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

Have a new Ariens 7.5 HP Snowblower. First couple of snowfalls it has done fantastic. We have a pretty steep grade driveway. Today snowed most of the day, so therefore had a few sets of tire tracks of the driveway. Found in that case it was easier to go side to side rather than up and down the driveway because it kept getting stuck in the compressed areas near the tire tracks. Eventually, figured out I need to lock both the wheels so they were both driving to get more traction. Any other advice to get more traction and keep the blower as close to the ground as possible? Would tire chains help at all and would they damage a 6 month old asphalt driveway? Also had similar problem at EOD - wheels slipping seemed the main issue - it is particularly steep at the bottom. Overall pretty pleased with it's operation - if I could just always get the snow off the driveway before a car drives on it!