Ready for Snow??

[Fun Engineer 859]

While working on my Commando 8, I got to thinking of why I'm doing all this work. First of all it was the second Wheel Horse tractor my parents owned. The first was a 954. The second reason is I wanted a backup to my 314-A for snowblowing. Two years ago we got over 180 inches in one winter. You never know when some minor breakdown can sideline your tractor. So I decided my Commando restoration will not only be for personal and emotional reasons but it will be restored to step in when needed. I'll post progress of the Commando restoration when I have more accomplished. Back to the snowblower.

I keep reading about how great the two stage blowers are and thought I'd post a picture of my little 314 with a sincle stage blower keeping the drive clear. The only problem I've experienced is it's hard to keep the snow out of the street. This little blower will throw snow over 30 feet.

I know the cab looks out of place but what are you going to do when thats all you can find. I threw snow for one winter before I decided I needed a cab.

[CRE1992 135]

Here the pics since they were not visible:

[Irv 115]

:thumbs2: I use my 314-8 with the 42" single stage and it is amazing how it throws the snow.

[rexman72 210]

:thumbs2: nice pics

[CRE1992 135]

:thumbs2:

Btw can you get pictures of how the cab is mounted on the 314? I would be interested in seeing because I can't find a wheel horse snow cab but I know where I can pick up the same cub cab for $50!

[Coadster32 793]

:banghead: Nice pics. (Might want to paint the cab red though) :thumbs2:

[Fun Engineer 859]

Thanks for the help with the pictures. I had to re-learn photobucket.

rexman If you can get a cab like this for $50 GET IT. i like the steel roof and frame with glass windshield. I welded an angle iron brackett on the rear of the fender. The front bracketts bolted right to the foot pads. The tractors 200 miles from here so I can't get any pictures for awhile.

As soon as I have time it will be painted. Too many other projects.

[sgtsampay 117]

Very nice rig sir. Very nice. It looks like that blower is chucking some snow. :thumbs2:

[varosd 1,185]

:thumbs2:

Pictures look great!

I just finished painting my single stage snowthrower in anticipation of Winter!

I also had to re paint the hood off my B-80, orginal paint, after 1st time blowing snow, the hood has pits from the road salt? I was very careful to wipe and dry off the metal after using it and even waxed it up prior. anyone have same issue? I know the paint is thin after all these years but Wow!

So next is the fenders,etc. only rattle can Rustoleum Regal Red but after wet sanding it looks fine.

told the wife, we need a dedicated ST Wheel Horse!! :banghead:

[AMC RULES 37,205]

The only problem I've experienced is it's hard to keep the snow out of the street. This little blower will throw snow over 30 feet.

That's a real problem when the 30 feet you need is in the neighbors yard. I can't wait to see your Commando resto start, as I've got one I want to do up as well. Debating on something custom though but maybe you'll inspire me to keep it all original. :thumbs2:

[Fun Engineer 859]

Don I've got the same problem with the Commando. For the past 6+ years she was used to plow the snow at my old house located on a heavily salted county road. My hood, wheels, fender etc are all heavily pitted. I've spent hours grinding, filling and priming trying to remove as many pits as possible. I didn't realize how bad the salt damaged the metal until I started tearing it apart.

[Fun Engineer 859]

Hey Craig

I'm just about far enough along to post some pictures of the resto. I only get 1 or two weekends a month to work on it so it's moving pretty slow. I hope to spray color tomorrow on the frame and tin. I rebuilt the engine this past spring and summer. I still have the transmission to rebuild. If things go well I'll post some pictures next week. My resto is pretty much stock other than stainless fastners and a good coat of Valspar Restoration Series Enamel.

[wheelhorse656 20]

Thats a nice snow machine!! :thumbs2:

[HorseFixer 2,013]

I know the cab looks out of place but what are you going to do when thats all you can find. I threw snow for one winter before I decided I needed a cab.

Yer way ahead of me! I blew snow for 40 Years and half of it landed back in my face before I woke up and seen the light!

On the Cab Paint the Hard Parts Red Throw a On the Side doors and call it good! Yeah Cabs are good but hey whatever keeps that white crap off ya is the main thing! Good luck with it fellow Snow Chucker!

~Duke