47 front mounted snowthrower question

[coollx]

FWIW, I've never been able to turn mine by the auger even if I step on it forcefully. I think it's the gear reduction that prevents it from turning.

 

[dmay]

I think step one before using any PTO powered implement should be to turn it by hand. No better way to check the shear pins, slip clutches, driveline mechanicals are not broken, binding or frozen. Now some implements only give you a bit of a turn, others can spin freely but in every case, know your equipment and check your equipment before turning on your tractor and engaging the PTO.

My 54" QH snowblower auger turns by hand. I perform this check before every use. Tells me immediately my shear bolts, auger, impeller, chain/grear and driveshaft are not broken, binding or frozen. All good to go, ready to turn on tractor and engage PTO.

When I had large equipment I would do the same thing. Hay baler, grab flywheel and turn. Mower/conditioner and snowblower, grab auger and turn. Bale wagon, sickle bar mower grab driveshaft and turn. Truly the best and safest way to test your equipment prior to engaging PTO.

 

[trlong]

Re: chain tension critical - Would you suggest Labrat's 1/2" slack recommendation? I've had to rebuild the entire drive, except the large shaft to the auger. Long story with large sprocket skewed and bent, woodruf key gone, small shaft and sprocket bent, eccentric locking collars loose, entire small shaft housing bent... I got it all back together, yesterday, except for mounting on the blower and adjusting the chain tension. BTW: It was our February 21st, 17" of heavy slushy snow that did me in. The dealer had never seen so many blowers damaged during one storm.

I stopped by the J.D. dealership today and the mechanic said 1/2" depression (at center of the chain, between the two sockets). So, that's what I'll adjust to. Hope this works.

 

[coollx]

FWIW, I've never been able to turn mine by the auger even if I step on it forcefully. I think it's the gear reduction that prevents it from turning.

I was mistaken when I stated the above last week. I checked my snowblower over the weekend, which is off the tractor for the summer, and sure enough the auger turns freely by hand.