Mf202 6’ or 6.5’ snowblower? Quick opinions

[Eazycheeze]

Hey yall, I have a 1963 mf202. I recently acquired 2 snowblowers 3pth
1 is a 6 McKee which is obviously half a foot smaller is width, it is also 5-6 smaller in height and not as deep and smaller fan then the next snowblower.

The other is a 6.5 mckee as stated above its half a foot wider and 5-6 inches taller , deeper and a bigger fan.

My question is I live in Manitoba, Canada and we can get some wicked drifts if its bad like last year, snow is usually packed after wind and very cold winters. Otherwise its fluffy drifts.

Curious which would suit the tractor and my need better. I like the bigger blower but if the smaller will be a significant difference in performance Ill use that and sell the other. Thank you

 

[JWR]

Difficult to give you good advice here. Are both of the snowblowers made the same and operate the same ? Both are the twin auger type or not ? With a 40hp tractor like the MF 202 I think you have the power to run either one. It would be preferable to have the blower as wide or wider than your rear tires so you are able to "clear a path for yourself." Do you have adjustments to your rear wheel spacing that are practical and easy to do ? Are you mostly working on flat areas or some steep? How long a path do you need to clear usually?

Will you be using chains? With a 2WD I'm guessing you will need chains a lot.

We know almost nothing of your task except for cold winters and lots of snow often wind packed.

One issue that comes to mind is speed/gearing. The lowest gear on the MF 202 in reverse (probably only one gear) is likely to be too fast for blowing deep packed snow drifts. You need to keep the rpm up for the blower but will not be able to blow deep heavy snow at that speed. That means you will often be having to use the clutch to go slow enough into the snow to be able to blow it. Hard on the clutch ! I don't see any alternatives or what you can do about that.

I'd go with the larger blower until I hear reasons not to.

 

[mikester]

A bigger fan and double auger would be my choice if dealing with lots of deep drifts. I want the snow blown as far away as possible.

 

[Eazycheeze]

Single auger, no chains but I will buy .

My wheel spacing needs too be adjusted with shims so as easy as removing tires.

Flat ground and about 100-150 yards of straight drive way

6’ is slightly wider then my rear tires but 6.5 is significantly more

And they are both the exact same minus size and weights

I understand the gears and rpm but this is what I have so my foot better buckle in.

So large one is the better option?

 

[JJT]

I see the MF202 is a 40 hp machine. I'm running a 6.5' Agrotrend blower on a 37 hp tractor and wouldn't want anything smaller. 25 years of use and I'm still a happy camper.

 

[JWR]

I see the MF202 is a 40 hp machine. I'm running a 6.5' Agrotrend blower on a 37 hp tractor and wouldn't want anything smaller. 25 years of use and I'm still a happy camper.

I have no where near the snow challenge of the Eazecheeze (in Eastern Mtns) but I use a 5ft Agrotrend blower on 24hp Kubota (which thankfully has a creeper gear and 4WD.) I found going to AG tires rather than turf tires made enough difference that I have not needed chains. But the OP has 2WD & probably AG tires. I think he has OK power but will suffer some from traction and 2WD and lacking a very low speed without riding the clutch. Not overwhelming but harder that way.

 

[Eazycheeze]

I have no where near the snow challenge of the Eazecheeze (in Eastern Mtns) but I use a 5ft Agrotrend blower on 24hp Kubota (which thankfully has a creeper gear and 4WD.) I found going to AG tires rather than turf tires made enough difference that I have not needed chains. But the OP has 2WD & probably AG tires. I think he has OK power but will suffer some from traction and 2WD and lacking a very low speed without riding the clutch. Not overwhelming but harder that way.

Yes that’s the issue is the ag tires and 2wd, but till I have money for a bigger or sub compact, this will do. It also has a 7foot plow blade on currently so if snowblowing is hard I can always push. I will get chains however.

And good too know so looks like the larger is better. I figured the smaller would be easier and the fan is pretty small compared to the 6.5foot fan

 

[JWR]

Yes that’s the issue is the ag tires and 2wd, but till I have money for a bigger or sub compact, this will do. It also has a 7foot plow blade on currently so if snowblowing is hard I can always push. I will get chains however.

And good too know so looks like the larger is better. I figured the smaller would be easier and the fan is pretty small compared to the 6.5foot fan

You should be good for the coming snow season even if not exactly ideal. Probably the main thing is that you CAN get by with what you have and will learn a tremendous amount about what really matters in your environment and what you may need or want in the future.

 

[Farmer495]

What transmission does the 202 have?