Snowblower PTO rear Snowblower speed

[HCN]

I purchased a used B7100 4x4 manual transmission with bucket and blower, but the previous owner (and it is true), the snowblower will only throw snow 10 to 15 feet at the hightes RPM 1498, otherwise it will only throw 5 feet and get clogged up, often. What can be done about this poor performing blower? Should I change the gear box to increase the ratio of primary to secondary auger speed? Should I modify the secondary auger, somehow? I am new to tractors, but this seems like a slow way of clearing the driveway, my walkbehind does the job faster. Please help.


HCN

 

[Ken Pike]

I bought a well used 48" blower for my 1980 B7100 a few years ago that had 3 blades on the 2nd stage rather than 4. Also, the blade tips were worn at least 1/4" away from the housing. At 540 RPM it worked terrible. I used it in the next highest PTO speed (780 RPM?) & kept the tractor in low range. Worked great but would break the shear bolt if you popped the clutch. With a front blade & the blower it was too big for my city lot so I sold the blower & moved tractor to our cottage.

 

[KennyG]

Check your clearances between the impeller and housing. If they seem large, that may be the problem. This is typical of Chinese made blowers (I have one). Mine improved greatly by adding a impeller kit from "Clarence's small engines" HOW IT WORKS.

If you have large spacing it's worth a try.

 

[oosik]

Well - - how far the snow is blown has a lot to do with the condition of the snow. Wet snow - not so far and it will plug the discharge chute - often. Dry, hard, crusty snow will blow a long distance and never plug anything. Also - if the 2nd stage fan blades are worn it will not blow so far. So - check the fan blades and if worn either replace the fan or get those nylon fan tip blade extensions(impeller kit).

 

[Fallon]

Check your clearances between the impeller and housing. If they seem large, that may be the problem. This is typical of Chinese made blowers (I have one). Mine improved greatly by adding a impeller kit from "Clarence's small engines" HOW IT WORKS.

If you have large spacing it's worth a try.

I think that's the kit I got for an old push blower I bought for $100. It definitely made a big improvement with those rubber wipers extending the impeller all the way to the housing.

 

[PILOON]

I also have that situation.
I use my 750 RPM and have done so for about 6-7 years without any ill effects.
Those 3 bladed blowers are not the ideal machine and I think their intent was to serve a wider range of lower powered tractors.

Closing the gap on the fan will help but requires some skills and tools + a warm shop. Use that 750 rpm range.

As to sheer bolts, use only grade 5 and long enough that threads are not in the shear zone, snug only not torqued.
Same for auger, grade 5 snug and keep shaft well greased (are zerks present?)

So far this winter I have not sheared a single fan bolt and we have had heavy wet and dense snow plus mine is 60" vs your 48".
Also since you are geared you will need to use the lower range as high reverse is generally too fast.