QuestionHi Michael
Thanks for your reply. We're going to take your advice and try to see if we can find the source of resistance. About the shear bolts we're using, they are the auger shear bolts. Does that make a difference?
Thanks
Priscilla
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Michael
We've had our Craftsman 10HP Dual Stage Snow Blower (model C950-52520-6) for 8 or 9 years and it hasn't caused us any problems until recently. Earlier this winter, the wheel drive axle shear bolt sheared off and the wheels stopped turning. We replaced the bolt, and we thought the problem was solved, until a few cleared driveways later when the bolt sheared again. Since then, the shear bolt has been lasting a shorter and shorter length of time before needing to be replaced, to the point that the whole driveway is barely cleared before the bolt shears (30-60 minutes of run time, depending on the snow). Also, there isn't extraordinary resistance; it's not as if the blower is being snagged on anything. In fact, this past summer we had the driveway paved; it had a gravel surface before, meaning the driveway is more even now.
Do you know why the shear bolt is shearing so frequently? How do we fix it?
Thanks
Priscilla
Answer -
Hi Priscilla,
This is unusual. I would trace the entire drive system path and look for something that is binding. Block the unit off the ground and turn the system, starting with the pulley at the crankshaft.
Also check to see if the clearance between the bolt and the hole is not too big, causing a hammering effect. I assume that the bolt is the correct one and is of proper hardness.
Let me know what you find,
Michael
AnswerHi Priscilla,
I actually have never heard of shear bolts required for use on the axle. Maybe the bolts are not meant to shear and should be regular bolts. If the drive system is operating correctly, then I would suspect the bolts as being too weak.
Please keep me posted,
Michael
