Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Underperforming Meteor 48" rear blower

[BotaSteve57]

Hello, this is my first post after installing my used Meteor 2 stage blower on the rear PTO of my B8200 Kubota. I put the tractor in low range and increased the RPMs to max out the PTO speed and no matter what I do the snow either dribbles out of the chute or clogs it up. The speed of the impeller appears fast (although it's hard to tell), I have siliconed the chute, etc.

Any ideas?

 

[murphy1244]

:welcome:

 

[murphy1244]

Are both impellers turning? check that out, I think you broke a bolt.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Is this a one stage or two stage thrower?

 

[GPintheMitten]

Never mind I see you said it is 2 stage. Is the fan turning as well as the augers?

 

[BotaSteve57]

Are both impellers turning? check that out, I think you broke a bolt.

THanks for the quick response. I will check to see if there is full operation of both impellers. I thought so, but I'll check!

 

[Slab]

It's is my first winter with the same blower and I am not impressed with it. I have not had a problem with it clogging but it does not blow snow very far. My cub cadet gt 3500 that it replaced was better.
The Yanmar sc 2400 I'm using runs it with ease . This thing belongs on a garden tractor. Very disappointed with it. I thought I was trading up.

 

[PILOON]

That blower probably has a 3 bladed fan that is about 16-18 ins in diameter.
3 blades are not best performers.
Newer blowers will sport 4 blades with larger diameter that excavates snow faster and sends it further.
On the assumption that you are using the 500 rpm PTO speed, try the higher (if you have it) 700/750 RPM. I use my mid PTO speed on a similar blower all the time without adverse effects.
Also if the gap between the fan and housing is not fairly 'tight' you will lose performance.

 

[flyingcow]

when everything is shut off, by hand spin the auger. the fan should spin at the same time. I agree with above, think you got a shear pin broke.

 

[wildwillie]

My Erskin needed to wear off the paint and get a good coat of silicone spray.Made a big difference,

 

[5picker]

If it's a 3 blade fan you'll likely have to increase your PTO speed as much as you can.
As mentioned, the three blade fan isn't as efficient as a four blade fan.

Heavy, wet snow is problematic for most any blower though.
Loading the blower full swath is sometimes better than less.

I keep an old broom handle within reach for those times when nothing else seems to work to keep the chute from clogging.

 

[BotaSteve57]

If it's a 3 blade fan you'll likely have to increase your PTO speed as much as you can.
As mentioned, the three blade fan isn't as efficient as a four blade fan.

Heavy, wet snow is problematic for most any blower though.
Loading the blower full swath is sometimes better than less.

I keep an old broom handle within reach for those times when nothing else seems to work to keep the chute from clogging.

Ok, I 've tried increasing the PTO to 720 rpm....and checked for a shear pin break. It is a four blade fan and everything seems OK. Doesn't matter if I proceed slowly...(just a little snow is pushed out and it looks like it can take more)...or quicker, (when things jam up)....or pushing it into a pile of snow (no-go at all).

I am about ready to give up...maybe it has to do with the clutch stopping the PTO and everything turns to concrete? Do people with HST experience the same thing?

 

[flyingcow]

I don't have an HST tractor. But this seems baffling. But you said it is used.

FWIW- I've never used silicone to make the blower work better. Have been snowblowing for 12 yrs. 3 or 4 different units I've owned. I am probably wrong, but i think it's snake oil.

How long have you had the tractor? Bush hogged with it? Just curious if you've used the PTO under a load?
Just fishing.

 

[JerryK]

I know this may sound stupid, but is the 'fan' on the blower turning in the right direction. Most PTO's turn clockwise when you face the rear of the tractor, and the chute should be to the top left as the fan turns clockwise... Some blowers that are made for the front of the tractor are built backwards from the ones for the 3 point... [ when you get done laughing at me, go check... ] Ditto on the 'been blowing snow for many years and never had to spray anything in the chute' thing....

 

[yelbike]

Is it the old style pull type 3 pt blower?
Pictures might help us out.

 

[Don87]

Ok, I 've tried increasing the PTO to 720 rpm....and checked for a shear pin break. It is a four blade fan and everything seems OK. Doesn't matter if I proceed slowly...(just a little snow is pushed out and it looks like it can take more)...or quicker, (when things jam up)....or pushing it into a pile of snow (no-go at all).

I am about ready to give up...maybe it has to do with the clutch stopping the PTO and everything turns to concrete? Do people with HST experience the same thing?

That'll do it.

Choose the lowest gear you have, and the highest RPM's, wide open throttle, and don't stop moving until you absolutely have to.

 

[Looking4new]

My new 60" meteor front mount doesn't throw it very far either (8-10') and it plugged up from time to time. What I did was take the cover off the front of the chute at the bottom. I guess it is there for when the chute gets plugged. It aint there now and the chute doesn't plug up anymore.

I do have HST. I also travel slower and keep the engine RPM's at 2400.

 

[wildwillie]

If it is a used unit the four fan blades may be worn out of specks. it can happen fast if somebody was blowing a lot of gravel. Cant think of the name right now but but Ive seen a impeller repair kit that consists of some rubber flaps that bolt to the impellers of snow blowers big or small

 

[joeyd]

My meteor doesn't blow snow very far either but enough to get it off the road and driveway, I end up moving it twice on the parking area in front of my house. I can get a finger tip between the blade and the housing and was wondering about the impeller kit also. You can find it here, SNOWBLOWER IMPELLER KIT the testimonials sound good.

 

[yelbike]

My meteor doesn't blow snow very far either but enough to get it off the road and driveway, I end up moving it twice on the parking area in front of my house. I can get a finger tip between the blade and the housing and was wondering about the impeller kit also. You can find it here, SNOWBLOWER IMPELLER KIT the testimonials sound good.

I don't think making a kit yourself would be very hard. Just a few bolts and an old mud flap cut down to size.