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!

I don't have an asphalt drive (mine is gravel) but I think chains would mark the asphalt up particularly once you get into sealing it periodically. I think most posters on the forum have found that chains aren't needed except for extreme situations. I have a steep section of my drive and find that locking both wheels works well. In heavy snow conditions using a low ground speed gives the auger and impeller a chance to get the snow out and you aren't as likely to bog down and spin the wheels.  At the EOD if the going gets tough you can take bites out of it by keeping the auger going (right handle down) and inch the machine forward by raising and lowering the left handle.