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Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:03 am
by Harry
I took Jancoe’s advice and both changes made a big difference. :peace: Harry

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:03 pm
by ras101
MattA wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:12 am While I'm posting pictures, here are some pictures of my weight box. Unfortunately I can't use it with the behind the seat PTO installed (hits the PTO lines). I've also got 3 suitcase weights I hook into the hydravac mounting bracket on some stainless rods. I don't think I have any completed project pictures of that setup.
So is a weight box the way to go? For me I have a couple of wheel weights and chains but I know for a fact that is not enough.

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 2:22 pm
by ras101
So lets talk snow!! not really..now is the time after we have removed the snow caster to seriously start to strip it down and do those modifications that we have all planned. Not sure about you guys but my caster saw little to no action this past winter season (WNY) and got brought out twice throughout the season. That said my caster now needs all the TLC I can give it. Would you believe the less I use it the more care it needs...

So over the winter I have been collecting a few things, and reading a lot more, and listening to your advice, etc. I have a number of things that I need to take care of:
Sandblasting the shell and chute and all the other parts too. Repainting with a good quality epoxy primer followed by a few top coats of Power Red (or as one of the case dealers on Ebay keeps posting (powder red).

My plan is to:
!) Use the UHMW tape I bought over winter to coat the whole inside of the housing and also the chute.
2) Update the auger with rubber (I got a role of conveyor belt)
3) Change out the spiral (this is a J series) with a later spiral and shaft and add bushes to the contact points to the housing
4) Install new UHMW skids
5) Install a chain tensioner system (Really need help here)
6)Add an extra notch to each side of the chute to allow it to rotate further.
7) add motor to the chute rotation (I have the motor and already worked out an innovative attachment (Don't want to weld anything!)
8) Install a motor to control the chute deflector
9) Finalize the electrical circuit and install that to the GT and caster.

I am sure as I progress this there will be other things too.
I should point out I already have installed a 19 tooth jack shaft and new pulley, bearings, etc. and new pulleys, springs etc. on the carriage too.

Now for the help: Mainly on the chain tensioner... I like the tensioner of the newer SB caster but the parts are not available any longer Yes I could create my own (mainly the square hole tensioner bolt). MY other option is to use a tension block on the chain and for that I am considering UHMW (I have a couple of pieces 3 3/4 square and 7/8 thick. Obviously if I go the SB caster way their are no issues other than the parts but if I use UHMW does anyone have information/measurements/whatever?

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 8:08 pm
by MattA
My Berco uses spring loaded plastic chain tensioners that bolt in place. I think the replacements I installed were in the $5 range. Brian is a Berco dealer and should stock them.

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2023 8:42 pm
by ras101
Hi Matt, any chance of a pic< what you have described sounds very interesting?

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2023 10:27 pm
by MattA
ras101 wrote: Sun Jun 04, 2023 8:42 pm Hi Matt, any chance of a pic< what you have described sounds very interesting?
Here are the chain tensioners I replaced. The new ones don't have grooves from the chain. I'll have to get you the part numbers another time. Feel free to remind me.
20220325_164223.jpg
20230128_145657.jpg
20230128_145648.jpg
20230129_104225.jpg

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2023 11:24 am
by ras101
Hi Matt, you told me to remind you, so it's your fault :), Any idea of the part numbers? Basically at this time of year I start gearing up for the winter season and my go to snow blower is in the shop now. This year it's getting new auger bearings, new chain, and work on the housing itself - new paint, etc. Ray

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 12:18 pm
by MattA
Here are the Berco chain tensioners. Both tensionsers use the same parts.
https://salempwr.com/103289/
https://salempwr.com/103291/
The tensioners are bolted in place. If you click on the parts diagram in each link, that will show you both tensioner setups.

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 2:15 pm
by ras101
Thank you Matt. At that price I am going to order a couple and see just how they will fit my casters. I am currently designing my caster upgrades so perfect timing!

Re: snow caster mods.

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 2:27 pm
by Harry
ras101 wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:03 pm
MattA wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:12 am While I'm posting pictures, here are some pictures of my weight box. Unfortunately I can't use it with the behind the seat PTO installed (hits the PTO lines). I've also got 3 suitcase weights I hook into the hydravac mounting bracket on some stainless rods. I don't think I have any completed project pictures of that setup.
So is a weight box the way to go? For me I have a couple of wheel weights and chains but I know for a fact that is not enough.
Get a pair of old JD combine weights for the rear tires and end of traction problem. :peace:
Harry