The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Snowblower wheels not engaging are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
Snowblower Auger Not Throwing Snow? Snowblower Troubleshooting
Snowblower Auger Not Turning? Snowblower Troubleshooting
Snowblower Running Rough? Snowblower Troubleshooting
Snowblower Not Starting? Snowblower Troubleshooting
Snowblower Starts Then Stalls? Snowblower Troubleshooting
Snowblower Wheels Not Engaging? Snowblower Troubleshooting
Snowblower Leaking Gas? Snowblower TroubleshootingThe V-belt makes the connection between the engine and the gearbox. If the V-belt is worn out, misadjusted, or broken, the snowblower wheels won’t turn. Inspect the belt to determine if it is broken or worn out, and make sure that the belt is properly adjusted. If the V-belt is broken or worn out, replace it.
The friction ring (also called the friction wheel) has a rubber outer layer that grips and turns the drive plate. If the friction ring is worn out, wet, or greasy, it will slip on the drive plate. As a result, the drive plate won’t turn, and the snowblower wheels won’t turn. If the friction ring is wet or greasy, try cleaning it and the plate. If the friction ring is worn out, replace it.
The traction control cable might be broken or misadjusted. Check the traction control cable to determine if it moves freely. If the control cable does not move freely, try squirting a small amount of oil into the end of the cable to lubricate it. If lubricating the traction control cable is not effective, replace it.
The clutch cable might be broken or out of adjustment. Check the clutch cable to determine if it is broken. If the clutch cable is broken, replace it. If the clutch cable is not broken, make sure that it is connected properly between the handle lever and the clutch assembly. Finally, ensure that the cable has the proper tension, and adjust the cable if necessary.
The cogged belt makes the connection between the engine and the gearbox. If the cogged belt is worn out, improperly adjusted, or broken, the snowblower wheels won’t turn. Inspect the cogged belt to determine if it is broken or worn out, and ensure that the belt is properly adjusted. If the belt is broken or worn out, replace it.
