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

I have a 2004 Ariens 926DLE with the 9hp engine. I think it ran very well in 04 - 07 but about in 08 I noticed that I had to constantly keep lifting up on the handlebars to adequately blow snow. I seem to be always pulling up before moving forward; and if I don't the front end seems to ride up and snow just oozes out the chute. I find the Ariens is a lot more tireing then my older and smaller Honda HS80. I set the skids almost down the ground thinking it might be this, but with no change. I this just the way an Ariens runs?

  The belt might just slip in but on some there is a pinch on the lower right as you look into the lower belt area facing the engine.  On machines that have the pinch you have to undo the top bucket bolts and tilt the bucket forward.  Put a support behind the handlebars.

  I'm still getting used to the Honda HS828 track but in the last storm it was pretty easy to use in middle bucket mode and I felt lest worked over than usual after an hour of clearing. 

   If that belt was the problem then you'll notice a difference.  The snow has to be gotten out of the front quickly to lessen front lifting.  You can lower your speed by adjusting the friction disk or feather the clutch to slow down in tougher spots.  Some Ariens machines are .9mph in first  You can check that by running for 15 seconds than walking off the distance a few times then do the math for MPH.  Setting a bit slower helps out.