Snow blower ownership is about more than simply clearing away snow a bit quicker after a winter storm. Equipment ownership also requires timely inspections of key parts, routine maintenance of the snow blower, and quick repairs of any issues that might pose risks to safety or long-term durability. The auger belt and friction wheel are two of the most common parts requiring regular inspection and occasional repair. Homeowners with the Cub Cadet 528 SWE snow blower might find it a bit easier to properly inspect, adjust and replace these key parts by following a few basic tips as they get the job done.
Inspect Safely By Following a Few Guidelines
Snow blower maintenance should never be performed around a hot engine. If the equipment was recently used, allow the engine to cool until the surface is at least warm to the touch. Operators should also ensure that the snow blower’s spark plug is disconnected, since this will prevent the engine from accidentally starting during maintenance work. If maintenance work is being performed outdoors, or in close proximity to the auger blades, protective gloves and goggles will add an essential, additional layer of protection from injury.
Augers Belts and Friction Wheels: What’s the Big Deal?
Few parts are more essential to the snow blower than the auger belt and the friction wheel. The auger belt is actually responsible for moving the auger during snow clearing while the friction wheel allows the drive system to operate properly. If either of these parts become worn or damaged, the snow blower will refuse to clear snow or fail to move forward even when the drive system is engaged. For this reason, regular inspection and replacement should be considered a top priority for 528 SWE equipment owners.
A Look at Auger Belt Replacement
Typically, the auger belt should be inspected each year when the snow blower is removed from storage. It may also require an inspection and replacement if snow clearing fails during the winter. Removing the auger belt is generally pretty straightforward. Start by running the engine until it’s out of fuel. When the engine turns off and has had time to cool, remove the belt cover located near the front of the engine. Make sure to remove the two bolts and flat washers that hold the belt guide in place as well.
With these parts removed, the auger belt will be exposed on the pulleys. Carefully guide the belt off of the engine pulley. Next, tip the snow blower so that the underside faces upward. Remove the frame cover and the shoulder belt. Next, remove the belt from the auger pulley and carefully remove it from the equipment. An OEM auger belt can be installed by following this procedure in reverse.
How to Inspect the Friction Wheel
Once again, allow the snow blower to run until it’s out of fuel. When the engine has cooled, tip the snow blower back so that its underside is exposed. Remove the frame cover, exposing the friction wheel. Thoroughly inspect the friction wheel and look for cracks, dents, or other signs of significant wear. If the friction wheel looks damaged enough that it may be in danger of failing, or if its damage is significant enough to have already caused drive issues, it should be replaced with an OEM part immediately.
A Quick Guide to Friction Wheel Removal
The good news about friction wheel replacement is that it’s actually one of the easiest maintenance procedures required by the snow blower. In fact, it’s much easier than replacing the auger belt. If the snow blower hasn’t been properly prepared for this procedure, start by running the engine until it’s out of fuel. After the engine has run out of fuel, place the shift lever in the “Forward-1” position and allow the engine to cool. Next, tip the equipment over and remove the frame cover.
Remove the hex nut that holds the friction wheel in place and guide the hex shaft downward and to the left. Once the hex shaft has sufficient clearance for the friction wheel, slide the friction wheel down the shaft and guide it out of the snow blower. Using an OEM friction wheel, follow these steps in reverse to install and secure the new wheel to will keep the drive system running smoothly.
Get the Right Parts for the Job at CubParts.com
Proper auger belt and friction wheel maintenance can ensure a dependable and powerful snow clearing experience for many years to come. When equipment owners need to find the best parts for both of these concerns, they should turn to CubParts.com. Featuring a comprehensive selection of OEM Cub Cadet Parts, operators will find it easy to get what they need as quickly as possible. Parts can be filtered by their Cub Cadet part number, the snow blower model number, or the engine manufacturer, making it even easier to get the right parts quickly.