I have an Ariens 5524 snow thrower. It has started to push snow in front of it. It only throwes snow 6 to 8 feet. This happens at all speeds. The snow was only 3 inches deep and not heavy at all. Any ideas why it is pushing the snow?

Hi,
My guess is belt slippage. Since I live in an area virtually without snowthrowers, or the need for them, I can only guess. Down here the most common use for them is to clean out chicken coops and stables.
The manual is available at:
Ariens Order Owners Manuals (http://apache.ariens.com/cgibin/ctrg0005?form=Download&model=5524&serial=1&mantype=O&language=ENG&sessionid=0.5644670766575223&site=ARIENSS)
If you get the correct model number(6 digits) and serial number(for breaks) off the black on silver or white tag.
Peace,
Clarke