BigEddy
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2002
- Messages
- 268
- Location
- Eastern Ontario
- Tractor
- JD 855, 322, AMT626 plus whatever my son dragged home this month
Mine is a meteor. It's middle of the road but has done what I expect of it for many years now and has suffered no damage other than shear pins despite eating rocks chain rope firewood ice and at least one brick over the years.
When considering a brand here are some things to consider.
Impeller diameter equals distance equals horsepower. The bigger the impeller the faster the tip speed and the further the snow will throw but the more horsepower consumed doing it. 3 4 or more blades on the impeller are not going to make much difference. 3 will just carry more per blade but the same amount overall as will 4. The horsepower needs are more affected by impeller size even than width. Bigger is not necessarily better. With mine in a deep snow the auger will overcome the impeller and snow will pile up. I slow down until the impeller catches up. I can't overload the 855 but with a bigger impeller j could. With more power bigger would be better.
Auger fighting should be well supported. You will hit something eventually. Look for strong flighting.
Shear pins. Find them and make sure they are easy to get to and easy to replace. Mine are simple bolts. I buy a bag before each season by the pound. I specially buy grade 3 instead of 5. Bolts are cheaper than tractor parts.
Scraper edge. High end might be replaceable. Mine isn't but it is solid.
Shoes. For paved not much to worry about but for gravel you want wide shoes that can be set to leave a base of snow especially that first snowfall before the ground is frozen. Mine did not have so I made my own.
Chute. Look for an adjustable top as well as at least 225 degree rotation. Look at the rotation mechanism and think what it will be like when frozen up. You should be able to rotate the chute with one hand from the seat. Chute top adjustment doesn't need to be done from the seat.
Maintenance and lubrication. Zerks chain tension gearbox oil level and auger bearings should be easy to access and lube. Also the chute rotation mechanism.
Weight. More is usually stronger but not always necessary. You want strong enough not overkill.
I haven't looked at specific brands for years so won't comment there. Do your research and ask around then buy from a dealer with a solid reputation. With proper care you'll get years of service with no issues and will be able to recover most of your investment later if circumstances change.
When considering a brand here are some things to consider.
Impeller diameter equals distance equals horsepower. The bigger the impeller the faster the tip speed and the further the snow will throw but the more horsepower consumed doing it. 3 4 or more blades on the impeller are not going to make much difference. 3 will just carry more per blade but the same amount overall as will 4. The horsepower needs are more affected by impeller size even than width. Bigger is not necessarily better. With mine in a deep snow the auger will overcome the impeller and snow will pile up. I slow down until the impeller catches up. I can't overload the 855 but with a bigger impeller j could. With more power bigger would be better.
Auger fighting should be well supported. You will hit something eventually. Look for strong flighting.
Shear pins. Find them and make sure they are easy to get to and easy to replace. Mine are simple bolts. I buy a bag before each season by the pound. I specially buy grade 3 instead of 5. Bolts are cheaper than tractor parts.
Scraper edge. High end might be replaceable. Mine isn't but it is solid.
Shoes. For paved not much to worry about but for gravel you want wide shoes that can be set to leave a base of snow especially that first snowfall before the ground is frozen. Mine did not have so I made my own.
Chute. Look for an adjustable top as well as at least 225 degree rotation. Look at the rotation mechanism and think what it will be like when frozen up. You should be able to rotate the chute with one hand from the seat. Chute top adjustment doesn't need to be done from the seat.
Maintenance and lubrication. Zerks chain tension gearbox oil level and auger bearings should be easy to access and lube. Also the chute rotation mechanism.
Weight. More is usually stronger but not always necessary. You want strong enough not overkill.
I haven't looked at specific brands for years so won't comment there. Do your research and ask around then buy from a dealer with a solid reputation. With proper care you'll get years of service with no issues and will be able to recover most of your investment later if circumstances change.