HOW-TO Fix A Snowblower That Won't Shift Gears

HOW-TO Fix A Snowblower That Won't Shift Gears
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
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I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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#donyboy73 #db73 #snowblower

[@patriciapiper6294]

Hi Donyboy, I new to commenting. I'm a 70 yr. Old gal with a blower and had to change my belts from ice in the impeller compartment. I love how calm and inclusive your instruction is. The lighting you use is so important. I succeeded with the project. Need to adjust the tension but am happy thanks to how much you care about us.!!! I' just so grateful to you!!!! ❤

[@jonathanbosco8458]

You are Canada's best small engine mechanic, a true ambassador

[@fosgatexlt]

This video just saved my life. I have MS and the winter is tough enough. Taking my snowblower out and having it not shift sent me into a bit of a panic. Your video made it so simple and easy to fix! Thank you a million times!

[@user-hc1wu7jd6w]

Thank you Dony! I have an old Troybilt 8526 Storm snowblower. I initially came across your transmission friction disc video. I was ready to scrap the machine but thanks to all of your excellent videos it’s still working today. Thank you again. You’re the absolute best in thoroughly explaining every step! Chris from South Dakota

[@anthonywilps4675]

A huge thank you from the lower 48. This video (and a few others of yours) saved me a ton of money and got my snowblower running again better than new. You're the best, thanks again.

[@carlmiller1034]

Awesome video Don! All that preventative (yearly) maintenance is so key, as you indicated, for the snowblower to last, and last, and last! Again, great camera/video work! Thanks so much!

[@PartTimeJedi]

Your video saved me hundreds of dollars! Needed a replacement snowblower and saw a local ad for a 5 year old snowblower $100, mint condition EXCEPT the seller said it wouldn't change gears. After looking at it I knew a rusty bar was the problem. I bought it for $100, brought it home and followed your video. I now own a mint snowblower that switches gears smoothly for only $100!

[@paulwiden4061]

Thanks for this----- just what I needed to free up my sticking shifter, I had no idea what was wrong but your video showed just how to get it working properly again! Nice clear and to the point how to video.

[@Jimmers131005]

Living in Pennsylvania, we had almost no snow last year and when I was getting my snow blower ready for this season, I couldn't get it to change gears. Your video solved the problem. It took me all of 10 minutes. Thanks.

[@kensmith6708]

Good video I do the same to my snowblower every year, I use a brush that I cut the bristles on to apply my grease to the gears and chains works great for me no pinched fingers. I'm new to your channel I'm a retired machinist and I like how you do things and explain why it should be done. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

[@lawtonheilman450]

Thank you so much! I did my Toro last night and it was easy peasy. Your video is excellent and thorough. I was a little intimidated by the mysterious things that went on under the metal plates but your video showed me how straight it was.

[@steveg95]

Awesome tutorial. This was my exact model of snowblower. Took about 15 minutes to fix it. Thanks for posting this.

[@willywgb]

Great video Don. It's good to see you go above just fixing the main issue. I always believe in maintenance and what better time to do it than when you are already there. Another good choice for lubricating chains and gears is a product called Open Gear Lube. It is sticky as all get out and will stay where you put it. Great job.

[@frank8263]

Don thanks to you i just completed over hauling my toro 1028 power max snowblower. Ok i just replaced my auger bushing drive disc new belts adjusted my cables took apart my carburetor cleaned it out including the jets .what a difference the engine is running like new . Thank you again for taking the time posting all of your expert repairs. Frank.

[@markogorjanc5686]

donyboy73 thanks for all the videos you did by now, it helps me a lot in doing my service on chain saw or snow blower. Awesome videos DON. Thanks so much.

[@rbeer11]

Appreciate the tips. It was easy. It helped to prop the blower axles on jack stands. That worked perfectly. My problem is solved. Thanks for the videos. So far I've replaced the carb and did this repair after gears seized on my circa 1980 John Deere 826 with your vids.

[@DSheffield68]

Thank you. I have a Simplicity snowblower, and this was the perfect fix for my stuck gears.

[@DirtyJobsGuy1]

Excellent job of explaining things! I really appreciate the time you took!

[@pauldugan2375]

I have a craftsman snowblower that had issues with a stuck gear shifter. This video solved my problem, it was spot on!!

[@mrfrog3350]

Nice demo Dony. Super common problem, super easy repair.

[@zenforhire]

Thanks for helping diagnosing the problem. I read in the manual that greasing up that shaft is yearly maintenance.

[@Tundra211]

Thank you so much for this vid. I have the same machine as yours and after changing the oil on it, I realized it wouldn’t go into gear. I found your video and now it is running better than the day got it! Thank you for saving me a trip to the service center and a couple hundreds of dollars!!

[@greggscats]

Great video as always Donny. The 5 hp MTD I got for my wife the lower joint of the rod was seized. Another one I have for sale I had to remove the hex shaft and shifter and set it in my vice and apply a few gentle taps on the end of the shaft.

[@glengiaquinto5007]

I should have looked at this before I put my blower on my truck to get repaired for the same exact problem. I am going to take it off and try this - very well done instructional video. Thanks

[@danielesilvaggi]

Just got the first major snow storm in Windsor Monday November 11 2019 and my shifter was stuck. Thank you for this video as I am sure this is what the problem is. Thank you and I am going to fix it myself.

[@blaed011]

wow great timing on this video we are expecting snow later and I started the snow blower, and the shifter was stuck. I will use this. Thank you!

[@hunter1953]

For a modern piece of equipment I was surprised how well built that machine was

[@IronMan-ml5yi]

hunter1953 they are amazing snow blowers. We have the 926 model and it never clogs or slows down. Toro all the way.

[@donaldstevens292]

EXCELLENT - this is exactly what was wrong with my Ariens!!!! thank you..... and just in time.... we are getting 2 feet of snow tomorrow here in New England....

[@chrispolasky]

Thank you for the video! I only wish I had watched it before I cranked on the shifter so hard that it snapped off. Next time I'll check your videos first. Thanks again!

[@Der7w]

Wow thank you Donyboy, I just repaired my snowblower who was’nt shifting :) 👍🏻

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing job don :-D That clean and lube has just extended it's life a long way, all the chains and sprockets will last so much longer. It didn't look like it was ever lubed.

[@carlcap14911]

I keep my snowblower in the garage when not in use and believe it or not, there is no rust inside the machine or on the outside. After seeing you lube the machine, I should do the same. Good advice Don thanks.

[@ManicMechanic007]

Top of the line instructions leaving nothing to second guess. Thanks Don.

[@davecormier4877]

Did as you said. Thank you very much. Very easy task. Mine is on tracks and very similar to what you showed. Thaks again

[@denislajoie2427]

Thank you very much, I saved a lot of 'money by fixing it by myself with your precious help.

[@billk5727]

Thanks Dony! Great video and tips! Lubrication is a top priority for machinery and is often overlooked or taken for granted. I have found that Fluid Film does a good job for lubricating the drive train, cables, pins and bushings. I also use it on the inside of the blower housing and discharge shoot to prevent the snow from sticking. Bill

[@donyboy73]

yes it's a good product for rust prevention as well

[@reneeleeak]

Thanks for the info. and great video. I appreciate your teaching skills!

[@Peter-.H]

Don. Fantastic video and full of great tips as always.keep up the good work & greetings from Montreal 👍

[@jessslader1455]

Always helping me out with these easy fixes, thank you!

[@johnspencer8802]

Good, clear, simple instruction. Thanxs JS

[@Markomyt1]

Awesome! Great info. My blower R1 moves it forward and it jumps to a higher gear by itself. Your explanation should help me figure this out.

[@SierraOne]

All about maintenance! Thanks for another great video!!! Any trick to prevent the bolts from vibrating loose and falling out?

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

Great, easy, complete how to video.

[@toddknaster9731]

Thanks so much for the great repair video!! You Just saved me a lot of trouble and money!!!

[@BIGBUBBADIESEL]

Ah, between you and Mustie1, I think I'll tackle a similar issue. My snowblower will shift into reverse, but doesn't seem to catch. Maybe it's just an adjustment, but it's likely rust/corrosion on that sliding shaft. I'll check for adjustment first but then most likely be doing as you did, cleaning things up, lubricating and getting everything back in proper range & function. Thanks for uploading. Subscribed.

[@joefriday950]

Excellent video. Thanks very much.

[@cdantzer4984]

Thanks Don't,good,well explained info,as always.

[@richie4ohio]

GREAT job explaining the gear shifter issue. My blower doesn't seem to be seem to be spinning the Auger as fast/hard as it use to. I am wondering if the gear shifter isn't shifting it into full speed. Even through I move the lever for it to.

[@PCHUGGER]

Thanks for the great tutorial. On my first use of the year I had big problems shifting. We are expecting a blizzard this weekend so I bit the bullet - cleaned and lubed the whole machine. It now shifts gears like new. Why don't they make this square shaft out of Stainless? I noticed on your video, at the end when you were testing, that the lowest forward speed actually went in reverse. Mine did this too. I think I may have stretched or bent something a bit when I was struggling to get it to shift. A small adjustment was needed to get it back into the proper registration. Great video! You saved me money and my back.

[@semco72057]

That is great to know and good for those in states where they get plenty of snow. I guess the same procedure would apply for the lawn mowers also.

[@reecenewton3097]

Yes, almost any mower that has variable speeds and a sliding rubber friction wheel.

[@Normster32]

Excellent video thanks , My snow blower will only work in the fastest forward gear , when placed in reverse it still goes forward.... is the fix the same ? Cheers

[@nanoceramics2747]

Excellent! tutorial, easy to follow. Thank you

[@jamesyee4143]

Thanks for that video on fixing the shifter!!

[@briancapuani1937]

Worked like a charm for my 13 yr-old Toro !

[@johndemarest7069]

Great video. I was having that exact problem and was able to easily fix it. Thank you!

[@donyboy73]

Great to hear!

[@danobrien5070]

Awesome video mate keep up the great work

[@spiderjoe642]

Great video I was lucky 1st One II looked up was my Machine Best video Guy explained really Well I couldn't wait to do It Is easy job when you know how Thank you

[@clauslundberg9224]

Nice repair and tips - thanks for sharing

[@bryanpalmer8378]

Great video. I will be doing this procedure on mine in the near future. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@donyboy73]

good to grease as preventive maintenance to keep the shaft from rusting

[@bryanpalmer8378]

donyboy73 will do. I’m anxious to see the plate condition as there’s been some noise this winter my guess is that it’s got surface rust.

[@gilbertrichard212]

Thank you so much ! It helped a lot !

[@radscc]

Cool. Very good. Alagoinhas-Bahia-Brazil. I am mechanic too. Congratulations

[@donaldshank7899]

Your videos are great and your instructions are easy to follow.

[@donyboy73]

Glad you like them!

[@muzikmon2267]

Excellent video.. becoming a fan. I'm definitely a FLUID FILM GUY when it comes to spraying things to stop them from rusting. Not the shaft but the other parts.. If people spray that stuff on all the springs and everything and the parts that move when the machine was brand new they would never have any problems with anything rusting or seizing up. For the friction disc shaft just putting oil on with your finger once a year would have stopped that problem..

[@tonym6920]

Great video Dony Thanks!

[@pyratebruce]

great job, thanks Donyboy.

[@im1forfun]

Love your vids, very clear and concise content. Just out of curiosity what is the device mounted in your vise? Thanks!

[@TheToddRG]

Thanks! worked like a charm

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video.

[@bradleyrounds9148]

Fantastic vid. Very very helpful.

[@osman_malak]

Going to try this next week on my blower! I think you just saved me $100+

[@Budro4764]

Great video as always Mon Ami ~!~!

[@ddelv1601]

Thanks. I think that was exactly what I need to fix my Toro that is stuck in reverse.

[@christopherdye8904]

Did the trick for me. Thanks

[@josephpernock9581]

Great Video Don .Thank You

[@mnels18]

Thanks! This helped me

[@sekatyoukko69]

All i can say is thank you so much!

[@aleblanc3547]

Thanks, Don!!

[@marshallguerra7429]

Thanks for another great video

[@sparkx251]

Perfect. I wish I saw this years before 2024!!!

[@MrExplorer054]

Once again great fix

[@jimhobson9268]

Very helpful!

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks Don

[@johnhouli3450]

Thank you. Don on my 2000 toro Power Throw 1st n 2nd gears are very slow how to fix. Thank you.

[@allmack2]

Great Video, Thank you!!! You Saved me!!

[@donyboy73]

Glad to hear it!

[@jamesmullins3219]

great tips/good video

[@jean-guygatien4417]

Great video! You just saved me a service call

[@corysgardentractors7084]

hey don quick question... my husqvarna has a similar belly pan but the front of the belly pan has a 2'' opening and it fills the drive of the snow blower with snow and causes it to slip have you seen other snowblowers with a belly pan like that? would adding a piece of sheet metal to close it up and silicone help? keep up the great videos

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Don is awesome!

[@mikea3552]

I fixed my snowblower thanks to you! I have a Yard Machine 8hp 24” with Tecumseh engine model hmsk80 318cc. It runs, but after 3-minutes, it dies. I installed a brand new carb, new spark plug, put new oil, and new fuel with stabilizer in it. The carb is a fixed jet with no adjustment screw at the bottom. There is also no screw to drain the carb if desired. Rabbit is all the way up, choke was all the way to the right when started and after it warmed up, set choke to far left. Ran steady and then it dies. What could be causing this?

[@TheDLOC123]

I just uncovered my craftsman snowblower from a snow bank. I got it running and it seems to be running very well. My question is it has 6 forward gears and 2 reverse. I have to put it in 3rd gear before it moves. The more I used it the other day the better the transmission worked. Both reverses both work. But still I only have the 3 high gears to move. Do you think just cleaning that hex shaft will return it to normal operating? Or do you think lose belts may have something to do with it.

[@BrianFox]

Thank you

[@doylee469]

Amazing video dony, il be sure not to let it rust in the first place

[@lestergillis8171]

I normally use just a bit of white grease on my 1999 7 hp Yeard Man unit. Regular oil has a tendency to "sling off" of the shaft.

[@spresc2180]

Being a motorcycle guy, chain lube is for chains. It will flow INTO the chains pins/links. Grease is for gear teeth and the slide shaft. Great vid.

[@DougW]

another great video dony so that's what my cub cadet would look like if it wasn't built by people that hated me...

[@arthurlacroix3298]

Just found your channel, Great job. I have a Toro PowerShift 1028. It will not stay in reverse, I have to hold the shifter lever , makes it hard to control when walking backwards. Any thoughts?

[@reecenewton3097]

My shifter was getting stuck last winter: this past summer I opened it up and performed this operation to get the shifting action freed up again, and while I was in there I changed the rubber friction drive wheel.

[@adventurousairman]

Great video, I have a question ? I have the Craftsman 9 HP Tecumseh motor with the non adjustable jet on the bottom of the bowl, it idles perfect at low speeds , but at full throttle it lopes up and down and the controls seem to be moving themselves while its doing this. It also shoots flames out of the exhaust popping , its just not smooth. If I manually move the throttle linkage and hold it steady it sounds better. I've taken off the bowl, cleaned the jet, no difference. It will run while I'm using it, loping the entire time and it seems to be worse when its hot Anyway, any thoughts ? Thanks

[@raymondcampbell2346]

Good job on the repair Don.

[@donyboy73]

thanks Raymond

[@nickjohnson9704]

Awesome thanks!!! Now lets hope that's the issue with mine... I really don't want to take the gear box apart!