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How to adjust the snowblower auger control

less than a minute readNov 18Lyle Weischwill

A properly adjusted auger control keeps your snowblower operating safely and efficiently. The auger control system uses a lever, cable, bracket, and idler pulley to tighten or release the auger belt. If the cable tension is off, the auger may keep spinning when the lever is disengaged or refuse to spin when you pull the lever.

This video walks you through how to test the auger control and adjust the cable so the auger engages and stops exactly when it should.

Check auger control operation

Start by shutting off the engine and removing the key. With the snowblower safely powered down, you can check how the auger control engages and releases. The goal is to confirm that the auger stays still when the lever is disengaged and spins properly when the lever is engaged. These quick checks help you spot cable slack or excessive tension before making any adjustments. Follow these steps to check the auger control:

  1. With the auger control lever disengaged, check the cable. It should have some slack and should not be pulling on the idler pulley.

  2. Start the snowblower and make sure the auger does not move with the lever disengaged.

  3. Engage the auger for about 10 seconds, then release the lever.

  4. Cycle the auger on and off several times and confirm it stops fully each time.

  5. Make sure the auger spins strongly when the lever is engaged.

Adjust the auger cable

Make sure the engine is off and the machine is secure before adjusting the cable. Small changes to cable tension can correct issues such as the auger turning when it shouldn’t or failing to spin when engaged. Adjusting the bracket position allows you to increase or reduce tension as needed for proper operation.

If the auger spins with the lever disengaged, increase cable slack.

If the auger will not spin with the lever engaged, add tension.

Follow these steps to adjust auger cable tension:

  1. Loosen, but do not remove, the upper hex bolt on the rear auger drive cable bracket.

  2. Loosen the lower hex bolt if needed so the bracket can slide up or down.

  3. Move the bracket upward to create more slack or downward to increase tension.

  4. Hold the bracket in position and tighten both hex bolts.

Test the auger again and repeat adjustments until it engages and disengages properly. Check cable tension periodically through the season. Annual maintenance also keeps your snowblower working at its best. If you prefer professional service, you can schedule a tune-up through Sears Home Services.