Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Difficulty finding parts, sears craftsman, friction wheel

Question
Hi John,
Our Craftsman snow blower ran into some trouble tonight. It needs a few minor repairs (friction wheel, friction plate, and a few belts), but I'm having trouble locating parts for the model number. Either the model number isn't exact on the few sites I found, or a search of the MTD model number comes up blank (which I read you suggested to another). The model number is 247.885500.  Any help on where I can locate the parts is greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hello Carrie:

If there is No MTD Model Numbers on this Unit and Just the Sears/Craftsman Model Numbers, then you will have to Contact Sears @ 1-800-252-1698 and Select the Prompt (#1 I think) to Order Parts. Usually when the Unit is Not Listed on the Sears Site, the Unit is in the Process of being Outdated and Sears has the Only List of Parts they have Available. I will Research this Unit and if I can Locate anymore Information I will Send you a Follow Up Answer in a Few Days. However, I did Locate a Sears Model 247.885550 (1995) Unit (MTD Model #315-718E099) and a 247.885570 (1997) Unit (MTD Model #317E738E099) in the MTD Microfiche and Online. Usually the Parts you are Looking for are the Same for Most of these Units. The Belts are Usually as Follows: If the Unit has 3 Belts, then 2 are MTD #754-0430 (35" X .375" (you can Use a 30" X 3/8" Industrial Grade Replacement Belt)) and the Other is a MTD #754-0346 (30.25" X .375" (you can Use 35" X 3/8" Industrial Grade Replacement Belt)). For the Units with 2 Belts, the Belt Numbers are as Follows: MTD #754-0343 (31" X .375" (you can Use a 31" X 3/8" Industrial Grade Replacement Belt)) and MTD #754-0430 (35" X .375" (you can Use a 35" X 3/8" Industrial Grade Replacement Belt)). The Industrial Grade Belts I Use are from NAPA or Advance Auto. Simply Ask for the Industrial Belt in the Length and Width you Require. Most Times you will Locate the Industrial Belt for 1/2 the Cost of an OEM Belt and the Industrial Belts Perform as Well as or Better than the OEM Belt. The Friction Wheels for the 3 Belt Unit is Listed as MTD #684-0042A for the Friction Wheel, MTD #635-0243 for the Replacement Rubber for the Friction Wheel and MTD #656-0012A for the Friction Wheel Disc. For the 2 Belt Unit the Frictions Wheels are Listed as MTD #656-0009 for the Friction Wheel Disc and 684-0042 for the Friction Wheel. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (MTD)  and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John