Rogue 0 #1 Posted August 12, 2009 I found a 42" Wheel Horse Snow Blower for my c-120 local to me and I'm getting ready to go look at it. Quite honestly, I don't know what to look for or what to ask. Any tips before I go? Thank you in advance for any help you may be -R- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nylyon-(Admin) 7,121 #2 Posted August 12, 2009 Snow blowers aren't all that complex. First, check that all the parts are there, pullies, brackets, cables, sprockets,lift tube and flag. If it's complete, check the auger to be sure that it isn't terribly messed up and dinged. Finally, the bearings on the auger and drive shaft. Be sure that there isn't excessive play and that all spins freely. Good luck, and let us know how you made out! edit: And check the underside for excessive wear! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue 0 #3 Posted August 12, 2009 Thanks for the quick reply At the risk of sounding stupid, I'm not sure how to check those exactly. I'll give it my best - lol :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse_of_course 99 #4 Posted August 12, 2009 Check to see if the directional control works. On the ones with cable drive this can be a weakness. Also look at the welds that fasten the top to the sides. If these break due to hitting something it can cause the chain to de-rail. And as coach says the "flag" that attaches the lift tube to the lift bellcrank on the tractor is often missing. None of the above should keep you from buying it, but all will effect how much you should pay! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
htopjimmy26 3 #5 Posted August 12, 2009 You should also check for a bent auger, just slowly turn the auger by hand with a stationary object close to auger but not touching [soda can, paint can, stake, etc.] and check for wobble as rotates. A bent auger makes the blower vibrate badly and almost unusable, and is very expensive to buy new. Good luck :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue 0 #6 Posted August 13, 2009 Thanks for all the replies I now got the snow blower home for the 2nd time - ha-ha Poor guy, I think I tortured him. When I got there he had 2 blowers one a 36" and the other a 42". The 36" looked almost new. The 42" looked, well dated. I initially took the 36" and got home started hooking it up to check it out and found that the directional rod hit the pto arm rod... hence, I couldn't turn it to adjust the throw. Needless to say I went back and got the 42 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry w 2 #7 Posted August 13, 2009 They use, no kidding, Beet juice, doesn't freeze and won't harm your tires OR the earth. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue 0 #8 Posted August 13, 2009 Beet juice, ha-ha. That's awesome. I had just never heard anyone saying to fill the tires with anything other than air. Well, maybe tire flat fixit spray... but I personally won't use that stuff. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse_of_course 99 #9 Posted August 14, 2009 Rogue, for what it's worth, I used flat "sash" chain in place of the aircraft cable. See my thread here: Blower mod thread I don't know why the picture links in the above no longer work, so here are links to the photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26014232@N03/3264482150/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/26014232@N03/3264481730/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/26014232@N03/3264481280/ The trimmer line concept is worth considering as well. Congrats, you will be a happy camper next winter :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue 0 #10 Posted August 14, 2009 That's an awesome idea. Maybe I'll give that a shot. thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,406 #11 Posted August 14, 2009 Rolf, I fixed the links in the other thread. :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue 0 #12 Posted August 15, 2009 sorry for the delay on the pics. Got caught up in that 603 and 654. I ended up torturing this guy (yet again) went back and got the 32" When I looked at the 42" closer and reading some of your advice the auger looked pretty worn and there was some play in the bearings. I'll keep looking for a newer snowblower. Maybe get a 2 Stage Toro/Wheel Horese down the road. But for now I have this one which doesn't appear to have been used. Someone from WV had it and was used twice. I pulled the model # 6-2211 formerly ST-326 but the information I found is similar but not the same. Subtle but noticable differeces. What do you guys think this is? Also, do you think this would hold up to 5:1 and how do you guys get the pulleys in line then? Or you don't? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TJ 171 #13 Posted August 15, 2009 The snow blower looks in great shape. Did you get the liftbar and flag with it? When you attach the blower to your tractor, run the belt through the outside groove of your pto pulley; this will allow the belt to clear the front of the hood. The pulleys should align without any adjustment. Good luck Tom Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue 0 #14 Posted August 15, 2009 The snow blower looks in great shape. Did you get the liftbar and flag with it? When you attach the blower to your tractor, run the belt through the outside groove of your pto pulley; this will allow the belt to clear the front of the hood. The pulleys should align without any adjustment. Good luck Tom Yes, flag, lift bar and the lift assist. As for the pulley's Ieverything lines up great 4:1. I was more interested if I could hook up to the 5:1 for more throwing power. If there was a special trick in doing so. Thanks :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry w 2 #15 Posted August 15, 2009 Don't be too worried about snow throwing power with that single stage. I'm in Northern Vermont and I have the same type blower hooked to my 72 Raider14, it throws snow close to 30feet! It will do the job pretty well. Looks like a good find! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue 0 #16 Posted August 15, 2009 Gerry, 20' is a good throw. I'll try it as is 4:1 this winter. I'm a little worried about using it with only 12hp. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseFixer 2,012 #17 Posted August 15, 2009 Looks like ya got yerself a good one! :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry w 2 #18 Posted August 16, 2009 Gerry, 20' is a good throw. I'll try it as is 4:1 this winter. I'm a little worried about using it with only 12hp. Thanks The Raider is only a 14hp and my drive is ledge pack and steep, works well. Depending on your drive or what your clearing your 12hp should be fine. Low gear, high rpm, it's fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse_of_course 99 #19 Posted August 16, 2009 My blower does make the 12 HP motor work a bit, but nothing I worry about. Plowing deepish snow can be even harder and it affects the frame and tranny as well as the engine. :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue 0 #20 Posted August 16, 2009 Great news! Thanks Rolf Can anyone help me pinpoint what this blower is? As I said above and pictured. It doesn't appear to be the same as the tag that's on it. Unless there was a later model. In which case I don't know where to look. Thank you in advance for any help you may be. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites