Snowblower Lift Assist Height changed

[SPINJIM 1,981]

So I got the Lift Assist Spring installed and the rusty Snowblower restored (previous posting).  The Lift Assist Spring was a big help in lifting the snowblower the first 6 to 8 inches off the ground, but getting the lift handle into the higher lock position still required two hands and a strong back.  But it's really not necessary to lift the blower all the way up just to turn the tractor.    So I cut a second notch in the slide for the lift handle.   Now the Assist Spring is does its job all the way to the new locked position, and gets the blower far enough off the ground to turn it.

 

[Ed Kennell 38,021]

I like the idea of more notches for multiple height positions.

Could you have shortened the lift tube to accomplish the same thing?

[SPINJIM 1,981]

23 hours ago, ekennell said:

I like the idea of more notches for multiple height positions.

Could you have shortened the lift tube to accomplish the same thing?

 

Hi Ed,   Never thought of that.  But this gives me the option of different heights, for snowblower, plow, or deck.

    Jim

 

Hi again Ed,

After further thought, I think that shortening the pole would not have the same effect.  The spring is attached to the flag, and the spring is under tension only when the pole is in contact with the flag. So shortening the pole would delay the contact between the flag and the pole, and would not take advantage of the spring when it was under maximum tension.   Thus, it would have the opposite effect, and the pole would not lift the snowblower while the spring was under tension.  It would be like first putting a 6" block under the snowblower, and then just lifting it another 3 inches.  The lift assist of the spring would have already been dissipated in the first few inches of travel of the flag, before it makes contact with the pole.   

 

I think that's how it would work.  I had to think about this more when I first woke up this morning, before my mind was cluttered by everyday issues.  Does it sound right to you?

Jim

Edited January 21, 2016 by SPINJIM
Additional information.

[SPINJIM 1,981]

22 hours ago, SPINJIM said:

 

Hi Ed,   Never thought of that.  But this gives me the option of different heights, for snowblower, plow, or deck.

    Jim

 

Hi again Ed,

After further thought, I think that shortening the pole would not have the same effect.  The spring is attached to the flag, and the spring is under tension only when the pole is in contact with the flag. So shortening the pole would delay the contact between the flag and the pole, and would not take advantage of the spring when it was under maximum tension.   Thus, it would have the opposite effect, and the pole would not lift the snowblower while the spring was under tension.  It would be like first putting a 6" block under the snowblower, and then just lifting it another 3 inches.  The lift assist of the spring would have already been dissipated in the first few inches of travel of the flag, before it makes contact with the pole.   

 

I think that's how it would work.  I had to think about this more when I first woke up this morning, before my mind was cluttered by everyday issues.  Does it sound right to you?

Jim

 

[Ed Kennell 38,021]

   Don't let all this thinking give you a headache Jim.   You made it work with a good idea.

 

My thinking on shortening the push rod is;   After shortening the rod, the spring would be retensioned so with the blower in the down position,

the flag and push rod would be fully engaged and under the same tension as with the longer rod.   The only difference is now the lift lever is somewhere near mid position and you don't have to lift as far to engage it in the factory notch.

I think it would have worked, but I like your idea better. 

I have  hydro lifts on my blower  and plows, but if I had a manual lift, I would investigate putting 3-4 notches in mine.    When plowing and blowing on my stone road, It would be nice to have a  full up, full down ,and a "floating" height setting without having to constantly change the height adjusting knob.  Of course, with the hyd lift, I can set any height with a touch of the valve.

 

[HWG 0]

I had an issue with lift the snow blower to the factory top notch ....I gave a big pull and seems like the ear spun on the lift handle shaft ....is there a pin or something that locates that on the shaft ...like I said the tractor is new to me ...416-8 ...and nothing in the manual

[SPINJIM 1,981]

There is a wedge at the bottom of the rod that's inside the handle.  The wedge gets pushed up into the notch by a spring at the bottom.  Maybe the wedge is worn out, or  came out of position.   Best to look at the parts manual for your tractor to understand how it all goes together.   The manual for your 416 is probably available on this Forum under 'Manuals'.   The weight of the snowblower is plenty enough to push the wedge out of position if there is some wear on it.  Good luck, Jim

 

Welcome to the Red Square Forum.

Edited January 22, 2016 by SPINJIM
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