Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): wheels locked up, friction wheel, wheel bearing

Question
I have a 5 HP 24" Craftsman self-propelled Snow Thrower (247.886640) The wheels are locked up when you try to push it.  I opened it up to check the belts, belts look ok. I found that you can move the axle by hand but when you rotate the wheel it locks up.  Could it be the friction wheel bearing.

Answer
I want to the Sears parts direct.com to take a look at the picture of the drivetrain on the snowblower.  It's not very clear.  I can see where people would be very confused.

If I was working on it I would drain the gas and oil and tip the snowblower on his nose.  Remove the bottom panel to expose the drivetrain.  Have someone operate the handle that engages the drive.  Look to see if the rubber disc comes away from the aluminum plate when in neutral.  If it doesn't part of that mechanism is not adjusted properly or broken.  Look for the obvious first check the linkage can you manually move the disc away from the plate or is there something holding it in place

If the disc is coming away from the round aluminum plate than the problem is in the actual wheel drive.  The only way to find unless it's obvious is to take apart the wheel drive.  Start on the outside and work your way in.  Remove tires bolts in the bearings and drop the wheel drive right up the bottom.  I don't know which parts would be broken, but replaced the broken or worn parts

When readjusting the handles consult your owner's manual or you can view one at Sears parts direct.com.  It is very important to get this adjusted properly.  If not you will have forward drive in reverse or reverse drive in forward.

I hope I've been of some help.