The 2025 Ariens Compact 24 Auto-Turn is a versatile, maneuverable snow blower tailored for homeowners with limited storage space or complex driveways. Priced between $1,000 and $1,200, this 2-stage, gas-powered machine combines a compact design with advanced features like Auto-Turn steering and X-Trac tires, making it ideal for urban settings or areas with moderate snowfall.
Key Features
- 223cc OHV Engine: Delivers robust power for clearing moderate snow, suitable for small to medium driveways and walkways.
- 24-Inch Clearing Width: Clears a 24” path with a 20” intake height, capable of handling deeper snow drifts.
- 40-Foot Throw Distance: Efficiently throws snow up to 40 feet, keeping cleared areas clean even in windy conditions.
- 11” Steel Auger and 12” Impeller: The steel auger breaks through packed snow and ice, while the impeller ensures strong snow discharge.
- Auto-Turn Steering: Enhances maneuverability, allowing effortless turns around obstacles like parked cars or tight corners.
- X-Trac Tires: Provide superior traction on icy or uneven surfaces, improving stability during operation.
- Remote Chute Control (200°): Enables precise, on-the-go adjustments to snow direction without stopping.
- Self-Propelled Drive: Features a friction disc transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds for easy navigation.
- Electric/Pull Start: Offers reliable starting options in cold conditions.
- 3-Year Limited Warranty: Ensures long-term reliability and customer confidence.
Performance
The 2025 Ariens Compact 24 Auto-Turn excels in clearing moderate snow (up to 12–18 inches) on small to medium driveways, sidewalks, and patios, particularly in urban or suburban settings. Its 223cc OHV engine provides ample power for wet, heavy snow, though it may require slower passes for densely packed drifts compared to larger models like the Ariens Deluxe series. The 11” steel auger effectively handles compacted snow, and the 40-foot throw distance ensures snow is discharged far from cleared areas, minimizing re-clearing.
The standout feature, Auto-Turn steering, makes this model exceptionally agile, allowing users to navigate tight spaces or around obstacles with minimal effort, a significant advantage over the manual steering of the Ariens Classic 24. The X-Trac tires enhance grip on icy or sloped surfaces, ensuring stable operation. The remote chute control (200°) adds convenience, letting users adjust snow direction without pausing, a step up from manual chute adjustments on lower-end models.
Weighing 190 pounds, the Compact 24 Auto-Turn is slightly heavier than the Classic 24 (180 pounds) but remains manageable for most users. The 0.6-gallon fuel tank supports extended sessions, though specific runtime data is unavailable, so refueling may be needed for larger jobs. The electric/pull start system ensures reliable startups, even in sub-zero temperatures.
Pros
- Superior Maneuverability: Auto-Turn steering makes navigating tight spaces or complex layouts effortless.
- Excellent Traction: X-Trac tires provide strong grip on icy or uneven surfaces, enhancing safety and control.
- Remote Chute Control: Allows quick, precise snow direction adjustments, improving efficiency.
- Compact Design: Ideal for urban homes with limited storage or smaller driveways.
- Value for Price: Offers advanced features at a reasonable $1,000–$1,200 price point.
Cons
- Moderate Power: The 223cc engine may struggle with very deep or heavy snow compared to larger engines (e.g., 254cc in Deluxe models).
- No Heated Grips: Lacks comfort features like heated handgrips, available on premium Ariens models.
- Slightly Heavier: At 190 pounds, it’s less portable than single-stage or electric models for very small spaces.
- Basic Lighting: Lacks an LED light, unlike the Classic 24, reducing visibility in low-light conditions.
Who It’s For
The 2025 Ariens Compact 24 Auto-Turn is perfect for homeowners in urban or suburban areas with moderate snowfall (6–18 inches) who need a compact, maneuverable snow blower for standard driveways, walkways, or patios. Its Auto-Turn steering and X-Trac tires make it ideal for navigating tight spaces or uneven terrain, while the remote chute control adds convenience for efficient snow clearing. Those with large properties or heavy, wet snow may prefer a more powerful model like the Ariens Deluxe or Platinum series.
Comparison to Alternatives
Compared to the Ariens Classic 24 ($800–$1,000), the Compact 24 Auto-Turn offers superior maneuverability with Auto-Turn steering and remote chute control but is pricier and lacks the Classic’s LED light. The Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE (around $1,000) provides a personal pace drive system but uses a plastic chute, less durable than the Compact’s steel construction. The Honda HSS724AAWD ($2,200) delivers greater power and features like hydrostatic drive but at nearly double the cost, making the Compact 24 a better value for moderate snow needs.
Verdict
The 2025 Ariens Compact 24 Auto-Turn is a top-tier choice for homeowners seeking a balance of compact design, advanced features, and reliable performance. Its Auto-Turn steering, X-Trac tires, and remote chute control make it exceptionally user-friendly, particularly for urban settings with tight spaces or moderate snow. While it lacks some premium features like heated grips or an LED light, its agility and durability make it a standout in the $1,000–$1,200 range.
Rating: 4.4/5
Agile, compact, and feature-packed, the Ariens Compact 24 Auto-Turn is a top pick for urban homeowners tackling moderate snow with ease.