jhart

buy the one you like the feel of... I love Honda GX engines, but 15 years ago, I bought a craftsman with a 3.5 tecumseh on it and it has always started on the first pull.  It is plenty for my 5000sq ft lawn and is light and easy to get around just about anything.  Before that I had an MTD 6horse direct drive and got rid of it after 2 years, it was hard to manuver.  I think the deck will rust out before the engine gives.  I do change the oil after every season, and the air filter, too.  that's it.

"Does anyone here provide a weather shelter for protection, or some sort of a doghouse when operating their machines?"

If I'm home, I run the generator from my garage, which is not physically connected to my house.  I also keep a small fan running to exhaust fumes.  This brings up a good point to make. 

Electrical extension cords, or stingers as they're called in production work, quickly build up resistance to the current flow, so it is important to use a large gauge  from the generator to the house, or worksite.  I use a 50ft. 10 gauge, and split into three 12 gauge runs to the appliances.

If I'm on remote, I transport the generator in the lined bed of an old '93 stick toyota pickup truck, grounded to the chassi.  After it is up and running I've built some sound baffles to stand up in the bed, and a baffled cover that I slide over the top.  It is protected and quiet. 

good Luck!

Hi Garandman:

You replied to an earlier post I made about a 79 vintage ariens 824... could you please tell me what Briggs OHV engine you put on yours?  Does it make an exact fit?

           My model is 924050  sn: 019151

Sorry for the OT post, but your email is blocked and this seemed the only way to contact you... if you'd prefer to email use: jhart3 at hotmail dot com ...

thanks

Garandman

What is the model number of the Briggs OHV??  Does it line up without any mods??

Hi,

I have a '79 vintage 824 that runs well, but the first gear seems to have disappeared.  The others all work fine and it shifts very smoothly.  Any ideas?  And does it even matter?

I bought this machine used for $200 and I'm considering putting a new engine on it.  A local repair shop says it would be a waste because parts won't be available a bit down the road... Ariens is ripe for a take over, they claim.

We just had a foot of wet snow and it munched right through without any problems.  I've ordered new belts for Spring maintenance.