domino, Sorry your first time out was so unpleasant. It does sound like the crate was not always upright - causing the oil to leak - but it's strange you found the oil level is OK. I'd double check that. Assuming you're turning it the right way it sound like some gorilla at the factor cross-threaded the bolt but socked it down anyway with his air wrench. Sears should fix or replace at your home to make you happy.
As other have said for smooth pavement the skid and scraper should be adjusted so that the scraper is 1/8 to 1/4 inches about the ground. Find a nice flat area to do this and (important) make sure your tires are inflated properly first. No way it should leave 1-2" unless it's blowing back in behind you.
One wheel drive will make you machine easier to turn but you will lose half the traction and it will be harder to keep it going straight. I leave two wheels engaged all the time. Dry pavement is tough but I don't have a big problem turning on snow. Are you pushing down to lift the front of the machine when you turn?
Usually I like to start in the middle and work outwards blowing away from the area already done. However, If the wind's blowing across my drive I'll start upwind and work my way downwind blowing downwind all the time. Nevertheless if there's a swirling wind and powdery snow you will get snowed on no matter what you do.
I wonder if you are adjusting the deflector too low. For best performance I avoid going much lower than 45 degrees. Keep in mind that the snow comes off the impeller almost straight up and will increasingly lose velocity the more you deflect it. That being said my chute has an inner flap to prevent snow from coming out the joint. Hopefully with the bolt fixed, scraper set right, and a little better technique you'll be in good shape for the next snow. -Bob
