Snowblower Small part that came with my 3pt snowblower

[Yota_85]

Hi all. Recently got a Puma Lynx 70" 3pt snowblower.
Had some assembling to do, including the hydro rotating chute.

I have this odd piece left, sorta looks like a spacer block.

It's about 1/8" square & around 2"-2 1/4" long.

Figured it could be a space to use for the chute?

The manual doesn't mention it at all.
****! I hate spare parts.

Just hoping it's not some sort of shear pin for the 3pt shaft or anything....
I could take a photo if need be.

Thanks

 

[themichelob]

Yota 85--Have you run the blower since you assembled it? That part sounds like the axel key for the fan. Without it, the fan and augers won't turn very fast, if at all. Mine fell out one year and I was dead in the water (or snow) until I figured out to line up the grooves and slide in the key. Good luck--I hate spare parts, too. Regards, Mike

 

[ChuckinNH]

I heard that the thrifty mechanic always has spare parts! Drive key sounds like a good bet to me too.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Sounds like key stock to me also. You will figure it out.

Chris

 

[Opti-Mist]

I heard that the thrifty mechanic always has spare parts! Drive key sounds like a good bet to me too.

You mean if we take them apart and put them back together again often enough that we'll end up with two of them?

 

[Yota_85]

Thanks guys.
Yeah, appears to go into the slot on the snowblower side of the 3pt drive shaft. A set screw w/allen head screws into the U-joint assy.

Question though.
There is also a grade 5 bolt that goes through the hole in the 3ft driveshaft and the holes in the u-joint assy. When they are lined up. What's the purpose for BOTH the key & and bolt?

 

[themichelob]

The key is a semi-permanent assembly. The bolts are designed to shear if you get a jam in the fan or augers, thus protecting your drive-line. Regards, Mike

 

[ChuckinNH]

The extra parts are a good start towards having two units, but I find that I really have to clean my shop, and sweep the dark places to find the rest.