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

Hi

My snowblower (ariens ST724) will start but not budge.  I pulled it apart and the drive belt was broken and drive plate appears to be frozen.  Replaced the drive belt, started it up and the belt started smoking right away - the drive belt is burning on the top pulley (pulley spinning, belt not).  No change when I try to engage the wheels. 

Any suggestions?

What is the model number off the back of the base?

Did you just get this and it had been sitting for years?

Was it running 4 days ago and this just happened?

Any supplement detail?

Seems like you've already opened up the pan.  Can your turn the big drive pulley and does the drive plate rotate?  Probably not.  Spray some PB-Blaster under the drive plate.  Get a big screwdrive and pry up under the drive plate.  Go above and push down.  Work it until you can turn the pulley and the drive plate turns.  Knowing the model would be a big help.

Thanks all, for the advice.

Model - 932032

I'll try loosening up the plate in the AM

It 47 could be rusted or pinched on 50 o 51.  46 could be worn and jamed.

I've removed the pulley, pulled the set screws from the hub and can't remove the hub.  It still turns about a 1/16 of a revolution in either direction.  Will continue with WD40 and try removing the drive plate.

Looks like we now have 3 similar problems.

http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/55042-0-1.html

http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/54829-0-1.html

I appreciate the advice from everyone - I think mine is going to the shop.  I tried pulling the axle, but the hex bolt won't back out of the gear, even after the nut is off.  Tried pulling the The drive plate still only rotates about a half inch in either direction.