Ariens recalls snow throwers and power brushes

A defect poses amputation and laceration hazards to consumers

By James Limbach of ConsumerAffairs

Ariens Company of Brillion, Wisc., is recalling about 5,700 Ariens and Sno-Tek snow throwers, and Ariens and Gravely All-Season power brushes.

A drive pulley can crack while in use and cause the auger/impeller or brush to continue to rotate after the clutch lever is disengaged. This poses amputation and laceration hazards to consumers.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Ariens and Sno-Tek brand snow throwers and Ariens and Gravely brand power brushes. Ariens Compact and Compack Track Snow-Thro snow throwers included in the recall are orange and 22- to 24-inches wide. Sno-Tek model snow throwers included in the recall are black and 20- to 28-inches wide. Power brushes included in the recall are Ariens and Gravely model PB-28 All Season Brush and Ariens 28-inch brush CE.

The Ariens power brush was sold in orange and the Gravely in red. The snow throwers and power brushes have the Ariens, Sno-Tek or Gravely brand name printed on the product. For all recalled units, model and serial numbers are printed on a white label affixed to the lower rear of the product, near the wheel.

Model and serial numbers included in the recall are:

Ariens Compact and Compact Track Sno-Thro 

Models                        Serial Number Range

920013                        124912 - 125271

920014                        142966 - 143728

920021                        003089 - 006233

920022                        000531 - 000712 

Ariens Sno-Tek

Models                        Serial Number Range

939401                        090112 - 090623

920402                        143967 - 146057

920403                        126501 - 127351 

Ariens PB-28 All Season Brush and Ariens 28 CE Brush

Models                        Serial Number Range

921025                        040600 - 040660

921313                        040163 - 040174 

Gravely PB-28 All Season Brush

Models                        Serial Number Range

921026                        040061 - 040079

Units with a black check mark on the model/serial number label are not included in the recall.

The snow throwers and power brushes, manufactured in the U.S, were sold at Home Depot stores and other authorized Ariens dealers nationwide in January and February 2014, for between $500 and $2,200.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snow throwers and brushes and contact Ariens Company for a free repair.

Consumers may contact Ariens Company toll-free at (877) 740-7060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.