MTD snowblower for 1000 series lawn tractor

[flyweed]

Ok, the blower is on!! That's the good part. I tried and tried to get that thing on, but it just wouldn't go on with the exhaust shroud on there. I took the shroud off (4 sheet metal screws) and she popped right into place no problem...fit like a glove.

I got the belts hooked up and took it for a test run. Something not right....When I pulled the electric PTO knob out to start the blower up, it would take like 1 second for the blades to start up after I pulled the knob. The lower belt is good and tight, and is routed correctly. The upper belt I am not sure if I used the right one..when the PTO is disengaged it has some play in it..not alot, but a little...the belt number on the upper I am using, and thought fit good was MTD 754-0490 Klr - eb I don't know the length..but that is what is printed on the belt...

Anyway...I blew two paths across my driveway and the snow is only shooting out maybe a foot out of the chute...and when I hit a heavy snow spot..it barely pushes the snow out of the chute at all. I have the throttle at full.

Could the belt tightness be an issue???

The snow gods are NOT looking at my favorably today at all. SHEESH!!

Dan

 

[Timber]

You either have the wrong belt on or the tension pulley is not on the belt correctly. That should throw snow 25 + feet. The snowblower should respond as efficiently as your mower deck. Double check the tension pulley 1st on both belts. There should be no play at all in the drive belt off the tractor.

 

[Timber]

Dan I went out to look again this morning. This configuration below is correct. You either have the wrong belt or the belt is not on a pulley. Make sure the belt didn't run off 1 of the pulleys and is under it instead of in the groove. This belt should always be tight regardless of weather the PTO is engaged.

 

[flyweed]

CHarlie

Ok, I'll take a look..that is how my belt is routed..exactly like yours, but like I said it is easy to put on with 2 hands and has a tiny bit of slack when the PTO isn't engaged...I do have 2 other belts..I'll see if there is a shorter one yet and give it a whirl.

I now have 13 inches of snow on my driveway...and we are suppose to get 3-4 more by days end. YIKES.

Dan

 

[rcbe]

Timber/Flyweed -
If both those idler pulleys shown have "flat" bottoms where the belt runs, would it make sense for the belt to be routed under the upper pulley to where the wider back side of the belt makes contact ?

Such is the more normal config in a tensioned belt drive...and routed that way, the belt tension might be greater, reducing/eliminating slip...

 

[flyweed]

I did get it working. I found a belt in my supplies that fit fairly tight..but still not as tight as I think it should be. It will throw snow now when I hit 3 foot drifts about 8-10 feet. when I was in 2-3 inch snow..it would throw it about 16-18 feet. So not bad......but that's all I have for belts. The next size down is way to small and won't fit at all.

Anyway....I got my driveway cleared and de-iced....so all is well.

I have to send a HUGE, ENORMOUS THANK-YOU to Charlie....he helped me beyond belief to get this up and running....Thanks man!! I truely appreciate it.

Dan

 

[Timber]

No problem Dan, I'm glad I was able to help. How far it will throw snow will depend on how wet & dense it is. You also might want to check the shear pins on the auger, their are 2, the auger is split & it is possible only 1 side is turning. not likely but possible.

On another note there is an adjustable cutting edge where the auger contacts the ground & adjustable shoes on each side. You will have to play with it a bit but the shoes act like the runners on a sled. It will change how easy the auger slides over the ground. I have learned to leave the auger on the ground unless I'm making a a big turn. It slides real easy in reverse over the ground.

Take some pictures when you get a chance. I haven't got much snow yet but its coming. I am converting my tractor over this weekend. The 1050 lawn tractor is a fantastic machine. It compliments my Kubota very well. Right tool tool for the right job.

 

[flyweed]

Charlie,

Yeah, I checked the shear pins on the auger..they are all intact, and all augers are spinning when powered up. I have the shoes adjusted where they slide easily across the ground and I to leave the blower down pretty much all the time, unless I am in deep drifts..and then I lift it when I back up, so I don't pull so much snow backwards with me..I find when I do tight turns, I have to lift it too, as the blower wants to keep pulling my tractor in a straight line.

I didn't know there was adjustable cutting edges..where are those located and I'll have to look at them.

Dan

 

[Timber]

The cutting edge is where the Auger body touches the ground. It is just a strip of thin flat stock with elongated holes. It is only about 1 1/4" wide.

 

[flyweed]

Ok...I'll check it out..now that the storm is passed, I'll have a little time.

Charlie, when you get a chance can you give me a serial number or something off of your upper belt for the PTO adapter?? I want to be sure to get a couple extras and see if the one I am using is the correct one.

Thanks
Dan