When you search “Made in USA” in the Ariens search function, the results return the US made Snow Blower with a Chinese made engine that can be used for deep snow removal over slopped terrain. Among other products, Ariens makes a Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower, it comes in 4 different sizes with engine horsepower varying from 14.5 hp to 27 hp; the 27 hp model is recommended for commercial use.
Note: All of their products are designed, fabricated, and assembled here in Brillion, WI and many component parts are foreign sourced. The origin of all of their engines is not known; according to a past website page, they source from up to 7 different engine manufacturers. It looks like the LCT engines are sourced from China; we just found this on their website when they describe the origin of the AX Engine: “This change is part of a larger trend that involves a shift of the entire engine supply chain for snow thrower engines from the U.S. to China.”
Looks like Ariens Company may be all Chinese before the end of the decade!
Shop Local: Where to Buy
My last Ariens was an 828 with a Techumsah 8HP engine. No problems for 14 years. Had a new rope pull and electric start motor put on a year ago. Worked for one season after that. I blame that on the dealer, not the machine. I didn’t have time to get it fixed again and was afraid of being nickel and dimed to death. So I just bought a Deluxe 28 SHO to replace it. Haven’t had a chance to use it yet but, most reviews are positive.
Only the engine is made overseas
I did some research on this last year. Ariens builds all their snow blowers in the United States. So they would be Made in USA. The engines are built in China by a company called LCT. Same company makes the engines for Briggs and Stratton as well as Husqvarna.
A couple sites I came across confirm this:
https://movingsnow.com/2013/makes-ariens-ax-engine/
https://www.snowblowers.net/ariens-deluxe-24-review/
For what it’s worth, I couldn’t find anyone making small engines here in the United States when I searched. A few commercial grade options did but that’s way out of the price range or needs for a homeowner. Hope that helps a little.
Thanks for the information Sean.
CHINESE SNOWBLOWER PARTS UNAVAILABLE
My research indicates very FEW Ariens snow blowers are made in USA. Even worse, critical parts may not be available for the Chinese made models. ASK to be sure. For example are the wheels (rims and tires) available. Three years down the road if a tire dry rots and you have to change it and bend the little Chinese rim will you find the rim? If the snowblower has 13 x 5.00 -4 tires, RUN don’t walk to the exits.
We are, looking to buy our first Ariens riding mower this spring. Very impressed that you are USA made. Proudly made. Continue to follow the footsteps of the generations before you. People like me feel proud to support your employees and you the company of the good ole USA. Never become the “walmart” of the US who lets greed overcome you. Dont send it to mexico or china. As most americans will pay a little more to support americans
Thanks
Sheila hull
You can talk about American made all you want BUT, with most every thing else it is NOT AMERICAN MADE it is assembled in America with foreign parts so to me, that is not American made. That is misleading. I will challenge you to debate any different.
Elvin,
You may wish to visit this page of the American Directory: http://www.b4usa.com/purpose/american-product-blog/made-in-america-meaning/
Assembled in the USA, engine and parts sourced from China.