Hi,

I have an older Spirit (Murray) 8 HP 25" snowblower (model B2580-020), and I'm having issues with the drive system (not the auger). I'm guessing this machine is somewhere around 15 years old. I have 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse. I have a driveway with an incline (not massive, but definitily not flat). When I drive the snowblower around in the garage (level), all the gears work fine. When I drive it up the driveway, most of the high gears won't drive. If I'm blowing snow, I have to have it in 1st gear, and push! It's almost as though the belt is slipping. I pulled the cover off to look at the belts, and the drive belt looks fairly new. Someone told me about "friction plates" that could be bad. The problem is, I can't find any documentation on this machine to know what to look for. Most part dealers can't even find my machine by the model number. Should I replace the drive belt? Is there any kind of drive belt adjustment? Any other advice?

Thanks!

Hi,
Most have drive disc that has a rubber surface around its circumference. My guess is it is worn. Looked for a parts breakdown for you, but the only site up did not have it.
Peace,
Clarke
PS you can request a parts breakdown from the link below:
http://partsandservice.com/html/Murray/st/

Mine has about the same problem.
If you take the bottom plate off you will see a gear that looks like a bicycle sprocket.
This is probably worn or the side plate that the shaft goes through is worn out letting the gear move out of contact with the drive gear.

Bob