Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snapper Snowblower Wont Move, crankshaft pulley, snapper snowblower

Question
I have a Snapper Model 10301 10HP 30” Two Stage Snowthrower.  Serial # is 73207834.  I pulled it out for the winter and the traction drive was not working.  I removed the bottom cover and the drive tire attached to the traction drive chain case was not turning.  This is the tire that is driven when engaged by the left handle lever and then engages in a perpendicular fashion to the pulley driven by the engine belt.  I didn’t think much of it and bought a new drive tire even through there was plenty of tread left on the tire.  The new one did not work either so I put the old one back on.  Upon further inspection, I noticed that the tread of the drive tire contacts the wheel axle when engaged which seems to be the reason why it is not turning.  For the life of me I can not figure out how to get the clearance I need to allow it to free up.  Everything turns easily when I turn the tire by hand.  Everything seems to be in a fixed position with no adjustment or alignment possibilities.  The drive tire is attached to the chain case assembly, the chain case assembly rides on the hex shaft which turns the wheel axle by means of a gear pairing.  It looks like I need to get the traction drive chain case higher up to clear the wheel axle or move the pulley to which it engages toward the back.  Again, it looks like both are in fixed positions.  Has anyone run into this before and am I missing something?  Can the pulley driven by the crankshaft pulley be adjusted to bring it more towards the rear?

Manuals, parts lists, etc. are all available here to get a better idea of what I am trying to explain.

http://www.snapper.com/manuals/index.cfm?rd=1


Answer
Hello Joe:

You can View a Breakdown of the Mower at this Site Addy; http://www.snapper.com/manuals/ . Enter your Model Numbers (10301) in the Box Provided and Click Find Manuals.  Select Illustrated Parts List from the Manual List Provide. Now Download the Manual for Online Viewing. If I Understand Correctly, the Drive Disc is Resting on the Hex Shaft. Have you Checked the Chain Shaft Bearings? From your Description it Sounds like a Bearing May be Bad and Allowing the Drive Disc to Rest on the Hex Shaft. The Chain Case Assembly is on Page 12 of 24. The Bearings I am Speaking of are #5 in the Breakdown. 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