lift pivot for 2 stage snowblower?

[sttereve 30]

Long time lurker, first time poster here.

 

Recently got a 2 stage snowblower off a guy on craigslist. Picked it up partially disassembled so I figured there would be something missing, and now that I've got it hooked up it looks like I am missing the lift "pivot" (not sure what its called) that hooks up to front attachment point.

 

Looks like I need 47 and 48 in the parts diagram (pn 117543 and 116906). Any ideas where to find these? Starting to figure I'll need to cobble something together... Anyone know the dimensions?

 

 

[sttereve 30]

Well I was able to cobble together something from some scraps I had around. I think this should work ok. One of these days I really need to get a welder... 

[peter lena 8,589]

@sttereve  not that bad , go over all your intended movement points  with red aerosol grease , for ease of application and tight spots , have someone else use the lift point so you can follow function and improve ease of use . did a 2 stage over a few years back , it was basically frozen with rust , went after every spot  , till it moved with ease . pete

[Crobson 20]

I may have to copy that. Trying to fit a very similar blower onto my 520h, not entirely sure if the hydraulic cylinder is double acting. Weather went to crap before I could check it today.

 

Edit: Did you attach the lift spring to the end of the rod?

Edited November 11, 2022 by Crobson

[sttereve 30]

This does seem to work decent. Would probably be helpful if you can get the original part dimensions. I did some approximation and got lucky. The attachment plate has 4 holes which gives you some flexibility after to adjust.

 

I haven't done anything with the lift spring yet. What's the general consensus on needing it when using the hydraulic lift? I guess I feel like it's probably not necessary.

[Crobson 20]

I'd not object to adding the spring, if only to partially balance the stresses on the hitch and frame. Ideally, I'd want a setup like truck plows use, where it lifts evenly from above by a single hydraulic cylinder. 

 

The OEM "spring assist lever" has an offset mount for the spring, so it can be easily slipped on and the lever moved to tension it. I'm unsure if the offset would lift the spring end higher than the hitch bar, or if i can just attach it the hard way to that bar.

[R Scheer 502]

If I do not put the spring on, my blower lifts with a definite tilt.  The left side will be about 2 inches higher than the right.  I don't know if it matters, but I think the linkages might start to wear unnecessarily. 

[Red-Bovine 309]

The lift spring definitely helps. We've had that blower since 1995 on our 520H. Nice job on the fabrication, BTW. 

[sttereve 30]

Thanks for the info on the spring, I'll have to get that on there next time I hook this up. 

 

When I got this blower I also got some misc parts that I have no idea what they are for. Any ideas? I think one is a pulley cover for a tiller idler. But no idea on the others

[Crobson 20]

I know the parts manual for the blower shows some sheet metal guards for the belts, by I don't think they look like that. 

 

Another silly question for you, how thick is the lift rod under the tractor? Another item I'll try to make, but I'm not sure how strong it has to be.

[sttereve 30]

The long rod that connects to the tractor lift (37 in the parts diagram above)? I can check, but it just so happens I got 3 of them with this blower . If you are interested in covering shipping you can have one. Send me a DM if interested. If not or if you just want to fab your own let me know and I can post the dimensions here.

[Crobson 20]

Yes to both, lol.

 

3d cad files for all the random parts that tend to be missing would be a bit much, but it would be awesome if we could start to build a list of rough dimensions for those of us that have to improvise with hot glue and toothpicks.

[wallfish 16,990]

Yes that spring #50 helps keep the lift of the blower even and supports that side. #40 spring probably isn't needed with hydraulic lift but I put it on anyway

I should have my blower tractor out this weekend and can get you guys some pics and dimensions of those lift parts

 

And @Crobson, don't under estimate those toothpicks! LoL

Have a look see

 

 

[The Freightliner Guy 1,327]

 Here’s one of @wallfish s creations me and my friends thought was awesome 

[sttereve 30]

Well western Michigan is giving me quite the opportunity to test this haha. Definitely needed the spring there to balance it out. even with the spring its a little lopsided. I think the factory setup has a tensioner that pulls the chain further. May need to do something for that...

 

Also this thing is HEAVY, lots of tire slip where I never had issues with the single stage. I have ATV tires with weights but its not cutting it. Trying to decide if chains or more weight will help more? 

Edited November 18, 2022 by sttereve

[Crobson 20]

I've been considering new tires for next year, and maybe tubes with liquid calcium chloride. Chains help, but rebalancing is crucial. Iirc the 2 stage blowers are 250#+.

 

I've got a cob-job weight that attaches to the hitch with arms to go under the transmission stub shafts, but idk if I trust it to not damage it. 

[sttereve 30]

Did a quick test throwing my box blade on the back to add weight and it definitely helped... until it didn't haha. I think I'm gonna grab some chains from tractor supply and then also find a way to get a bit more weight on the back. Maybe I'll just leave that box blade on there (and be very careful backing up!)

[Crobson 20]

I had one of those "flash of genius" moments that might just be gas. Summer project, tbh. 

 

One solution to the lifting force being lopsided is to manage to lift evenly from both sides.

 

Option one is to get a second #44 lift link, and duplicate the #47 you made, and weld them both to the bolt shaft. They should both turn at the same time, evenly lifting. 

 

Option B is to replace both #44 and 47 with a cable system, with a pulley on each end of the rod, and both cables going to the lift crank arm. One or both would need a turnbuckle to adjust, or chain for the last foot or so. 

 

Side note for those who aren't listening to archives of Car Talk, "Option 1" and "Option B" are one of their inside jokes.

[sttereve 30]

I'm thinking I'll just keep an eye out for a shorter spring. Really only an issue when it's at full lift, and I don't care of it's a little crooked there.

 

Also I got a set of chains, so we'll see how it fares today.

[WHGuy413 2,683]

Chains will definitely help. Also how deep is the snow you are trying to blow? What kind of ground are you on? Flat? Hill? Pavement, dirt, grass? All

of them will grab at different times and slip at different times. My 2 stage will just eat threw the deep snow if I’m just creeping along. Does a great job. Even going up hill on grass to my wood pile. I have a couple styles of tire chains most of them are just the tire chains but I have 2 sets that have little cleats on the links. Those I reserve for my plow tractors that will actually be pushing hard. 

[Crobson 20]

I think I found what those odd brackets are, an antisway kit. 

 

https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/product/wheel-horse-2-stage-snow-blower-anti-sway-kit/

[Bow_Extreme 544]

On 11/13/2022 at 2:00 PM, sttereve said:

Thanks for the info on the spring, I'll have to get that on there next time I hook this up. 

 

When I got this blower I also got some misc parts that I have no idea what they are for. Any ideas? I think one is a pulley cover for a tiller idler. But no idea on the others

Top 2 are for a tiller system.  Top is pulley cover and middle is belt cover.  Not sure what the 3rd is.