Can a 310-8 handle a 2 stage snowblower?

[heycookieman 3]

Ok first post here, i grew up on a rj 58 until the trans was unfixable. At least that's what a shop told my dad. Anyway I'm looking at a 310-8 what looks to be in good shape from the pics. I'm just wondering if the motor is big enough for a two stage blower. The tractor comes with a good deck and the owner says he ran it this summer with no problems. If its too small would it work better in the lower gears. Thanks

[adsm08 2,603]

1 hour ago, heycookieman said:

Ok first post here, i grew up on a rj 58 until the trans was unfixable. At least that's what a shop told my dad. Anyway I'm looking at a 310-8 what looks to be in good shape from the pics. I'm just wondering if the motor is big enough for a two stage blower. The tractor comes with a good deck and the owner says he ran it this summer with no problems. If its too small would it work better in the lower gears. Thanks

 

It should work. Keep it in low range 1st gear and it will have all the power in the world.

 

I used to mow 2ft high wet grass with a 310-8 in 1st-low.

[heycookieman 3]

Yea that little rj would loss traction before the belt would slip and if I remember it was only a 5 hp and push snow great

Edited December 9, 2024 by heycookieman
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[mrc 873]

i have some old wh literature.  wh recommends 16hp minimum for a 2 stage blower.   pushing snow and blowing snow is not the same.  when pushing, you are not using the pto.   of course the 310-8 will turn the blower but, it might take a looong time to clear your driveway.

[heycookieman 3]

ok thanks guys. I'm looking at a 310-8 and a 312-8.From what I've been reading not much diff. just the horse power. I will be adding a snow blower to it, it does come with a plow and deck. so we'll see.  

[Bar Nuthin 933]

On 12/8/2024 at 6:51 PM, heycookieman said:

If its too small would it work better in the lower gears

 

The funny thing about snowblowers is - depending on the type of snow and the depth - sometimes going too slow doesn't produce enough volume for the blower to shoot it very well.

I don't own a 2 stage snowblower for my tractor, so I can't speak to your exact situation, but my 30" 2-stage walk behind works best when I find the right speed to match the snow.

[heycookieman 3]

Yep I found that out about my snow blower too. Thanks

Edited December 28, 2024 by heycookieman
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[wallfish 17,461]

The more hp the better for running a blower IMO. Some guys have run a 2 stage with 12 hp engines with success. A 10 hp might be at the minimum hp requirement so it could be disappointing. No doubt it "would work" but performance is another thing. A single stage might be a better fit for that smaller engine.

 

[heycookieman 3]

ok why would a tall shoot work better then a short one

[wallfish 17,461]

The snow flies up the chute farther before hitting the curve to direct it and it funnels the snow out better. Expect to get covered in snow with a short chute as it blasts directly into the chute curve and splatters some. I used to come in looking like a snowman when I ran a SS short chute blower.

[lynnmor 7,554]

2 hours ago, wallfish said:

The snow flies up the chute farther before hitting the curve to direct it and it funnels the snow out better. Expect to get covered in snow with a short chute as it blasts directly into the chute curve and splatters some. I used to come in looking like a snowman when I ran a SS short chute blower.

Plenty of snow flies out the sides of the tall chute.

 

[heycookieman 3]

what model tractor is that lynnmor a 520

[JCM 10,011]

Looks like a 520 with a 44''  2 stage blower.   @heycookieman

Edited December 30, 2024 by JCM

[heycookieman 3]

opps  I meant chute not shoot

[AHS 1,491]

I had a 312 with a long shute single stage and it did fine. A little tough down at the end of the driveway. I swapped the snowblower over to a 414 and what a difference! It would be my opinion to go with a 14 and above hp. Or think about a plow.. my B80 did great with a plow only 8 hp.. but, geese wouldn’t it push the snow!!

[wallfish 17,461]

8 hours ago, lynnmor said:

Plenty of snow flies out the sides of the tall chute.

On a tall chute, a piece of aluminum sheet can be added to the front to funnel all of the snow up.

Another advantage for the tall chute blower is the chute control. The older short chutes used a wire cable and spool to turn it whereas the tall one uses a worm gear to do it.

My 2 stage is modified for electric controls with a 12v motor, sprocket and chain to turn it and a small actuator for the top height deflector.

[lynnmor 7,554]

On 12/30/2024 at 12:25 PM, JCM said:

Looks like a 520 with a 44''  2 stage blower.   @heycookieman

That is correct.

[paulyv56 152]

Yes, I have a 44" model 79631. My 312-8 handles it fine. I will be selling this snow blower, listing today. Its mint.