The unit arrived from the dealer "gas-ed and ready-to-go." The unit was stored was in a heated garage. I started it up and tried to use it.
I can see my way past a little bad gas. Having cables ice and freeze on the first outing is a failure at the factory or the dealer when they built / prepped it. I will be speaking with the Ariens Zone Manager regardless of my decision. I am really disappointed.
I need a reliable unit with a chute and deflector that I can readily adjust because of the layout of my yard. That they failed on its first outing, doesn't bode well.
For the difference of a few (more) $$$, I could get a hydro-static drive and unit that weights 100 lbs less.
Let's see, a reliable snowthrower, more nimble and a more advanced transmission (compared with the Ariens slip-o-matic disk system). Keep in mind that I have used Ariens products for going on 30 years. I laid down $2k for a third. I am not walking away from a brand I haven't know or used or years. The bitterness of a failed product is is a powerful factor.
I see a *second* Honda in my garage soon.
