Very nice units. Have they blown snow yet? They look brand new. I like the snow cab, dual lights and the drift cutters on the 30" one.
The 30 inch machine I bought new 2 years ago and it runs well. I wanted a back up Ariens and found this 1 year old 28" deluxe machine a town over last week for $800. Low mileage but it needed carburetor work as it was stored with old gas in it. I serviced the machine and replaced the carb and it's running perfect now.
If you notice on both machines I painted over the original in dash head light and mounted an external light / lights that works very well. The 30" has 2 lights one on each side, but the little one I just added 1 light. What's wrong with the built in factory light? The light shines in my eyes and I can't see the ground around the machine as I blow snow in the early morning or late at night. It is also non adjustable. So I simply painted the light over so it looks clean, then replaced it with one that works. The light draws 35 watts each and the Briggs and Stratton engine puts out 9 amps of power, so the light stay nice and bright. I did switch the lights off when not needed.
I also added my version of "rolling skids" to both machines. I have to replace the original shoes before the season is done, as I have long side walks to clear plus a large drive way. These bearings "wheels" are sealed and roll without any resistance on my walks. They don't seem to wear plus they are sealed to keep water out.
For any one with the Ariens auto steer issue, or someone fighting with the machine wandering down your walks, these skids will keep your machine running straight as an arrow, until you decide on a direction change, not the machine....
I show how to build these on youtube, it's easy to do. Tools needed are a 1/2" drill, a hack saw and grinder to shape the old shoe and several washers. seen here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG1giQ0heaY
