Ariens RapidTrak One Feature You May Not Know About

Using the Ariens RapidTrak Pro 28 to clean packed on, driven on snow. It has one feature that sets it apart from wheeled snow blowers.

[darrenwander]

Thanks to all your video's I purchased a RapidTrak 28 this week. It's a little more machine than what I really need, but it's so darn nice I decided to make the purchase. After the first two uses I couldn't be happier. And now the wife even thinks she might use the machine due to the "powered" steering without triggers

[PaulSikkema]

Feel free to leave a comment below. (I do moderate the comments so it may not show up right away) Thanks for watching and please Subscribe!

[AccentAlarms]

Paul thank you for another fine video. I just got mine all setup, can't wait for snow. I'm embarrassed to say that! lol

[steveh]

So I've been looking into Ariens RapidTrak since they were released. It's been >20 years since I last had a track-drive model, but I've been interested in going back. RapidTrak seemed to offer the best of both the track and wheeled worlds, based on reviews like your and others. Had a looong talk with a local dealer who confirmed the performance of RapidTrak and the excellent reviews he's been getting from customers. We agreed that the Ariens Hydro Pro 32 RapidTrak is more snow thrower than I generally need here in southern NE, but I want this to be the *LAST* snow thrower I buy (I've owned 3 over past 30+ years). Earlier this morning took delivery of an Ariens Hydro Pro 32 RapidTrak. It replaces an Ariens Platinum 30 I've been using for the past several years. Folks the new RapidTrak is an awesome machine! Sure I'd heard/read about how easy it is to maneuver, but you really have to try one to fully understand. The combination of 3-mode track drive plus the continuously variable hydrostatic transmission (no more choosing between a little fast vs. a little too slow and no more worn out friction discs for me) seems like just the ticket! And the faster forward and reverse speeds are a significant bonus. *Unfortunately* warm weather has melted all our last snowfall. But I love the fact that I'm looking forward to the next snowfall for a change.

[rodkoehler]

Thanks for all your info on Rapidtrak. I sold my Ariens 10-28 because after thirty years of use it wouldn't break down, but i'm seventy now and wanted new technology which would do all the grunting for me as i clear snow for the rest of my life.
Anyway, I got the Rapidtrak 24, because i have lots of obsticles to weave around and slopes. I love the rapidtrak feature, and the overall ease of maneuverability of this machine. It's done a great job on a couple snows we had that exceeded the height of the bucket.
I do have to be more careful to clear the chute at the end of a run, or it clogs, since the 24 has a very small chute. Totally happy with the machine.

[Drewg]

I love my new 28" RapidTrak Pro. Things an absolute BEAST. Just wish we'd get more snow 😢😭😢😭

[chrisssmallengines]

Snow blower does a good job. I have not got very much snow this year, up in Canada .

[VideosfromNH]

I just spent 3 hours replacing a broken spring for the drive belt tension. Was looking at tracked snow blowers while searching for parts diagrams. I live in a heavily wooded area with a long uphill driveway. Would love a tracked snow blower. Will have to wait until my wheeled Arianes 1336 dies though.

[shawngixxer]

Hi Paul, how do you think blower will last over time? Those tracks are nice and seem to do a great job, but all those moving parts concerns me, One little problem and I could put you out of commission for the winter. I own two simplicity pros and they are kind of old-school but simple. Thanks for the videos

[josephpuchel]

Hey Paul. They should have track Options for other units. Toro had the PowerShift on several different units one being 8/24 model. Nice video

What you cleared in 5 minutes would take my Yamaha 624EJ 10 minutes to do. Sorriest thing I ever did was buying into the hype. But I still have access to my 1974 Ariens which still kicks butt if I need it.

[junrodriguez]

Hi Paul, do you think that there is an advantage using the rapid track on a steep driveway compared to a wheeled one?

[brianbowman]

Ran my rapidtrak in some packed snow were the plow came through. It had warmed up and down around 32 deg and was pretty heavy and solid, but it dug in and tossed the snow pretty good. Only complaint is getting in and out of the deep snow traction mode to do turns, but it's still faster than anything else.

[kniveggen]

Hi Paul!
I'm in the north of Norway and we have a lot of snow here every winter.
I need a strong snowblower easy to use (to turn around, choose speed during use, etc)) and easy to start.
Between Honda HSS 970 ETD; HSS 1380A ET and Ariens Professional 28 Hydro Rapidtrack. Which one do you recommend?
I found some people complain about the AutoTurn feature on Airens (Tire pressure, heavy snow on one side, ice pieces... they could trigger the autoturn and make more difficult to keep the machine on track)
Thanks for all your videos.

[appleztooranges]

This is where my Honda hss1332atd fails. Not enough volume inside the housing so 1-5 inches it does nothing

[kukes]

Hey Paul I could really use your help or anyone else commenting. where I live we get on average 250 inches of snow a year. So we Snowblow a lot. I am going to buy a new snowblower this fall and was looking at the Ariens Rapid Trak Pro. It's a large purchase so i'm wondering if you would recommend any other snowblower? Thanks

[tercelfish]

I love my 30" efi but wish I had those tracks. Really looks like it grips.

[ilovepinktacos]

Paul I have the same rapidtrak and mine seems ri go over the snow, I will replace e the metal shoes as they are causing more resistance on the payment. I personally rather take of the shoes and replace the blade on the bottom to get close and possible on concrete or asphalt.

[chucklindley]

Paul I was mistaken on the age of the J.D.1032D it was new in 1996 for $1700 do you know where we can get new parts we will keep trying to get the new Kraken 32" when they get them sent out

[jpocketrocket]

They are a nice piece of equipment, I of course bought the new Husqvarna ST427 Track model, It has issues and I'm hoping that the bugs get worked out, I'll have it for a while till its paid for and then we'll see.