I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? It appears that the fan belt is
OK. I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate

On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:48:05 -0800, Kate wrote:

I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? It appears that the fan belt is
OK. I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.


Kate,

I would look and see if the belt has to much slack in it, causing the
belt to slip. Perhaps an adjustment that tightens it a bit.

Thinking out loud....

Fan belts tend to wear thin -- so they look reasonable, but
they just don't work properly. If the fan belt is more than
a couple years old, it very likely needs to be replaced.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:48:05 -0800, Kate
wrote:

I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and
it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it
back uphill is
too much for me. It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? It appears that the
fan belt is
OK. I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am
hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.


Kate,

I would look and see if the belt has to much slack in it,
causing the
belt to slip. Perhaps an adjustment that tightens it a bit.

Thinking out loud....

On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:48:24 -0500, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Fan belts tend to wear thin -- so they look reasonable, but
they just don't work properly. If the fan belt is more than
a couple years old, it very likely needs to be replaced.
Is this a multi-speed unit?
Most MTD multispeed blowers use a friction wheel that moves across a
spinning disc. If the rubber gets hard/glazed - and then gets wet with
snow, no drive. I just replaced the rubber friction wheel on my blower
- part cost here in Canada was roughly $18 and it took me about half
an hour to replace it. Mine is not an MTD, but I've done it on MTD
blowers too (my last blower was an MTD, and I've done several for
friends and neighbours)

On 1/12/2011 7:00 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:48:24 -0500, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Fan belts tend to wear thin -- so they look reasonable, but
they just don't work properly. If the fan belt is more than
a couple years old, it very likely needs to be replaced.
Is this a multi-speed unit?
Most MTD multispeed blowers use a friction wheel that moves across a
spinning disc. If the rubber gets hard/glazed - and then gets wet with
snow, no drive. I just replaced the rubber friction wheel on my blower
- part cost here in Canada was roughly $18 and it took me about half
an hour to replace it. Mine is not an MTD, but I've done it on MTD
blowers too (my last blower was an MTD, and I've done several for
friends and neighbours)
OK, thanks for this info. I will check out the belt as well as the
friction wheel, etc. At least, this gives me something to go on.

Many thanks.

On 1/12/2011 6:48 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
Fan belts tend to wear thin -- so they look reasonable, but
they just don't work properly. If the fan belt is more than
a couple years old, it very likely needs to be replaced.

I bet that is my problem. I just checked and the machine is 13 years
old, with the same belt. Although, I must say, this machine has not
been used heavily.

On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:26:28 -0800, Kate wrote:

On 1/12/2011 6:48 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
Fan belts tend to wear thin -- so they look reasonable, but
they just don't work properly. If the fan belt is more than
a couple years old, it very likely needs to be replaced.

I bet that is my problem. I just checked and the machine is 13 years
old, with the same belt. Although, I must say, this machine has not
been used heavily.

Look on the side of the belt for a number. Take the belt to an auto
supply store/repair shop for a replacement. They can measure the belt
using a tool they have for that. I would get a belt just smaller than
what you have. Adjust in time as it streches out further. Any cracks
in the inside is a sure sign to replace it. Same if the inside of the
belt is really shiny from glazing.

13 years is a very long time for a V belt. They stretch, crack, dry
out and all kinds of things.

Let us know.

On 1/12/2011 9:00 PM, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:26:28 -0800, wrote:

On 1/12/2011 6:48 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
Fan belts tend to wear thin -- so they look reasonable, but
they just don't work properly. If the fan belt is more than
a couple years old, it very likely needs to be replaced.

I bet that is my problem. I just checked and the machine is 13 years
old, with the same belt. Although, I must say, this machine has not
been used heavily.

Look on the side of the belt for a number. Take the belt to an auto
supply store/repair shop for a replacement. They can measure the belt
using a tool they have for that. I would get a belt just smaller than
what you have. Adjust in time as it streches out further. Any cracks
in the inside is a sure sign to replace it. Same if the inside of the
belt is really shiny from glazing.

13 years is a very long time for a V belt. They stretch, crack, dry
out and all kinds of things.

Let us know.
I originally thought the machine was only ten years old. Where does the
time go? I agree, it is stored in a shed where it can be 110 degrees
during the summer months. Like you wrote, anything can happen in 13
years. Thanks for the tip.

My experience is to take the belt in hand, to a hardware
store, or auto parts. I usually get mine from my heating and
AC supply.

I havn't found belts to stretch longer. They do get thinner.
Each time I've gotten a shorter belt, it's been too short.
So, I'd want to get one the same length. Sometimes they are
marked. A typical size marking might be 3L410.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Oren" wrote in message
news On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:26:28 -0800, Kate
wrote:

On 1/12/2011 6:48 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
Fan belts tend to wear thin -- so they look reasonable,
but
they just don't work properly. If the fan belt is more
than
a couple years old, it very likely needs to be replaced.

I bet that is my problem. I just checked and the machine
is 13 years
old, with the same belt. Although, I must say, this
machine has not
been used heavily.

Look on the side of the belt for a number. Take the belt to
an auto
supply store/repair shop for a replacement. They can measure
the belt
using a tool they have for that. I would get a belt just
smaller than
what you have. Adjust in time as it streches out further.
Any cracks
in the inside is a sure sign to replace it. Same if the
inside of the
belt is really shiny from glazing.

13 years is a very long time for a V belt. They stretch,
crack, dry
out and all kinds of things.

Let us know.

On 1/12/2011 6:16 PM, Oren wrote:
On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:48:05 -0800, wrote:

I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? It appears that the fan belt is
OK. I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.


Kate,

I would look and see if the belt has to much slack in it, causing the
belt to slip. Perhaps an adjustment that tightens it a bit.

Thinking out loud....
Good thinking, and I will check it out. I took some slack out of it
three months ago, so maybe it is time for a new one. Thanks.

?
"Kate" wrote in message
...
I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been
great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? It appears that the fan belt is OK.
I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is a quick
and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate


I has a fan? Perhaps you mean the V belt? If it is like mine, the "driving
force" is the paddles that blow the snow. They may be worn and not gripping
to assist you in moving the machine.

On 1/12/2011 7:32 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
?
"Kate" wrote in message
...
I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been
great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill
is too much for me. It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? It appears that the fan belt is
OK. I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate


I has a fan? Perhaps you mean the V belt? If it is like mine, the
"driving force" is the paddles that blow the snow. They may be worn and
not gripping to assist you in moving the machine.
My error Ed. It does not have a fan. I don't know what a V belt is,
but this unit only has one belt. I am sure we are talking about the
same thing.

Thanks.

Sounds like the black rubber belt might be wearing out, if
it's 14 years old. The V belt name, is because the belt
cross section looks a bit like a flat bottomed letter V. For
most snow blowers, it's a drive belt, not a fan belt. I
didn't feel like confusing matters.

Now, to confuse matters, essentially all small engines have
a fan. The top of the flywheel has vanes, which blow air
over the engine for cooling. But, it's not a belt driven
fan.

Or, the rubber ring and wheel that drives the rubber ring
may be wearing smooth.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Kate" wrote in message
...
On 1/12/2011 7:32 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
I has a fan? Perhaps you mean the V belt? If it is like
mine, the
"driving force" is the paddles that blow the snow. They
may be worn and
not gripping to assist you in moving the machine.
My error Ed. It does not have a fan. I don't know what a V
belt is,
but this unit only has one belt. I am sure we are talking
about the
same thing.

Thanks.

On Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:58:05 -0500, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Sounds like the black rubber belt might be wearing out, if
it's 14 years old. The V belt name, is because the belt
cross section looks a bit like a flat bottomed letter V. For
most snow blowers, it's a drive belt, not a fan belt. I
didn't feel like confusing matters.

Now, to confuse matters, essentially all small engines have
a fan. The top of the flywheel has vanes, which blow air
over the engine for cooling. But, it's not a belt driven
fan.

Or, the rubber ring and wheel that drives the rubber ring
may be wearing smooth.


It APPEARS this is a "snow thrower" or "power shovel" type machine,
not a "wheel drive" machine.(which is what I was referring to with the
friction wheel Stormy is also referring to)

If it still throws snow well, it is NOT a drive belt issue.

One of the advantages of these machines is they scour right down to
pavement, cleaning the sidewalk extremely well, using what is
basically sections of conveyor belting on the "flutes" of the spinning
auger. The spinning rubber flutes provide traction to drag the blower
across the surface. This wears the flutes down. When they get worn
sufficiently they still throw snow, but to not drag the thrower across
the ground any more.

I would say the chances are better than 99.9% that this is the
situation with the OP's blower.
At 13 years of age, the likelihood is still pretty good that new auger
flute rubbers will be available from MTD or the aftermarket for that
machine.

On 1/13/2011 6:13 PM, wrote:
On Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:58:05 -0500, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Sounds like the black rubber belt might be wearing out, if
it's 14 years old. The V belt name, is because the belt
cross section looks a bit like a flat bottomed letter V. For
most snow blowers, it's a drive belt, not a fan belt. I
didn't feel like confusing matters.

Now, to confuse matters, essentially all small engines have
a fan. The top of the flywheel has vanes, which blow air
over the engine for cooling. But, it's not a belt driven
fan.

Or, the rubber ring and wheel that drives the rubber ring
may be wearing smooth.


It APPEARS this is a "snow thrower" or "power shovel" type machine,
not a "wheel drive" machine.(which is what I was referring to with the
friction wheel Stormy is also referring to)

If it still throws snow well, it is NOT a drive belt issue.

One of the advantages of these machines is they scour right down to
pavement, cleaning the sidewalk extremely well, using what is
basically sections of conveyor belting on the "flutes" of the spinning
auger. The spinning rubber flutes provide traction to drag the blower
across the surface. This wears the flutes down. When they get worn
sufficiently they still throw snow, but to not drag the thrower across
the ground any more.

I would say the chances are better than 99.9% that this is the
situation with the OP's blower.
At 13 years of age, the likelihood is still pretty good that new auger
flute rubbers will be available from MTD or the aftermarket for that
machine.
I called the snowblower co. this AM. You have hit on something here.
They said if the machine throws snow, then it is not a belt.

But, it could be the auger or paddles.

Right now, our streets are like ice skating rinks, but when the weather
improves, I will take it into a dealer near me that the guy said works
on this model of snowblower.

Thanks everyone, and I will let you know the outcome.

On Jan 12, 6:48*pm, Kate wrote:
I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. *It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? *It appears that the fan belt is
OK. *I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate

Is the uphill problem new, or has it always been weak on th uphill
side? My snowblower pulls itself forwad by the paddle wheel gripping
into the snow and also slightly rubbing on the ground.

On 1/12/2011 8:01 PM, hr(bob) wrote:
On Jan 12, 6:48 pm, wrote:
I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? It appears that the fan belt is
OK. I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate

Is the uphill problem new, or has it always been weak on th uphill
side? My snowblower pulls itself forwad by the paddle wheel gripping
into the snow and also slightly rubbing on the ground.
This machine has been great. With light snow, I could push the unit up
the hill with one hand. Not now - I can't even push it up the hill.

I will check out the paddle wheel grippers too.

Great group with good ideas.

Thanks all.

"hr(bob) " wrote:

On Jan 12, 6:48*pm, Kate wrote:
I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. *It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? *It appears that the fan belt is
OK. *I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate

Is the uphill problem new, or has it always been weak on th uphill
side? My snowblower pulls itself forwad by the paddle wheel gripping
into the snow and also slightly rubbing on the ground.

That's what I thought made it single stage. If that is the case with
Kate's, then the only two things it can be are;
1. worn pads on the paddle
2. she needs to raise the handle a bit when going uphill.

Jim

On Jan 12, 7:48*pm, Kate wrote:
I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. *It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? *It appears that the fan belt is
OK. *I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate

Since the only "drive" with a single stage is the rubber "paddles" on
the auger contacting the ground, it's possible that the paddles are
worn and that the slight backwards lean of the unit as you go uphill
is separating the paddles from the ground enough to lose traction.

Try lifting up on the handle, forcing the front end down towards the
ground. If the traction improves, the paddles may be worn.

P.S. I got to use my new 2 stage machine yesterday in some decent
snow. 7 inches on the ground, over a foot at EOD. It was sweet!

I finished my driveway and then went and did 2 more just for fun! I
was like a snowblowing ninja - in and out before the neighbors got
home from work. I'm sure they (both single ladies) were surprised and
grateful.

I finished my driveway and then went and did 2 more just for fun! I
was like a snowblowing ninja - in and out before the neighbors got
home from work. I'm sure they (both single ladies) were surprised and
grateful.

Oh yes!

?
"DerbyDad03" wrote
P.S. I got to use my new 2 stage machine yesterday in some decent
snow. 7 inches on the ground, over a foot at EOD. It was sweet!

I finished my driveway and then went and did 2 more just for fun! I
was like a snowblowing ninja - in and out before the neighbors got
home from work. I'm sure they (both single ladies) were surprised and
grateful.

What did you buy? I sometimes want mine to die so I can justify getting a
bigger model. The little single stage was a gift about 10 years ago and it
is all I need most of the time, but the EOD can be a bear at if it is deep
and heavy.

I bought a big Cub Cadet at work and it is great there, but far too much for
me at home.

On Jan 13, 10:56*pm, "Ed Pawlowski" wrote:
?
"DerbyDad03" wrote

P.S. I got to use my new 2 stage machine yesterday in some decent
snow. 7 inches on the ground, over a foot at EOD. It was sweet!

I finished my driveway and then went and did 2 more just for fun! I
was like a snowblowing ninja - in and out before the neighbors got
home from work. I'm sure they (both single ladies) were surprised and
grateful.

What did you buy? *I sometimes want mine to die so I can justify getting a
bigger model. *The little single stage was a gift about 10 years ago and it
is all I need most of the time, but the EOD can be a bear at if it is deep
and heavy.

I bought a big Cub Cadet at work and it is great there, but far too much for
me at home.

I bought this unit (link below) in the late fall when Ariens had it on
sale for $599. It was available at Home Depot as well as a few
independent Outdoor Power Equipment dealers. Since Ariens sets the
price, it's the same everywhere, so I went to an independent dealer.

I had more trust in them setting up the machine than a HD employee,
plus they told me that they are the authorized service dealer for
machines sold at HD. As a customer of theirs, I would be ahead of an
HD customer if warranty repair work was needed.

I'm glad I went that route because when I went to pick up the machine
a tech showed me how to operate it (I'm a newbie to 2-stage
snowblowers). As he engaged the auger, he didn't like the sound of it
and took it back inside for a slight adjustment. I wouldn't have known
it wasn't right and I doubt HD would have even spent the time teaching
me or - more importantly - noticing the minor problem.

The Ariens Sno Tek line is Ariens' endeavor to offer some entry level
machines to compete with Sears, MTD, etc., which are basically all the
same (MTD) machines. When on sale for $599, the quality of the Ariens
machine blows the others $599 machines away. Metal where they have
plastic , stronger welds, overall better quality. Some of the other
models have plastic impellers. Plastic *impellers*. Are you kidding
me?

The Sno Tek line doesn't have any features like hand warmers,
differential steering, headlights, etc. but as I said, it's an entry
level machine and all that I need.

It comes in a 24" and 28" width. I believe there is a Sno Tek single
stage model also.

The dealer told me that Ariens usually puts their machines on sale in
mid to late November and then again in late February to early March.

http://www.ariens.com/products_snow/...s/default.aspx

If you want information on snowblowers as well as other outdoor power
equipment, I recommend this site, which pointed me in the Sno Tek
direction. These guys live and breathe that stuff:

http://www.opeonthenet.com/phpBB2/index.php

?
"DerbyDad03" wrote

I bought this unit (link below) in the late fall when Ariens had it on
sale for $599. It was available at Home Depot as well as a few
independent Outdoor Power Equipment dealers. Since Ariens sets the
price, it's the same everywhere, so I went to an independent dealer.

I'm glad I went that route because when I went to pick up the machine
a tech showed me how to operate it (I'm a newbie to 2-stage

The Sno Tek line doesn't have any features like hand warmers,
differential steering, headlights, etc. but as I said, it's an entry
level machine and all that I need.

It comes in a 24" and 28" width. I believe there is a Sno Tek single
stage model also.

The dealer told me that Ariens usually puts their machines on sale in
mid to late November and then again in late February to early March.

http://www.ariens.com/products_snow/...s/default.aspx

That is exactly what I'd be looking for. My driveway is only 60 feet long or
so. We get a total of about 48' of snow a year, mostly 6" or so at a time.
Two dealers not far from me too! Thanks.

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
?
"DerbyDad03" wrote
I bought this unit (link below) in the late fall when Ariens had it on
sale for $599. It was available at Home Depot as well as a few
independent Outdoor Power Equipment dealers. Since Ariens sets the
price, it's the same everywhere, so I went to an independent dealer.

I'm glad I went that route because when I went to pick up the machine
a tech showed me how to operate it (I'm a newbie to 2-stage

The Sno Tek line doesn't have any features like hand warmers,
differential steering, headlights, etc. but as I said, it's an entry
level machine and all that I need.

It comes in a 24" and 28" width. I believe there is a Sno Tek single
stage model also.

The dealer told me that Ariens usually puts their machines on sale in
mid to late November and then again in late February to early March.

http://www.ariens.com/products_snow/...s/default.aspx

That is exactly what I'd be looking for. My driveway is only 60 feet long or
so. We get a total of about 48' of snow a year, mostly 6" or so at a time.
Two dealers not far from me too! Thanks.

48 feet of snow???? Wauuuu, have you any pictures showing that??

On Jan 12, 6:48*pm, Kate wrote:
I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. *It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? *It appears that the fan belt is
OK. *I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate

Many of these single-stage units have multi-V belts (flat like an auto
serpentine belt).(and I don't mean multiple belts) Also what they are
saying about the paddles being the drive is correct.

On Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:48:05 -0800, Kate wrote:

I have owned a single-stage snowblower for ten years, and it has been great.

For some reason, it easily goes downhill, but driving it back uphill is
too much for me. It does a great job of throwing snow.

Can anyone tell me what to look for? It appears that the fan belt is
OK. I will probably have to take it into a shop, but I am hoping it is
a quick and easy fix.

Thanks.

Kate


Likely the friction disc. There is an adjustment procedure in the
manual.