Icing at point of rotation on snowblower

Longlaker

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Equipment
BX2380
Jan 19, 2022
10
3
3
Traverse City, MI
Ice will form at this location in cold temps. Planning to put heat tape on it at a low temp when parked in the garage. Anyone think this is a bad idea?
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DustyRusty

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Equipment
2020 BX23S, BX2822 Snowblower, Curtis Deluxe Cab,
Nov 8, 2015
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North East CT
Yes, it is a bad idea. The problem is that the blower is warm and melts the snow, and the water refreezes as ice. Spray the area with WD40 and break the ice off it it continues to form. This is the reason that I keep my snowblower and tractor outside but under cover in the winter to keep the icing to a minimum.
 
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Runs With Scissors

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L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
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Michigan
Can you make some sort of "rubber skirt" for it?

I think preventing the build up in the first place would be superior to addressing the problem after it has already formed.
 
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BAP

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2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
Dec 31, 2012
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New Hampshire
I clean mine off immediately after each use with a stick and then a hand straw wisk broom. If is above freezing when I am done blowing snow, I will wash it off with a hose to get off any salt residue from blowing the snowbank away by the road. My tractor and blower is kept in a cold barn helps with keeping the blower cold so snow doesn’t melt during use.
 

woodman55

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L6060HSTC, RTV 1100
May 15, 2022
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canada
I always clean mine of really well when done. I use a snow brush, and turn the shute a few times. I also clean the inside of the blower and the tractor also. It is a good way to find any damage, loose/worn parts, etc.
 
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Donystoy

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LX2610HSDCC, B/H, Loader, plus numerous other attachments. B7200 sold
Dec 10, 2013
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43
Binbrook, Ontario
I have not had this problem, but I keep my tractor in a heated shop. When going to use it I will park it outside so the metal gets cold enough to not melt the snow. Shovels I try to do the same. This reminds me of the walk behind blower that I bought many years ago that had an electric chute rotate. It used a basic power window motor which was not properly sealed. Heat from the engine would melt the snow and since the unit was not fully sealed it allowed water into the gear mechanism. The next time I used it the rotate would not work as it would be frozen solid. Would have to use a hair dryer on it. I soon ordered the manual crank assembly from one model down. Had to rewire it so the heated handles would function. The only reason I bought this model in the first place as I have a couple of fingers that rapidly freeze.
 
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GreensvilleJay

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BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
11,644
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Greensville,Ontario,Canada
neighbour didn't clean his walkbehind auger area out,so it all froze. He starts it up, engages blower, nothing....he didn't even smell the burning rubber form the new belt he destroyed.....
he wasn't happy about the $100 repair bill.
 
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Longlaker

New member

Equipment
BX2380
Jan 19, 2022
10
3
3
Traverse City, MI
Can you make some sort of "rubber skirt" for it?

I think preventing the build up in the first place would be superior to addressing the problem after it has already formed.
I don’t think so, a lot going on in this small space. I put the heat tape on it today. 17 outside right now and dropping so I’ll know in the morning if my idea worked.
 
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Longlaker

New member

Equipment
BX2380
Jan 19, 2022
10
3
3
Traverse City, MI
When the area is above freezing when you go to start the snow blowing, isn't the snow going to melt and freeze there as it cools down to ambient temperature?
Now that the ice is gone I removed the heat tape so it will be at ambient. I have the heat tape set at 35 F so is probably cooled off in 5 minutes.