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

I had a Ariens 927LE Snow Blower delivered to my home yesterday. I am actually disapointed with the control features. Its my first snow blower, and Ariens reccomended to me as being the best buy for me. I am located in Newfoundland, Canada. Very heavy snowfall amounts

The up and down control is manual that I was aware of but the side to side chute control is in front of the control panel, Its not located in the control panel or underneath. You have to reach over your controls and crank the chute, with a ice auger like handle. My wife, is not very tall and this contol would be quite a challenge when she chooses to use ut. My blower has yet to be started other than a demostration when it was delivered and I am quite sure I will be returning it and buy another blower elsewhere.

in this video I found it will show exactlly what I am referring too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMf5NhnuiZY (around the 49 second mark)

Anyone know why it has a control like this? I was told that it was not on the model the year before. And this is their 75th anniversary. I am not interested in upgrading to a higher model as its too much of an expense.

I called the local dealership today (Nortrax Canada Inc, the only dealer listed in Newfoundland) just after posting here and asked if they sold snow blowers/throwers, and the woman said that the only small snow equipment they sold were attachments for lawn tractors/sit on mowers

Looking at the same model I was also disappointed at the ackwardness of the chute control.  I played around with the controls at the local box store and was astounded at the placement of this control.  You have to reach over and down with your left hand to operate the chute.  I am not short at 6'3" but still found it ackward.  Good luck in finding a replacement.

 

This won't solve the basic problem, but if there is a spring with a nut on its lower end underneath the gear mechanism at the end of the crank handle, try loosening it a bit to see if that at least makes it easier to turn