I have the Ariens 1028 and it has proven very trusty for 11 Keweenaw winters. When I first picked it up, I mentioned something about tire chains as my old Toro had them. The person at the shop I bought it from just sort of chuckled and said I would not need them as the tires provide plenty of traction. He was sure right. In fact, the main problem I have is trying to hang onto the darn thing if the footing is slick. It will actually dig itself into a hole if you let it by not running the auger or running "off trail".
Nice machine, you will love it and love snow even more!
-John