If you experience the loss of auger or drive control, it may be necessary to perform one or a combination of the tasks listed here:

1. Inspect and perform the cable adjustments listed in the Final Adjustments section of the snow thrower Assembly section. Cables do stretch over time. Performing these adjustments will tighten any slack that may have occurred due to stretching.

2. It may be necessary to inspect and possibly replace one or both belts. These belts operate the drive systems for the wheels and the auger.

3. If the belt(s) seem fine and engine runs, but the augers have lost half or full operation, broken shear bolt(s) is/are likely the failure. Inspect the shear bolts and replace as needed. Shear bolts are located along the main auger shaft in the center of each auger spiral. Refer to the illustrated parts list for specific location and replacement part numbers of these shear bolts.

4. For loss of wheel drive, begin with inspection and replacement of the rubber friction wheel (as needed). This friction wheel rubber is considered a normal service wear item and should be replaced when the thickness of the exposed rubber wears to approximately 1/8 inch. This is a drive component essentially responsible for transferring power from the belts to the drive wheels. Operating the unit with worn-out friction rubber may result in damage to the drive system. Check this friction rubber regularly for wear. Consult the Operator´s Manual for more information on friction wheel maintenance.

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Identification tags are located in areas unlikely to need replacement, even after years of use.

For most of our power equipment, these tags are approximately 2" x 3" in size.

For handheld equipment, the tag is usually white and approximately 1" x 1/2" in size. Handheld ID tags are normally on an aluminum portion of the engine, somewhat set into the unit to protect the label from wear. (A bar code will also be on this tag.)

Riding mower tags are located on the underside of the seat.

For walk-behind mowers this tag is found either on the deck or on the rear door of rear discharge units.

Tiller model and serial tags are generally on the tine housing.

The model and serial tags for two-stage snow throwers are located on the bottom of the main gear housing which is often called the belly pan, while single-stage snow thrower tags are next to the key and primer.

For other products like log splitters, chipper shredders and edgers, tags can be found on the frame or main housing.

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2) Mulching blades generally have a more curved style surface and frequently include extra cutting surfaces along the blade edges. These blades may also come in a “+” design (which is actually two individual blades arranged in a perpendicular fashion to enhance mulching). The “+” blades are usually found on older style mowers; newer ones utilize blades with more advanced mulching technology.

Mulching blades may also be referred to as “3-in-1” (mulching, discharging & bagging) or “all-purpose” blades.

Bear in mind that the re-circulating airflow design of 3/1 blades makes them less efficient at discharging grass clippings than a standard 2/1 blade. As with most all-purpose tools, there is some give and take as opposed to using a tool designed for a more specific purpose.

If you’re experiencing less-than-desired cutting or discharging performance with a 3/1 blade, you may want to check into using a 2/1 blade. Conversely, if you’re using a 2/1 blade and want to mulch clippings, you should see about the availability of mulching blades or a mulching kit.*

The type of blade installed on a new mower is a decision the retailer makes for each model of mower, based on the expected needs of most customers. If you’re unsure of which blade is on a particular model, inspect the blade.

* MULCHING KITS – These generally consist of mulching blades and a mulching plug (which closes off the discharge opening to keep the clippings contained under the deck for re-cutting) plus any necessary hardware for installation. Please check with your parts distributor regarding the contents of a particular mulching kit.