Snowblower Opinions re JRW Snowblowers ??

[GoodGuy]

I've got an opportunity to buy a used 72" JRW Snowblower that needs repair. Are these generally a good piece or should I wait for another. Thanks!!

 

[JerryK]

JRW is a good blower, not a Cadilac brand, but more of a middle road made in Canada blower. Some people complain about having chute plugging problems because of the longer chute, but I have never had that problem. You have to remember that a blower is made mainly to blow snow, not slush. And ground speed must be matched with the ability of the blower to get rid of the snow. We get in excess of 140" of snow up here, and the JRW works fine for me...

 

[Dmace]

I have had my 60" JRW snowblower for 4 years now and have moved some very heavy snow with it. I have gone through everything from 3" of dry powder to over 21" of heavy wet snow and have never clogged the chute. I have broken the shear bolt twice hitting large non-moving rocks but that's my own fault. In typical snow of about 6-8" at PTO rpms, it will throw the snow 15-20ft up and 20-30ft into the woods. I love it!

There has been plenty of talk about the pros/cons of chute height but I prefer the taller and less curve of the JRW versus a short sharp angled chute like some others.


click thumbnails for larger images

 

[NHbotanut]

I got my JRW 60" blower last year. Never had a problem blowing snow with it no matter what type of snow we had. I did my driveway along with 3 others.

Most of the time I wasn't running the PTO at 540 RPM as it ate thru everything. The only time I did run it at 540 was when we had 8" of really wet slush. Even then, the blower ate right through it. I think the taller shute helps in avoiding any clogs as the snow has a chance to travel at a velocity before it hits the angle. I am extremely happy with mine.

 

[NHbotanut]

I also have the 60" JRW blower. I am extremely happing with it. It ate thru every type of snow we had last year including some really heavy wet slush. I generally ran the PTO at 2100 RPM, well below the 540 RPM mark and never had a problem moving snow.

I think the taller shute helps in avoiding clogs and the snow has a chance to travel before hitting the angle.

 

[GoodGuy]

Thanks Guys !!
Appreciate your input, it's a fixer (broken auger) & I was trying to get a feel as to whether they are fairly reliable before I throw time & money at it. Has anyone added any hydraulic controls for chute rotation & angle?? Thanks Again for the feedback

 

[Dmace]

Has anyone added any hydraulic controls for chute rotation & angle??

I haven't yet, but I really need to! The cab makes it pretty difficult to rotate the chute from the seat so I have to open the door, get out, rotate the chute, get back in the cab and shut the door. A real pain but I don't have to rotate it much in my driveway.

 

[GoodGuy]

Well....I lugged it home How come I can't find any shear pins anywhere ?? Can anyone tell me what safety device these use if you come up against something solid or does the auger take the hit like in the attached picture.....

 

[GoodGuy]

Can anyone tell me what the flat plate (threaded) on the top of the blower is for and also, there is a round stub the sticks up in the middle of the unit....what's the deal with that??
Thanks, Eric

 

[Scooby074]

I like the plywood steering wheel.

Looks like a solid foundation to work from.

I think the Shaft and threaded plate are for the chute rotation.

Ill see if i can find a pic of the style of rotation im thinking of.

I couldnt find the exact one i was looking for, but similar idea to the ones below, but with cable. Gives you some idea.

Cylinder would mount to a pivot on the threaded plate. Arc with cable would mount to the pin.