2 snow thrower questions

[cod 120]

Looking for some advice on adjusting my single stage long chute snow thrower.

 

1. Noticed today that there was a decent spray of snow coming from under the the thrower.  I suspect it's because there's a slight gap between the scraper blade and the driveway but the driveway is old and uneven so I'm leery of trying to get the scraper lower.  I've seen where some of you have added heavy rubber pads to the thrower for better operation but I was wondering if anyone has added a heavy rubber skirt behind the scraper?  I think it might handle the even surface better than metal but some ideas should remain in the theoretical realm...

 

2. Adjusting the lift bar for cresting a hill.  The lift flag has about 4 washers on it and lifts the thrower about 6" off the ground.  I have to assume that when the thrower is on the ground that the washers are not wedged between the flag and lift bar and this would allow the thrower to drop forward slightly if needed.  Right now mine won't. It goes to a horizontal position and that's it. Not bad going from flat to uphill but at the crest the thrower comes off the driveway until the front wheels get over the crest. I'm thinking that 3 to 4" inches of lift would be enough and getting rid of a washer or two would put more space between the flag and lift bar when the thrower is on the ground.

 

Thoughts?
 

Cod

[Ed Kennell 38,029]

1 hour ago, cod said:

heavy rubber skirt behind the scraper? 

#1. I would think anything added behind the scraper would just jam full of snow and tend to lift the blower.

#2. six inches is a good lift for a blower.   I think you can afford to remove a couple washers to set the minimum lower.

 

Edited February 19, 2021 by Ed Kennell

[pfrederi 17,676]

If you put  a rubber edge underneath it would just bring more rocks up for your  blower to digest.  98% of what I clear is gravel rock or grass. Keep the blower set somewhat high then go back wit a plow to clean up.

[rjg854 11,351]

I'm with Paul on this question, I keep my blower 3/4" high to avoid picking up gravel as I blow my gravel driveway.  There is some snow that gets blown back under the unit because of the power that the auger spins at and because of the height I have the blower set at. Then I go through with the plow to scrape down to the surface and even that leaves a certain amount of snow on the driveway because I have that set a bit high as to not have to clean the stone from the sides of the driveway in the Spring.  But that's because I have stone, maybe you don't .

As far as how high the blower lifts when not in use, I have no washers on the flag, so it only lifts about 3" which for me is fine, it's up off the surface.

[DennisThornton 4,769]

I try to get my gravel drive (ones and dust) as flat as I can before freezing weather and try to keep it that way.  I've always needed to go back over with a blade and I found that I use the blower less and less because I have to use the blade anyway and it doesn't cover me in snow.  Unless the snow is over 6" or so I do not use the blower any more.  And sometimes even over 6" I still blade with the little Wheel Horse and push the banks back with my compact FEL.  The more uneven the drive AND the wider the blade or blower the more snow will be left.  Bigger is often better but not always the best.

 

Gravel vs blowers is a compromise.

[Ed Kennell 38,029]

                                                           I used several different blowers for 20 years and now have gone back to plowing only with no regrets so far.

 

[squonk 41,039]

I have a side walk right next to a state highway. If we get 6" of snow there is at least 12" on the side walk. A foot then there's 2 feet. Gotta use the blower. I also like the sound of the Kohler whilst looking at the rooster tail! 

Edited February 19, 2021 by squonk

[DennisThornton 4,769]

37 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

                                                           I used several different blowers for 20 years and now have gone back to plowing only with no regrets so far.

 

You know, I was going to type that as well, since it's been probably 3 years since I've blown.

But I didn't want to completely poopoo blowing since I do intend to either this season or next put at least another blower back together.  I've finally got enough GTs to dedicate one for every task without changing anything.  I just added rear weights to my chains and filled tires and it was a noticeable improvement.  Then the front roller chains really impressed me (more when I can keep them on!)!  But I've not had good luck with heavier than 6" and then needed help from the compact for the sides piled up.  I'm sure I can handle deeper now but I'm guessing maybe 9".  You must get some serious snow out your way, how much will your rig handle?

 

I do much prefer to plow than blow!

[Handy Don 12,163]

15 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

#1. I would think anything added behind the scraper would just jam full of snow and tend to lift the blower.

#2. six inches is a good lift for a blower.   I think you can afford to remove a couple washers to set the minimum lower.

 

[littleredrider 409]

Check the height adjustment too, if have a manual lift. I constantly adjust mine, half-azz’d blacktop driveway, then frozen ground to garage or dogs fenced area. If too low then The scraper will dig in, too high eventually lifts blower deeper into snow and leaves some behind. I think each has a place. I loved my lawn ranger with the blower n 13 horse, but that was a fresh blacktop driveway. Plus can clear without worrying to leave enough space to put the next round of snow. But I’m friggin tired of snow.  Been up since 12:30 plowing this crap, haven’t had a weekend off in months, nor a day to sleep in. Sometimes regret taking the job with DOT lol. 

[vanillaman 10]

I have single stage short chute blower on my 516. I use locking collar on lift rod instead of washers. I find that I have some adjustment with it. I lift to 4 inches. With a gravel driveway i set the steel wheels at the highest point for the first storm or two and drop it to the ground after that. You can use the highth adjustment to set the blower to drop below ground level. That works for me as I have drop on my walk. Hope this helps.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dick

[cod 120]

Thanks for the responses the "washer experiments" will begin tomorrow.  I like the idea of a plow as well and if I had more room to push onto, I'd be on it.  Then again a second 418 would keep the first one company.

 

"Honey look what I found just for you..." 

[DennisThornton 4,769]

3 minutes ago, cod said:

Thanks for the responses the "washer experiments" will begin tomorrow.  I like the idea of a plow as well and if I had more room to push onto, I'd be on it.  Then again a second 418 would keep the first one company.

 

"Honey look what I found just for you..." 

I have trees on each side of a lot of the drive and indeed the blower works great there.  But I've found that I can come back and push straight ahead between the trees.  There's a limit, but so far doable.  If those trees were fence then I'd use the blower more, but still plow the small snowfalls.

 

And yes!  The you and the Honey would make a great team plowing and blowing, great pictures and great videos!  Upload when you get them!