GBertolet
Well-Known OPE Member
I have had several Ariens 911 series walk behind mowers. A chronic issue for me with these mowers, is the blade adapter drive pulley wearing out. The V in this pulley is very shallow, and the cogged drive belt, is almost flat, with a minimum V taper. Before you know it, the belt is bottomed out in the pulley, and you have to help the mower along, due to the slippage. These adapters are made out of pot metal, and don't wear very well. I am lucky to get 2-3 years use out of them, before a replacement is needed. Usually the belt is shot also. They are not all that cheap to buy either. Replacements come in two configurations. A one piece and a two piece. I currently have several 911044 and 46 mowers, that were given to me, or acquired at yard sales for cheap. After some rehab, they all run great, except for the aforementioned issue.
I contacted Ariens, about this issue, but got the run around. They were going to research the issue, but never called me back. It figures. The local mower shop owner, thinks it is from abrasiveness of the clippings and any dust particles that are sucked up. There is not any real shielding around this pulley. Has anyone else had this issue, and devised a fix? I really like the older Ariens mowers. They are built like a tank, and cut real nice. The newer Ariens are somewhat less desirable, as the quality has cheapened considerably. Built to a price, not a standard anymore.
I contacted Ariens, about this issue, but got the run around. They were going to research the issue, but never called me back. It figures. The local mower shop owner, thinks it is from abrasiveness of the clippings and any dust particles that are sucked up. There is not any real shielding around this pulley. Has anyone else had this issue, and devised a fix? I really like the older Ariens mowers. They are built like a tank, and cut real nice. The newer Ariens are somewhat less desirable, as the quality has cheapened considerably. Built to a price, not a standard anymore.