Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have been lurking here a couple of weeks. Thanks to all for the useful posts.

I had boiled my shopping decision down to the Toro 828LXE and the Ariens (either the 1128LE or the 926DLE). After this, I found this site and learned that at least a few others have boiled their decisions down to the same machines. This site became extremely helpful to my purchasing decision rather quickly...

The Ariens appeared better built than the Toros overall (not to say the Toro was a slouch as it blew away the construction of all the AYP and MTD machines I looked at). I started with the 1128 as it was about the same price as the 828LXE. The Ariens controls were all just as easy to use as the Toros on the samples I looked at and I liked the all steel construction on the chute and levers. None of the floor models exhibited problems with the chute control that one poster mentioned here. I also liked the larger auger and impeller and the OHV engine. Still, the Toro was nice and I really favor their products, so I remained on the fence for a bit. Then I checked out the DLE with the traction control and that iced it. What a great feature that is. Easy to maneuver all the time. Nice.

Took delivery today. The gentleman gave me a once over of the machine which was nice. Started right up and ran great.

I will mention however, the chute on my unit is binding (figures, huh?) in the down postion when I move it up and down with the dash lever. Left to right is no problem - works great. I cannot see any metal on metal contact points, so I think it is a tight hinge. I am hoping that it "breaks in" over time, but made the dealer aware of it anyhow. They said that if it persists, they will take care of it no problem. That makes me feel good about the dealer.

Thanks again to all who unknowingly helped me out with the decision!

K

kbog wrote:

kbog,  I noticed the chute deflector was binding on a couple of Ariens at the dealer. Mine included. I waxed the outsie (and inside) of the chute base and now it works fine. The chute deflector itself is the culprit . The "ears" ot the deflector are binding on the chute base. You may also want to check the spring return on the cable. Hope this helps.

That's interesting.  Thanks for the advice.  I will try it tomorrow and report back.

I grease the chute track. The Ariens maintenance guide shows to apply "heavy oil" at a couple points.

Well the wax job did fix the problem.  It is indeed the flange on the discharge chute that rub the top deflector when it is pointed down.  There is increased wear on the points of contact, but the wax seems to have things working perfectly. 

Thanks for the tips everybody.

The sticky deflector seems to be a common prolem.  Mine worked fine when I first got it but stuck the first time I tried to blow snow.  I agree it looks like the chute flares out and is causing the deflector to bind.  I spayed a little WD-40 on the hinge and along the sides of the chute and it's working now.