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Bent the fan
- Thread starter dylan
- Start date
- Views: 2685
GitchiGummi
New member
Does the fan have over-pressure relief? I was under the impression that the blower is protected by pressure relief rather than shear bolts? Maybe this only applies to the augers? is it just that the fan is moving so fast that when it hits something like a log it will bend regardless?
gg
gg
Spudgunner
Gold Member
My Bobcat SB-200 does not have any shear bolts. Or maybe I should say it has no bolts that are specifically for that purpose...ouch...
I've managed to jam both the fan and the auger at one time or another and the pressure relief mechanism sure beats bolts!!
My neighbor has a QA blower...no shear bolts there according to him.
I've managed to jam both the fan and the auger at one time or another and the pressure relief mechanism sure beats bolts!!
My neighbor has a QA blower...no shear bolts there according to him.
GitchiGummi
New member
So how is it that the fan bent?
timm9
Gold Member
I can only speak from my own experiences. I have "ingested" many items (newspapers, a shoe, kids toys, etc) in my blowers. The only time any item did damage was the firewood. Typically the bypass/safety work very well and/or the item exits via the shute in pieces. I attribute the damage from the firewood to the "wood" being the perfect size, and in the perfect orientation to actually get past the auger and into the fan where it bent one of the fins/blades. It did not bend the backing plate. In addition, the only damage was to the fin/blade and it did not blow any lines or do any other damage.
I have a "clause" regarding objects left in driveways in my contracts as well. Unfortunately, people have good intentions but it still happens. I actually carry bolt cutters in the blowers. They are great for cutting out lost tire chains, etc.
I have a "clause" regarding objects left in driveways in my contracts as well. Unfortunately, people have good intentions but it still happens. I actually carry bolt cutters in the blowers. They are great for cutting out lost tire chains, etc.
I'm hit many items also with no effect. The bypass works well and stops the blower without any damage. This must have been just the perfect hit where the fan hit the wood at full speed and it bent before it had time to stop.
It will be hard to use a blower that uses shear bolts again after using a hydraulic blower. So much nicer than messing with frozen bolts in the dark.
My fan has still not come in. I did get the old one out and I almost have it straight. Just hoping it doesn't vibrate.
It will be hard to use a blower that uses shear bolts again after using a hydraulic blower. So much nicer than messing with frozen bolts in the dark.
My fan has still not come in. I did get the old one out and I almost have it straight. Just hoping it doesn't vibrate.
timm9
Gold Member
Dylan,
I had the same concerns about trying to "fix" the fan myself. I was concerned that if it was not perfect, it might destroy the motor.
I know what you mean about the shear pins. One of my friends has a Trackless MT. It's a fantastic machine, but he has to carry shear pins and tools on his route. What a pain!
I had the same concerns about trying to "fix" the fan myself. I was concerned that if it was not perfect, it might destroy the motor.
I know what you mean about the shear pins. One of my friends has a Trackless MT. It's a fantastic machine, but he has to carry shear pins and tools on his route. What a pain!
timm9
Gold Member
Dylan,
I'm very interested in hearing more about leaving the diverting plate off. Do you feel you are able to increase the volume with the plate off? Are you seeing more "spillage" and the end of a "row" without the plate? I guess the last question would not apply to you as you installed an additional hydro plate that comes down over the front of the blower....
I'm very interested in hearing more about leaving the diverting plate off. Do you feel you are able to increase the volume with the plate off? Are you seeing more "spillage" and the end of a "row" without the plate? I guess the last question would not apply to you as you installed an additional hydro plate that comes down over the front of the blower....
It does seem to blow better. Not by leaps and bounds mind you but better yes. It seemed steadier. Like the snow was feeding in evenly and blowing out smoothly. I chewed through some 7' deep piles that were 20' long. Just slow and steady.
When I get to the end of a row or a garage door, I drop my back drag and pull the remaining bit out to the start and then blow it as I start the next pass.
Does anyone know the purpose of the plate? None of my other blowers have one.
thanks dylan
When I get to the end of a row or a garage door, I drop my back drag and pull the remaining bit out to the start and then blow it as I start the next pass.
Does anyone know the purpose of the plate? None of my other blowers have one.
thanks dylan
