Craftsman 5hp 22" SS Model 536.881500 not clearing snow evenly? Original Message Feb 19, 2013 8:11 am
This machine has worked perfectly since I bought it new about 10 years ago. I changed the rubber paddles and the scraper late last year and now it seems to be hitting the pavement unevenly and not clearing cleanly down to the driveway. It throws some snow backwards under the scraper bar. I figured that the rubber was a little uneven and soon it would all wear down and even out but not yet. To change the paddles I had to drill the rivets out and I installed the new ones with 1/4" SS hardware. Could it be out of balance? Can you "shave down" high spots on the paddles? Just try to loosen & reposition the paddles? Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this problem?
Re: Craftsman 5hp 22" SS Model 536.881500 not clearing snow evenly? Reply #1 Feb 19, 2013 12:08 pm
Put the machine up on a level table, take a close look and some measurements. The uneven component(s) should become obvious. If it's not the paddles, it's likely the scraper bar. Is there any chance that the paddle shaft might be a bit off centre?
Where did you buy the new rubber for the paddles? I've got three of these machines all running fine. However, it's only a matter of time before the rubber will need replacing.
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Joined: Dec 5, 2010
Points: 622
Re: Craftsman 5hp 22" SS Model 536.881500 not clearing snow evenly? Reply #2 Feb 20, 2013 6:58 pm
slinger wrote:
This machine has worked perfectly since I bought it new about 10 years ago. I changed the rubber paddles and the scraper late last year and now it seems to be hitting the pavement unevenly and not clearing cleanly down to the driveway. It throws some snow backwards under the scraper bar. I figured that the rubber was a little uneven and soon it would all wear down and even out but not yet. To change the paddles I had to drill the rivets out and I installed the new ones with 1/4" SS hardware. Could it be out of balance? Can you "shave down" high spots on the paddles? Just try to loosen & reposition the paddles? Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this problem?
Are your rubber paddles installed correctly? My Honda has L and R paddles and hopefully you did not get them crossed. Did you use OEM parts or after market? I got a new genuine Honda set from boats.
Re: Craftsman 5hp 22" SS Model 536.881500 not clearing snow evenly? Reply #3 Feb 20, 2013 7:33 pm
Since you have 6 pieces of rubber to attachment, there's a good possibility that one of them is on the wrong side or wrong orientation. Is there any indicator on them to show where they should go? The rubber paddles might be riding too low if it's blowing out snow under a brand new scraper bar.
I would check to see if the metal rotor assembly is somehow bent or out of balance.
