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

I have made a few comments about this machine in a couple of other posts, but wanted to do a review on a stand alone thread. 

I want this thread to be a place where I can log some ongoing experiences with this machine since it is really new.  I purchased it 12-1-08.  First let's look at the specs.  I pulled these right off of the Sears website:

Product Overview:
Stages:	Two stage
Stages:	Two stage
Item Weight:	293.0 lbs.
General Warranty:	2 year limited
Chute System:
Directional Chute Control:	Yes
Chute Material:	Steel
Chute Rotation:	Yes, single motion
Maximum Chute Rotation:	180 deg.
General Features:
Impeller Diameter:	12 in.
Auger Style:	Serrated drum
Auger Type:	Curved blade
Number of Rotor Blades:	3
Snow Dispersal:	Impeller
Drive System:
Propulsion Type:	Wheel engagement
Speeds, Forward:	6
Speeds, Reverse:	2
Motor-Engine:
Amps:	1.5
Engine Brand:	Briggs & StrattonŽ
Series:	1450 Series
Electric Start:	Yes
Starter Type:	Electric
Torque Ft./Lbs.:	14.5 ft. lbs.
Wheels & Tires:
Material:	Rubber
Type:	X-trac
Capacity:
Clearing Path:	30 in.
Controls, Overall:
On/Off Type:	Lever
Primary Location:	Consoles
Primary Type:	Lever
Controls, Safety:
Safety Override:	Yes
Safety Lock:	Yes
Convenience:
Starter Mitten Grip:	Yes
Handles:
Handles Fold For Easy Storage:	Yes
Color:
Overall Color:	Red
Dimensions:
Intake Height:	23 in.
Installation Requirements:
Setup:	Fully assembled
Included with Item:
Accessory Type:	Starter mitten grip

An update:  Sears replaced the cable that was melted against the muffler.  It took much longer than I thought and the first time that the service guy came out, he came out without the part even though I told them which part to bring.  I have changed the oil with Castrol Syntec.  I usually use Mobile One, but it just isn't available for some reason in my area.  This is a full synthetic and I expect it will do well.  I have pulled the wheels and greased the axles and also added some oil or grease to cables.  I did not pull the augers and grease them, but will add some waterproof based grease to the zerts soon.

I also added a Classic Acccessories Deluxe snow cab to the machine.  Even though it came with a counter weight, I chose to use it without it.  I didn't like the way it attached so I was pleased with the unit without the counter weight.

I am having one concern with the unit.  I could start a new thread but wanted to keep all of this together.  If I don't get the response that I am looking for by added this to this thread, I can always start another one. 

When I first start up the unit and engage the drive mechanism or drive wheels, it doens't move or won't go.  I thought that the belt could be slipping but it is too new for that.  I also thought that the scrapper bar is too close to the ground so it is causing this problem.  But after having difficulty for 10 minutes or so the problem goes away.  I'm thinking that there could be a thin layer of ice built up on the belt which is causing it to slip, and then the friction melts that and that is why it works later.  Any ideas on this one? 

Clay,

You might want to check out section 6.21 in that service manual. It talks about the adjustment of the drive system control rod.

There is also info on how to adjust the clearance between the Rubber Wheel Ring and the Drive Plate Assembly. Although it would seem machine is too new to require that adjustment.

Here is excerpt on how to adjust the rod:

"* The Drive System Control Rod is on the han-
dle at the left side of the operator. Adjustment
is required if engagement is sluggish or if there
is creep.
* Loosen the jam nut, remove hairpin, and dis-
connect control rod from control lever. Turn the
rod counter-clock-wise to lengthen, clock-wise
to shorten. Reconnect the control rod lever.
Slack should be removed and the rod should
be snug. If not, readjust. Then tighten jam nut.
* If this adjustment is not successful, use anti-
seize to lubricate the Hex Short Shaft (page 39
key 28) on the Drive Plate Assembly (key 26).
See Section 7.45 for disassembly information .
* If the rubber ring on the traction disc is
missing chunks, has deep cracks, or is worn so
the rubber ring clamp plates are 1/16" or less
from touching the drive plate in engaged
position, the rubber ring must be replaced. "



Clay wrote:

Little bit more I missed:

* If the rubber ring passes inspection, in the
disengaged position adjust the clearance be-
tween the Rubber Wheel Ring and the
Drive Plate Assembly to .125"-.140".
* If there is a complaint that the drive does
not disengage properly, check to see that this
dimension is at least .125". PROTECTIVE
SLEEVE


* To adjust clearance, use 9/16" nut connecting
the bellcrank to a clutch rod. It is at bottom end
of the Drive Control Rod (p 35 key 36). When a
new rubber ring is installed, this nut is adjusted
so that two threads are showing past the nut.
When the ring is worn, it can be adjusted with
up to 1/2" of rod past the nut. This increases
the force of the drive plate on the rubber ring to
stop slipping. The nut should never be turned
so that more than 1/2" extends beyond the nut.
( See Section 7.43 )
NOTE: If the Plates supporting the Rubber
Wheel Ring come in contact with the Drive
Plate Assembly (p 39 Key 26) extreme wear
may require that these parts be replaced.

borat wrote:

Borat ,

Have you ever seen what i think is the new cab design. I picked one up at Lowes for $125.00 but did'nt install yet .I want to make sure I'm going with it first. It looks diferent then the one you have pictured. I think its wider and not sure it gives the same protection.

http://www.classicaccessories.com/doc/CA_Standard_Inst.pdf

http://www.classicaccessories.com/video/Snow_Blower_400.htm

No.  I haven't seen nor looked at the new cab design.   The best I can do is look at what's available on line.   Nobody up here stocks that item.  Looks kind of neat but it doesn't look like it has as much roof.  Hard to tell from the pictures.  I like the one I have.  It's roomy and offers good protection.  Looks like I'm going to need it soon.  We're getting another bid dump here. 

Bring it on!   

Think I'm returning it. Was at lowes today and measured the one they had  assembled on a blower.It was 41" at the widest part.Much too big fo me! And like you say may not protect enough anyway.

Allan

snowmachine wrote:

First thanks Snowmachine for all of the great info on this unit, but I am a little frustrated today.  The 4th post in this thread spoke about the auger pulley shearing.  This happened to me this morning.  I thought that I broke a belt, but when I pulled the unit apart, the pully that looks pressed together split down the middle and the two sides separated.  The soonest that the service department can get here is Jan 8th, over two week lead time.  I bought this unit on Dec 1st  and Sears said that I can return it.  I looked at the Simplicity 1530 this morning but they wanted $1700 for it and it is the closest machine in the Simplicity line to this unit that I spent under $1000 on.  I bought the extended warranty for $200 so I am up to $1200.  Home depot was selling the 1130 DLE for $1199 with a 3 year warranty.  I am wondering if I made the best decision today. 

The local Sears stores don't have the $17 part in stock and to just get the part and install it myself, it will be a week.

Frustration mode has now officially started.

Note:  Snowmachine, order the $17 part NOW.

Rick

Sears is now selling packages of shear bolts for this model.

$5.99 for (4) bolts & nuts
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07188009000P

It says it fits Model 88115.

I cross referenced the parts diagram for this model.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com./partsdirect/getSubComp.pd?modelNumber=917881150&productCategoryId=1507200&brandId=0247&modelName=SNOW-THROWER&diagramPageId=00001&componentDescription=AUGER%20HOUSING/IMPELLER&documentId=P0509009&backToLink=Return%20to%20Sub%20Components%20list

and shear bolt part (#28) number is the same at 192090 = 198636
Poulin Pro part number: 198636 1/4-20 x 1-3/4
Husqvarna 532-198636


This seems like a decent deal compared to buying these individually and should work fine with the related Husqvarna and Poulan Pro models. From what I have gathered all the late model Huskies seem to use the same shear pins as well.

Clay,

Do you have a pic of how it split? Do think it needs a new bolt and washer as well?

I've looked around at cross referenced parts and this pully seems the same on all of the Husqvarnas as well. I wonder if they will are start doing it or if there was a bad batch with weak welds.

Snowmachine

Clay wrote:

Even the top of the line Husqvarna 1330SB-XLS professional model use this same impeller pulley.

Part Number: 191079