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

I got an older AMF Polar Bear walk behind snow blower today.  It was free...  Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone has info on manuals, parts supplies, etc.  The guy said it runs but it didn't start for me.  It has a Tecumseh engine.  The "clutch" for the drive wheels seems to be out.  It's a friction plate with the sliding rubber wheel that moves for speeds, neutral, and reverse.  It could be that the "rubber band" is dried out and cracked and needs to be replaced.  Any help or resources would be great!  Thanks.

Sam

sglucklich wrote:

Sam,

I own one of these machines and I have a owners manual. There is a belt tensioner under the cover in front of your gas tank, that is the first thing to check, there is one belt that runs the auger and one for the axle. The second thing to check is that there is no grease on the rubber wheel and disc that it rides on. If you take the back cover off that the transmission selector rod runs through you can view the axle drive mechanism. Start your machine and see if the axles are turning and if they are the problem is in the pawl gear that drives the cogged wheels.  Starting has three needs, primer which is the knob on the back left, make sure this stays in the out position after priming or it will flood. If the sproing is broke use a alligator clip on the shaft behind the knob to ensure it stays in the out position.  Use full choke and wide open throttle while cranking.

Hi Sam, I own a 1972 AMF Polar Bear 3-stage blower and have all of the paper work that came with the blower when bought NEW. The model number is 13620500, the paper work includes exploded views of the whole blower. It sounds like your unit needs quite a bit of work. If you have the 8hp tecumseh model #HM80 155027 ENGINE, parts are still available from tecumseh. The blower I have is in excellent condition and works great, yet I am always looking for a spare blower, please let me know if you decide to sell yours. If you would like copies of the paper work I have please let me know. GOOD LUCK!

Whats a 3 stage blower? I know about 2-stage but I've never heard of 3.

72AMFpolarbear -

I have the same unit you just described and have been looking for an owners manual since I purchased it used many years ago.  If you would be willing to mail me a copy I would be happy to reimburse you for your expense.  Otherwise, another option would be for you to scan it and e-mail me the scanned pages.  Either way, please e-mail me privately at schiebel@acegroup.cc

Look forward to hearing from you!

Minnesota

Hi Sam,

mark here, I have a AMF 3 stage 26" polarbear 8.0 hp. Model   l3620500. looking for parts for the left side drive wheel. can you help me.

thanks MARK  wisconsin

The old Polar Bear quit a few years ago.  Anyone interested in it for parts?  The engine still runs well - started it yesterday on the 3rd pull.  Just the drive wheels quit working.  I haven't taken the time to figure out what might be wrong with it.

Sam

Janesville, Calif.

The machine is totally bullet proof except for the friction drive. Toro bought out the deMoines, IA plant long ago, I think the Toro part # 37-6570 is similar tho its vulcanized into one piece. Its also good to scrub any rust from the large pulley drive face before use so it doesn't tear up the rubber friction tire.

Hi Sam,

I'm trying to locate an owner's manual for an AMF Polar Bear. Were you able to track one down?

Thanks for the help.
Doug

Hi Doug,

I was wondeing if you were able to locate a manual for your amf snowblower.  If so, please email me at derrermd@yahoo.com.  Thanks.

Mat

Hi All, I was following up on trying to locate an AMF Manual for a Dual Stage Model #1360-0200. I acquired one last year, during my third use, something quickly went wrong when trying to cut through some heavy wet snow. The auger was still moving and able to throw snow, but none of the gears to propel the unit worked. Does the drive shaft have a shear pin? I opened up the case cover, and everything looked visually intact; the drive chains, gears/teeth etc. Would love any help and or manual. Thanks - Mel