SNOWBLOWER IDENTIFICATION

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

Fellas, I know its summer but I have been trying to hunt up a 2 stage snowblower  for my 5xi or 520H. A gentleman contacted me with a 2 stage for the 520H, he really knows not much about it. It was part of a package deal when he bought the 520H, it has been sitting outside, doesnt look to bad. He doesnt even know what to ask for it. I know from reading over the past few years about some of the 2 stage problems. I will post some pics. What I am trying to find out is what year this is, and if any of you 2 stage owners would care to comment. Dont know why, but, I allways wanted one. I must be half nuts. Lol The model number is 79361 the serial number is 6900596. Plus, I cant see it run, its not hooked up. Thanks men.

Glenn

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,512]

Here are the manuals
http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/2563-snowthrower-44in-1996-1998-2-stage-79361-om-ipl-snpdf/

Garry

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

Garry, your quicker than a rattlesnake strike. Thanks.

glenn

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

Man, where do all those parts go? Between the manual Garry posted and all the little xtras, whats missing? Lol Thats the problem buying something the other party (and me ) doesnt know about.  Cheeeeeeesh, the wheel  horse guess about hobby.

Glenn

[WNYPCRepair 1,923]

 I know from reading over the past few years about some of the 2 stage problems. 

Glenn

Hmm...  Care to elaborate? I thought I wanted a 2 stage, maybe I don't.

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,499]

 I know from reading over the past few years about some of the 2 stage problems. 

Glenn

Hmm...  Care to elaborate? I thought I wanted a 2 stage, maybe I don't.

bearings, sprockets, high maintenance.  There big, bulky, heavy. I "think " about 300 lbs. Hopefully some 2 stage owners chime in, but if you research on red square you will find many comments. Folks love em, but you must keep up with them. Frankly my single stage really does what I need, and it does it very well. But,,,,,,,,,,I like these monsters. Thats why I look. Hope this helps.

Glenn

[WNYPCRepair 1,923]

I think I'll stick with a single stage.  
 

[cheesegrader 433]

Glenn,

The two stage is a wonderful beast.  Buffalo gets as much snow as I do here.  I don't know how you made it this far without one!
You have most, but not all, of the oh-so-hard-to-find anti-sway support and belt guard.
I don't see a lift assist spring, but it might be hidden on the right side of the thrower frame.
If you need pics of the parts, let me know.  I'm doing some work in the barn this weekend, and I will be tripping over the snowthrower often.
That is a '96 I think.  Grease everything, spin the auger and give a listen to the bearings, check your chain and the silly tensioning block.
Look at your scraper bar--you skid feet are set awfully low, and your scraper bar may be getting beat up as a result.
Prepare to hit your neighbor's house with snow this winter!

[Kurt-NEPA 755]

I think its a 96 blower Glenn.  I agree its a beast, but that is what it needs to be.

I am rebuilding a 94 two stage this summer that I picked up last winter. It was in much worse shape than yours. While I like my single stage, this thing is much bigger and can handle deeper snow.  I have experience with other brands of single and two stage blowers.  In general two stage units require less power to run, but are bigger and heavier to move about. Also, the two stage is more complicated and therefore can have more issues.

Strong points, They handle heavier snow better and throw it further.  Short comings, Its bigger and heaver, but my 520H handles it.  Chains and wheel weights are a must.  When you lift this beast, the rear gets light in a hurry.  You've got to get some weight out back.

The biggest design issue I see with this model is the auger shaft bearings.  They are bronze sleeve bearings. Mine were far beyond worn out.  I would figure on replacing them.  For me, I will be using cam lock ball bearings like the single stage uses.

The best news is that snow blowers are not difficult to fix or maintain.  Unless of course, you are working in a snow storm at 10 degrees.

 

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

Glenn, just like Cheesegrader and  Kurt-NEPA said it is a 1996. Most, but not all, attachments from Toro-on you just need to transpose the first two numbers of the serial number for the year.

Edited August 12, 2015 by shallowwatersailor