6' Snowblower opinion (Normand - Econor)

rbargeron · Apr 9, 2010

Brief update on Normand's step-up pto speed increaser, the U.S. dealer in NH says Normand makes chain drive pto adapters both for step-up and step-down situations. It's not really a standard product with a part number and brochure, but more of a low-production item supplied where needed. He guessed the price averages around $1k. I'm thinking a pto speed changer around half that would be more interesting to more people.

Jay4200 · Apr 9, 2010

rkhpapa said:
Jay,
I live just up the road from you in Weare and have that exact same machine. I push it with an L4400 with zero issues. Has worked great for me for seven seasons. Since the blower already has the cylinder and chute controls on it, I would recommend spending the money on remote hydraulics. IMHO it makes all the difference in the world.
The maintenance points that everyone else has mentioned are right on the money, and the number one issue is to watch out for launching stones if you're using it before the gravel is frozen solid. After the warm spells we had this winter, my driveway thawed, I didn't adjust the height, and now I've got to go out there and shovel all that gravel back onto the driveway.
Good luck...it looks like you got a great deal...they go for >$4K now with the chute cylinder.

Interestingly enough, Weare is where (I love saying that) this machine is going to live. I have a house there with the long gravel driveway. This past year, I used my bucket to mash down the snow from the first fall into the gravel, then let it freeze for a smooth and hard base. That worked fine, until that last 12" snow / 5" rain / 8" snow event which ended up being 16" of concrete. That ultimately exploded my lawn tractor blower, and I had to beg my neighbor to run his blower (a 5' Econor) up the drive for me - how embarrassing.

JayC

Jay4200 · Apr 12, 2010

Hey - the blower and blade made it home (almost squished my lil' trailer). The blade is a little rough, but the blower doesn't look half bad. Barring any unforeseen mechanical issues, I should be the envy of the neighborhood

.

JayC

PS - that's NOT me in the pic

red4now · Apr 12, 2010

Blower looks to be in very good shape! The hydraulic options - if you were to price them out - would likely be around the cost of what you paid for the whole unit...! Bonus! The blade just needs a little paint and it will be fine..