Erskine/QA & Bobcat snowblowers; Part II

[Spudgunner]

Some time ago there was a thread comparing Bobcat and Erskine/QA blowers. I have a Bobcat SB200-72 and am looking at a Erskine ES-2000 (84") to potentially buy since I can maybe get a good deal on it. Since I can almost literally set them side-by-side, I can say there are not many differences by way of visual inspection. However, in terms of hydraulics, there is an interesting difference that I thought I'd solicit input about...

Both the Bobcat and Erskine use the same Char-Lynn (Eaton) fan motors. In my case that'd be a 105-1442-106. The difference in implementations; however, is that the Bobcat blower uses a separate Case Drain (CD) line that goes all the way back to my Toolcat. The Eskine ties the CD line into the return line at the blower and does not utilize the CD connection at the Toolcat.

Does anybody know what the benefits are (or lack thereof) for using a separate CD line?? The Bobcat implementation of taking the CD line all the way back to the Toolcat would appear to be the more expensive option so I'm wondering what gain (if any) is to be had by such a design.

Thanks!

 

[y3ll0w]

What are you reffering to when you say more costly? From what I understand a case drain is used as a less costly option to a high pressure seal which can add a lot to the cost.

 

[Spudgunner]

What are you reffering to when you say more costly? From what I understand a case drain is used as a less costly option to a high pressure seal which can add a lot to the cost.

I'm referring to the supposed expense of running a hyd line all the way back to the Toolcat versus a shorter line from the motor's CD port to one of the two "main" lines that goes back to the TC. According to the QA hyd schematic there's simply a line from the fan motor's CD port; there may be some sort of "high pressure seal" but, if so, it's not apparent to me. Why would such a seal be needed?...it's not like the CD port is sealed or something...at least as far as I can tell.

There must be a reason that the Bobcat and Erskine blowers diverged on this point and I was wondering why. Cost, of course, was the first suspect. It just seemed curious to me why two machines, almost identical, would diverge on this point. My interest is strictly academic...I'm gonna make an offer on the Erskine/QA regardless.

 

[Rip]

My theory on this is that Bobcat figures their attachments will be run almost exclusivly on Bobcat machines which are set up with case drain connections, whereas Erskine & QA are more "universal" and some machines do not have case drain connections.

While one "can" tap the case drain into the return line, it is best to run it separate to the tank without the backpressure that would be pressent in the return line (at least right at the motor). I would guess the fan motor would run somewhat faster with the separate line, but the difference may be difficult to tell.

QA/Erskine may well be willing to provide a separate case drain line by request rather than tap it into the return for little or no additional $$. If not, it would not be difficult for you to do when you get the machine. You may have to provide the coupler if QA/Erskine does not stock that size.

Heard you have been getting dumped on lately......everything working out well so far?

Good Luck, Rip

 

[Spudgunner]

My theory on this is that Bobcat figures their attachments will be run almost exclusivly on Bobcat machines which are set up with case drain connections, whereas Erskine & QA are more "universal" and some machines do not have case drain connections.

While one "can" tap the case drain into the return line, it is best to run it separate to the tank without the backpressure that would be pressent in the return line (at least right at the motor). I would guess the fan motor would run somewhat faster with the separate line, but the difference may be difficult to tell.

QA/Erskine may well be willing to provide a separate case drain line by request rather than tap it into the return for little or no additional $$. If not, it would not be difficult for you to do when you get the machine. You may have to provide the coupler if QA/Erskine does not stock that size.

Heard you have been getting dumped on lately......everything working out well so far?

Good Luck, Rip

Your take on the situation is very logical and I'd bet you're right. Ultimately I thought I might add the separate CD line to the QA "if it's a good thing". Sounds like it is....but prolly not a huge deal.

This has been a good year to expand the snow removal biz with the Toolcat. After last year's wimpy winter and the ensuing wildfires, this moisture is very welcome.

The TC has been extraordinary as has been the dealer in Boise. I've found a few "musts & wants". #1 would be a block heater. Mine is supposed to arrive next week...but I'll probably wait 'til Spring to install it just so I don't have the TC outta service. #2 is heated mirrors. #3 is heated wipers. #4 is intermittent wipers.

Thanks!
Kevin

 

[Rip]

Kevin, if I was ordering a new blower, I would see if they would provide a CD line rather than tap it in for no extra. After-the-fact, it would probably cost you a couple hundred with hose, fittings, etc.

JC Whitney has the intermittant controller someone else posted on sale for $9.99 (SM811784).

I tried a pair of heated wiper blades about 10 years ago on my truck (do not remember the brand) and took them off right away because they were SO bad in the rain. Never got to try them in snow/ice. I would suggest setting them up so that you can remove them and disconnect the wires easily so that you can just use them in snow and go back to regular blades otherwise.

There are probably heated mirror heads that would fit your arms, but I do not have any suggestions. I am able to keep my TC in a semi-heated shop. so no need for a block heater, but I can guess it would help where you are. Do you have problems starting or just want it to heat up faster?

Glad it is working out well for you otherwise.

Good Luck, Rip