newjerseybt

What I would do is place the machine in the service position. (follow your manual)

Remove the cover exposing the drive wheel mechanism. With some WD-40 spray on the metal tube in which the disk drive wheel mechanism is guided (rides) on. The drive disc movement when squeezing the drive handle is maybe 1/4 inch but my guess it is binding just enough to prevent the springs from applying adequate pressure to allow enough friction between the rubber disk and metal drive disk.

That would cause problems in both forward and reverse. This is a guess, but I like to do things that are cheap and easy to do first.

I had a problem that was very close to your problem with my 1136DLE. Snowmann gave me the fix and it worked. Never a problem since. My problem was slightly different as binding occured in both engaging AND disengaging in forward and reverse.

The easy stuff first, IMO.

When you engage the blower there is a higher demand for fuel. If the gas tank gas cap is slightly clogged, a small vacuum may develop in the tank. Just for the heck of it, try running with the gas cap completely removed. Also make sure the fuel/air mixture screw is adjusted for a loads under blowing snow conditions. A lean running engine can bog down under a load.

I have read every post to double check the most important thing. You may have several pieces of OPE equipment that may run fine on the gas you are using because the compression is better and/or spark is better BUT....your problem engine engine may DEMAND the freshest gas beause of weaker spark or weaker compression.

Is your gas fresh?

I have had problems with starting if the gas I use goes just slightly stale.

I never saw a commercial Ariens sold at a HD, so that is a first.

With the ENGINE OFF I would try turning the 2 augers with my foot. If they spin easily you have broken shear pins.

The rest seems like belt adjustments. If you never had the manual you probably did not
perform a belt "break in" and an auger cable and/or idler pulley adjustment may be all that is necessary. I had the same problem with my new Ariens when I first used it. After the belt adjustment, I was throwing 40 feet and never had a problem since.

The manual should be available at the Arien's site.

I also agree that electric chutes are not necessary.

Make sure the drive works perfect when the machine is above 32F, 0C, (in a heated garage overnight) and you are NOT blowing snow just to make sure you are on the right track.

I only mentioned this as any diagnosis is only as good as the info supplied.