Snowblower questions

[SmilinSam]

Being rather dumb about things, I didn't know what a 2-stage snowblower was until lastweek. My blower for the 717 is a 1-stage, and it would bog down in really wet snow, which is what we get here most of the time. Are any of the snowblowers for tractors 2-stage, and if so, do any of them match up w/ a 6216 (or 717), as now that I know the difference, that would be my preference!! The x-link pages have 2 listings showing for 621x, but I think its width differences. Thx, VanE The only easy day is yesterday!

[Kent]

Van, I don't think Simplicity sold 2-stage snowblowers in those days for anything other than perhaps the huge PowrMax. Simplicity now sells two-stage snowblowers, but they are made by some Canadian company and not Simplicity, as far as I know.... The keys to using a single-stage are (a) keep the intake scoop pretty full so there's something to throw -- don't go too slow if the snow is shallow, and (B) run the engine wide open. Do not slow down the engine to slow down the tractor -- shift to a lower gear instead. If the snow is too deep, just take smaller cutss, kind of like mowing tall grass... I've had good luck with my single-stage IF I run the engine wide open -- if it slows down, it'll clog... I've "pumped slush" that would only go about 3 to 5 feet (compared to 30 -50 for powder). BTW -- single-stages are often called snowthrowers and dual stages are often called snowblowers -- but here we use the terms interchangeably... Kent

[Kent]

Kent, Thx for the BTW, didn't know the difference, hence I've learned something again! When running the old snowthrower I tried to run like you described. The problem usually happened when I slowed to turn or stopped to go into reverse. From what I'm learning on your site, I'm going to check the belt fit, it may be to slack, and really wet snow (damn near slush) is too much resistance (glugs out of the chute a foot or so at best). But boy it's fun to throw the dry stuff!! Usually end up doing the main sidewalk for the whole block. ...Also, going to mail you the color work I do have done, rather than waiting to get all done (ie - speadsheet). Work just keeps getting in the way of further progress at this time. Panels only is best unless you want small amount of wet. Pls. advise. Thx again, Van

[Kent]

Make sure there's NO rust in the throat of the snowthrower chute, and try spraying a lubricant in it before use. I sand off any surface rust and spray paint the inside each fall in preparation. I also use either Pam spray cooking oil, or some el cheapo 99 cent spray lubricant I found on a clearance table... I've heard that a product for coating the underside of mower decks, call SlipPlate (I think) also works good to paint the inside of the chute... As far as the paint workup goes, send whatever is easiest for you -- I'm grateful for whatever I can get....

[Kent]

I'll have to try cleaning any rust out of it, and lube it up like you say. I'll try PAM 1st, as I keep some of that around for my satellite dish (same idea, snow just slides off!) Still would like to put a blower on the 6216, as I bet that extra 9hp really makes a difference. Sure did in cutting the field. Will send you what I have, and update as I get'em........ as w/ winter coming, I'm sure tractors will be down & paint will be a'spray'n. Van

[MPH]

Kent, how do you get it so together that you put the snow blower on before it snows,???? much less paint it??? On an iceing up post I did a few days ago you said you had some pics of the deicer kit. As I had an e-mail tonight requesting the pic I got that was 950 some K, got me wondering if you could post yours on site somewhere. Thinkin there may be a lot of us out here liveing with a problem we don't need to..Thanks MPH

[BradW]

Best stuff I used on my dad's neighbors blower is: "Splip-Kote". It is an aeorsal can with graphite like substence and it it very slick and doesn't wear off, -BradW

[Kent]

Marty, I usually shoot some paint on it sometime during the summer while I'm scratching my head trying to figure out which broken thing needs fixed first... I'll try to get some pics this weekend and upload them. I'll also try to get some pics of my vacuum drive, since that's a "hot topic" right now also...

[Kent]

This is the first year I'll be snowblowing with my Sovereign. As such the dealer suggested trying paraffin (used for canning and cheap) on the chute rather than PAM or similar lubricants which wear off quickly.

[TomSchmit]

I have had good results using an aerosol "silicone lubricant". These are solvent based, and when dry, the silicone seems to last a long time.

[Woodydel]

I think this item on Ebay may be something to look into: Item # 1289340638 . Read his claims. Sounds like he is telling the truth. Woody