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

I am going to buy the Ariens 7524E or the Ariens 926LE tomorrow (havn't made up my mind yet).  I live in Syracuse, NY.  I have been reading some posts in this forum and have got alot of good info.  I have come accross some posts talking about "tips" I could use further clarification on.  Can someone elaborate on the items below.

Break in period (how long, what does this include)

Break in adjustment (what does this include for the machines I am looking at)

Changing oil after break in (how long, what type of oil)

Waxing the machine (wax what, any special type of wax)

Lubing the chute (with what)

Running the impeller before shut down (does this need to be done each time, how long)

It is important to get an OHV engine (elaborate)

Thans in advance to anyone able to help me out.

Bob

I can help with the engine description. The two main types for blowers are OHV(overhead Valve), and L head. Here is a diagram of each:
OHV:
L Head Engine:

Keep in mind designs vary slightly. I would think OHV would be more powerful, but apparently L head is more reliable(and either way the 926 is more powerful), probably because it has less moving parts, also its tried and true.

Bob,

If you live in Syracuse, I'd get the bigger machine. Your blower and engine manuals will help you with your first 3 and 6th questions. I think it will tell you to change the oil after the first 5 hours and to use 5W-30 or Synthetic 0W-30 oil. I use the latter. You will want to find out if the place that you are buying the machine from did the initial 15 minute "run-in". If not, that process is outlined in the manual. It's important to do as the belts limber up and some controls may need adjustment. I thnk most people use automotive wax to wax the machine. For the chute I use spray cooking oil. Alot of people use silicone sprays, snowplow sprays, etc. Good luck with the machine.

Jonathan

Thank you BBgarage and Jonathan for the info.

Bob

Bob,

I would go with any extra horsepower you can get. ;-)

Bob question: Waxing the machine (wax what, any special type of wax)?

I just use an automotive car wax (some people use Pledge spray).

Bob question: Lubing the chute (with what)?

Some people spray LPS-3 in the chute, and I have heard of using silicone spray.  I do not use any, but at the end of the season I’ll re-paint or spray lithium grease in my Honda's metal chute.

Bob question: Running the impeller before shut down (does this need to be done each time, how long)?

I think the main thing is not to have your impeller be jammed with snow or slush, and having it freezing up on you.

My new machine tips: extra shear pins/bolts, correctly adjusted skid shoes, and scraper bar, never-seize the impellers and augers, never-seize the wheel axles and I also like to have a yellow headlight on my blowers.

Good Luck,

John