Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > Anybody else live in a snowbelt?
Date: 22 Dec 2005 7:01 am
We live on the East shore of Lake Ontario, about 35 miles North of Syracuse. Lots of snow and a long winter. I also grew up in the South Towns area outside of Buffalo. There is more snow here.
It's snowing again today. Three days ago we got 24" to 30" of snow in 7 hours. Not a memorable storm but significant. I've used our 10 year old Troybilt 42010 24" 8hp snow blower in heavier storms with no problems. Still on the original shear pins!
Well, this year the old beast seems to have lost power. It will throw snow just fine, it just will not move as it used to. I have to help it along. I used to be able to clear a path for heating oil deliveries, can't do it this year.
I've never had a problem with this machine, yearly maintenance has been all that I have performed.
I've got the manual but does anybody have any ideas? It clears the drive okay but it used to go off-road without a problem. I never needed chains and don't own any.
I shoveled a NARROW 80' path for the oil delivery arriving today but hopefully that will be a one-time event. The snow pack is anywhere from 18" to 36", hopefully it will settle a little more before the next weather event.
Thanks,
Bill
Date: 22 Dec 2005 7:42 am
Hi Bill!
I too own the Pre MTD Troybilt 4210 and find it to be a great machine.
I believe that your wheel drive disc is out of adjustment. Please refer to page 20 of your manual in section 5. It shows you how to readjust the tension on the wheel disk.
You may find that the rubber on the disc is so worn that it needs replacement. The part is called "Molded Friction Disc - Reference # 70 Part#1720859. The part is available from MTD at 1-800-648-6776.
I would suggest that you adjust the tension according to the instuctions on page 22 of section 5 in the service manual on the auger drive as well.
In addition adjust the "Slip Differential" on page 23 of your manual.
This will help the handling of the machine (steering).
When properly adjusted you will think you just bought a new machine :wink:
Please let us know how you made out!
Marc
Date: 22 Dec 2005 8:38 am
Marc,
Thanks for the information. All I have is the owner's manual and there is a brief description of the Drive Disc Clearance Adjustment on page 18, along with a diagram.
Wish it was warmer than 25 degrees.
Can I download the tech manual?
Bill
Date: 22 Dec 2005 7:13 pm
Hi Guys!
Bill- Is the manual you are looking at labeled the Owner/Operator Manual? If so the lower right corner of page20 which is the first page of SECTION5:Maintainance under the heading Wheel Drive Disc Adjustment will tell you exactly what to do.This is the manual that came with the machine.
I don't know if MTD has the manual on line for this unit.
The procedure is as follows:
1)Locate the spring on the bottom of the rod that is attached to the lever that you press down to engage the drive. Notice that the spring is attached at it's bottom to an arm that is called the wheel drive control arm. Push that arm down completely and measure the length of the spring. The spring is being measured in the in the compressed (relaxed ) position. In other words there will be no tension on the spring. Write down the measurement.
2)Squeeze the drive control lever (handle that engages the drive) and hold or tape it down so that your hands are free. Notice that the spring is now lengthened and under tension. Measure the spring under tension.
The difference in measurements between the spring under tension and the relaxed spring should be 9/16"-11/16". I use 3/4 of an inch which is just a little bit tight but easy to read on the ruler. I believe you will find that your difference is less than the required ammount. Loosen the adjuster which is the long hexagonal tube at the bottom of the rod and turn it until you shorten the linkage rod so that the spring is under tension. 1-1/4 turn of the adjuster = 1/16" of spring length.
Let us know how you make out,
Marc
Date: 22 Dec 2005 8:34 pm
"Anybody else live in a snowbelt?"
Yes.
Sorry, couldn't resist.... :wink:
Love the old Troys.
C
Date: 22 Dec 2005 8:36 pm
yes i do ...
and my driveway looks like a curling rink to proove it.
chris
Date: 23 Dec 2005 8:07 am
Thanks guys for the information. This is a busy time of the year and I hope to get to repair the beast before I have to leave for business...
Looks like an easy inspection/repair and it is getting warmer. WX is nothing but a few inches of snow for a few days. BTW the oil guy said thanks for shoveling out the trail. Oil was $2.239/gallon, WOW! That is what a gallon of 87 octane goes for around here.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Bill
Date: 23 Dec 2005 9:21 am
Since joining OPE-related forums, I've tried to become more snow-literate and in doing so I've learned that my area is (comparatively speaking)...snow deficient. Although we always get some, it seems everyone around us gets it worse than we do. I guess that helps explain why plowing is more predominant than snowblowing here.
Per year avg: Gr. Rapids Mi 73.7, Lansing Mi 49.0, South Bend IN 70.5, Cleveland OH 58.2, Erie PA 90.1, Toledo OH (me)...36.8.
Data from: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/avgsnf.txt
AZ
Date: 23 Dec 2005 12:42 pm
Anybody having problems logging in?
Marc,
The rubber wheel clearance was within spec but I did notice that the locking nut had seperated from the adjustment nut on the gear selector linkage. Adjusted as required and I am BACK IN BUSINESS! Wheelies in 5th gear as usual. Funny but I thought I checked this last Fall....
I did get a chance to see if our Simplicity Prestige (23hp 54" deck) would do doughnuts in the driveway. NOT, the automatic traction control kicks in when you start to break the rear-end loose. Bummer.
Thanks Marc for your help.
Bill
Date: 24 Dec 2005 8:38 am
Hi Guys!
Bill-Glad to here it's back in working order :D !
Marc