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

We got about an inch of snow today (just north of Baltimore).  I knew it was too little snow to need the blower, but I wanted to try my new Ariens 8526LE blower.  So I shoveled (pushed) snow into piles and fired up the Ariens just to try it.  Now the Ariens is new, and I'm new to snow blowers.  It was fun to watch the snow fly.  But what bothers me is that it seemed to get stuck easily.  And I was on the level part of my parking pad.  I can't imagine going up my incline without locking both wheels.  And then it would be a bear to turn.  Does this seem right?  I was expecting better traction.  Any suggestions?     Thanks

Harder to turn with both wheels locked is the main reason that my next blower will have some sort of easy turn control. I'm lusting after an Arien "D" ( Professional) series mainly for that reason. The heavier auger gear case and better bearings are added "nice to haves". My neighbour has an older John Deer commercial duty blower that someone gave him for free. I think it  was made by Ariens, It is a breeze to use, very agile.

I find that with locked wheels its nice to have the tires slip a bit. It makes leaning into a turn easier. It also helps if I hit something that catches the scraper bar such as uneven sidewalk.

Wheels, I would expect fairly decent traction with one wheel drive in lighter snow and on flat pavement. Try using a mid gear, like 3rd gear. You will get a better idea when you get at least 3 or 4 inches of snow to try it on. I normally leave the wheel unlocked for lighter snow, much easier to turn in tight spots.

Dave