Snow blower modification

[Gregor 4,846]

Anyone else ever done this? I have read about it several times, and thought I would try it. This is a 2 stage, self propelled, walk behind snow blower.

There is about a 3/8" gap between the paddle and the housing.

 

I added a piece of 3"x3"x1/4" belting to make it a snugger fit. It actually rubs a bit in places, but I figure it will wear itself down pretty quickly. It suppose to dramatically improves performance.

[ebinmaine 67,593]

I've read about doing that. 

Haven't tried it.  

Seems to make a positive effect.  

[Achto 27,601]

I haven't heard of any negative reviews on that modification.

 

[peter lena 8,634]

@Gregor have a walk behind blower  23 years , did that mod a couple of years ago , used conveyor belt material , used fender washers , like you did , used 1/4" s/s bolts and elastic lock nuts , no problems and definitely helped with sloppy snow , dry snow was also much better , also sprayed the inner chute with sno go , made for no snow build up . pete 

[Ed Kennell 38,210]

Before I switched from blowers to plows, I added rubber (truck bed liner) to the auger on my SS tall chute.     I can't honestly say I saw any difference.   It's pretty tough to get a good comparison as conditions are different.    My feeling was the obstruction created by bolting on the rubber may cancel out the benifit gained by closing the gap.

[Jeff-C175 7,202]

I did it to my Craftsman last year.  Cut up the old front tires from my Horse.  Holes already in the impeller, didn't have to drill. 

 

Made a HUGE positive difference!

 

BUT... the second time that I used it last year the impeller shear pins broke.  Maybe it was a coincidence, but just thought I'd mention it as a possible down side.

Seems to me that the extra load on the impeller could have caused those shear pins to fail.  I didn't hit anything, just moving some slushy snow is all.

 

edit: Thought I would add this clarification:  NOT the AUGER shear pins, those I break maybe once a year.  These were the 1/4" roll pins that stake the IMPELLER to the shaft.  I've never broken those before!

 

 

Edited November 27, 2021 by Jeff-C175

[roadapples 6,983]

Yup, I also cut a front tire and used the sidewall on my 2stage a few years ago. Big improvement, especially on slushy stuff. Tried to get all three as near the same as I could so not to get out of balance. Adjust so they just touch. They'll make a perfect fit.

[peter lena 8,634]

@Ed Kennell agree with you on the results , as you know , its the snow itself and weather conditions that constantly change. if you are lucky its good , if its sloppy / wet , its the blade , pete

[Gregor 4,846]

14 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

auger on my SS tall chute.

Are you referring to a Single Stage snow blower?

[Ed Kennell 38,210]

1 hour ago, Gregor said:

Are you referring to a Single Stage snow blower?

Yes, SS tall chute.