Don't apologize for your post -- it's helpful IMO to have various Honda snowblower problems collected on one thread. Your problem falls outside my experience, but I can tell you how I'd start, at least. First, make sure your hydrostatic transmission fluid level is correct. I don't check mine as often as I should, and if it slowly dropped (or quickly due to a seal giving way or something) I might not notice right away. I have no idea whether low fluid could cause this condition, but checking it is a good idea regardless. Second, if you don't already have one, consider buying a service manual. You may be able to find one at a dealer but if not they can definitely order it or you can get it online. It may or may not help you diagnose this problem, but it allows you to approach any repair with greater confidence -- or figure out in advance that you're in over your head. Next, make sure you've got access to exploded views of the whole machine. You can find them using the link below. After that, flip the little transmission engage/disengage lever that you use to allow the machine to be pushed. If the problem persists with the transmission disengaged, it's almost certain that you have a problem internal to the transmission. Next, assess the overall feel and action of the controls. Does the drive clutch lever feel normal? Does it have that slight "over center" feel (i.e., a relaxation of the spring pressure) as you get it close to the handlebar? Does the normal interlock action between the drive clutch and the auger clutch work normally (i.e., if you hold the drive clutch and then engage the auger, can you release the auger lever without it disengaging until you release the drive clutch)? Does the hydrostatic transmission control lever feel normal and have its normal range of travel? If any of this is wrong, I'd start looking at the engagement levers and the adjustment of the cables. Beyond that, if it were me, I'd probably be looking for a pro. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Honda snowblower exploded parts views

44" blower for the select series is a 2 stage. Electric lift kit is an option for the select series and not standard equipment. http://www.kaylon.com/front-attachments_03.php Available through your JD dealer. As an added plus I recall that any attachments or accessories that are bought with the tractor are grandfathered into the tractor's longer warranty. Read the JD warranty for details.

Having a few Ariens, I would recommend an Ariens. My 1974 8Hp 24" wide model handled everything over the last few years (I bought it four years ago), some snow was over the entire auger housing. Just had to take it a little slower. If I were buying new, I probably would buy a 9Hp or bigger, but I think the price on the 11Hp Ariens (or any Honda) is too high for me. As newjerseybt said, keep an eye on belt tension. As far as moving tracked blowers around without power, one of my friends keeps his tracked Honda on a dolly during the off-season so he can move it around without starting it- moving it without power is more like dragging it. You won't be able to get it up a set of ramps, for example. I've had very little trouble with traction with the small pneumatic tires on my Ariens, and they're hardened to the point of almost being plastic. However, I do have chains on them, and the pin that can lock the axles together is also helpful. Good Luck Ralph

This is a very old thread, things have changed at Ariens. The units sold at Home Depot are rebadged Husqvarna/Poulan/Craftsman and certainly not up to their usual standards. The average consumer simply will not pay for the traditional quality although long time Ariens fans such as myself will step up to the plate and go for the dealer only models. Having said that, it appears all models are getting an Ariens branded engines which likely means Chinese. With my experience with MTD's Powermore crapola, I will stick with an older model and repower with Briggs if necessary if and when I need a snowthrower, certainly not at the moment in southwestern British Columbia lol.