falcon54

 Thank you for the reply.

After further troubleshooting I pretty much wanted to kick myself for even asking the question above. I'm a person that prides myself on the work i do on cars and yet I overlook one of the most basic things. A bolt that connects the axle with the plate and belts was broke in half. Changed bolt machine runs like a champ again.

I have a craftsman 8HP snowthrower. I don't have model number cause i'm at work right now.

Had pretty big snow storm other day. Used the machine with no problems. I've always used the machine correctly, (ie not shifting gears while still moving.) Went to use next day and the traction drive no longer engages. Went through the troubleshooting section of my manual. Belts look good. Only other thing i can find that may be possibly wrong is the friction plate. Before i start working on the machine I wanted to ask if anyone had any other idea's I should check before I check the plate. After reading the guide looks like it's gonna take a nice amount of time to do that and it's freezing outside, so hoping I don't have to go that route.