Ariens does make a good product and sometimes even they will produce a lemon. Sorry to hear about your problem and I hope they resolve it for you. I bought a 12yr old Ariens from a guy and I've had it for to winters so far and it has worked beautifully. I actually think the older equipment works better and I would buy used Ariens equipment again.

Well, the 2nd issue is the engine, so you can't fault Ariens for that.
Still a bummer though!

They all need some maintenance however leaking issues in a fairly new machine are not acceptable. Working on Tecumseh powered machines recently I think that outsourcing may have bit them in the butt. How much can it cost to produce a decent sump gasket and crankshaft seal in order to avoid comebacks and warranty claims? Daimler school of management perhaps?
Why so many are B&S, Kohler, and Kawasaki fans.

Have a great one and let us know how you make out we go up to Page and Big Water every couple of years.

I have one I bought used and its about 15 years old, it has a slow leak in the gear box, but with 90W gear oil it doesn't loose much between winters. Besides that it works great , will go thru just about anything.

well, it took them 2 months to replace the sump gastket and time will tell if that will hold.

I am quite frustrated with the overall quality of the ariens - I bought because everyone said they last forever. Mine has spen 1/3 of its first year in the shop! It is a joke really. Ariens customer service is not very symapthetic either and that makes me pissed as well.

One more issue and I am selling it for just about anything else. It cost way too much to be this much hassle.