Confused99 2 #1 Posted October 30, 2010 Since I found a trans for the Raider, I will be trying the 2 stage out on her. The Raider is the only tractor I have left. I am not too concerned about the 12hp as I can always speed up or slow down. I am more concerned about the manual lift. I know the thing weighs a ton but I do have both of the lift assist springs for it. I used it last year on my 520 so power and lifting wasn't an issue. So, what are your thoughts? Thanks, Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
racinfool40 203 #2 Posted October 30, 2010 My opinion them 2 stages are heavy I have a old single stage and I went and Got me a c-161 with hydro lift. The manual lifts were killin my shoulder. And them spring assist helped but not enough even with bigger springs. Give it a shot and good luck. I'd try it out 1st before the snow flies and see!!!!hate to be changing things around when I could be playin in the snow.. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #3 Posted October 30, 2010 OUch! Good luck to ya. Might want to hit the gym..... WHat happened to the 520? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #4 Posted October 30, 2010 OUch! Good luck to ya. Might want to hit the gym..... WHat happened to the 520? Ya, I will probably have a big left arm by the end of the winter. The 520 was a victim of divorce Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Operator 7 #5 Posted October 30, 2010 My son tried my single stage on the Charger 12, that was bad enough. But you know my ultimate goal here Randy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry w 2 #6 Posted October 31, 2010 I always found the Raider to work excellent with a single stage, really blows the snow!And their heavy to start with. Why the 2 stage? Do you have a single? Wonder if you could hook up a electric lift of sorts? :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Suburban 550 28 #7 Posted October 31, 2010 Jason, I really don't know too much about the two stage blower as far as lifting it manually since I never owned one. I do own a 1972 Raider 10 with a single stage blower with a single spring assist manual lift and it is no problem lifting it. When I first bought it new, the local Wheel Horse dealer told me I should have at least a 12 horsepower to operate it. The 10 horse does just fine and has gone through many big storms since owning it with no problems. Here's a picture of it after eating up close to a two foot snowfall from early this year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #8 Posted October 31, 2010 But you know my ultimate goal here Randy Yes, I know the ultimate goal here The reason for the 2 stage is I already have it and it's in excellent shape. Unfortunately I had a brand new single stage last winter and sold it when I bought the 2 stage. Sure wish I still had it. I think I may try it and see how bad it is. If it's not going to work I will look into an electric lift setup or find a nice single stage. I think the only way I could go back to the single stage is if it was the newer tall chute like I had before. I will have the new trans in the next couple weeks so I will be able to find out then. Hopefully it doesn't snow before then Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #9 Posted October 31, 2010 Ya, I will probably have a big left arm by the end of the winter. The 520 was a victim of divorce Sorry to hear. Better days ahead! With another hydro in the future!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 87 #10 Posted October 31, 2010 Maybe you could try to sell the 2 stage and buy a single stage... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don1977 605 #11 Posted October 31, 2010 Maybe you could try to sell the 2 stage and buy a single stage... It's "Faster Horses, Older Whiskey, and Younger Women! OR more Horses, or bigger Horses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #12 Posted October 31, 2010 We will have to see. I would like to try and keep the 2 stage with the intentions of buying another hydro someday. For now the Raider will have to do the job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pumper.atv 26 #13 Posted October 31, 2010 there is a charger for sale on CL up in your area. COmes with the deck and tiller. Maybe be a good one for that blower? I kinda wanted the tiller but i dont know :wh: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #14 Posted October 31, 2010 there is a charger for sale on CL up in your area. COmes with the deck and tiller. Maybe be a good one for that blower? I kinda wanted the tiller but i dont know I spoke with him about it but he said no hydro lift It's only 20 min away too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Operator 7 #15 Posted October 31, 2010 It's a tall chute too, 520H with the 16 hp, new ags all around. Randy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #16 Posted November 1, 2010 It's a tall chute too, 520H with the 16 hp, new ags all around. Randy Email me some details Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgoyette 12 #17 Posted November 2, 2010 Jason, Doesn't the Duke run his two stage on a C-120? Looks like he is very happy powering with 12hp if so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #18 Posted November 3, 2010 Jason, Doesn't the Duke run his two stage on a C-120? Looks like he is very happy powering with 12hp if so. Yes he does. That is why I'm not too concerned with the 12hp. His is a hydro with hydro lift though I should know a little more in about a week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #19 Posted November 13, 2010 With the snow they are talking tomorrow I spent some time in the garage tonight. Got the new trans bolted in with only some minor issues. I then moved on to the blower. I forgot how much of a PITA it is to get mounted. I installed the large lift assist spring and gave it a pull. I was surprised at how easy it was to pull. Keep in mind it's not like lifting a blade or mower deck but really not that bad. The true test will be tomorrow when I lift and lower it several times. As far as mounting it up, I only ran into one issue. That being a clearance issue with the belt. It hits on the PTO rod coming off the engine. I believe I have a fix for that. I think a smaller idler pully will fix that. Otherwise we will see what tomorrow brings. The news just said 11" specifically for the Lake Minnetonka area through tomorrow evening I will keep everyone posted with my results. Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry w 2 #20 Posted November 13, 2010 Good luck Jason, and have fun!! :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #21 Posted November 13, 2010 Thanks Gerry. Here are some pics. I am thinking replacing the silver idler with a smaller one should solve my issue. Any input? Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gerry w 2 #22 Posted November 13, 2010 How about a slightly shorter belt?? Drop that idler pulley down a little? How do you like those tires up front? Let me know how they work in the white stuff! And nice pic on your other post! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #23 Posted November 13, 2010 I don't think I can bring the pully any lower. If you see right behind it, it is pretty much maxed out as far as it will go down. Off to the farm store this morning. I can't say on the front tires as they are brand new. I have a matching set for the rear but put these turfs on as they are full of calcium chloride. Thinking of putting the ags on with some weight to see how she performs. I havn't picked chains up yet :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raider 2 #24 Posted November 13, 2010 Change your PTO to the newer style? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Save Old Iron 1,571 #25 Posted November 13, 2010 I am thinking replacing the silver idler with a smaller one should solve my issue. Any input? Jason Jason, a smaller pulley will only push the belt back into the same position it is in right now and cause extra stress on the belt forcing it around a smaller diameter. Maybe a smaller pulley WITH a shorter belt ?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites