This message is to thank Marty and PK for their advice. I did check with Simplicity's technical department in Wisconsin to discuss the "problem" and was told that it could very well be the case that the belt needs to be "run in" by a first full use. The "tech" agreed with the dealer and stated that I should use the machine and see if the problem persists.
I tried the machine out again this morning. The temperature was much colder and, in fact, there was no recurrence of the auger problem. The machine performed well. However, your advice is well taken and I will be persistent in getting any service required in the future, which should not be a problem as the dealer has a good reputation locally. For now, it seems reasonable to wait and see how the machine passes its first test.
tmac
