how to repair a snow blower that wont shift

rusted shift disc repaired,

[@moonpie2866]

Nice blizzard here in Wisconsin today - snowblower won't shift into reverse. Got the job done, but had to pull it backwards with my mighty person power. Next semi-warm day, this is my task. Thanks!

[@mr.gilbert1407]

Excellent TkU. I was reading different forums that just said “...adjust the linkage...” so dumb!!! The manual has no mention of maintenance or troubleshooting this, seemingly, common problem. I used Liquid Wrench and a Wire brush. After my pry bar got it sliding again. I ragged off the rust residue and applied Motorcycle Chain lube - designed to not fly off or wash off. Love this simple sliding clutch-plate-like design. No gear box is awesome. Thanks again.

[@hk93shooter]

thank you sir. my 9hp/26" was a hand me down. runs good. but it sat for a while outside. slowly getting up to par. plenty of life left in her.

[@TedBishop1]

It's interesting to look back at your plder videos. It's amazing how good your video making skills have become. What hasnt changed is your approach. No flashy intros no skipping your mistakes and honest helpful content. Thank you Thank you ! You deserve all the success and subscribers

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

Best of all no stupid music

[@LordCeeJay]

Concerning this vid from seven years ago, your video quality has improved exponentially! Plus, as always, great and helpful content.

[@jlit6428]

Thanks for the time you took to make this video, you saved me a lot of time and I have finally stopped scratching my head. Your have provided me with more help than the dang manual.

[@Dukky1968]

I was hoping that just a liberal application of penetration oil and some light pressure would unstick the seized gear disc on my JD 928e blower, but it would not budge. I thought I was doing something wrong. After seeing you bust out the heavy equipment, I had the encouragement I needed to the same -- and it worked. You saved me a trip to my local small engine shop. Thanks!

[@zaydqasas6156]

I just sat in two feet of snow repairing my snow blower. This was exactly my issue. Stuck in reverse and wouldn't shift. Thank you, I shoveled for an hour and a half and i've only got 1/3 of my driveway done. You're a lifesaver, man!

[@davidevelyn530]

Yup. Did what I thought was all my maintenance and then, sticky shifter. Thank you!

[@jccruz22]

I never comment on KZbin videos, but I wanted to thank you for this post! 12 inches of snow projected for tomorrow and my gear was stuck in the slowest reverse possible. There was no way that I could get to a mechanic in time, and with prices of $85 an hour just too look at my machine, I did not want to go there anyway! You're a lifesaver!!! My problem was slightly different, but I learned enough from your video to fix it myself, proving my theory that "Anything is possible when you have KZbin, and a little patience."

[@mustie1]

glad to here it worked out for you,

[@jlucasound]

Awesome, John!!

[@brianharrington5593]

After 50 years of owning Ariens, my current snowblower has the same problem. Will work on it next warm spell. Currently temp at minus 23*C. Was able to clean 5 laneways yesterday, but could not move very fast. Thanks for the tips and I should have known better where the issue was. Mine will be done by Armstrong power, not air pressure.

[@jessejesse4321]

I normally don't comment but this showed me how to fix my North Star being stuck in one gear (the disk fork just came off) and it also showed me how to access my MTD and see a spring was broken thus not allowing the machine to drive. Thanks!

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Got to love the older videos just to show you how hard he's worked to get were he is now trust me it's not easy.

[@zenforhire]

Thank you for taking time to make this video. Different model but same skid plate setup. Mine not that rusted but still got stuck. Manual said to grease up the axle as yearly maintenance which I never did.

[@shawnstrode3825]

What a difference a few years makes. It's interesting watching Mustie1 develop a video style .

[@OutYourBackDoor]

HOORAY FOR THIS VIDEO! Now I understand how my frickin' Ariens shifts! The lever wasn't budging and I couldn't tell even what it was supposed to do. Not a single other video explained it. At 3:40 the mystery is revealed! I was then easily able to get my own machine to shift and get driving around again! HOORAY! Thanks so much!

[@kennewman7924]

Thanks.....this was exactly the info I needed to repair my 1998 Simplicity 1080.... probably saved me at least $100 and my snow thrower didn't need to disappear into the black hole/graveyard of dead lawn tractors at the repair shop....plus it shifts better now than it ever did.

[@CharliethePotter]

Great video, it helped us out with the repair today. Snow scheduled overnight. Thanks!

[@dansteinbach6296]

Had almost an identical Craftsman with the same problem. I just used a small steel brush to clean it off and then lithium grease to lube it. However I could not free it that easily. I have a solid ball joint puller and that allowed me to hammer it on both sides along with lubricating oil under the shaft/slider to get it free. But once I got it free and lubed up, it shifts smoother than when it was new. Also lubed up the chain, springs and cables while I was at it. Thanks again for posting it.

[@marlorup]

I enjoy all your videos, but I really find repair videos like you just did to be very informative. Great work Mustie. You make it look easy. Thanks.

[@HappyScrappy47]

Cool video man, can't believe you had the shop door open, I had the wood stove blazin the last several days.

[@warrenconnolly5386]

Well done you cured my problem in no time at all. Thanks,Warren

[@PatrickWagz]

Wow, thanks for explaining all the components. Very thorough and very helpful.

[@scardusa]

Thanks for your video Brother! I was ready to take my snowblower to the shop, thanks to your video I saved some dough!

[@satajet883]

Thanks for that one Musty. Mine started to stick last time I used it. And I will be pulling it out soon for inspection. Had no idea what was going on in there.

[@TomEngStudios]

Thanks! Saved the day. One constructive comment is to edit the video down a bit (remove unnecessary portions / speed up repetitive or slower segments). Again, thanks for the help! Couldn’t have fixed it without you!

[@dazman6316]

We don't get snow here in Australia but I got a lot from this! Keep them coming!!! And make some more bikes!

[@amp356]

Just fixed mine exactly how you described. Works perfect now. I used a Dremel tool with a sandpaper attachment to grind the rust away. Thanks for the video.

[@cartee72]

You probably don’t respond to all of your videos, but I stumbled on to your channel and I’m hooked you would make a kick ass shop teacher. Thank you for all the info, I bought a toro 2 stage never owned one before and it was hammered after watch yours and some others I’ve learned a ton and got it up and going, here in Eastern Wa state we get snow but noting like what you get, again Thanks 👍👍👍

[@thomasjohnson7563]

Great video -- thanks! I just fixed my old Bolens FMC 836 that was stuck in neutral. Here's a tip for the Bolens FMC 836 and similar models: The video shows that the drive disk rotates and slides side-to-side on a 6-sided shaft. On the 836 there is a round shaft parallel to the hex shaft. (Part of the drive-belt tensioner linkage rotates around this shaft). The bracket that moves the drive disk side-to-side slides along the pair of shafts. If the bracket is stuck firmly to the round shaft, and you can't free it with WD-40 and firm hammer taps or prying, try grabbing an end of the round shaft that sticks out of the case (mine has a cotter pin in one end) with Vise-Grips. It was easy to free the bracket from the round shaft by rotating the shaft with Vise-Grips. Once the shaft could be turned, sliding the bracket along the shafts was easy. The rest of the task was as shown in the video. Thanks again!

[@thomasjohnson7563]

Make that "826" not "836."

[@yourbeekeeper]

Great fix... and I really like the lift table your working on... sure beats kneeling on the cold concrete!

[@juliusmoore4800]

Great video, on may way to garage now to fix my snowblower... 4 inches of snow and it's still coming down!

[@ralphmills7322]

A classic from 8 years ago. I was in my third season with my Huskee (MTD) from Tractor Supply before I ever had the skid plate off and daub a little anti-seize on the hex shaft.

[@tarbeau8561]

Mustie1, That's awesome using a 30 lbs. jack hammer to slide that wheel over , got to love it !! Enjoying the videos either way , looking for the next one . Keep them coming sir .

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Great video and very timely as I am currently working on 3 snow blowers in my shop. I know one of them (my "new" one) does have this problem and it is a Craftsman too, but a really old one, like from the early 80s. Thanks for sharing.

[@PRCHR]

Thank you. Saved me $$$ and time not having to find and pay a mechanic.

[@flhkicker2080]

Thanks for the info,great job,sometimes mine didn't move in reversre when the shiter was placed in Reverse. This will cure the problem .

[@michelb613]

Thank you very much for the video. Got my snowblower rolling again. If you're like me, the part that pushes the rubber wheel on the shaft might have popped out of the "forks". There should be a washer which goes on each "pin" (I only found one of mine) and for me, the easiest way to get it back it was to line the "pins" up-down between the "forks" rotate the sliding piece until the "pins" touch the "forks" and then pry the "fork" at the top open so that the "pin" can slip by. (sorry I don't know that part proper names of the parts)

[@jlucasound]

Michel. You did fine. We know what you mean. Happy to hear you had success! :-)

[@stevewilliams2725]

very instructional video, helped me with same problem.very clear and concise. thanks for video.

[@wbgator1]

I would suggest using a rag to cover the friction disc (silver color one) to protect it from grease getting on it. Also using some loosening oil on the shaft and turning the blower on its side so it will run into the stuck area instead of using a pry bar that could damage it. The loosening oil always works for me, just clean it off after and apply grease .

[@jlucasound]

I have not seen that in a long time but when I saw it here, I said, "I remember that setup!". It is actually a very good design. That driven looks to be in good shape. The drive disk looks kinda "chewed". I guess that (and the slide action) are a weak point. The disk not being "smooth" can chew up the driven which is of course rubber. I will probably find out when I finish the video. ;-) I just can't resist! Thanks Mustie for these awesome mechanical adventures. Your video and audio delivery are as great as your mechanical prowess. (BTW, it's "Hear". "Glad to hear it worked out for you".) Grammar lesson over! I am such an ass. :-)

[@johndianekeleher2887]

Thanks for the video.. I have a Toro that is probably 8 years old that for the first time since I had it will not shift smoothly. I was going to blame it on my boys pulling if from the shed instead of driving it, but this is probably the issue. Well done.

[@T-ville]

Great video. Made the job very easy for me. Thanks man!

[@1ton4god]

That's awesome I'm going to be on the hunt for a snowblower this summer. I don't know if it's locked into gear how to fix it. Hopefully I can get a good cheap price on one. Thank you mustie1!

[@MrBigdaddylicious]

Thank you, for the life of me I couldn't figure out why my simplicity would not go in reverse untill I watched this video ..that saved me a few bucks Tip though DO NOT GET GREASE ON THE DRIVE WHEEL LOL after I freed mine up I failed to wipe up the grease and and to pull it apart again to clean that up but once I did man that thing took off ...thanks again !!!

[@jedidiah5131]

I sprayed rust stop inside belly area, thinking I would lubricate everything and stop parts from rusting, silly me, I had my blower out and the shifter moved easily but the blower wouldn't move, now I know why....

[@SlowEarl1]

great video would love to see more snowblower repairs

[@carlzirk]

Thanks for your great videos. The machine I need to fix is the same model with the same problem.

[@caveman7755]

Thanks for posting this. Was a huge help.

[@garyjohonnett6055]

This was exactly my problem ! Mouse nest and pee on the shaft! Cleaned up with Dremel tool and lubed with never seize, works perfectly! Many thanks!

[@dharmaboy75]

Nice vid man. Awesome job. Hello from Edmonton Canada.

[@TTOCS11]

Great presentation there Sir Scott

[@therarchives2202]

Thank you Sir. You saved me 100 bucks.

[@allenlaidacker]

You are a true mister fixed it thanks ALLEN

[@shaggyda2758]

Good video on the "shifter troubles",it is to-the-point.

[@jevchance]

Thanks for this vid Mustie, I have a similar style auger and I'm sure I'll have to do this at some point.

[@fredthomson8831]

Thanks a lot for this video - it was a big help.

[@rep8136]

thank you for the info probably saved me a couple hundred dollars

[@johndoe-zk1yu]

me to

[@cthusker174]

Great video and very helpful for fixing my Toro..

[@cogpastorc]

Really like the real time videos.

[@jamesfreddys]

It helped me out immensely ;-) thank you for the video. Nice to see you mustie one.

[@Dastardly84]

Thanks for the video very helpful!

[@SILVERHORSE347]

Great Tips D, we appreciate it.

[@ritz5606]

Still a good video. My good old Murray is getting harder on the gear shift, but now I know what to do and why this is happening. I have no jack-hammer though :), but with a little more patience it will be fine. I also use marine grease for the snowblower in general.

[@RobsPackanShine]

good stuff. awesome garage and tools u have...bringing out the big guns...i like that only thumbs up from me

[@PG52765]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!! ABOUT TO TRY IT ON MINE.THANKS

[@mustie1]

a hammer and a metal rod, tap it side to side,worst case pul the hole unit out and tap it with the the hammer,

[@rtzapper]

would love to see more service videos thanks

[@Velvethamma]

Tis the season to find out your snow equipment is in need of attention. Found some surprises of my own equipment today!

[@tommcdonald53]

thanks for the great repair vidio

[@seminolz9399]

thanks so much, I have the exact same machine and same problem.

[@udizzy1969]

ur friend is going to be very happy. u do great work. maybe u can walk me threw my snowblower problems

[@colinmos]

Thanks , well done and helpfull

[@pauldawson3951]

Hi Mustie. I love your videos. Where about are you as it looks and sounds like a busy road near you and you can hear the railway in the distance. I live in the U.K. And I am catching up with all your videos. I lose my place a bit as they fall out of sync sometimes. Great videos.

[@DavidHarmanos]

Thanks. My problem was the shear pin that connects the gear to the wheel axle.

[@teejay5688]

Thanks for the Video,,, i fixed mine your way,,,, Thanks Again,, saved me money

[@mustie1]

glad it helped

[@Livereater]

...great video!

[@herman58100]

Mystery solved....! Thank you for the video...

[@lakesideranch]

Nice as usual buddy !!

[@maxwind1862]

Thanks, I was just giving the same model with the same issue.

[@mustie1]

that tables a life saver,,

[@iptaytiger]

Thanks! Now I know what's wrong with my 1 yr old Toro Powermax 1080 HD.

[@homotorsports]

Thank`s For The Run Down Of The repair....

[@anonymous-su1dt]

Exact same prob with mine. Thankyou

[@philtrottier4442]

On my MTD,the drive disc platter seperated from the friction wheel support bracket.I found the large cattle nut(Jam L-nut) at the bottom of the belly pan when I opened it. The nut came loose due to vibration I suppose. The manufacturer should have put some tread lock paste on the end of the screw to prevent this from happening.Machine was rattleling and would not shift properly when the nut came loose. Took me a while to find out where this nut came from because its sitting under the friction wheel support bracket and difficult to reach. Anyway,everything is working fine now.

[@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

[@mcqueenfanman]

Anyway to free up a splined shaft? My old 1964 Ariens wheel is on a 25(?) spline shaft, looks rust free but doesn't move easily at all.

[@mustie1]

glad l could help

[@johnhouli3450]

Mustie. Thank you. Where inside did you use the jack hammer on. The bar itself or the rubber wheel coupling housing. I have a craftsman with the exact same setup Thanks Hiuli

[@arturpauls6032]

hi and thanks for the video... it look to me that I have the same issue, in your video I could not really see if your wheel was stuck too? that's what happened to me, can't shift and can't turn the wheel, do you have any idea why ?

[@kylebabcock5756]

Perfect, this and some WD-40 made mine work

[@mustie1]

thanks

[@johnward9302]

Very interesting information for me

[@mustie1]

80s thats still new in my book, those 60s areins now those are old,,

[@LordFroggie]

how do you change a cable gear changer on an MTD Summit 30" snow blower

[@michaelfisher7835]

I dont have a friction disc on my snow blower. I have an actual transmission and would love to find a video on how to repair one like mine.

[@BigJoethib]

thanks for the video, i have a craftsman 2, 2 stage blower an i wonder if you can answer a question i got... my auger spins with or without having the auger lever ingaged.. what could cause that?

[@jboscoe]

Just in case you've had no response i would pull off the belt access covers and see if your clutch is working where the pulely is connected to your handle controll with out the machine runing to see if its moving,setup or return spring has broken. Good luck take it slow and easy these machine are a pain to work on but it worth it if you can do it. Take care and good luck

[@cc123456789]

if the auger does not move, do I look into this area? or is it the belts I should be looking at?

[@Mrcrowley1967]

Well Well Well Darren 10 years ago how cool my how you have come along

[@sixtyfiveford]

Fun Stuff.

[@mustie1]

thanks and l will

[@driver2909]

Many thanks