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

I posted my initial concerns in this post, which since then seems to have lost some replies(?):

http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/2187-0-1.html

Anyway, Ariens has not been very responsive, answering only one of my two emails - saying only that the exhaust needs to blow out the side and they will have their engineering dept "look into" my concerns. I suspect they don't have much desire to modify the standard crate engine they install in their machines that have differential pins in the left wheels. Maybe they expect us to shut off the engine prior to engaging the lock? And prior to disengaging it?

If you care to rattle their cage, feel free to contact them here. Please use this form since it provides spaces to list your model/ serial number and other info.

http://www.ariens.com/customer_service/contact_us/

John

I have the 926 DLE, and had exhaust blow into my hair when changing the differential.  I always walked straight to the back of the auger housing, then bent down.  That way I was a far from the exhaust as possible.  I never thought about changing the differential from the operators position.  If I did that I would bend down, maybe get on my hands and knees to avoid the exhaust.  I don't know if it would hurt the engine not to let the exhaust freely flow from the engine or not.  Myself, I'd just rather have it the way it came from factory.  That's probably the best.  You might want to check if you'd void the warranty if you put on a deflector.     

I was going to make the same point as Ajace.  I don't know of any company that will support you with warranty service if you modify the equipment at all.  Especially welding to it.  Heat from welding may not, but can cause problems.  My company designs and manufactures heavy equipment for the railroad industry as well as overhead cranes.  Customers want modifications, but don't want to pay for them so they modify the equipment themselves.  They either distort the material or cause an inteference problem, but more importantly a safety issue.  But sounds like you would only tack weld anyway in this case.  It would be a good thing if they would come up with something to alleviate the problem, or at least give you some kind of letter or release, giving you the green light to modify it while maintaining the warranty.

James

Dear John,
I do understand your thread here, and admit, have experienced the same thing. You make valid points.
One wonders why perhaps Ariens could not make that knob on the other side.......but what do I know?
Maybe they do south of the equator........

I've never tried having both wheels locked on my new Ariens....I plan to sometime soon.

I also admit that my new Ariens sometimes does slip on icy patches, and it takes a second or two of slipping for it to change to the other wheel, (I think)...I've noticed that when one wheel starts slipping, a second or two later the other wheel starts slipping....

I think I will soon add a front weight kit and snow cab........perhaps that may make a difference. I tried my friends snow cab, and out here in the country, it wil be a welcome addition I think.

Frank D.