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

Quick question, during the blizzard, and removing snow for many neighbors,i found that at times the machine whould not drive the wheels. It would happen when driving into a drift.everything else seemed fine, its just the wheels didn't turn. I would back up, wait a second and go again.last night during some fine tuning removal she seemed normal. So should I check a belt or friction drive? I don't want to destroy something. It is in its third season and it has not made any odd noises at all... Thanks fort your expertise! Tony

Some of the newer machines had problems with water getting into the friction drive and causing it to slip.  This is especially so when going into deep snow.  You could also just need to tighten the adjustment up a little.  See your manual for proper adjustments.

Thanks shryp,i will do just that when I get home ! :)

service manual not available online.....

Shryp wrote:

Worked for me.  I tested by heading into a "wall" without the auger on and the wheels slipped instead of stalling.  At first my linkage was actually quite loose.  Now it's only barely loose. 

I think that the manual called for measuring the spring length before and after applying the tension.  It should stretch the spring about 1/2" (if memory serves me).