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

I bought this machine because I needed a rugged machine that would last me. I would rather purchase a "Tim Taylor" machine rather than fuss with an inferior one. This beast has 13hp, 36" wide, locking diff, heated hand grips, light, elec start, ect.... I have a 100 foot paved driveway. It has snowed 4 times since I purchased it, and it has broke down on me 3 times.  everything from a factory recall that i wasnt notified of, so it burned belts (4)!!, to nuts & bolts falling out, chute breaking, auger stops turning, wheels stop driving, etc.... The dealer has a special place for it in his shop that they dont fill when it is at my place. I believe this machine would last forever,  if i dont use it. The dealer stood behind me 100% when I told them enough is enough I wanted something done, money back, or a replacement. Now it has snowed today, 20", I have a bad back and have to shovel while the ariens company sits on my $3000.00. Anybody else have this problem?

Old thread, but I found this place based on a google search for a problem so perhaps someone someday will find this. The Ariens ST1326 (and may others from many manufacturers) does indeed use a power window motor for the rotary chute control. Currently, it is $160-$190 online plus shipping. It is $105 on ebay plus shipping. the part number is 52422000. Before you get discouraged, go google up AC Delco part 11M32. It is $28.71 on amazon. Look at the pic and tell me that is not it. The wiring connector is a different shape, but we can get around that. I got the idea to look after someone early on in this thread, perhaps in 2009, stated it was a glorified power window motor and I'll be darned if it does not look like some I have in stock. The 11M32 even has the 9 tooth gear - which should alleviate lash problems. To solve or help with the water problem, dip in vinyl tool dip. Edited to add: I got this used 1336 to augment my 1981 724 (also ariens) which has mowed a few hundred feet of snow I bet over the decades. The idler used for the drive AND the auger drive need to be looked at, I have even went down a belt size to help. It is very easy to 'split the case' on these machines, back in the day, the snow blower, front tine tiller, 'brush hog' and string trimmer used the same motor and drive housing, bolted to a different front end. A couple years back the mice made a meal of my magneto wiring and with Tecuhseh motors long gone and the replacement engines from LCT essentially junk, i added a dual season kohler pro. It does not take much to keep these running for many decades.