Snowblower plans?

[jimgerken]

Here is a closeup of the final reduction. The tensioner is not yet mounted. It is on the slack side of the chain. Its tough to see in this pic but I added a channel on the lower side of the chain (the tension side), lined with snowmobile Hyfax mat'l.

 

[hazmat]

Jim,

It's coming along nicely /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif. Last year I bought a used three point blower after the "big one" for the season. That promptly ended all significant snow for the rest of the winter. After the work you've put into yours, I'll bet it's 10 years before you get a foot of snow. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[jimgerken]

No snow for ten years??!! OK, that works. As long as it doesnt freeze too hard either. Here's a shot of the drive final reduction and idler is mounted in slotted bracketry.

 

[jimgerken]

And now, for your enjoyment, never-before seen photographic evidence of an experimental snowblower in the initial testing stage, blowing very little light snow (all I have to work with /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif). But, it didnt fly apart or anything, that's the good news. I did not run it over 2/3 throttle yet though either. No detectable vibration from the impeller, more good news. Details remaining: feet and chute rotation stuff.

 

[jimgerken]

Chute rotator is now complete (see attached pic). It works better than expected, providing smooth rotation thru over 270 degrees. Yes, I can almost blow snow into my face from either direction! This design is based on a picture I found of a John Deere design on their small front-mount 47" blower. Also, I found Meyer truck snowplow feet at my local Fleet Farm and installed them for my height adjusters. Everything is working well, tested thru several snows, and reblew every bit of snow all over the yard just for fun. It certainly is enough blower to harnass my tractors power. Good thing its hydrostatic. Left to build: a chain/shaft guard, and a deflector for the center of the impeller, to deflect the snow downward if it comes all the way around and back out the front ( a common effect on single-stage throwers). Should be ready to sandblast soon. Have local body shop lined up to paint it. John Deere yellow of course. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[jimgerken]

I spent this past week painting the blower. First I dismantled it completely, then wire brushed, needle scaled, ground, sanded, etc. , all the components. Degreased them well, then 2-part epoxy primed with an HVLP sprayer right out in my driveway. Same day I followed that epoxy with a light coat of black enamal. Next three days I put on the final color coat. Main housing is JD yellow, auger/impeller is black, one shield is black, etc. It is still dismantled for another week or so for drying. Then, all new matching hardware (bolts, nuts,...) will be used to reassemble. At that time I will post a final picture or two. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

P.S. If I can get this thing back together in less than a month, I can say it took only FOUR YEARS to design and build. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[keeney]

The chute rotation on the JD using the same mechanism is only about +- 80 degrees for a total of less than 180 degrees.

I upgraded mine by adding another trip around the pullys to get about 270 degrees.

It is nice to be able to throw the snow "over your shoulder" at times.

- Rick

 

[jimgerken]

The chute rotator: When I studied the original owners manual photos (very small pics), I thought I understood the mechanism to provide a two-to-one advantage. In other words, an inch of hydraulic stroke would move the chute two inches. I then sized the hyd cylinder stroke for 180 degrees. After testing, it became apparent that I had misunderstood the leverage, its actually three-to-one advantage. That's how I got a bit over 270 degrees of total rotation. And, yes, it is nice to throw it over your shoulder sometimes.

 

[kevincook]

Jim,

All I can say is you sure are persistent. Nice job also.

Kevin

 

[scott_vt]

Jim,
What a beautiful job on that snowblower! That was a truly an agressive project, and you should be proud of your accomplishment! Some winter photos would be nice!

scotty

 

[jimgerken]

No winter available yet, but here's a pic in the front yard. Too bad there isnt a way to post a little low-res video. I made one last winter blowing snow before I painted it but you get the idea.

 

[jimgerken]

Another pic, still no snow.

 

[jimgerken]

More detail.

 

[jimgerken]

Last one.

 

[scott_vt]

Thanks Jim,
Real nice paint job also! You could bring that rig up to Vt and give it a workout last week. We had 7 inches! Ive been a modelmaker/ toolmaker all my life, and if I could figure out how to weld like you Id be tempted to give it a try! We are standing by for some snow pics /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

scotty

 

[Dmace]

Wow!

That looks really good, for a build it yourself snowblower.

If you go to putfile.com you can upload small videos and post a link here for us to see.

 

[jimgerken]

Putfile.com is COOL! I had a chance to try it today and wow, its easy! Here's a link to the Snowblower testrun in January '05. http://media.putfile.com/Snowblower-Prototype-Testrun-2005

The discharge chute was kind poorly shaped at this time, later revised to produce a nice solid single stream of snow. If you look closely you will see two distinct streams in the video. It was fun that way but not exactly what I wanted. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[TruChaos]

Great project, remarkable execution and even better function.

A truly professional looking and functioning finished project.

Great job!

Viewing the video, it must give a man pride when he fires up a long term project and it work well while sending the camera man and dog running for cover. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[jimgerken]

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif TruChaos: Yea, its fun to watch the video as my wife (the cameraman) gets surprised by the snow hitting her when she thought she was at a safe distance already. Thanks for the feedback everyone! Tomorrow's forecast is for 4-8 inches of SNOW! Bring it on, I am ready.

 

[kylebosch808]

Hi, im 16 years old and i have been welding since i was 12, i recently built my own shop and i was thinking of building a snowblower for my dads john deere garden tractor, was that snowblower hard to build. Could you give me some pointers and what troubles you had, would be great thanks. That is one nice snowblower for home made, i hope mine turns out that way. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif