ri702bill 8,294 #1 Posted January 8, 2022 I used the 30" single stage snow thrower yesterday on the 854 8 speed - both worked great. While cleaning the snow off of both, I noticed the area around the auger chain was PACKED with snow. A true pia to clean this out. The tractor resides in an unheated garage so there is little to no melting. Has anyone addressed this before to keep the snow out of that area - perhaps an easily removable metal or lexan guard? Bill 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,353 #2 Posted January 8, 2022 If possible when the sun is out, let it sit with the sun shining on it that way it will melt out even if the weather isn't above freezing, I've had luck that way anyhow. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,681 #3 Posted January 8, 2022 Heat Lamp.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,294 #4 Posted January 8, 2022 OK - both are good, but I have no elecrticity in the garage - I was wondering if someone did a mechanical solution - kind of like an oil slinger disc behind a fixed guard ?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,986 #5 Posted January 8, 2022 Keep the chain lubed and don't worry about it. The forces involved bending the chain around the sprockets should easily break ice unless it's a big thick block. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyJam 542 #6 Posted January 8, 2022 26 minutes ago, wallfish said: Keep the chain lubed and don't worry about it. I agree with @wallfish Keep it well lubed. I use FluidFilm on my plow blade. Maybe that would work on chains???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,588 #7 Posted January 8, 2022 @ri702bill agree with others on the lubrication , use a chain specific aerosol lubricant on that chain and gear , never let it dry out , usually lubricate mine on my 36x42 single before and after every use , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,588 #8 Posted January 8, 2022 @ri702bill referring to that chain guard , not familiar with that 30 " model / type , but this picture on a 36x42 blower , shows' a frontal chain guard , if your blower set us is anything like the picture , you could duplicate a snow deflector , look up related pictures , for dimensions and pictures. pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,588 #9 Posted January 8, 2022 @ri702bill referring to that chain guard , not familiar with that 30 " model / type , but this picture on a 36x42 blower , shows' a frontal chain guard , if your blower set us is anything like the picture , you could duplicate a snow deflector , look up related pictures , for dimensions and pictures. pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyJam 542 #10 Posted January 8, 2022 My concern is, is you add a chain guard; would it make matters worse by ice-buildup between the chain and chain-guard? vs leaving it alone without? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,294 #11 Posted January 9, 2022 A possible answer just stared back at me while downstairs. I bought several styles of #40 tab chain connector links for the counterbalance project. There are no #41 tab chains but the side plates are the same .... may do a mix & match to put a tab plate on the inside of the chain - it would swipe a path every full revolution - IF there is enough clearance for it .... Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,170 #12 Posted January 11, 2022 On 1/9/2022 at 10:54 AM, ri702bill said: A possible answer just stared back at me while downstairs. I bought several styles of #40 tab chain connector links for the counterbalance project. There are no #41 tab chains but the side plates are the same .... may do a mix & match to put a tab plate on the inside of the chain - it would swipe a path every full revolution - IF there is enough clearance for it .... Bill IMPORTANT Remember that the chain in the blower goes over the idlers and drive sprockets with the "inside" of the chain loop hitting the sprocket but it goes over the auger sprocket with the "outside" of the chain loop hitting the sprocket. BOTH SIDES OF THE CHAIN ARE TOUCHING SPROCKETS. Any sort of protrusion from the chain will jam the chain. @JimmyJam, @peter lena I agree with @wallfish the routing of the chain and the forces will keep the essentials clear. The rest is cosmetic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,294 #13 Posted January 11, 2022 I took advantage of the decent weather yesterday to remove the upper guard to inspect and lube the chain. There is not enough side clearance to do what I suggested, so ..... Might be able to use a detailing or bottle brush to get as much snow out of that area ..... Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,986 #14 Posted January 11, 2022 1 hour ago, ri702bill said: Might be able to use a detailing or bottle brush to get as much snow out of that area ..... Why? Do you have an air compressor? Just blow it off. That will get all the little nooks and crannies too. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,588 #15 Posted January 11, 2022 @agreewith @wallfish , on the cosmetic effects on the chain sling area , you will always have some snow in that head on spot , experience says , insure your chain lubricant, that will both lubricate and sling off any snow , what I do is to lubricate the chain / gear area , BEFOR USE , as well as AFTER USE . that insures , a lubricant wet drive set up , and adds a release film on all its related spray areas . being a lubrication nut , I do not hesitate to lubricate anything that is asking for a smoother function , that is a proven fact . experiment and look for areas that need , some touch up help , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elkskin's mower junkyard 1,117 #16 Posted January 11, 2022 On 1/8/2022 at 9:59 AM, ri702bill said: I used the 30" single stage snow thrower yesterday on the 854 8 speed - both worked great. While cleaning the snow off of both, I noticed the area around the auger chain was PACKED with snow. A true pia to clean this out. The tractor resides in an unheated garage so there is little to no melting. Has anyone addressed this before to keep the snow out of that area - perhaps an easily removable metal or lexan guard? Bill I know I read no electricity in garage but a possible solution is run a extension cord to garage if it's not far from house. A torpedo heater would make easy work of melting ice. Also it just hit me. A regular kerosene heater would do the job too but take longer and no electricity needed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,588 #17 Posted January 11, 2022 @Elkskin's mower junkyard , refer to above LUBRICATION BEFORE AND AFTER , BLOWER USE , ensures total chain drive soak and gear lube , also the related lubricant spray , acts as a quick release agent for snow . if you have rust anywhere on that unit , kill it off with an aerosol lubricant spray , use a specific , chain and open gear spray , like LUBRIPLATE , chain and cable spray , bombproof lubrication , also rustproofs your car / truck , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
