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

Hi all,

So far this winter I’ve had the opportunity to use my new Ariens 1152LE about a half a dozen times. As this is the first snow machine I’ve ever owned, it’s taken me at least that many times out to figure out the best way to clear my driveway.

My approach is to come straight out of the garage to the EOD, turn it around and head straight back to the garage. Once there, I disengage the auger and the drive and simply roll/pull the machine back down a gradual slope to the EOD. Once there, I engage the auger and drive and blow forward (I have a two car drive that’s about 40 feet long). I repeat this process until the job is done (8-9 passes).

My question is, will this continuous rolling the machine back over and over have any negative impact on it? Note that I don’t put it in reverse to do this; I simply let the unit roll back. 

Chuck

That wont hurt a thing.

No problems at all, as long as you fully release the drive handle, and DON'T squeeze the handle to propel forward while its rolling backward.

I do this occasionally also. My machine moves backwards fast, but Gravity is faster

Hi...


Rolling it won't hurt...

Dave...

Why? is there a reason you don't turn around at the top and blow on your way down the drive?  that way yer blowin on your way up, and on your way down, get the job done twice as fast, and you get real good with the chute rotation crank :)  Carve out a little turn around area for yourself up near the top and bottom and just run up and down.  You got a big, heavy, expensive machine there, and were i you i'd make sure it's blowing snow every foot it moves on the drive.  Also, park your cars in such a manner that you don't have to turn to avoid them.  Try to make your runs straight lines as much as possible, with your turn around areas placed so as to make it easy to spin that monster around.  I use the street for my machine when I have both wheels locked, but i live on a failry quiet road

Hi,

The reason that I don't turn it around at the top is that there's really not that much room (two cars wide) and, as you pointed out, it's a big machine and I find it to be a work out to spin it about with two wheels locked. I'm thinking that the 926DLE may have been a better choice given the size of my drive, but it's too late for that option (at least not without spending extra $$)!  I opted for the 11.5hp as we usually get plenty of snow followed by rain which normally results in a heavy mess, especially at the EOD.

 Chuckey,

            I have a 26 inch bite, 10.5 Hp MTD blower weighing in at 250 Lbs and I can turn it within 3 feet with both wheels locked.

You have almost 40 feet, something is wrong !

                                                                                Fred   

Chuck1,

Have you tried running the machine with one wheel unlocked? I know that would make a big difference in turning. I'd at least give it a try if your driveway surface is even. I have a rough drive and find it easiest to keep my 11528LE wheels locked to help the machine go reasonably straight.

Jonathan

Welcome Chuck,

As mentioned no it won't hurt the machine but follow MM's advice though I doubt you could move the machine with the friction disk even partially engaged but never the less....

Whatever works for you works for you.  For me I'll be damned if I am walking the length of my drive and not be blowing snow lol....I have a pretty big drive though lol....Also my Honda doesn't roll.... 

C

              Definitly right Chris they won't roll

           Tom

I'm going to try unlocking the wheel like Jonathan suggests (though I know many of you frown on this) and give it a try. I can't see hurling the thing around such that I can blow both up and down the driveway as that's seems to be what's required if you leave both wheels locked - that lifting/jockying can't be good on the unit?? Maybe I'm being over protective!

Chuck