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

Hi all,

      I had an old (from the 70's) Ariens snowblower that got lots of use! It truely was a great machine...very rugged! When the connecting rod decided it wanted to see the sun, I replaced the whole machine with a leftover Ariens 8526LE. This new machine has the pin that goes through the axel so you decide if you need/want 1 or 2 wheel drive. Now on my old machine, it work in a similar manner but we (my dad first) always kept it in 2 wheel drive. Turning it was never looked apon as a chore except when doing the sidewalk and you have gone to the end of the "nice neighbors" house and wanted to turn around! This ment you were going to have to step into the snow or make a turn around. When I blow out the driveway, I never did the 180 at the end...I would always blow in the same direction. Now with all the newer bigger machines, a differential or some type of turning aid has been employed. I just don't get it....unless you have a curvey driveway???, it would seem to add more parts to break. I just don't find turning a quality (heavy) blower that big of a deal...

Am I alone?

If not, what kind of terrain are you blowing?

my 926 LE has no trouble when turning during the blowing, however turning on 0 degrees is difficult. I mastered my own sharp turn technique, but that is still not 0 degrees. Basically, I stop, shift into 6th, start and turn, it turns really quicly and easily. Partly because the wheels skid for a few seconds loosing traction.