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

I've got a Simplicity 2-Stage 1180M Snow Thrower (commercial / pro grade unit). The brake pad that stops the auger belt needs replacement...it is worn through and the bolts that hold it in place are rubbing against the belt....ruined the belt so I replaced that. It looks like I make have to take off the intake housing / auger, etc to get at this part. Or maybe take apart the entire engine housing. Anyone do this before? Hoping to avoid major work here. Also - the auger drive lever has too much tension....it is hard to pull the lever down and engage the auger...and the tension is so high that the unit can not keep the free-hand system working where the auger stays engaged when the drive lever is engaged. It just pops back up. I did the adjustments to the auger and drive tension so they work as expected....except for the extra tension. Not sure what is causing it...seems like one of the springs is too tight or something....could use some ideas here. Thanks, - Ed