Here is a LINK to the CRAFTSMAN AUGER BELT used in this video. Be sure to Ensure Fit prior to purchase. Thank you for supporting the channel! 👍 👉amzn.to/3O63mAl
JB, is it a coincidence? Yesterday morning, after yet another 6 inch or so of "White Blight". I started up my 24 "Troy Bilt 3 stage to go out and clear away all that fall out. As always, it started just fine, it's one notable feature, the 3rd front impeller(no longer?) is nearly N.F.G. . Anyhow, about 25 down the side of my house, the auger handle suddenly goes slack, and the auger stops throwing. ####en, piece of ###, explicit(s)..... So, nearly 3 hours of hands-on work, and most thankfully, our City's snow plow, was busy elsewhere, Not the usual, just after clearing my driveway, plow berm to have to ,again clear away :)! So, when I had the time to inspect the auger mechanism, to see what malfunctioned, dreading a broken auger drive belt. Turns out to have been an accumulated ice/snow, had dropped down from the inside of that black plastic cover jamming the whole works. Oh, thank you G*d, an easy fix. The morning before, we'd had a dump of snow, and I'd helped my New Canadian neighbor next door clear away the plow berm infront of his driveway, and I hadn't throughly cleaned up my machine. The mechanism on the your snow blower is identical to my Troy Bilt, go figure (?)...
Glad it was an easy fix and this video ironically came out today! Great timing. That is quite a story. Lol I’m glad it’s all good now. Now you can enjoy the weekend.
Cheers from Norway, I am replacing the auger belt on a similar blower. But it jumped off twice🥶. I see that those machines do not have a pin on the outside of the belt on the top wheels? Maybe I should bend some pins and attach with bolts and nuts💪 funny thing is that it seemed to jump off during blowing, that means with full pressure on the belt. Jumped off on the big lowest wheel. Bend som pins around that too maybe 😂. Love your videos 😀
Great video as usual JB! Everything is always explained and shown in detail. With a joke or two…haha. I’m sure you got plenty of use on that beast this past week! GO BILLS!
What's your opinion on the EFI system on Ariens machines? The Pro 28 only comes with hydrostatic and EFI in Norway :) You are the Ariens guru and I trust your opinion
After researching efi in snowblower forums, Facebook groups and speaking with shop owners I decided to stay away from it. Shop mechanics said they are having multiple issue with them. They even said to stay away. Many people online said they are having trouble getting their machine started. I wish I could have gotten the transmission without efi but that’s the only way they sell it. I would avoid until they work the kinks out. 👍 thanks for being a cool fan evenito 👍
I'd like to point out that when you do this fix, pull on the impeller belt a little to see if the impeller pulley is loose. I sent my Toro 924 to two different repair shops for a loose belt, and they tightened it like in this video. Unfortunately, it was NOT the belt that was causing the problem, it was the auger bearing. The auger bearing had ground itself down to almost nothing, causing the same problem of not throwing snow very far and getting clogged in wet snow. The repair/replacement is fairly easy if you have the tools and the knowhow. Took me a few hours and considering the machine is 22 years old I am happy it's working right again.
Good Advice on the mid-pulley. I see you used a handheld Pittsburg Socket Wrench. I used my Milwaukee M-12 powered ratchet for that adjustment. Big Mistake !! ( I tore out the threads) :-(
Nice, I have a similar unit w/ a Tecumseh engine. Noticed my belt seems a bit loose this last snowfall. It didn’t chirp when engaged this fall and seemed to struggle in slushy slop at the end of the driveway. I will check this. Thanks J
Having an issue with my auger cable freezing up on my Husqvarna st224. Found the problem and it looks like I'll have to replace the cable in the spring before I put it away. Any input on how you adjust the tension on that model?
I’ve seen on the single stage snowblowers a second set of holes further up the handlebars for the engagement lever to fit into, when you put it into those holes it puts more tension on the cable and pulls the tensioner further down on the belt. This is also done to remedy the belt stretching out overtime. The strange thing is that I’ve been getting a lot of Ariens S18 single stage snowblowers coming into my shop because of shredded belts, to the point where I had to get an entire surplus of those belts just to keep up with demand. I believe this is happening because these belts are really thin compared to the one you’d find on a Toro single stage, and I’m guessing people are trying to clear really heavy snow with it and as a result it destroys the belt.
JB, put a shutoff valve on that beast. I know, I know, I've previously asked on one of your vids and you awesomely said you'd put that on the list. It wont be easy though. My craftsman snow blower model is 247.886912 which is a similar engine setup to what you have.
Hey love your videos. I have a quick question for you. I just bought a used Ariens 24 inch, I noticed yesterday that the auger continues to rotate after I release the auger control. When I push down the piece that the cable is conected to it stops moving. Would that be a cable ajustment issue or something else? Reply
You do a good job making me laugh bro. The oil I use in my snowblower right now is royal purple synthetic oil that is the best oil you can use in the snow blower bro
That's why it's still running today bro because I use Royal Purple. Synthetic oil. She is running strong as good as ever bro. You should put that in your snow blower
My craftsman blower has never thrown snow good lol i was gonna tear it down this summer and check on the bushings but we'll see if i get around to it haha
you could also take a Dremel and open up that slot so the bolt will slide in the opening...then next time you won't have to take the bolt out....just lossen....slide....tighten.
My craftsman doesn’t have the adjuster on the pulley. I can only adjust it by the cables that turn up or down and lock in the setting with a reverse bolt
@@GarageGear yes it the older craftsman eazy steer. It has the 2 belt auger pulley. I’ve had it for for about 21yrs. It’s is old and reliable! I’ve maintained it religiously 😉
And it's a good idea to notice the gap between the impeller and the housing. Time to install an impeller kit too! That will get you some distance with your snow throwing!
Hello brother, I have a question for you, I am bit confused with ariens engine showing on different websites with different designs. One is showing with deluxe sho 28 model 921048 with ariens round badge sign on front. Other sites showing same exact model without that badge or sign on front.
We got a few inches of snow yesterday so I got to try out my Ariens 10M4. I discovered I'm too tall to run the machine comfortably, lol, or the handles are too short. Being 6'8" sucks a lot of the time though, so I'm not really surprised, I'll just make it work like I always do. I know why the gear box was dry now, lol. Seals leak. This spring will take the whole front end apart and repack the bearings and get new seals, etc. and will also drive that broken bolt out of the auger (it still turns with the axle somehow) with heat as now it even laughed at the Ingersol Rand air hammer punch I tried on it. It does throw the snow though, there's no doubt about that. :)
JB, a tip to make it easier to adjust. Once the bolts removed, take a Dremel and grind down the hump, making two holes into one continuous slot instead of two holes. Repaint to avoid rust, let dry, reassemble. Easy peasy.
Originally went another route but the RUclips overlords said ,”No”! Had to keep it PG! Lol! Next go around though… I ain’t holding back! Have an awesome weekend bud!
Another great video. Haven't been using the Toro much this winter. We have only received about 10" total this winter in N.W. Iowa. Not going to complain.
Great video! I have changed my belt a couple of times with no results I thought it was odd there was no way to really adjust the belt the auger tensioner was no help so with that being said I just want to thank you very much!
Yeah, those MTD tensioner brackets suck. That’s why I spent a couple of hours one summer day a few years back modifying mine. I removed the bolt and pulley, and drilled another hole past the inside hole, then used a die grinder and files to create a nice little 1-1/2” slot. Now I don’t have to fight with it to adjust the belt tension. Why MTD doesn’t do this is beyond me. Another kick-ass vid, JB!!
Hi. I'm wondering if you have any problems finding new parts for MTD products. I have had no success at all, for my yardwork riding mower or my yard machine snowblower. I'm quite happy with the functionality of both machines, aside from getting parts. I enjoy your content, and find your teaching easy to understand. Thanks 👍
@@GarageGear the lawn tractor is 2011, snowblower is 2010ish. Was looking for steering parts for the tractor. After three months , MTD was still unable to find parts Fortunately, I found a doner tractor with the parts. After four months waiting for a chute for the snowblower, they couldn't find any, and returned our money. They were very nice, just not very helpful. Also, any shop I have taken it to, won't work on it, because they can't get parts. Thanks for your reply.
@@GarageGear thanks again. Was just hoping you knew of any resources. They are fine machines, and I keep them maintained, thanks to your channel. Have the best part of your day soon.
Here is a LINK to the CRAFTSMAN AUGER BELT used in this video. Be sure to Ensure Fit prior to purchase. Thank you for supporting the channel! 👍
👉amzn.to/3O63mAl
I've still got a 90's computer (Lol). Now I can say I've tightened my belt-up a notch!
Rock on! Go Bills!
JB, is it a coincidence?
Yesterday morning, after yet another 6 inch or so of "White Blight".
I started up my 24 "Troy Bilt 3 stage to go out and clear away all that fall out.
As always, it started just fine, it's one notable feature, the 3rd front impeller(no longer?) is nearly N.F.G. .
Anyhow, about 25 down the side of my house, the auger handle suddenly goes slack, and the auger stops throwing.
####en, piece of ###, explicit(s).....
So, nearly 3 hours of hands-on work, and most thankfully, our City's snow plow, was busy elsewhere,
Not the usual, just after clearing my driveway, plow berm to have to ,again clear away :)!
So, when I had the time to inspect the auger mechanism, to see what malfunctioned, dreading a broken auger drive belt.
Turns out to have been an accumulated ice/snow, had dropped down from the inside of that black plastic cover jamming the whole works.
Oh, thank you G*d, an easy fix.
The morning before, we'd had a dump of snow, and I'd helped my New Canadian neighbor next door clear away the plow berm infront of his driveway, and I hadn't throughly cleaned up my machine.
The mechanism on the your snow blower is identical to my
Troy Bilt, go figure (?)...
Glad it was an easy fix and this video ironically came out today! Great timing. That is quite a story. Lol I’m glad it’s all good now. Now you can enjoy the weekend.
Cheers from Norway, I am replacing the auger belt on a similar blower. But it jumped off twice🥶. I see that those machines do not have a pin on the outside of the belt on the top wheels? Maybe I should bend some pins and attach with bolts and nuts💪 funny thing is that it seemed to jump off during blowing, that means with full pressure on the belt. Jumped off on the big lowest wheel. Bend som pins around that too maybe 😂. Love your videos 😀
Thanks for following along. Love the positive feedback! Glad you’re following from Norway too! Yeah, that could work.
We almost got 3 feet of snow in N.W. Indiana. I just got my Ariens snow throw just in time. That is a awesome machine.
It for sure is! It will tackle that 3 feet without a problem!
KING OF SNOW.@@GarageGear
Great video as usual JB! Everything is always explained and shown in detail. With a joke or two…haha. I’m sure you got plenty of use on that beast this past week! GO BILLS!
Oh for sure! Feels like we are in a snow globe this week ha! Enjoy the game, Jay!
That's an understatement JB!
Another great and timely video JB!! Thank you so much again for your step by step instructions that are very easy to follow
You got it Craig! Thanks for watching!
What's your opinion on the EFI system on Ariens machines? The Pro 28 only comes with hydrostatic and EFI in Norway :) You are the Ariens guru and I trust your opinion
After researching efi in snowblower forums, Facebook groups and speaking with shop owners I decided to stay away from it. Shop mechanics said they are having multiple issue with them. They even said to stay away. Many people online said they are having trouble getting their machine started. I wish I could have gotten the transmission without efi but that’s the only way they sell it. I would avoid until they work the kinks out. 👍 thanks for being a cool fan evenito 👍
@@GarageGear thank you for such elaborative feedback JB 👍
@@evenito9455 you got it bud!👍
I'd like to point out that when you do this fix, pull on the impeller belt a little to see if the impeller pulley is loose. I sent my Toro 924 to two different repair shops for a loose belt, and they tightened it like in this video. Unfortunately, it was NOT the belt that was causing the problem, it was the auger bearing. The auger bearing had ground itself down to almost nothing, causing the same problem of not throwing snow very far and getting clogged in wet snow. The repair/replacement is fairly easy if you have the tools and the knowhow. Took me a few hours and considering the machine is 22 years old I am happy it's working right again.
I did mine was fine thanks for the heads up👍
Thanks for the heads up robert!
At 3:49 is the first rule of mechanics: When you need a hammer, anything within reach becomes one.
💯agree!
Good Advice on the mid-pulley. I see you used a handheld Pittsburg Socket Wrench. I used my Milwaukee M-12 powered ratchet for that adjustment. Big Mistake !! ( I tore out the threads) :-(
Ouch! Usually any tensioning things like that I’ll do by hand. Thanks for watching!
Nice, I have a similar unit w/ a Tecumseh engine. Noticed my belt seems a bit loose this last snowfall. It didn’t chirp when engaged this fall and seemed to struggle in slushy slop at the end of the driveway. I will check this. Thanks J
Give it a look! Maybe it just needs a tightening
@@GarageGear Sorry about your buffalo bills. HOW BOUT ThOSE CHIEFS!?!?!?!!!
lol craftsman’s user manual…its a joke! Thank you again for this series on the craftsman snowblowers!
Children’s story books give more info than that manual lol! Have an awesome weekend Gary! Go BILLS!
Update still waiting for the snow so I can try the newey adjusted auger pulley 😊
Hopefully we get some more! We will see gjordan! 👍
Update that damn groundhog I guess I am not going to get any snow to try out the newly adjusted all the belt😂😂😂
There’s still a chance! Winter ain’t over
Having an issue with my auger cable freezing up on my Husqvarna st224. Found the problem and it looks like I'll have to replace the cable in the spring before I put it away.
Any input on how you adjust the tension on that model?
It could vary between models. I would have to see it in person to figure it out. Perhaps a small engine shop in your area could help?
@GarageGear thanks mate, I'll look it up a bit more before taking it to a shop. Being a cheapskate is a big motivator for me lol
I’ve seen on the single stage snowblowers a second set of holes further up the handlebars for the engagement lever to fit into, when you put it into those holes it puts more tension on the cable and pulls the tensioner further down on the belt. This is also done to remedy the belt stretching out overtime. The strange thing is that I’ve been getting a lot of Ariens S18 single stage snowblowers coming into my shop because of shredded belts, to the point where I had to get an entire surplus of those belts just to keep up with demand. I believe this is happening because these belts are really thin compared to the one you’d find on a Toro single stage, and I’m guessing people are trying to clear really heavy snow with it and as a result it destroys the belt.
Wow! Good to know thanks for sharing that info! Appreciate it.
The single stage Toro Power Clear is the best single stage bar none. There is a reason why contractors have them in their trucks.
@@LL-mt2nz thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for the cable tension advise. Not something I was looking at but will going forward.
Glad to help!
JB, put a shutoff valve on that beast. I know, I know, I've previously asked on one of your vids and you awesomely said you'd put that on the list. It wont be easy though. My craftsman snow blower model is 247.886912 which is a similar engine setup to what you have.
I just haven’t gotten to it yet, but it’s on the list.
Hey love your videos. I have a quick question for you. I just bought a used Ariens 24 inch, I noticed yesterday that the auger continues to rotate after I release the auger control. When I push down the piece that the cable is conected to it stops moving. Would that be a cable ajustment issue or something else?
Reply
Should be a simple cable adjustment is all that is needed.
Thanks@@GarageGear
Hi JB I was wondering if you have a video on how to change a pull cord on a craftsman snow blower?
I’m working on it. I’ll see what I can do. Stay tuned. Thanks
Thanks JB😊
Would tightening that cable have the same effect as moving the bolt? I understand there’s limitations to both…
If the belt is really stretched out you have to move the pulley forward.
TY for Sharing
You got it!
Thank you JB for another informative and easy to follow video…Go BILLS !!
You got it Steve! GO BILLS!
Put the bolt in from the other side?
The threaded side won’t fit. It will bump against the impeller housing.
what if you put the bolt through the other way when you put it back together? Probably the way it should be installed.
The threaded end won’t fit on the other end. It will bump into the housing.
like you said stupid design... i would only take it out once then I would take a zip disc and shorten the bolt... @@GarageGear
@@okanaganpeterjames not a bad plan
Yet another winning vid! Have an awesome weekend!!
Thanks apex! Stay awesome my friend!
You are funny bro you crack me up😂😂😂😂😂
Haha! Glad I’m doing my job 😂
You do a good job making me laugh bro. The oil I use in my snowblower right now is royal purple synthetic oil that is the best oil you can use in the snow blower bro
I use 5W-30. Royal Purple. Synthetic oil
That's why it's still running today bro because I use Royal Purple. Synthetic oil. She is running strong as good as ever bro. You should put that in your snow blower
@@chriswagner6310 that’s good stuff!
Great video JB 🙏👍🙏👍
Thanks Ray! What’s the plan for the weekend?
How you doing bro
I’m doing great! Still snowing a little bit here. How are you today?
You did your job bro. You always make me laugh
@@chriswagner6310 I do what I can! Lol 😂 have a good weekend.
You have a good weekend too bro
Slacker! 😂
No McFly will ever amounted to anything in the history of hill valley! Lol
😂😂😂@@GarageGear
That stupid shovel they include in every snow blower 🤦♂️
It’s pretty lame
That stupid shovel is for the stupid people that would put their hand in the shoot! And then try to sue the snow blower company.
@@gjordan8800 yep! That’s what it is for!
It’s for pickup up dog poop.
Some people still use those floppy disks🥸. Great video!
ROCK ON Jeff! 👍
Go Buffalo Bills 🏈🏈🏈
GO BILLS!
Oh, @ GO-BILLS!
My craftsman blower has never thrown snow good lol i was gonna tear it down this summer and check on the bushings but we'll see if i get around to it haha
Always a fun summer project!
@@GarageGear after that 7' of snow we just got I can't wait for summer lol
Good video. Terrible design. I'm glad my Murray doesn't have any crazy adjustments. Keep up the videos JB. Thanks in advance.
Appreciate the positive feedback George! Thanks for watching
you could also take a Dremel and open up that slot so the bolt will slide in the opening...then next time you won't have to take the bolt out....just lossen....slide....tighten.
Great Tip my friend! Like where you head is at!
My craftsman doesn’t have the adjuster on the pulley. I can only adjust it by the cables that turn up or down and lock in the setting with a reverse bolt
Is this an older model?
@@GarageGear yes it the older craftsman eazy steer. It has the 2 belt auger pulley. I’ve had it for for about 21yrs. It’s is old and reliable! I’ve maintained it religiously 😉
@@demetriosa7646 yeah, yours will be different because it’s about 10 years older than this one.
And it's a good idea to notice the gap between the impeller and the housing. Time to install an impeller kit too! That will get you some distance with your snow throwing!
I’ll be doing that on this craftsman once we get some snow next winter!
Hello brother, I have a question for you, I am bit confused with ariens engine showing on different websites with different designs. One is showing with deluxe sho 28 model 921048 with ariens round badge sign on front. Other sites showing same exact model without that badge or sign on front.
They’re all the same my friend.👍
JB please don't forget to include the link for the pull cord thank you
I’ll see what I can put together.
Do you have a video of how to replace the impeller on a Sears 42" 2 stage snow thrower?
Hey my friend unfortunately I do not! Thanks for watching
More good stuff thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it! More to come!
THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO
You got it Joe!
Another good one JB.
Thanks Two-Buck! Have a good weekend!
right on time !!!
Thanks for watching 61!
We got a few inches of snow yesterday so I got to try out my Ariens 10M4. I discovered I'm too tall to run the machine comfortably, lol, or the handles are too short. Being 6'8" sucks a lot of the time though, so I'm not really surprised, I'll just make it work like I always do. I know why the gear box was dry now, lol. Seals leak. This spring will take the whole front end apart and repack the bearings and get new seals, etc. and will also drive that broken bolt out of the auger (it still turns with the axle somehow) with heat as now it even laughed at the Ingersol Rand air hammer punch I tried on it. It does throw the snow though, there's no doubt about that. :)
Hey rebel you’re a tall one! Maybe consider welding on taller handlebars?🤷♂️ good idea to work on it in the summer time!
Instead of fighting the bolt into the second hole could you insert it into the pulley first then the nut on the insides?😊
No, because the threaded end will bump into the impeller housing. It won’t fit. Thanks for watching!
Loose belts sink snowblowers 😏
Got that right! 👍 what’s the plan this weekend bud?
@@GarageGear trying to stay warm, 12° as I type 🥶😁
@@smallblock412 about the same here my friend! Super cold!
JB, a tip to make it easier to adjust. Once the bolts removed, take a Dremel and grind down the hump, making two holes into one continuous slot instead of two holes. Repaint to avoid rust, let dry, reassemble. Easy peasy.
Good tip Yankee! Thanks for sharing bud
For a quick second JB, I was really wondering where you were going with the "It was floppier than a..." joke.... 🤣
Originally went another route but the RUclips overlords said ,”No”! Had to keep it PG! Lol! Next go around though… I ain’t holding back! Have an awesome weekend bud!
Another great video. Haven't been using the Toro much this winter. We have only received about 10" total this winter in N.W. Iowa. Not going to complain.
Appreciate you doug! Some areas seem to be a little out of sync with winter this season. 🤷♂️
I finally had a chance to adjust the auger pulley now I have to wait for the snow to see how it works thanks for the great video!🙏👍
You got it gjordan! Youre ready for the next storm!
Great video! I have changed my belt a couple of times with no results I thought it was odd there was no way to really adjust the belt the auger tensioner was no help so with that being said I just want to thank you very much!
ROCK ON Jordan! Thanks for watching my friend!
Yeah, those MTD tensioner brackets suck. That’s why I spent a couple of hours one summer day a few years back modifying mine.
I removed the bolt and pulley, and drilled another hole past the inside hole, then used a die grinder and files to create a nice little 1-1/2” slot. Now I don’t have to fight with it to adjust the belt tension.
Why MTD doesn’t do this is beyond me.
Another kick-ass vid, JB!!
That’s a brilliant idea, Paul! Can I hire you for more tips like this? Hope The weekend is treating you well!
@@GarageGear Two six packs and a sandwich, and I accept the job!
🤣🤣
@@paulmysliborski4832 deal!
Hi. I'm wondering if you have any problems finding new parts for MTD products. I have had no success at all, for my yardwork riding mower or my yard machine snowblower. I'm quite happy with the functionality of both machines, aside from getting parts. I enjoy your content, and find your teaching easy to understand. Thanks 👍
Glad you’re enjoying the channel! Thanks for following along. How old are your machines? That may be why it is difficult to find parts.
@@GarageGear the lawn tractor is 2011, snowblower is 2010ish. Was looking for steering parts for the tractor. After three months , MTD was still unable to find parts Fortunately, I found a doner tractor with the parts. After four months waiting for a chute for the snowblower, they couldn't find any, and returned our money. They were very nice, just not very helpful. Also, any shop I have taken it to, won't work on it, because they can't get parts. Thanks for your reply.
@@kevinpickard9212 a doner may be the way to go!
@@GarageGear thanks again. Was just hoping you knew of any resources. They are fine machines, and I keep them maintained, thanks to your channel. Have the best part of your day soon.
@@kevinpickard9212 you could always put a wanted ad on Craigslist in your area and see what comes up. Maybe you’ll have luck that way too.