Allowable "Slop" in Ariens drive system?

Location: South Boston, MA
Joined: Mar 10, 2005
Points: 341

Allowable "Slop" in Ariens drive system?
Original Message May 18, 2005 11:53 am

The older Ariens snowblowers have a solid axle shaft with a spur gear and two wheel hubs keyed to the shaft.

The slot for the Woodruff is rounded off a bit on the side that is driven in Forward. Along with some wear in the hubs, this is allowing some slop so that the shaft can rotate a bit - maybe 5 degrees. This is after replacing all the keys.

Is there a specification for what is allowable before replacement? The axle is about $35 at a dealer and is thus a wash versus having a new Woodruff slot milled in. Just about every other snowblower I've tried has some similar slop.

As I'm adding wider tires and a 50% increase in power (from 5 to 7.5 hp) the loads will be increased.

cleanmaxx_brian

"At least I am enjoying the ride"

Location: Wantagh, Long Island, NY
Joined: Mar 12, 2005
Points: 231

Re: Allowable "Slop" in Ariens drive system?
Reply #1 May 18, 2005 11:59 am

I do not have any specs on the amount of slop that is considered OK but I can tell you that my BRAND new Ariens has a lot of slop. To be honest, I do not think I would worry about it unless you fear the axel will snap.

Brian Chang

Ariens 8526LE, Bradley 32" 12.5HP walk behind mower, Echo BP200 blower, Troy Built 4.5HP Pressure Washer, Craftsman 4.5HP Yard Vac, Homelite line trimmer, Scotts 21" high wheel mower, MTD 3.5HP Edger.

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