Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

HELP!!!!!

I just replaced  the friction wheel on the Ariens 824 Snow thrower.  Everything appears to be working fine including the reverse which seems to be working great.  However when I put it in forward, nothing happens.   When I engage the gears in forward the friction disc just stops.  All seem to move free until I try to go forward. Anybody have any clue??? 

Model number?

check the drive belt.  maybe stretched some.

It's likely not a traction drive belt. They can operate with very little tension. There is little power transferred (remember, up to 360:1 torque reduction)and, as a result, the belts do not stretch much.

If you can give me a model number (932,XXX or the like) so I can determine the components on your machine (there are great differences throught the years) and a better description of the problem I may be able to assist. You said the friction disk stops when you put it in forward gears? Not sure I get that. It is always at a stop until you engage the clutch...? You're implying it is moving until you engage the clutch...??

PK

Snowman,

I will have the model # for you today.  Sorry my description was so basic however that goes right along with my mechanical skills.  Thanks for your help.

Snowman,

It is an Ariens Sno-Thro  Model #93210-824

You are correct when you say the friction wheel is not moving.  When the clutch is ingaged and the drive wheel comes up to meet the Friction wheel is when the unit stops.  What is strange that it works in reverse just fine.  Forward it seems to lock up everything although the friction wheel rotates freely both forward and backward when not engaged.  I have checked the tension on the traction belt drive and that seems fine.  Thanks for your help in advance.

Smitty

Snowman,

Model # 932100-824 sorry

Check the spindle shaft sintered bearings. Grab the lower pulley that drives the drive plate and try to move it in various directions. The problem doesn't appear to be between the friction disk and the wheels, but between the engine and drive plate. There's not too many parts there.

This unit has an available R3 performance upgrade kit 53212100 which greatly increases the durability and torque output.. If your unit has a 6.5" lower traction drive pulley, this kit should already be installed. If it is 8" or more, then it is stock.

PK

Hi guys,

 

I'm a little late to the thread but I sort of have the same issue with a different serial # 824.  Mine is 932101. 

My problem is similar.  Engine runs fine as does Auger.  However the drive train does not engage.......  or should I say.....  it doesn't pull itself forward.  Even if I push it along, it doesn't seem to be be engaged.

Do I have the same issue?  What was the final recommendation to resolve the problem?  Is it the R3 upgrade and if so, can I order right from Ariens parts?

Thanks in advance.

Your unit probably doesn't have the same problem. Sounds more like a worn out friction disk. Pop off the bottom cover and have a look.

It will also take the same performance drive kit as mentioned elsewhere in this thread if you so desire.

PK

Snowman - How do you "pop off" the bottom to check the friction disk.  My Ariens 824 stutters as it goes forward and anything it runs into it just stops, the wheels don't spin like it used to.  I basically push the thing and every once in a while it will engage.  From everything I have read the friction disk seems like the culprit.  I can follow instructions well I just can't find any to do this job.  Can you assist or even point me to a How-To guide?

My back will thank you.