PTO Blower making my life miserable!

[torch2k]

I'll try to keep it brief, but I have a few questions that I need answers to! Thanks.

My 2009 Cub Cadet sc2400 came to me used with a 60" "Agro Trend" PTO blower. I always set the 3PH to the float position, but IMMEDIATELY upon contact with snow it just rides right up on top of the snow, and within a few feet I am driving on top of 3,4 or 5 inches of (now-compacted) snow.

I've played with the 3PH angle adjustments to no avail.

My theory is that the skids on the back of the blower are preventing the 3PH angle adjustment from actually putting the blower into a position where it will cut. The feet are too big and affect the angle of the blower too much.
Note: in the photos I intentionally have the blower slightly off the ground.

So on to my questions in no particular order:

1. Is that blower just too big, too much for my tractor?

2. Should I cut off those sleds/feet on the back of the blower, and would that fix my problem?

3. Should I cut my losses and move to a completely different setup? (ie. front mount blower, or different rear blower)

Thanks!

 

[DMW]

Gravel or paved driveway?

 

[msb1766]

Are you sure that the augers are spinning? Check to see if they are. Each auger should have a replaceable sheer bolt.
Try To add some weight to the blower, just make sure you put an equal amount of weight on each side so you do not twist the frame.

 

[torch2k]

paved driveway

 

[torch2k]

Are you sure that the augers are spinning? Check to see if they are. Each auger should have a replaceable sheer bolt.
Try To add some weight to the blower, just make sure you put an equal amount of weight on each side so you do not twist the frame.

The augers are definitely spinning, engine rpm set to correct spot for pto as well. I didn't consider adding weight, I thought the 250-300lbs of the blower would be enough?

 

[DMW]

If your blower is built the same as my 48" Agrotrend, there are no shoes, the brackets(skids) are part of the frame and ride the same height as the bottom of the blower. The 60" is oversized, but used at slower speeds, or smaller bites will be ok. Your going to have an issue with traction on the front tires for steering, unless you have a loader/front weights. Do not place in float, keep the 3pt lever pushed down, in float it will rise and not return to driveway level. It will keep rising as you move along. There is no down pressure on the 3pt, all gravity. Adjusting the angle of the blower can help. You want the blower to be facing level/slightly down. On gravel , too much angle starts spitting a lot of stones.

 

[torch2k]

If your blower is built the same as my 48" Agrotrend, there are no shoes, the brackets(skids) are part of the frame and ride the same height as the bottom of the blower. The 60" is oversized, but used at slower speeds, or smaller bites will be ok. Your going to have an issue with traction on the front tires for steering, unless you have a loader/front weights. Do not place in float, keep the 3pt lever pushed down, in float it will rise and not return to driveway level. It will keep rising as you move along. There is no down pressure on the 3pt, all gravity. Adjusting the angle of the blower can help. You want the blower to be facing level/slightly down. On gravel , too much angle starts spitting a lot of stones.

You are correct, mine has skids and no shoes. I do have the front loader and I seem to be able to turn and use 4x4 fine with the blower. When you say "pushed down" do you mean leave it as low as possible, just before the float position?

 

[DMW]

There really isn't a float for the 3pt. Do not center the 3pt lever, keep it in the "lower" position. If it keeps riding up on the snow, lengthen the top link for a more aggressive angle.

 

[torch2k]

There really isn't a float for the 3pt. Do not center the 3pt lever, keep it in the "lower" position. If it keeps riding up on the snow, lengthen the top link for a more aggressive angle.

I think my lever is labeled differently, but I'm going to try what you're talking about today and report back. Thanks!

 

[DMW]

Labeling may be different, There should be a position that allows the 3pt arms to drop by gravity, but not rise.