My problem with a 1973 john deere snow blower 726. After engine has started,travel control lever is set, and Auger engaged, I start forward for approximately five feet, the blowers stops, but the engine continues to run with a loud continuous noise till I shut down the engine Any advise or suggestions to this problem?

I don't know but I would guess it could be for a differential lock or to engage the PTO (power take-off).

This happened to me and it only needed a few adjustments. Maybe it will help if you watch an informative video on YouTube made by DonyBoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbAq7m0d2qM

OK the wire on a coil is to shut off motor when grounded, so if you don't hook it up it will not shut off when you try. That wire goes to throttle linkage so when you slow engine speed to minimum it shuts engine off. Most snow blowers that have the red safety key in shield have that same wire slit from the throttle so if that malfunctions you still have a safety shut down.

Hi Brenda,

This machine makes use of two levers on the handle. The right controls the drive and the left controls the auger. When both are released, the drive wheels and the auger should stop. The impeller (the part inside that pushes snow up and out of the chute) will run as long as the motor is running and not controlled by the levers.

You said the auger continues to spin even when the lever is released. Both levers are connected by a flexible, thin, steel cable that extends down to a "wheel" or pulley assembly that is held in place by two hex nut bolts to the rear (operator position) corners of the machine. The steel cable should be ON the wheel - not hanging in free air and not wedged between the pulley and pulley support. Loosening the bolts and adjusting the pulley UPWARD should reduce tension / provide SLACK required to disengage the auger when the lever is released (adjust for a *small* amount of slack only). Positioning the pulley DOWNWARD increases tension that reduces the amount travel the lever needs to ENGAGE the auger. The pulley assembly position needs to be adjusted so that when the lever is released, the auger shuts off, and when squeezed, the auger turns on. These same adjustment procedures can be used for the DRIVE lever control, too.

If you are unable to adjust the cable so that there is a little slack, then there is a problem with the cable at the other end - inside the machine. It will require someone who is mechanically inclined - or snow blower serviceman to adjust / repair this for you if you lack the tools and understanding to do the work yourself. It is not likely to be an expensive repair, however. You should ask for an estimate or be given the opportunity to authorize repairs before they are started.

I hope this helps and good luck!

pull the belt cover off and check the belt if it is ok the key in the beltvpulleyb that drives the auger could be sheared

replace belt

Try changing the drive belt

Can anyone help me with a john deer 826 snow blower that won't engage in forward motion?

These John Deere Garden Tractors have a RIO (Reverse Implement Option) on the PTO. If your PTO is engaged and you back up, the PTO will automatically stop. To reset it, depress your PTO engagement switch to the OFF position. Take your foot off the reverse pedal. Pull up on the PTO engagement switch. The PTO should restart. To use the RIO feature, pull up on the PTO switch for a second or two just before you step on the reverse hydrostatic pedal. The yellow RIO indicator light should come on your dashboard and you can now back up with the PTO still running. Works great for snow blowing when I don't want to keep resetting my electric PTO clutch to keep restarting my snow blower.

If your PTO will not restart, you may have a PTO switch starting to fail, or a likely logic problem in your electric PTO control module, or one of your forward/reverse indicator switches, which is linked to your PTO control module along with the overtemp circuit, is stuck/faulty.

Try pressing the yellow button on the "dash". This is used for driving in reverse with the auger engaged, but it may be acting as a safety to engage the auger. Hope this helps.