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

How often does a friction wheel require replacement? My brother has an Ariens he is the second owner. He got the machine with about 6 years of age and the wheel had all the rubber removed and chewed the flywheel. I replaced the friction wheel and fly wheel 3 years ago and now the rubber on the friction wheel is needing replacement.

That model was built in 2001. They used a "standard duty" R2 932 series drive. Starting in 2003 similar units used a high performance drive (models 932104 and 932105). These were easier on friction disks. There is a kit to upgrade older models, 53212100. List price is $155.10. Jack's small engines sells it for under list price. Also make sure to check and lube the axle bushings with oil, both hex shafts for the friction disk carrier and drive plate (NLGI 2 grease), and check the bushing for the drive plate (05512000). This bushing can be damaged by lack of lubrication or over-tightening of the drive cable. Also, be sure to buy Ariens OEM friction disks. Aftermarket parts of this type are poor. I hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. I'll have him get the upgrade kit.