Snow blwers?

[ras101]

So my current winter GT (1978 446 with a B&S 18HP engine) and has a 48inch J series snow blower that is pretty much standard but that it has a new jack shaft, pulley combo.So this year I want something different. As you know the J series has a lot of issues, especially with the auger adjustment. Not sure about the upgrades yet but I am thinking electric shoot controls and perhaps auger /chain upgrades too. At the top of my list though is coating the inside of the housing with porcelain paint, or some other paint. Suggestions are welcome at this point.

[Timj]

They are scattered around a little bit, but there's a few threads here with all the popular caster mods; and a couple of unique ones. Chute mods, paddles, chute controls, snow deflector, quick height adjustment. Some good stuff.
I'll post some links when I get time.

viewtopic.php?t=332

[ras101]

So to continue this thread lets talk about the cute. Heard a lot about how others have changed theirs to longer/better? but decided I want to stay closely to the original as I don't want to put 'yellow' on my GT! but I am currently running a J series with the "block" and 90 degree arms on the cute control. Every winter I struggle with the cute just 'stuck' and requiring a 'hammer' to free it before the cute control will even turn! AS I get closer to changing this all out and installing a motor to control I want to ensure that the cute itself will turn. On mine it seems the cute to houses just freezes or what ever. Anyone encounter that and have a solution? I'm sure it can't be confined to just the J series?

BTW: I know we are in mowing season but now is the time to think snow too... sorry .

[Harry]

Ras here are few pics of the chute on my 446 snow caster. It's been a work in progress over the years and this is where I'm currently at. I added rubber wipers from an old tire a few years back. Changed the chute profile three different times. Last winter I added the electric chute rotator and the linear actuator chute deflector. If you want to plan a road trip to come look at it let me know.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Eugen]

Mine gets stuck in various spots, not from water freezing, just so. I'm also thinking of getting that modified at some point.

[ras101]

So, here is where I am right now for my snowblower upgrades during the summer. Yeah, I guess I always work a season or two ahead, anal I guess so I got a new auger on Craigslist a while ago and sandblasted it, removed the bearings and checked straightness etc. the rest of the snowblower frankly was trash to the point that I just dumped it (well it only cost me $50!). I have bought conveyor belt rubber from Tractor Supply and will use that as my wiper. A roll cost me less than $20 and will provide several years of new 'edges' should I need to change at some point. In my estimation perhaps less than $5 when ever I would need to change - perhaps never!

Having sandblasted the auger my next action will be to spray with Epoxy primer (anyone got a preference I would love to hear). A few years ago I bought a "paint tent" yeah one that erects like a true tent outside from a woodworking store just for painting and staying safe. My plan is to epoxy prime and then paint with a slippery surface (anyone got any recommendations?) . I have new bearings, bought from Brian at Salem Power to complete the auger rebuild. On the housing, a j series- I am still assessing , but thinking that I will improve the auger positioning by upgrading the chain tension, etc. anyone want to contribute to their thoughts and desires ?

Also that elusive chute rotation that keeps sticking, and requiring even a hammer during the cold season to even start to rotate? I have degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering too and have my ideas but I am only one person/one mind so ideas welcome. Just know my final solution is fully electrical. Already got circuits (that I have modified) to run both chute rotation and throw but all ideas are sought at this time. Whatever we decide as a group will be published for all our members. Lets use all our talents and skills to make the best solution possible, and yeah do it in time that members can make their changes before next winter too.

More to follow but that's the start..