Harold

Yea, I tried hard not to load the belt thinking that it'd self destruct.  If it does, I'm ready with another on hand.

And the hot water.... that would have been a pleasure to pour on this frigid day.

Thanks again.

You're right on, Borat.  Thank you.

Thought I was doing well when I had the bright idea of resting the auger housing on a big rock so it wouldn't freeze to the ground as has happened.  But in doing so, I allowed a puddle to form in the back bottom part of the impeller housing.  Must have had a snowball size chunk of solid ice in there; it was holding the impeller very well.  Had to chisel it out.  If it had been level the water would have drained out.  I feel so dumb sometimes... I'll store it level off the ground in the future.  Gotta do that as once it was very frozen to the ground.

Set to go.  No more excuses!

That's a good idea, thanks.  Will try that and report back.

Was tempted to unbolt the housing to expose the belt and wack at something.

Haven't tried to travel with it.  I suppose it would.  Only tried getting the auger to turn by engaging the belt.

I did let the engine warm up hoping that would help.  Didn't

My outdoor, stored under a tarp 1970s 724 stalls as soon as I engage the auger.  I can hear the belt squealing as I try engaging it.  Somethings frozen, it's 9 degrees now, windy and snowing and 18" is forecast.  The auger rotates a tad on it's shaft when I push on it with a stick. Tried gently engaging the belt - didn't help.

Neither electricity, help, a garage or shelter is available.  Can't drag it to the house, and even if I could there's too many steps and black ice under the snow to contend with.

Where, just what part, should I thaw it with a torch and is that safe?

Added:  It worked great (with a heavy demand) few days ago.