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

I have an Ariens 1128 Snowblower.

Here's the problem, everything seems to function fine, impeller spins, augers spin, howerver, when I put it into any real snow (more than 6-12 inches) the impeller and the augers stop spinning.  The motor runs fine throughout the whole process, the motor doesn't bog down and it sounds like the clutch is engaging.

It's almost as if when there's any torque applied to the auger/impeller, they stop spinning.   If I hold the impeller/auger handle down, eventually the impeller begins to slowly spin up.

Suggestions and or recommendations are most appreciated.

Either the control handle is not putting enough tension on the belt and/or the belt is too loose. Check how tight it is with the blower off and the control handle down. You should be able to see pretty easily how it works. Your belt will probably need replacing because it's been slipping and that alone will damage it. If you do replace it, check all the adjustments immediately, then again after a few hours of use.

I second the belt.  My 1128 had trouble throwing when brand new. I checked the belt and the tensioner was way off. Very loose.  Tightened it up and all was good.

Knee_Biter, 

    How long have you had your 1128 and how many belts have you gone through?

1128DLE 924508 purchased new 2003.  Still original belt.  Just would not throw far.  Went through the manual and set everything to spec and adjusted the tensioner. Made a 100% difference in distance.  Then the slush came and it became a sausage maker. Installed the impeller kit and it is now a water canon.

  Just curious, what do you figure your rough gain in average distance for average snow on the driveway 10 inches deep and moderatly tough EOD?   How wide and long is your area in car lengths?   A 508, I think that's got the roller bearings in the gearbox.  Nice machine.  I need one with an impeller kit.  Did you install it without removing the auger assembly?

Driveway is aprox 4 cars wide 4 cars deep.  Without the kit I could throw wet snow 10-12" deep aprox 25-35ft.  With Clarence's impeller kit same type snow 50 plus feet.  PACKED EOD SLUSH WATER ICE 50 plus ft. Did not need to remove chute. Just went straight down with my drill and a hardened bit.  

Knee_Biter,

    Thanks.  4 EOD's.  If you have to toss from one edge to the other that's a long toss of tough stuff.    I've got 1 car wide and 3 car wide on the sides of the house but start inbetween them trying to toss over everything to the far side of those driveways.  The Honda 11hp can do just clear the 1 car but has to throw into the three car area.  WIth 4 EOD lengths I guess that would stress a belt enough.  You probably within 50 miles of me in Marlboro so see the same type of snow if not a bit wetter.

    Sluch 50, good number.  I need one.  I tried to buy and Ariens 926 last week with a blown motor which would have been perfect for an Intek 11hp OHV I have.  Slip a kit in there and I could toss over to your house.

   

I am in Needham.  I can start at the left and throw all the way past the right into the yard.   Give one a try. I think you will be surprised.

Knee_Biter wrote:

Knee biter, could you describe the impeller kit, or better yet, a part number? Sounds like something my Ariens could use.

Impeller kit:

http://smllengns.tripod.com/

A search for "Clarence Impeller" will bring up a lot of topics about it.

Shryp posted the correct link.  Great addition in my opinion. And many others as well.