anyone using a WoodMaxx blower??

[Carl_NH]

If you haven't seen it already, you may get some ideas on this thread link. I've tested the chute liner and get about 25 feet more throw (up to about 75 feet depending on snow weight). Waiting on first snow to test impeller housing liner.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/345899-b2782-snow-blower-modifying.html

Bumperm,

Those mods look very good and the formed material execution is an art to be sure. I wanted to point out the Woodmax blowers for 2015 have UHMW in the discharge chutes - so they are listening and watching which is a good sign.

I likely will not make any mods to the drum (though that is probably the most critical area impacting output) but what you have done makes sense since most of the wear and friction is on the outside of the drum.

Thanks

Carl

 

[bumperm]

Bumperm,

Those mods look very good and the formed material execution is an art to be sure. I wanted to point out the Woodmax blowers for 2015 have UHMW in the discharge chutes - so they are listening and watching which is a good sign.

I likely will not make any mods to the drum (though that is probably the most critical area impacting output) but what you have done makes sense since most of the wear and friction is on the outside of the drum.

Thanks

Carl

Carl,

Though I'm a "front blower guy" (pricey, but my back feels it's worth it), the Woodmaxx does look really well built, and a good value - well, except for the optional electric chute deflector at $350. The linear actuator can be had for less than $40 on eBay, switch, wire, plug and fuse don't come to $300.

Not a big deal, but for the sake of accuracy, they are saying their chute liner is HDPE, not UHMW. There's a big cost and performance difference, though for many uses, HDPE offers much of the benefit of UHMW as far as snow non-stick (kids snow slides come to mind), but HDPE is not nearly as expensive, abrasion resistant or as mechanically strong. With the simple flat pieces, their liner will be easy to replace should the need arise.

Doing only the back part of the chute nets the most bang for the effort and cost. Also easy to add sides if desired and with no complex shapes. I agree lining the chute probably gains the most performance and convenience improvement for the least additional manufacturing cost. Lining the housing, while I expect some gain in efficiency, and a modest performance boost (especially if it's sealing the blade to housing gap), mostly it's about wear resistance and no need to keep painting the housing.

 

[Carl_NH]

Hi Bumperm,

I agree on the chute cost - linear actuator I looked at $60, wiring, switches, mounting & labor $50 or so, but this also includes the chute rotator, and switches and cover and installation labor so maybe another $100 - its a fairly large rotator motor too. I looked at doing this myself, and came up with about $200 in total parts so the markup isn't horrible.

My wife was the one who said get what you want- of course at the same time we are designing a new kitchen - you can see where this is going!

Yes on HPDE vs UHMW I slipped up - I am most accustomed to using UHMW and may do that if there is clearance on the blades to prevent the wear as you mentioned.

 

[peter3759]

Can anyone confirm if the skid shoes are adjustable? The driveway from the road to the barn is about '400 and stones. Last year with the heavy snowfall before the ground had a chance to freeze I tore up the driveway and displaced stone all over the yard. I'd like to get away from that by using a blower instead of back dragging with a back blade. I really like what I'm seeing with the woodmaxx sb-72. I know I can't avoid throwing rocks here and there but plowing sucked. Thanks for the help in advance!

 

[bumperm]

Can anyone confirm if the skid shoes are adjustable? The driveway from the road to the barn is about '400 and stones. Last year with the heavy snowfall before the ground had a chance to freeze I tore up the driveway and displaced stone all over the yard. I'd like to get away from that by using a blower instead of back dragging with a back blade. I really like what I'm seeing with the woodmaxx sb-72. I know I can't avoid throwing rocks here and there but plowing sucked. Thanks for the help in advance!

I have a Kubota B2782B and the skids are adjustable - in a course sort of way, I think three settings. I replaced the stock skids almost immediately, making mine out of 3/4" thick UHMW PE - wears like iron and won't scratch pavers etc. The scraper bar can be adjusted by adding spacer washers, however this isn't the intent of the design.

Good idea to try and avoid blowing gravel or rocks as this wears stuff and if a rock jambs between impeller and housing, can shear the shear bolts.

For blowing gravel driveways, I've heard that some just raise the blower the first time to leave a layer of snow to freeze hard for a base. Some have had good luck splitting a length of plastic pipe to fit over the scraper blade, or welding mounting tabs to a pipe and using that instead of the blade. Alternately, others have mounted castering wheels attached to the back of the blower housing to serve instead of skids.

 

[Katahdin]

Still waiting for my SB-72 to ship, but here's a pic of the skid shoes from the Woodmaxx's website.



I also have 400 feet of gravel drive. In addition to the skid shoe protection, I'm planning to flip the cutting edge and weld a steel pipe along it. I tacked a 2 inch pipe along the edge of my front snow plow and it really does a superb job of not disturbing the gravel. When the ground is frozen and its time to scrape ice, I put on a rear blade and angle it aggressively against the ground.

 

[peter3759]

It does look like they are adjustable. I need it to be quickly adjustable because I also have concrete driveway leading up to the garage which I like to keep clean down to the pavement! So I'm looking for the best of both worlds! Need to be able to scrap down or ride up an inch depending on what type of surface I'm clearing. How long have you been waiting for your woodmaxx? Sounds like I better get my order in soon! I hope this is the blower I'm looking for. My neighbor has a front mount 62" pronovost Lynx and im not very impressed with the speed or distance which it throws snow. This site is great and thank for the help as usual!

 

[Katahdin]

My order was placed August 25th, but it was pretty clear the blowers wouldn't start shipping until October or November. Yeah, better order one soon if you want it to arrive before the snow starts flying.

 

[peter3759]

If you don't mind why did you decide on woodmaxx?

 

[Katahdin]

We purchased a wood chipper from them earlier this year and are happy with the price and quality, so it made sense to consider their snowblowers. The two remote hydraulic kit was also an attractive feature to me and it doesn't hurt that the yellow and black paint is a spot-on match to my Yanmar LX. I am also considering purchasing their 72 inch tiller next year, so its nice that they give you a 5% discount for being a repeat customer.