Snowblower Anybody know who made this snowblower?

[rbargeron]

The picture shows my L5450 with a pull-type snowblower I've had for years. But when somebody asks what kind of blower it is, I'm stumped. I bought it used from a neighbor, the decal is faded and there's no nameplate. I'm sure it's more than 20 years old.

Does anyone know about this machine's lineage?

 

[rancar]

Dick --

That's quite a snow blower. Never seen anything like it before. Can't see up close detailing but it looks like it could have been made up or jerry rigged together by a local metal fabricator with an entreprenuerial mind. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Dick...

I emailed your picture to someone that goes to many auctions... this is his reply...:

...It is Canadian. I have seen them there. Dont know any more. Jim...

I'll keep my eyes open for ya... /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[rbargeron]

I'm pretty sure it was factory-made. I remember years ago a local dealer (now long gone) having 2 of them out front for sale. They have several die-formed ribs and parts - they must have been made in quantity.

Those two hung around at the dealer's a long time - had 1" cherry brush growing up through them - but were eventually sold. A guy who worked for that dealer back then thinks they came from Illinois or Minnesota - but has no other info.

I'll bet JohnMillerIII has pics, specs, and reviews /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Wow John - that was fast! Answered before asked! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Knight9]

I'm working on tracking one of these down. I do NOT subscribe to the theory that this was a one-time "garage hack job". Please see the photos of the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.pikegraphic.com/tracsnow.htm>Erskine blower</A> in use here. This is what you posted also.

Someone tried to track them down and posted this but I haven't checked it out. It appears to have been retrieve from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/kb13/misc.htm>The Small Tractor FAQ

I'll keep looking, but let me know if you find anything.

Kevin

 

[Knight9]

Oh ya...apparently Erskine Mfg was bought by Melroe Company which is owned by Bobcat?? They produce the snowblowers that Bobcat's use.

Kevin

 

[rbargeron]

Kevin - thanks for the links - that's why I love this site - ask about anything and you start finding out pronto. The Erskine is a giant step closer to what I have than anything I've seen elsewhere. Great job !

 

[Knight9]

Ok, here's the scoop. I just called Erskine Mfg (the number given in the links is correct). I spoke to a very helpful gentleman by the name of Rene. Erskine has discontinued the production of this particular line of snowblowers. I have given him the URL for TBN and told him that there are a number of people who may be interested in finding any "left overs". Apparently they made 5', 6', and 7' blowers with a 1' wing that would extend. He was quite interested in the fact that they were a topic of discussion. He indicated that if there was enough interest they could potentially resurrect the line. Their current focus is front mount blowers for tractors and hydraulic front mounts for skidsteers.

Not sure what you guys want to do with that. I would love one, but with the conversion to USD plus the shipping to Alberta, I think I'd lose in the long run!!!

Kevin

 

[rbargeron]

Hey Kevin - I just talked to Rene too - what a great guy! I asked him if they ever made blue ones in the past - he's going to check out this site and see if my old blower is one of theirs. He also gave me some leads on where I might get a new one (or possibly one with VERY little time on it.)

He did say that the driveline and other parts had gotten expensive so the price was getting up toward $3k - which people are willing to pay if there's an auger (backup type) but are less happy about for a pull type without an auger.

IMHO the pull type is so much nicer to use that there's no contest. And the new ones have a hydraulic chute rotator - what a deal for a lazy person like myself ! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

V pulltype blowers are still quite common in europe check this site for a bunch of models.
http://www.hydromann.dk/English_Products_List.asp?Kat=5