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

My 8hp Ariens snow blower runs fine but only half the auger turns when under a moderate load.  The side clogs almost instantly with snow and stops turning.  Is this a belt adjustment or something more serious.  I also noticed that the machine is never really in neutral.  When the gear shift is in the neutral position the machine creeps backwards.  Is this a belt adjustment or something more troublesome too?  Thanks for any help you can provide.

Half the auger turning sounds like you broke a sheer bolt on the side that doesn't turn.  The bolt goes through the auger and the auger shaft.  If its broken it should just push out.  To fix ,grease the shaft, there should be a grease fitting, and replace with a replacement shear bolt.  Don't use a a machine bolt.  If something jams the auger the bolt won't snap but the drive gears will.  as to the second part of your question I have no idea.  Sorry.

me guesses  u have 2 problems:


1) on the side that doesn t turn u have a broken shear pin. Ez fix. see the thread as to technique for replacing.

2) on the creaping backward u have to adjust the speed selector as decribed in he manual.  (unless  u need to make the other adjustments w/ the attachment clutch/break . see the manual.

BTW  welcome and others that are more erudite   and experienced will soon chime in .

If it is creeping in neutral with the lever engaging the drive train it is an adjustment.  If it is creeping backwards un-engaged it is vibration from the engine.

ALWAYS keep extra shear pins around.......

Welcome to the forum....

C