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.