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

The manual just says to check it.How often should it be replaced?is it like the engine oil and be replaced after so many hrs of use or years??

mikiewest wrote: Don't do like I did,unchecked, I burned the gear inside, had to replace shaft and gear, expensive parts for Ariens

If Ariens wanted us to change it, seems they would tell us. As you say, the manual says just to Check It.

For my 926DLE it says" gear cases are filled to the correct level at the factory. Unless there is evidence of leakage, no additional lubricant should be required. Check oil level each season or ever 25 hours of operation. ... then it goes on to tell you How To ensure adequate lubricant level ... and to use only Ariens special gear lubricant L-2.

Perhaps, after 75-100 hours, or two years, you might want to replace the lubricant, but if lubricant in automobile differentials last longer than the car, it may not be necessary.

gary

I ran two Craftsman machines for a total of twenty years and never replaced the gear lube.  I inspected it annually to ensure it had sufficient lubricant and that it looked "normal" but never changed it.   Not saying you should do the same but I believe that if the lube isn't being contaminated and isn't leaking out, It should be fine.  Running in a snow thrower gear case isn't  as stressful  as in the rear end of a vehicle.  Gear lube stands up for years, at high speeds, heavy loads and hot temperatures in automobiles.  In a snow thrower, working at much slower speeds, lower loads and cooler temperatures, it should last for many years if it doesn't leak or get contaminated. 

Mikie:  If you plan to change your gear lube, make sure you get the right stuff.  Not sure about your machine but mine requires the use of Benalene, which I'm finding hard to find in my area.  I still have to try some farm equipment/tractor repair shops to see if they carry it.  But, as per above, I don't really need it.  Would be good to have on hand if the occasion does arise.

 Borat-Simplicity Winter Weight Gear Lube is Part# 1704636- That's the correct Benalene based lube. A guy on Ebay has it listed for about $17 usd for a quart. The web parts houses have it for $4 and change but don't tell you the size of the container. 

Marc

I had to have new lube in my van's differential because I backed it into a lake and water got in the differential. That was at about 220,000 Km.

I'd recommend changing the auger gear lube every 200,000 Km whether it needs it or not..