Snow Rear mounted snow blower on a Yanmar?

Ductape · Jul 30, 2006

Is anyone here running one? I have a YM186D with 18 hp..... perhaps 15 or 16 at the PTO. I'm thinking about a rear mount, and twisting my neck.... so that when Whats-Her-Name lets me spend the money on a FEL, i can use them both in the winter. I've looked at a Blizzard B54 and several local dealers sell the Meteor brand..... which doesn't look as well refined as the Blizzard. Is there any brand that is superior for the same money? Any input would be appreciated...... i'd like to have the purchase way behind me by November!

Thanks

scesnick · Aug 1, 2006

I have a Ber -Vac 64" on the back of my 2000BD and it works great.
I used to get a sore next but then I started just standing on the running boards. That got a little dangerous when they were slick so i just threw my leg over the hood ( sitting on the gas cap ) facing rearward with the steering wheel right there between my legs. It works great that way and no more sore neck.
It might look strange but it works for me. I have a 2.5 mile driveway!!

Just be sure and get a 2 stage. I got mine out of the classified ads. Might wanna start looking there. It could save you some money. I picked up my Ber-Vac is very good condition for $700.

Ductape · Aug 1, 2006

I have scoured the classifieds and Ebay without alot of success.... perhaps its the wrong time of year to be selling one (but exactly why i'm looking for one now). I am definitely buying a two stage.... no ifs, ands, or buts. I found a local dealer with a blizzard 54 on the lot from last year that is willing to negociate a bit..... saving about $500 from this years price. You must be a sight to see..... straddling your cowl, facing the wrong way (or the right way??). My driveway is not very long.... but too long to enjoy shoveling any more !

scesnick · Aug 1, 2006

When you do get your blower give the straddle technique a try. It works !!

knute_m · Aug 2, 2006

scesnick said:
I used to get a sore . . . so i just threw my leg over the hood ( sitting on the gas cap ) facing rearward with the steering wheel right there between my legs. It works great that way and no more sore neck.

I hope it starts snowing early this year. We need a picture of that!

Knute

Ductape · Aug 3, 2006

I'm with you Knute ! We need a picture of that !

Well.... i ended up finding a used 48" BWM blower a couple town away. Struck a deal for about a third of the cost of a new one. Close enough to what i was looking for. Now...... i'm gonna defrost the freezer so i have something to test it out on !! Looks like i should be ready to go come December.

scesnick · Aug 3, 2006

I will take a picture the next snowfall. Hopefully that will be really soon. I hate this heat !!
That's a pretty good looking blower. Looks alot like my Ber- Vac.
Trust me, now that you know how to eliminate the sore neck you will be riding the hood also

roxynoodle · Aug 3, 2006

I guess I have to ask, if you are riding backwards sitting on the hood, what do you do if you need to clutch or stop?

scesnick · Aug 3, 2006

roxynoodle said:
I guess I have to ask, if you are riding backwards sitting on the hood, what do you do if you need to clutch or stop?

I can reach all the pedals easily. they are just opposite. Besides when snow blowing I am only traveling about 2 mph.

roxynoodle · Aug 4, 2006

Ok, glad to know that. Of course you are likely taller than I am (5'4"). I suspect I wouldn't be able to reach mine. I can see myself trying to get them and falling off due to the slippery conditions and running myself over with my own tractor