!!! :eck16:

[bontai Joe]

I think that this was closer to the size of what Paul saw:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ariens-garden-tractor-54inch-dozer-blade-3pt-hitch_W0QQitemZ7734797442QQcategoryZ50377QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem

[Ingersoll444]

Yupper. That sure looks like it.

[TMK]

Yeah, There is a big size difference between mine and that one. Joe, that one looks liek a real horse!!! :fing32:

[greg_462002]

Hello everyone. My name is Ron & I also like the Ariens. I have 2 of them tho 1 is only for parts. I run an S12H which I believe is an early 1970's model. It is a heavy duty hydrostat with hydraulics. Tough as a bulldozer.
I have added a 3 point hitch & built numerous attachments for it. They include...a grader blade, a rear hoist, power angling for the front 54 inch blade, 3 point rototiller, a middlebuster & an earth ripper.
I have no complaints at all about this tractor. It is capable of any landscaping job I've given it , & I dont baby it...
I also have largeframe Bolens tractors & the Ariens , tho a hair smaller & lighter will do most anything they do. I dont know how to add pics, or I'd send some to you. Just figured it out, here are a few pics.
Good forum. Nice to have met you all.

Ron in Pa.

[greg_462002]

Just a couple more pics I found.

[greg_462002]

Middlebuster.
Also in the process of building a front loader & backhoe for it. Will post pics this summer when completed.

Ron

[Ingersoll444]

Welcome Greg. Looks like a tough tractor for sure!!!!!!

[dirtybernie]

:Welcome1: greg. i have an ariens here that looks like yours. the motor code reads 1974. mine has a 7hp briggs and a hydro trans. (the best part is it was FREE!)

what engine \trans do you have?

[greg_462002]

Hi Bernie,
Mine is the S series. S12H with the 12 hp Kohler & the big hydro trans. They are real workhorses.

Greg

[bontai Joe]

The S and GT series Ariens still fetch decent money when I see them for sale. They were as good as any others in their class at the time.

[greg_462002]

I agree with that. I gave 1500.00 for mine 2 years ago. Been well worth it tho.
If anyone needs parts, I have a nearly complete Sundstrand rear here from a GT16 & also a hood & nose piece.( The metal, heavy...one )

Greg

[greg_462002]

I'm getting ready to change tire sizes on mine. Gonna go to the 5.7/8 fronts & 26x12x12 rears. Will give more ground clearance , better speed & better steering & stability. Gonna widen the rear track by 2 inches too. All this is for the loader & backhoe I'm building.

Greg

[TMK]

Hi Greg :Welcome1:
Nice to see another Ariens owner here! A sturdy tractor you own, looks like a true workhorse! :fing32:

[greg_462002]

Thanks TMK, I like it. I also have a Bolens 1476 largeframe & a John Deere 212.

Greg

[dirtybernie]

Thanks TMK, I like it. I also have a Bolens 1476 largeframe & a John Deere 212.

Greg

greg. if you have pics of the others please put them in the forums. i dont own a jd but since ive been a member here ive been reading up on bolens and bought 2 of them! :fing20:
1958 ride a matic
1977 g9 w\tiller

they are both well built tractors and my next bolens will be a large frame. :fing32:

[greg_462002]

Pics of Bolens 1476 are posted. Try this link.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=17266

Ron

[Aksarben96]

Hello TMK . I have a Ariens LT12 as well . I purchased it new in 1999 While living in Mass. Its done well . had a issue with bad push rods twice was taken care under warranty. I did get the bagger which works well in all types of long or wet grass or leaves .
Does any one have information on attachments for them as far as things like snowblower or blade is concerned .weights ?