UHMW recommendations

[dnw64]

Planning to line my chute with it, as well as make the chute rotation holddowns out of it.

McMaster does sell a "Ultra Weather Resistance" variation, but the thinnest it comes in is 1/4" which I just is too thick for the chute lining(I was thinking 1/8", which is available with an adhesive back?). I would plan to use the 1/2" thick to make the holddowns for the chute (cut a slot in the edge so it has UHMW both above and below).

All the other types they offer show "Outside use: No". I'm guessing it's because it's not resistant to UV, and that for the limited exposure it would get mounted in a chute that's stored in a garage when not in use, it would be fine. Temperature rating is -20 to +180ｰF so that shouldn't be a factor.

The also have an "Extra Slippery" variety, but it's made so by filling it with oil. My thought is that may actually be a slight deterrent for snow/ice sliding off. And it is also available no thinner than 1/4".

Any thoughts?

 

[FatTire]

I imagine 1/4" would still bend easily enough if your chute is curved, perhaps the only issue is the additional cost. How much for the 1/4" sheet? I agree UV damage isn't an issue for you.

 

[dnw64]

For the most part I really like how McMaster works. For a basic item type, such as Plastics, there are a whole bunch of parameters you can chose on the left side such as thickness, width, color, grade, etc, and as you make selections it refines the list.

McMaster-Carr

For a 1/4 x 24 x 48 Ultra Weather Resistant it's $47 (plus shipping, which is likely to be outrageous with UPS's current billing policy).

If I got the 1/8" regular grade you can get it in 6" wide strips (I haven't measured - blower is not nearby ATM but I'm guessing that would do = M-F/Kubota/RAD 2360) by the foot in lengths up to 100' (I guess it's rolled) for $9.17/Foot with adhesive backing or $7.74 without adhesive. I was going to get the adhesive back figuring that if it stays stuck I not only won't have to bother with hardware and drilling holes, but if it doesn't it's nothing more than I would have had to do in the first place if I got it without adhesive. Would make sure the surface is nice and clean.

 

[FatTire]

If the adhesive fails while you're running, could the plastic panel drop down and hit the fan? Or is the opening too small?

 

[ArlyA]

Adhesive backed?? I'm skeptical of that holding much since these polys don't like to stick to anything but maybe they think you'll be using screws or bolts as well. 1/4 thick poly material does not like to be bent.

 

[dnw64]

If the adhesive fails while you're running, could the plastic panel drop down and hit the fan? Or is the opening too small?

I would plan to install it during the summer to give it plenty of time to learn its new shape. I would think if it were going to fail it would happen early on.

During use I would expect that the force of snow going through it would be much stronger than gravity.

 

[dnw64]

Adhesive backed?? I'm skeptical of that holding much since these polys don't like to stick to anything but maybe they think you'll be using screws or bolts as well. 1/4 thick poly material does not like to be bent.

I hadn't thought about the fact that the adhesive also has to stick to the UHMW... Then again, if they're* selling it I am assuming they've figured it out.

Yeah I was thinking 1/4" might be too thick to be practical. It is a thermoplastic so it could probably be coaxed into place with the help of a heat gun or a session in the oven but don't see why I should bother when thinner material is available.

*If it was just "some place" I found on the internet I wouldn't necessarily trust them, but McMaster in particular is a reputable company and I've never gotten anything from them that didn't meet expectations. Yet...

 

[ArlyA]

At my job, I have spent much time buying, cutting, and installing poly's. I love this stuff and have my own stock of it. I found the 1/4 thick on the difficult side to evenly heat and form. Nonetheless, I'm not sure how wide the piece is that you'll need to bend. I have done 3/8 but it was around 8" wide. Ask if you'd like to see a photo of that.

 

[PILOON]

I'd use countersunk flat head hardware , like 1/8 or 3/16 and only at the bottom of the snow chute. Perhaps like 9 ea in 2 rows., 5 in 1st and 4 next.
Also consider only lining the back side as that is where most resistance will be. (just look at missing paint from sand and pebbles for confirmation)

As to actual material, 1/8 would be adequate for a lining but difficult to attach so probably 3/6 is better.

Another consideration is the fact that there is a slight void where the chute meets the fan chamber. A shaped strip of sturdy flat (3/4 X 1/8) could be used to clamp the liner firmly to the chute with the balance of the liner simply loose kinda like a flag in the wind. In effect anchoring the poly at the base.
Blowing snow will position it snugly and it won't come lose.

 

[leonz]

Just as an FYI you can buy slick plastic left overs from Horn Plastics
and they usually have quite a bit of left over sheet and sheet parts
to sell from custom cutting jobs for truck bodies of all types.


UHMW and HMW Plastic Dump Truck Box Liners - Super-Slide

 

[npalen]

grain auger liners - Yahoo Search Results

Some possibilities here. Scroll down to the second page or so.

Edit: Poly Tech Industries, Inc.

 

[dnw64]

Just as an FYI you can buy slick plastic left overs from Horn Plastics
and they usually have quite a bit of left over sheet and sheet parts
to sell from custom cutting jobs for truck bodies of all types.


UHMW and HMW Plastic Dump Truck Box Liners - Super-Slide

Great resource. Thanks!

 

[dnw64]

grain auger liners - Yahoo Search Results

Some possibilities here. Scroll down to the second page or so.

Edit: Poly Tech Industries, Inc.

Thanks!

 

[ArlyA]

You guys are reading to much from the sales department. UHMW and all polys are "thermo plastic". They are also 99% the same. That is if its HPDE, there isn't much difference in them from one manufacturer to the other. Black HDPE is what we use for most projects but I have used UHMH.. If I was dnw, I'd be looking for UHMW that's black which does has some UV stability to it.

 

[dnw64]

You guys are reading to much from the sales department.

I'm certainly no expert, so I am unsure as to what you mean by this?

If I was dnw, I'd be looking for UHMW that's black which does has some UV stability to it.

That makes sense, from what (little) I know about UV.

Thanks,
David

 

[number two]

Over on the Kubota Owner/operating forum,member bumperm has done a nice job using UHMW on his Kubota blower.
I think it's titled Kubota snowblower modifying.
That should get you close for a search.
Interesting reading!












mv

 

[FatTire]

The material sold by Poly Tech called "poly last" has UV inhibitors and comes in multiple colors including red and black.

 

[ArlyA]

I installed white, HDPE on a grooming implement once and will never do it again. Wasn't long before it cracked and fell apart from UV damage. All black colored poly's have carbon added to create that color which is also a modest UV stabilizer. So the black makes it a poor-man's outdoor HDPE . Poly-last that Fat suggest would of course be the real thing. Nonetheless, I quit looking for, or paying the extra $$ for UV stabilized and just get black.

 

[FatTire]

Was the HDPE on your groomer in a location that gets direct sun? Inside a chute should at least be shaded most of the time. I think I'm going to install something in one my chutes before next winter.

 

[Amvcane]

Over on the Kubota Owner/operating forum,member bumperm has done a nice job using UHMW on his Kubota blower. I think it's titled Kubota snowblower modifying. That should get you close for a search. Interesting reading! mv

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ow-blower-modifying.html?highlight=Humw++hdpe