Changing the belt
1 of 3Photo 1: Go right to the top
Remove the upper belt guard so you can get to the top pulleys. Use a 12-in. extension bar, ratchet and socket.
2 of 3Photo 2: Slack before you slip
Slack off the belt tension by prying the tensioning rollers back,
removing the tension spring or loosening the tension mechanism.
Then slip the belts off the drive pulleys and wiggle them out.
3 of 3Photo 3: Install new belts
Clean the pulleys and slide on the new belts. Then thread the new
belts into place.
If you haven't changed the belts on your
two-stage snow blower since the day
you bought it, do it now. Factory belts
typically last about five to seven years,
depending on how hard you work your
snow blower each year. Don't even
think about replacing them with V-belts
from the auto parts store. Even though
they’re cheaper, you'll barely get one
season out of them—they're just not
heavy-duty enough. Get genuine factory
belts from the dealer or online.
You'll need your snow blower's make
and model number and the engine
brand and model number.
The belt removal/replacement procedures
are different for each make and
model, so refer to your owner's manual.
If you don't have yours, try downloading
a copy from the manufacturer's Web
site. With the cover off, inspect the
condition of the belts. If you see cracks
or cuts anywhere on the belt, shiny
glazing along the sides, or fraying, it's
time to replace them.
Most two-stage machines have belt
retainer bars and idler/tensioner rollers
that have to be loosened before
you can get the belts off (Photo 1). Then
empty the gas tank and tip the entire
machine up so you can remove the bottom
access plate. Then slide each belt
out, paying attention to which belt fits
on which pulley. Reverse the procedure
to install the new belts.
