bob1031

Brought this back into the dealer t weeks ago where they could not replicate the problem.  Of course..... Ariens then sent them a new drive plate.  Ariens also said that there were a few machines that went out of the factory with a zinc coated drive plate, that when it got wet, would slip.  They replaced this and during the last storm I didn't have a problem!!!!!!   I've been holding on on making a judgement as to whether the unit is totally fixed.... or not.... until after another good snow storm.  Those of you that are still have problems should contact Ariens and have them replace the drive plate as well as install the baffle. 

Brian

Dealer put in a new textured drive plate yesterday and I'll be picking it up tomorrow.  Said the old one was the zinc coated plate which was very slippery.  If your machine is still in the shop, I would have them call Ariens and have them expedite the part and have them put it in for you.. It's at least worth a shot.  Snowmann had given me a part number of p/n# 526027.   We'll see what happens when the next storm rolls in...  !!!

My machine is back in the shop after speaking with Ariens.  It's in for diagnosis....again?  Geeeze I wonder what the problem is..Spoke with Ariens tech service and not much help there but I have to at least go through the motions - again in order to keep their eye on the problem.   It sent and email to the technical service person to try and get a loaner since I'm out a machine in the middle of winter but no call back.... In speaking with tech service, I asked the question of "What if they don't find a problem,,, then what and the answer was that they will send parts to rebuild the drive... I did find out that they initially tested the drive system with a rough surface drive pulley and then switched to a plated pulley which slips...Hmmmmmm...I pulled off the belt and bottom cover and cleaned the thing all up before the last storm.. put a rubber gasket inside around the belt cover and baffle and then duct taped all around the belt cover and any open hole in the unit where water could get in..  It looked beautiful.  Nice and silver and orange ... I'm giving them one last chance and then my next service call will be to someone in the legal profession.

Brian....Warm garage, cold garage... outside.... bottom line is this machine should work either way...period...It's a poor design and doesn't work .. I had the baffle put on and it still has issues....I  had a Signature machine for 10 years made by Noma ( a fraction of the cost)  and kept it in the same spot in the garage where my Ariens machine sits now...Never had a problem other than normal maintenance.   If only the Ariens 11528DLE  would work as well as my old one.. .At least I could count on it moving when I put it in gear..  My patience is almost gone!!

Brian

I have been fighting Ariens with the same issue for at least two years!!.  Am very frustrated with them and the product to say the least..  They recently had a dealer install a baffle to try and prevent water from getting inside the drive system and I had it installed but with not much luck.. Last storm it worked for a while but then the drive stopped again.. If you look at my issue and the threads, a gentleman (snowmann) has offered some suggestions.   Ariens has produced a baffle to help stop the water from leaking in.. however it's not more than a "L" shaped piece of metal that bolts around the engine and pto.  I had taken it back to the dealer I bought it from 3-4 times with no trouble found until the next storm comes around..  Snowmann offered suggestions as to look at the tension adjustment, contaminated drive plate, cleaning the friction wheel and making sure the baffle was installed correctly.. All great suggestion which I have done.  I'm still confused as to why Ariens has not stepped up to the plate and admits that they have a problem with this model and make it right with their customers !!!  I wish I could be more help but like I said.. I'm still fighting with them to make it right..

gbb