Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - Craftsman snowblower repair

I have a 9hp Craftsman snowblower. When it was put away last year, it was operating fine. When I recently got it out to get ready for the season, I found that it was stuck in 6th (high) gear. Shift lever will not move. Last year, it got stuck in 1st gear. My wife said the next time she went to use it, it was ok. Any suggestions?

Very simple solution: Since it is OK when the wife uses it - designate her as the Queen of Snow Removal.:)

In the meantime post the model and serial number of the unit.

Most likely it is just the hex shaft that needs to be greased. Tip machine up on its nose and remove bottom plate (usually 4 bolts), mostly 2 will be facing you and 2 on the side. You will see a hexagon shaft that the rubber friction wheel moves left to right on. Apply some grease to both side of the disk. Turning the wheels will spin the shaft to be able to get all sides. Do not spray WD40 etc in there as you will get it on the rubber and the metal speed disc causing slippage. Once grease is applied move shift lever with one hand and rubbed friction wheel with other. Once it moves move the lever through all speeds to distribute grease. This should be done annually and you should not have problem again