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

I'm posting here in hopes someone can enlighten me.  I purchases a 926LE  new this year.  I did the set up procedures to ensure all was good and within specs.  I consider myself handy enough to do that competently.  I live in the Minneapolis area and got a chance to test the new blower today on about 3-4 inches of very light powder with about 6-7 inches EOD. I will preface this post by saying I'm a noob when it comes to snow blowers, my only experience being with a borrowed John Deere TRS 26.

Now  I know this isn't the best test of the machine, but hey, it's what we were dealt.  Here's what was going on.  When I started out, I had 1 wheel unlocked and this thing was almost impossible to keep straight--ok, no problem, lock other wheel.  Now, it still wandered around like a half drunk snake--not wide fluctuactions, but like short jerks on a steering wheel in a car.  It got better as the machine ran, so maybe  it was just something settling  in.  The really dissappointing part was when I hit the EOD.  Like I said, maybe 7-8 inches of piled  powder.  In low gear, the machine climbed up and over the pile without really blowing anything.  Ok,  so next pass, I tried a higher gear, same thing.  It seems like there is not enough weight on the front end to keep it down.  If  I tried to lift up a little on the handles, the tires would  spin.  My neighbor's John Deere had  no trouble next  door.  It took me almost an hour to clear a 40x60 drive that is basically flat.  I don't know maybe I had my expectations to high.  After looking at the Ariens & John Deere side by side, the Ariens body is about 8-10 inches longer, which moves the CG point back due to  the position of the engine.  While that does help for moving the machine around the garage, it seems to be a problem in the snow. 

The machine also would only throw the snow about 18-20 ft, but, I'm going to chalk that up to power with no mass behind it at this point.  One other question---on the scraper height--I put a finishing nail under each edge & adjusted the shoes.  It's about 1/8' all across.  Does that sound about right?

Anyone have any similar experiences or at least tell me what I experienced today was normal. Thanks in advance

Fred & Nibbler:

Today, in broad daylight, I found the problem.  The wire connection from the headlight running down to and near the starter had unplugged from the internal wire  (best I can describe).  I replugged, taped it and then taped the wire to the oil dipstick.  I ran the blower to clean up last nights additional heavy, wet snow and the light worked throughout the cleanup in daylight.    

Thanks!

Not sure if I mentioned this before.  I have the Classic Cab (Deluxe) and it works great.  Last night, it was blowing snow with a mix of sleet and this thing kept me dry and sheltered from the wind!    I highly recommend it!  Watch the prices.  I found this one on Amazon for $79.95 and Sears wanted $109.95. 

A thought. . . .

My Classic Cab came with a vinal bag to hold sand (or kitty litter) as a counter weight to offset the cab weight.  It's designed to be mounted on the top of the auger housing.  I suggest you might fill a backpack full of "Play Sand" from Home Depot and attach it to the top of the housing using some kind of clamp.  My bag has two clamps that are held with bolts and it's very secure.  The Play Sand  bag weighs 50 lbs by the way.  I'm not suggesting you use all of this weight, but you can experiment from 50lbs downward.  Also, the sand is available (and replaceable) in case it's needed.

Clamps:  I would go to Home Depot to browse and be creative.