Snow Front snow blower for GC2400/2600 question

[ScottAW]

In process of installing the MF snow blower, just finished up attaching the quick hitch framework and PTO shaft. While reading the instructions I came across a warning that the snow blower was not to be lifted up while the unit was running. Is this truly the case? I can understand not wanting to put a sharp angle on turning universal joints by lifting the unit all the way to the end of the hydraulic cylinder travel, but lifting the snow blower an inch or two off the ground should not hurt anything.

Anyone have any input on this?

 

[amkfken]

I read the same warning on my blower (GC 2300), I think it should have been worded to caution not to drive around for extended time periods with the pto engaged with blower raised.
You have to raise it up at completion of blowing and let the snow clean out before beginning again. Raise it,blow everything out ,shut off PTO, got to next spot, idle down, lower blower, engage, throttle up and go for it! Works for me--enjoy!

 

[smfcpacfp]

As a guy who has probably blown 500' of snow off my driveway over the last 30 years, with three different rigs, I have never done that. If your a driveshaft is like mine it has 2 sets of u-joints, and in any event it doesn't lift up that high. I only turn the PTO off when I am done, or stuck.


It has to be some kind of a miscommunication on the MF technical support writer's part. He is probably from Florida.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Hmm, it is my belief that the snowblower for the Massey GC series is the same one that Kubota uses on the BX series, and I haven't heard that warning before. I would sure bring that up with my dealer since it would seem pretty awkward to have to shut the thing down all the time while blowing.

 

[ScottAW]

Yes, I agree...seems crazy. And it's only in one spot on one of the sub-manuals. No where else does it say this. (such as in the "operation" section) This was actually written down in the Assembly section, so I'm guessing it was a mistake.

And it does have universals on both ends of the PTO shaft, certainly made to flex. I grew up on a farm and we constantly raised and lowered equipment driven off the PTO. That is why I was confused to see this!

 

[WilliamBos]

I think that guy needs to lay down his pipe, and rethink that. The blowers, no matter the colour painted on them, are all RADTech, so if it is not a problem on a Kubota, then it should not be a problem on an MF.

JMHO.

 

[irvingj]

Nope, I've never had an issue with that, either-- I don't leave it up & running for extended periods, but while blowing I don't often shut the PTO down... just lift, move, drop, start again. In some areas of my yard/drive that does involve backing up to resume blowing. No, I don't disengage PTO. Blower does make more noise and a bit more vibration, but I don't believe it's all that bad for it.

 

[Ductape]

I'm gonna go ahead and make this unanimous. Since RAD makes these blowers for Kubota, MF, and New Holland (and no doubt others)..... many of us here have the same, or similar blowers even though our tractors are different brands. It must be some mis-information, because there is no problem raising the blower with the PTO engaged. Yes..... U-joints are generally happier with little or no angle, but its pure silliness if the manual says not to raise the blower. You won't have any problem raising the blower with the PTO engaged.

 

[AMCS]

After one season of use with my 2310 I figure the warning is a CYA. I don't shut it off until I'm done throwing snow. I would make sure everything stays well greased and bolts are kept torqued.

 

[ScottAW]

Just following up....Finished installing the blower and the electronic motor/controls. Ran the unit and raised and lowered the snow blower the full travel of the hydraulic cylinder - No pinching issues at all, perfectly fine IMO to raise/lower it while driving and such. Now I'm just waiting for snow.

Of course, if I do not get any snow then the snow blower did it's job even better then!

 

[Jaylegger]

I haven't read the instructions,will be very soon , but suspect the warning is primarily one of general safety more so than for equipment longevity. Once the blower is lifted you're no longer tasked with blowing snow therefore a slightly different set of conditions may exist which could increase the likelihood something or someone getting entangled. Similar to other safety oriented devices such as hardharts, vests, boots, hearing protection, safe operating procedures etc. there can be no middle ground or exceptions to protocol, once that door is opened few will abide even when needed most therefore removing a sensible level of safety and protection thereby increasing liability for those whose responsibility it is to prevent property damage, injury, and death.