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

Hi guys...I recently purchased a new Ariens Professional  28 snowblower model ST28DLE (926038). This machine is a real work horse and built like a tank. So far so good with the machine. The new 420 cc Briggs & Stratton engine is very smooth and works real fine. However, the quick turn chute system is starting to become really annoying for me. It moves on its own while blowing snow..especially when its heavy and wet...I have the service manual and tried to adjust it the best way I can...however, in my opinion the complete design is weak. The concept of the design is efficient, but unfortunately the adjustments available are very limited. I am considering buying the Ariens Deluxe crank chute system and replacing it with it. Or perhaps, if there is an update kit available from Ariens that I can use that can work too. The main problem in my opinion, is that the locking arm and the round receiving square teeth gear has too much backlash. Therefore, making this chute very flimsy and easy to unlock while in action. I have tried adjusting it by giving it more tension, but then the locking arm starts touching the gear and doesn't turn freely as it should. Also below there is a kit that is available from Ariens...but I am not quite sure if this upgrade will improve it's performance. Attached below is a picture of the kit. Any sugestions would be very much appreciated...thank you!

The kit is supplied if someone orders a replacement cable on an older machine. It updates the system to the current spec gear (shorter sector teeth), lock arm (HSLA), and cable (various updates). Your unit already has the latest spec parts. The system requires a very particular adjustment. If it's not locking in, then it's likely adjusted wrong ("close" is not good enough for this particular feature). A few things to check to make sure this system is operating correctly:

1.) Cable must be completely free of slack, but not pretensioned. Lock arm must return fully to the root of the sector gear when the handle is at rest. The instant the control is rotated left or right, the lock arm must move immediately. If the control is moved slightly and the lock arm does not move in kind, there is too much slack in the cable. The system is contingent on 3/16" or so of cable travel. Almost every machine I've ever seen with a problemait ccontrol had this adjustment incorrect.

2.) Make sure the lock arm is not bent or worn out. Operating this control for a length of time when adjusted incorrectly, or slamming the chute into postion abruptly can damage the lock arm.

3.) The chute pedestal must be adjusted in it's most vertical position. There is clearance in the holes in the pedestal, if it's not perfectly vertical the chute is not swinging on a horizontal plane with repsect to the rest of the unit which can cause operational problems.

4.) J-clamp for the remote chute cap cable must be bent upward slightly. The cable fitment is fairly tight when turning the chute to the right. If this is bent downward tight against the frame, the cable may get snug on the full rightward rotation.

5.) Some folks have lubricated the bushings and sliding plates in the control with positive results.

6.) You could check your parts manual and make sure all the parts are present and correctly assembled. A missing bushing or the like would cause something like this. Also, be sure the return spring for the lock arm is properly installed.

7.) If none of this helps you should see your dealer and have the problem corrected under warranty.

I hope this helps.

Thanks Snowmann...I really appreciate your advice and suggestions...I will have a go at it again with your instructions. Hopefully, I will be able to get it right. If not I will follow your advice and bring it to the dealer and get it adjusted. By the way...what do you think of the idea of installing the crank chute system from the latest Ariens Deluxe model?...is it feasible to this? Regards, scopes01

Hello scopes01 I have that same problem and I put a spring on the top part to pull it closed and seems to be working ok so try that it is cheap and easy to do! I would put a picture up but I don't know how to on here good luck thundada1