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

I have an old Ariens 5 hp Mod #924036 snowblower that runs great.  Problem is the drive wheels.  How does the drive plate make contact with the friction wheel?   I've adjusted the handle all the way out and it still doesn"t make solid contact.  I've also replaced the friction wheel and that hasn't helped.  It seems to have solid contact in reverse, and it does drive slightly in the forward speeds.  Could the drive plate be uneven?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Anticipating the first snow soon.

You could have bad bearings or something.  On mine (different model) the way to adjust the friction disc was to block up the back so the wheels are off the ground, put it in neutral, tighten the adjustment nut until the wheels start to bind and then do 3 turns out.  The adjustment nut is on the end of the control rod for the handle.

I've tried adjusting the nut, but the wheels still turn.  Does the lever move the drive disc back to make contact with the friction wheel?  Could it be bound up?

I just followed the procedure for the drive disc adjustment and the wheels still turn when I tighten the nut all the way.  What does the spring attach to?  It feels like the handle lever doesn't move anything.  I can move the drive disc in and out with a bar between the belts, but when I pull the lever, nothing moves.

I just downloaded the manual and it looks like yours is the same style as mine.  First I would pull the bottom cover and make sure the friction wheel is in good shape.  Then check the plate to make sure it is flat and doesn't have any major defects or grooves wore in it.  Also make sure everything is not covered in oil or water and giving you problems.  The other thing to check would be the belt.  If everything checks out I would rule out binding as that generally results in ability to engage, but then the spring doesn't retract it and it won't stop.  Stick a block of wood or something under the back to hold the tires off the ground.  Put the shifter in neutral.  Lock the differential if it has one.  While turning 1 wheel with 1 hand, tighten the adjustment nut until you feel resistance.  Back the nut out 3 turns.  One other possibility is you just have some badly worn out bearings or bushings and the slack is making it hard to adjust properly so make sure everything is relatively tight.

Manual downloads:
http://www.ariens.com/corporate/Pages/OwnerManuals.aspx

Thanks for the response.  I set the adjusting nut and the wheel made contact.  Then it would not retract.  I tapped it back and it disengaged.  Is there a spring that pulls the disc back when you release the handle?  How much  travel should there be when you pull the lever?  It doesn't seem to move very much at all.  What should I lubricate the shaft with.  As I said, the machine is pretty old and was last serviced 3 years ago.

The one I picked up wouldn't disengage and I had to oil it.  Try separating the auger from the tractor and you will see the pulley that activates the drive.  I sprayed some PB Blaster down there to clean it out and then put some oil on the part that moves back and forth.  While you have it open make sure the spring is still there.  Mine was just all gummed up and needed some lube.

If you push the handle up and down you will see how it moves.

Thanks a lot.  I'm going to separate the auger and quit for the day.  It looks like I'll replace the belts while I'm at it.  Looks to me like it needs a good lube.  Thanks again.

OK, if you need more help some pictures might help.  I don't have any pictures of mine apart and I don't feel like taking it apart right now :)

When I picked up mine the lever would not come back up on its own.  I had to pull it back up to disengage the drive.

Brought tractor into work.  Removed flywheel and found the fork that moves the spindle was broken.  Quite a job getting the piece out.  Mechanic will clean and re-weld the part and should be good to go.  Needs some lubrication.  Thanks for the advice.

Glad you found the problem.