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dancurry - I'm new to this forum as well and have found the insight provided by those that participate to be of great value.

I just bought an Ariens 1130 DLE. So its 11hp, with a few features I'm not sure I could do without. Firstly, it has a differential lock, which means it turns very easily. In fact my aunt, who is not particularly strong loves to use it and even does the neighbors driveways and sidewalks as a courtesy because she loves to use it.

Secondly, the chute is turned by a lever up on the handlebar, near all the other controls. Also, the chute flap, which directs the arch of the snow is also lever controlled. (Please note I may be calling these things by improper names). All of these features I have found to be incredibly useful and perhaps impossible to live without.

To give you an idea, I used the machine for 7 hours the other day after a 14" snowfall, basically doing good deeds for my neighbors. And after all that I didn't have the slightest pain in my back or arms. Machine is simply amazing. It had no problem taking down 30' berms left by the snow plows the city employs to clean up the streets.

But I agree with an earlier poster, I would first start with a local dealer. Find one you can trust will stay in business because at some point you will need service and it will most likely be the only place you can get it done in a timely manner. I would stay away from Home Depot. Mine local store only sells the stripped down versions. Non professionals put them together (which is not a big deal considering they are for the most part assembled at the factory, but they rarely tighten things effectively). And the local authorized service dealer will only deal with the HD machines for warranty service when all of their customers have been served. Which could take months if you put it in for service next Sept, Oct.

I paid just under $1300 for it new and it is worth every penny. If I were you, I would search this board for maintenance tips. Basics things you can do to extend the life of your machine and keep it in fine working order. Plus it will save you the expense of having professional service for minor issues you can handle yourself.

Best of luck with your purchase.

Thanks for all the great advice. Had a chance to share your input with the guy who delivered her this morning. He told me he personally set her up (in addition to making deliveries and giving a tutorial on using the machines they sell, he is also the shops head mechanic) and that I should run her for 2 hours then change the oil. Beyond that, he already greased all the internal components and pointed out the grease gun input near the right tire.

Thanks again for your insightful advice and I'll let you know how she handles the coming week of snow.

I'm taking delivery of a new ariens 1130 DLE tomorrow that I purchased from a local dealer in Portsmouth, NH.

Long story short, I bought a used 8hp craftsman from an upstate snow thrower repairman for $175 which I thought was an incredible deal. We had about 1 1/2 inches drop last week, and sure enough with only 4 passes on the driveway, the engine blew. Luckily the guy was a man of honor and gave me my money back.

Have been looking at Sears and Home Depot for a few months now, so up to speed on the prices. And the local dealer was a bit higher in price, but actually knew all the ins and outs of the machines, including some maintenance tips. So that value add, plus the good feeling of supporting a local business, I decided to buy at the local dealer.

Plus, I also bought a Cub Cadet lawnmower with electric start from HD last summer and it had problems from day 1. So the local authorized CC dealer I took it to for repairs was also the guy I bought the new ariens from. Another long story short, the CC never worked as advertised and the authorized dealer suggested I take it back to HD, which I did to exchange for a Toro.

Anyway, I've read the new owners manual on the ariens already and can't wait until it comes tomorrow. We are looking forward to snow 5 out of the next 7 days.

Aside from changing the oil after the first 2 hours of use, can anyone offer any good maintenance tips? I've already stocked up on Pam cooking spray as I've read that it really helps in keeping clogs from building up.

Any advice is appreciated.