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

Have an Ariens ST 8526LE which broke the second storm it was used in.

Was wonderful to use the first time. Second storm was about 4" snow followed by rain - real heavy stuff.

Don't know if the chute was clogging from the slushy snow and it then broke, or if it broke first and then clogged as I moved forward. The impeller is stuck and there's nothing apparent holding it. The augers rotate on the shaft about 1/8", the belt is intact and engages when the handlebar lever is pressed. It smoked a bit from under the belt cover when this problem first occoured. The shaft as seen under the black plastic belt cover does not turn where it leaves the belt pulley area. I cannot rotate the augers when it's parked (and of course, off).

It's a chore+ to get this to the dealer. His only words of wisdom were to bring it in. Any help on what to look for would be appreciated.

Sounds like you smoked a belt. you should tighten the pully after a few hours break in.With the machine off,when you engage the auger,the belt might feel loose due to the tension pulley being spring loaded.Not sure about Ariens but the tensioner pully has a pin that you pull out so you can take the belt off.I would replace the belt.Read the manual.It will guide you through it.

Great to see snowmann over here!
Welcome Paul!!

Frank D.

Yes Welcome Paul, thanks for your continues input. It's very valuable!!