Charles- Your gearbox is fine. Ariens probably made changes due to parts availlability.Just cause it's new doesn't mean it's better. The new Ariens has more features than my older ST1236 but I have to say I like the build quality better on my machine than the newer ones made today. Your machine is fine use it and enjoy and don't worry abut it. - Kris

Ditto on the build quality...here and there.

Where there are added features on the newer models, there is less strength. I bought optional drift breakers for my 2003 1128DLE commercial which have to be added using a wrench which is inconvenient. But my drift breakers are more heavy duty than the new ones... but...how heavy duty do you need to be to knock down a drift? The convenience of the newer breakers is more important as they swivel out in position without the need for tools.

Take a look at the wheels on the new 28" model. They are more narrow than the 2003 models. That is a negative.

The auger gear case on the newer 2004/2005 residential models are a major improvement though. Much heavier duty than the old 2003 residential series.

The quality of the headlamps for the 2005s is better. They are equipped with halogen bulbs.

My 1970 cast iron gear case still works pretty well, so your 2004 should be just fine.....

FYI, I wrote to Ariens to ask about the redesigned gear case. This was their response: "The gearcase in your 924124 is a very reliable gearcase, and I don't anticipate you having trouble with it. As with anything else, products
are continually changing, and in this case we redesigned the gearcase to provide a product which is not only dependable, but easier to manufacture".

Dave Miller
Ariens Technical Service

It sounds like they found a less expensive way to manufacture the gearcase without compromising reliability.
Charles Ranheim

"It sounds like they found a less expensive way to manufacture the gearcase without compromising reliability."
Charles Ranheim

Charles- and do you believe that ? - Kris

I had to rebuild my gearcase on my Ariens ST824 last year. The cast gearcase did not go - the internals went. Cost me $100 for the new internals. Good thing though, the dealer had them in stock. These parts only lasted 20 New England winters!

I want a new snowblower - but can't justify the price, especially when the old one still continues to run just fine. What doesn't help is that I polished it when new and that has seemed to keep the paint looking good. How can I convince anyone that I need a new one when the old one still looks real good.

"Charles- and do you believe that ? - Kris"
I really have no way of knowing. I was hoping there was someone out there that had a look at the differences between last years gear cases and the new ones. I think Ariens products are good, and feel what I have will last me my lifetime. (I am 70 yrs old). My old Ariens is 35 years old and is still being used by my son in law to clear his large driveway. The only reason I bought a new one is because I was worried something might fail because of it's age. If that should happen during the winter, replacements are not readily available. Charles Ranheim

Too bad the company is not backing to weak link in their older product. THere are a LOT of nice big older Ariens blowers with bad auger/worm gear parts -- $100 for parts and a pain to change.

I have an old Jacobson with a simple chain/v-belt single stage with a 5hp B& S motor. It's great and dos the big jobs, but only has one gear forward and back. Trade offs.

Anyone dealt with replacing/installing a new tension/pin within the gear box without ripping it apart? Tight process thru oil filler/drain screw holes.