Snowblower use question

[Evil the Weasel]

This is one of those cases where I would not use float on the blower. If the stones are not frozen to the base yet, I would just use the lift to bring it up off the ground even if the skid shoes are no longer touching. Stones beat the heck out of the chute too and can dent the angle deflector. It is not considered "normal" to break shear pins and my local dealer is amazed at how many he sells each season. I'm surprised to hear the chain broke as well as the pin, as that kinda defeats the purpose of the pin...

 

[techman]

I used the blower on gravel for years (it's paved now). I would go through at least a dozen shear bolts per season, but never broke anything else. It got better after the first year or two as the gravel packed. I always used float on the blower and kept the skids at the highest setting. After the first season, I made my own shear bolts. Home Depot stock and cut the grooves on a lathe. Much, much cheaper.

paul