Electric PTO and Snowblower

[pfrederi 18,364]

I have never used an electric PTO with a snowblower (or even a mower deck).  I have one that is on my C175 (John Deere transplant KT17 so no ball bearings) that runs my sweepster and when you flip the switch it shakes everything (even at only fast idle) ... I like to ease implements into engagement.  Seems like slamming engagement of a snow blower would be hard on everything. 

 

However here is why I am asking.  Summer project is to build an Electro16.  I have been so impressed with the Electro 12s limited slip differentia,l the quick starting and the hydro ready to pick up the snow plow quickly. (Unlike my 418A currently on blower duty. She cranks forever if she has sat and then you have to fill the shop with fumes while she decides she is ready to pick up the blower...and even with chains and 150lbs of weight backing uphill with the blower raised is hard.)

 

So this summer the Electro 12 is getting a heart transplant from a C160 8 speed (which will become a c120).  The Electro currently has a manual PTO but I have the appropriate electric unit I have been wanting to put on her and restore her to her "as built" state...but the snowblower and electic PTO give me pause.

 

I have a Charger 12 that is all original that will be going on plow duty.  Both tractors will be permanently dedicated machines...I am getting tired of implement switching.

[oldredrider 2,553]

So... what is your question? The electric pto's I've used work very smoothly.

[pfrederi 18,364]

So... what is your question? The electric pto's I've used work very smoothly.

 That is my point they seem to slam into engagement..with a manual i can feather it in slowly.

 

Edit:  i don't think the chain drive in the blower will take kindly to being slammed into engagement...or then again maybe I am worrying too much.  Want to know how many people actually use Electric PTO s with blowers...

Edited April 7, 2015 by pfrederi

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

This has been discussed before on the forum. But I can't recall what the answer is. Looking at the Owners Manual for a 315-8 with an electric PTO and a 518xi with electric PTO, only the 518xi has any mention of engine throttle. For the 518xi with a hydro, it is at full throttle for best results. It seems to me the nature of the electric clutch has more strain on it to start things rotating at lower speed.

 

This past winter I was playing  with my 523Dxi and was curious to see how much torque the engine had to start the snowthrower rotating. At idle it threw the belt but the engine never even blinked! There after, I always made sure that I was at mid-throttle or better. No problems after that.

[boovuc 1,090]

If the transplanted KT17 is still on the rubber-mount engine cradle, that may explain some of the shaking. Check the mounts to see if they are loose/cracked/split!

Your 418A sounds like my C-175 when it would sit awhile. The fuel was draining back to the tank. Put a check-valve just before the fuel filter or put another shut-off valve before the fuel filter. Change your fuel lines and make sure your fuel tank shutoff is working.

 

I don't like slamming implements into action either. Mowers, blowers, etc! It isn't good for the engine, belts or implement.