We bought an Ariens two-stage snow blower in October of 2013. It has had normal usage and maintenance since that time. Last week it would no longer propel itself. I took it to the designated repair place. The estimate for repair is $940. I paid $853 in 2013. They sell new for something like $950. I guess they are disposable. I always thought that Ariens was a good brand. This has been a bitter disappointment. I can't find any company site to complain. Somehow I would for them to know that they put out a crap product - or at least the unit I got was crap. The issue apparently revolves around the pressure plate and the difficulty that the repairman has in accessing it. He also advises that everything is corroded. The snowblower has never spent a night outdoors.