toolpig

You're going to have to store the blower in a warm place if you want to prevent condensation in your oil. Water is a byproduct of combustion and it seems to accumulate worse in cold engines.

As Jonathan said, it shouldn't be an issue if you change your oil according to your owners maual.

These are a nice saw.

Light with a decent amount of power.

If you ran a 254XP before you will probably be disappointed with a 340.  The 254XP is far faster.

As long as it has the Husqvarna crown on it it's good.

I've always used a semi synthetic (synthetic blend) 5w30 in my snowthrowers.  I haven't had any troubles with my other machines as far as engines go.

Some say that using synthetics will cause oil consumption but I haven't seen this so far.

GEEE  Sorry!!

I would post pics but I don't own a digital cam.

We got about 8 inches of heavy drifted snow here in northern NB.  The blower started on the second pull and I started to blow. I couldn't believe how far the snow was being thrown, especially since it was quite heavy , at least 40 to 50 feet.  As I neared the EOD i wondered how good the blower would perform but it surprised me again and launched the wet stuff a good 40 feet.

The remote chute as I've said before is awesome, even my neighbor who owns a honda marvelled at how quicky I could divert snow with it.  The diff lock kept locking back up on it's own after I would unlock it. I contacted my OPE dealer and he came later in the day and adjusted it in my garage (go figure!) .  I changed the break in oil after I was done my driveway then  I blew two more driveways in my neighborhood for those who's machines had quit on them. My machine worked flawlessly!

I am very happy and now I can say I understand why Ariens owners are excited about their machines.

                                                                                                                    -Rob

Finally got some decent snow to try my 11528 Ariens.

This new unit works awesome, good distance, throws alot of snow. 

Over all I'm very pleased!

                                                Rob