Timj wrote: ↑Sat Jan 15, 2022 12:44 pm
I believe that all components factor into the performance of blowers. The engineers had to come up with an optimal performance for a variety of snow conditions.
I agree, narrowing the chute should increase/will increase velocity, until the it becomes overwhelmed and plugs.
@DavidBarkey I think someone on the other forum cut the auger and widened the paddles on a Case blower, but I think the results were very minimal.
Noel has a variety of brands to compare and get information from. Matt will have a good side x side of Berco vs SB48.
I have ran into tip speed references from time to time. It would be very interesting to have a tach on the auger and see what happens during use.
I have an optical tach and will check my 446 and caster when/if I get it finished this year .
Propane57 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 15, 2022 1:09 pm
Idea! . Would a vibration tach work on the thrower to get auger rpm. ?
Noel
If it is out of balance enough . But the chain going though the sprocket may skew readings . Try it and see what you get , take reading on engine as well . Then we can do some math and see if it jives .
I had hoped to have some more free time last weekend to post this but that didn't happen. Anyways I'll try and post a few pro's and con's for the SB48 snowcaster and the Bercomac.
I'll start with the Berco.
I recall reading somewhere that the Beroc is designed for tractors with 18-27HP. I've only got a 16HP Vanguard which limits my ability to really load up the Berco. So my opinion is based on not having as much power as I'd like. I have seen the Berco run on a 14HP Vanguard. You just need to take you time with it.
Pro's:
-I'll start with the obvious, snow throwing distance. At low engine loads (3600 RPMs) the Berco throws snow about 40 feet and probably 15-20 feet in the air. This is useful if you need to clear a large area or if you have high snow banks.
-The Berco throw snow past my driveway and most of my house where as the Snowcaster throws most snow beyond my driveway and the rest landing on my driveway has to get moved again. The Berco does take more power to run for a given amount of snow but your not blowing the snow a second time like with the Snowcaster.
-The Berco's auger has teeth on it giving it the ability to chew through a frozen snow bank. I haven't really had the chance to use it for this.
-An electric chute rotation and deflector kit can be purchased for the Berco. The electric chute rotation takes 23 seconds from one side to the other. Its painfully slow at times but precise. The electric chute deflector only takes a few seconds.
-The Berco’s internal drive system is quickly accessed under an easily removed cover (no tools needed). Both the auger and impeller shear bolts are under the cover.
-The Berco can quickly be removed from the mule drive by removing the belt, pulling up two retaining springs an backing away from the Berco. The mule drive can also be used to run Berco’s sweeper attachment with a different idler pulley.
-The install time is longer than the snowcaster but isn’t too bad even with the electric rotation kit.
-The Berco’s chute rotates a bit more than 180° which allows you to throw snow slightly backwards on the right and left sides of the tractor.
-The Berco uses a standard size B series belt. A little beefier than the snowcasters belt.
1.30.22 edit
-The Berco works great in deep powder (15-30") and its very easy to control the travel speed so that the engine is not overloaded.
Con's:
-Available electric chute and deflector kit costs around $300.
-Electrical connections on the electric chute and deflector motors are not sealed connectors. Berco loads up the connectors with dielectric grease.
-The Berco is a left hand chute control. Ingersoll CB34 modern cab is setup for right hand chute control.
-The Berco's left hand chute control support rod nearly hits the front axle on level ground.
-The Berco tends to plow snow at the low snow depths that I typically get. Some of this snow falls off to the side where I’ve already cleared. As the snow gets deeper, the Berco throws the snow just fine. The Berco’s impeller is several inches off the ground which is probably optimal for deep snow. Berco may offer extension wings to help with this? I’m not sure…
-The Berco takes more power to run for a given amount of snow than the Snowcaster and therefore has a slower travel speed.
-The Berco’s drive system is more complex and harder to work on. The auger is chain driven and the impeller is chain driven with a 90° gearbox (if my memory servers me correctly).
-The Berco’s weight is farther forward than the Snowcasters. At times my 4016 struggles to lift the Berco. Other people have had this problem. I haven’t looked into it.
1.30.22 edit
-This is more of a not using it correctly than a Con, I was able to clog the Berco 3 times in deep powder (2.5-3') while only running the engine at 1/3 to 1/2 throttle. No issues in the same conditions at WOT.
Snowcaster pro’s and con’s
Pro’s
-The snowcaster moves a larger volume of snow for a given amount of horsepower compared to the Berco.
-The snowcasters low intake height works great at low snow levels.
-The snowcaster will blow right through the slushiest snow without clogging the chute. (The Berco has never clogged either).
-Simple design, low maintenance.
-Quick and easy to install.
-Available extension wings.
Con’s
-The snowcaster’s throwing distance could be better. Some snow lands in uncleared areas and must be moved again.
-No shear pins. Its possible to break the chain when hitting something.
Last edited by MattA on Sun Jan 30, 2022 10:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Propane57 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:13 am
A person could put a shear bolt in the drive pulley that is on the drive shaft to the small cog, on the snow caster. I suppose.
. Would a vibration tach work on the thrower to get auger rpm. ? 
Yep! Broke now!