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

Hello,

This is my first post is a great forum.

My question is about my nine year old Ariens 724. It's current state of affairs is that it starts up in a heartbeat (it lives in a heated environment) seems to roar with gusto and is raring to go until... it meets snow. This is a significant problem given that it's a (shh...) snowblower. It will throw snow, maybe 10 feet provided the snow is of the perfect consistency and there's not to much of it. All other snow it sort of "mixes" then typically gets it stuck in the lower, pre-chute section. If the walk or drive is preshoveled (sacriledge I know) then it works "okay" sort of edging along and improving what has already been shoveled. (Basically embarrasing.) The poor thing hasn't been tuned up, oil changed or looked at unless it's snowing in probably 3 years as I figured the hours on it were pretty minimal. The last few major storms and the fact that it's nine years old, and I'm nine years older since I got it, have led me to deperately want a snow throwing, end of driveway clearing monster. Or, simply not to have my 724 be pathetic.

Does this sound like something a tune-up can remedy? Is it that difficult given good documentation or is just bringing it to the "man" the best course of action.

The sun is shining. For now.

Cheers,

Ben.