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

I want this thread to be a place where I can log some ongoing experiences with this machine since it is really new.  I purchased it 12-1-08.  First let's look at the specs.  I pulled these right off of the Sears website:

Product Overview:
Stages:	Two stage
Stages:	Two stage
Item Weight:	293.0 lbs.
General Warranty:	2 year limited
Chute System:
Directional Chute Control:	Yes
Chute Material:	Steel
Chute Rotation:	Yes, single motion
Maximum Chute Rotation:	180 deg.
General Features:
Impeller Diameter:	12 in.
Auger Style:	Serrated drum
Auger Type:	Curved blade
Number of Rotor Blades:	3
Snow Dispersal:	Impeller
Drive System:
Propulsion Type:	Wheel engagement
Speeds, Forward:	6
Speeds, Reverse:	2
Motor-Engine:
Amps:	1.5
Engine Brand:	Briggs & StrattonŽ
Series:	1450 Series
Electric Start:	Yes
Starter Type:	Electric
Torque Ft./Lbs.:	14.5 ft. lbs.
Wheels & Tires:
Material:	Rubber
Type:	X-trac
Capacity:
Clearing Path:	30 in.
Controls, Overall:
On/Off Type:	Lever
Primary Location:	Consoles
Primary Type:	Lever
Controls, Safety:
Safety Override:	Yes
Safety Lock:	Yes
Convenience:
Starter Mitten Grip:	Yes
Handles:
Handles Fold For Easy Storage:	Yes
Color:
Overall Color:	Red
Dimensions:
Intake Height:	23 in.
Installation Requirements:
Setup:	Fully assembled
Included with Item:
Accessory Type:	Starter mitten grip

I also read that one should have some extra shear pins and bought the last package that they had at Sears when I purchased mine.  I'm not sure if it is because of the large engine size, but it looks like when a shear pin goes it goes more often for those who run their machines on gravel driveways or pick up a heavier stick than when someone is just running the machine of blacktop or a concrete driveway or sidewalk..  That powerful of an engine and lodge a rock or piece of gravel and something has to give, I'm glad that the $1.50 shear pin breaks instead of something else.   

I mentioned that this unit is similar to the Husky 1130 but I should have mentioned that the Husky used the Tecumseh engines and this uses the B&S engine, which I feel is a plus right now.  I sure would like to have the hand warmers that come with the 1130 standard though.  I am not sure if the light on the 881063 is Halogen or a standard light. 

I am considering putting one of the plastic cabs on this unit when it gets really windy, it might be a very nice option.  Anyone use one of these?  Would you buy one again or just use a face mask instead and it gets in the way more than it helps?  There are many out there but something like this:  http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07188040000P?keyword=snow+thrower+cab&sLevel=0

On my short list it came down to three machines that were at the same price point locally.  The Ariens 927LE, Craftsman 14.5 torque rated thrower or the Simplicity 12/26.  These machines were not equal in specs but within $20 of each other at the $1000 price point locally.  I felt that I got a bigger bang for the buck with this Husky built unit  than the other two.  Only time will tell if I stay happy with my decision.  My goal is to be brutal honest during this report. 

http://www.classicaccessories.com/product_detail.aspx?pid=112&cid=0

We had a nice big snow fall predicted, 12 to 13", but much of it ended up as freezing rain last night instead of snow but it did turn to snow and dropped about 5" of very heavy snow.  I wanted to play so I went out and did 4 of my neighbor's driveways and sidewalks and two other people on the block I did their side walk.  She powered throw the heavy stuff at the end of the driveway that the plows left without a hitch.  Understand it was freezing rain and this was about as heavy of a snowfall as I have seen as far as the weight of the snow.  There wasn't a lot of it, but I was impressed never the less busting through the plow leftovers.  No I don't plan on doing everyone's driveway and side walk all season long, but I was able to really put the machine through it's paces as well as make some neighbors happy.  I remember one little guy three houses down shoveling that stuff.  I felt sorry for him and remembered when I was a kid and Mom told me to go "get her done".  He had to be about 11 and was really struggling with the driveway.  When I walked up and went right through his driveway without stopping he gave me a big smile and that is all that I needed to make it worth it. 

All of the schools are closed today and many people stayed home from work.  The interestate traffic was going about 30 mph, but I was having fun at home. 

Rick

The kid's mom might be a little pissed with you.  She probably wanted him out of the house to get him away from the video games and burn off a few calories.   Nice gesture nonetheless. 

Did you grease up the wheel axles, put a bit of spray grease on your drive chains, some light oil in your cables and friction surfaces?  Also grease your auger shaft?  After doing all of that work for the neighbourhood, I'd change the oil and use synthetic at the recommended weight.  

Hopefully the kid's Mom wasn't too upset with me, but the little guy was very happy indeed. 

On lubing the whole machine up, I haven't done that yet either but agree that a little preventative maintenance will be a good thing.  On changing the oil already, I should probably do that soon too.  In the vehicles I have run Mobile One for over 10 years in all of the cars as soon as the seals seat with the standard oil.  This year Mobile One has some real issues with supplies for some reason and it not available in my area at any store.  I put in the full synthetic made by Penz Oil but really haven't researched motor oil in years.  I even run the Mobile One in the lawn mowers and the brush cutter that I have.  Off topic I know, but the Billy Goat brush cutter is a heck of a machine.  So I heard one vote for Amsoil which I have heard good things about.  Open to some other input and the why behind the recomendation. 

Rick

I also added a Classic Acccessories Deluxe snow cab to the machine.  Even though it came with a counter weight, I chose to use it without it.  I didn't like the way it attached so I was pleased with the unit without the counter weight.

I am having one concern with the unit.  I could start a new thread but wanted to keep all of this together.  If I don't get the response that I am looking for by added this to this thread, I can always start another one. 

When I first start up the unit and engage the drive mechanism or drive wheels, it doens't move or won't go.  I thought that the belt could be slipping but it is too new for that.  I also thought that the scrapper bar is too close to the ground so it is causing this problem.  But after having difficulty for 10 minutes or so the problem goes away.  I'm thinking that there could be a thin layer of ice built up on the belt which is causing it to slip, and then the friction melts that and that is why it works later.  Any ideas on this one?