Newbie here. My TroyBilt snow blower (Storm 2690XP Track Drive) is just 2+ years old. Worked just fine until several months ago when the friction wheel peeled down to the metal part of the wheel. Ordered replacement wheels (admittedly not the higher priced ones). Some minor damage to the friction plate, sanded with a very fine emery. Cleaned with a gas soaked paper towel. Did not clean the friction wheel as it was new out of the package. Checked the clearance between the wheel and the plate at all shifter positions – using several layers of thin cardboard. Free and clear. Tracks spin freely. With engine off, drive clutch engaged & cannot move the tracks. Looks good. Started out at the top of the driveway, made it to the bottom and about 100’ up and total drive failure again. After a 3 hour teardown / repair job. The track drive assembly and controls make this difficult. My old 1980 MTD track blower had to finish the job (It’s in semi-retirement but has to sleep outside).
Belly pan and belt covers in place. Blower sleeps in the nice dry garage. Starts very easy, don’t even use the electric starter. Driveway is 450’ long with a switchback midway and a parking pad at the top. Elevation change is 80-90’ – so maybe 20% grade on most of it and 30% near the top.
Snow totals are 18 – 22’ average per season and there is not much melt between October and April, so I need this blower to get over the snow walls.
Recent efforts to resolve this problem; Inspection showed the friction plate clean and dry. So, new friction plate, new, more expensive rubber wheel, New track drive v-belt (cannot spin the plate with engine off – so I think belt is OK) Plate spins freely with belt off. Have adjusted the clutch cable – seems to be per specs in the maintenance manual. This repair/rebuild lasted maybe 1.5 hours before failure, again near the bottom of the driveway. Again, plate clean and dry. Friction wheel down to the metal. Such fun.
Also, have a Sears 5hp POS that throws the snow maybe 3-4 feet. Not much use even as a spare.
Some questions;
1. Does the price / quality of the rubber wheel make that much difference ? My 1980 MTD friction wheel lasts just fine using cheapo replacements purchased on E-Bay.
2. Last Summer maintenance and inspection showed the friction wheel to be worn a little, but plenty of rubber remaining. Why did the first friction wheel last for two years ?
3. Am I asking too much of the new blower due to the steep grade ? I admit, it leads a tough life, but my old blower took it fine – just doesn’t have the power (&rpm's) to get the snow over the walls.
Would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you might have.
Thanks in advance.
Belly pan and belt covers in place. Blower sleeps in the nice dry garage. Starts very easy, don’t even use the electric starter. Driveway is 450’ long with a switchback midway and a parking pad at the top. Elevation change is 80-90’ – so maybe 20% grade on most of it and 30% near the top.
Snow totals are 18 – 22’ average per season and there is not much melt between October and April, so I need this blower to get over the snow walls.
Recent efforts to resolve this problem; Inspection showed the friction plate clean and dry. So, new friction plate, new, more expensive rubber wheel, New track drive v-belt (cannot spin the plate with engine off – so I think belt is OK) Plate spins freely with belt off. Have adjusted the clutch cable – seems to be per specs in the maintenance manual. This repair/rebuild lasted maybe 1.5 hours before failure, again near the bottom of the driveway. Again, plate clean and dry. Friction wheel down to the metal. Such fun.
Also, have a Sears 5hp POS that throws the snow maybe 3-4 feet. Not much use even as a spare.
Some questions;
1. Does the price / quality of the rubber wheel make that much difference ? My 1980 MTD friction wheel lasts just fine using cheapo replacements purchased on E-Bay.
2. Last Summer maintenance and inspection showed the friction wheel to be worn a little, but plenty of rubber remaining. Why did the first friction wheel last for two years ?
3. Am I asking too much of the new blower due to the steep grade ? I admit, it leads a tough life, but my old blower took it fine – just doesn’t have the power (&rpm's) to get the snow over the walls.
Would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you might have.
Thanks in advance.