Ok, here's my attempts at a snowblower mod. My gravel driveway always has soft spots where the skids just dig in, no matter what time of the year (no heavy traffic over entire driveway/parking). Skids just do not work. I also have some uneven spots from grade differences and minor washouts.
I got two 1500lb trailer jacks and bolted them into the back of the blower, as close to the edges as possible for strength. I do have some concerns still:
1) Plastic wheels have no real bearings in them, will tend to wear out over time. How fast the wear remains to be seen.
1a) Will slush or water get into the wheel shaft and freeze up on me?
2) Will the jacks take the torque of running in float position?
3) Will the wheel roll ok on slick surfaces, or just dig in like the skids?
4) I can always replace the 8"x2" wheels with better ones with some form of bearings
I will leave the skid shoes at mid-point just in case, for now.
The advantage of these trailer jacks, if they work, is I can adjust the height to real high at the beginning of the season (2" or more), then lower the blower as the base builds up. Also, when I clear a hard landing (concrete pad), I can raise the wheels to max to allow the blower to scrape against the concrete for a full cleaning... Another benefit, cranking down the wheels raises the tongue for the quick hitch off the ground making for easier connection without sucking in some gravel...
I'm willing to hear any critical comments, especially if you have tried something like this before and had failure or success...
Steve
I got two 1500lb trailer jacks and bolted them into the back of the blower, as close to the edges as possible for strength. I do have some concerns still:
1) Plastic wheels have no real bearings in them, will tend to wear out over time. How fast the wear remains to be seen.
1a) Will slush or water get into the wheel shaft and freeze up on me?
2) Will the jacks take the torque of running in float position?
3) Will the wheel roll ok on slick surfaces, or just dig in like the skids?
4) I can always replace the 8"x2" wheels with better ones with some form of bearings
I will leave the skid shoes at mid-point just in case, for now.
The advantage of these trailer jacks, if they work, is I can adjust the height to real high at the beginning of the season (2" or more), then lower the blower as the base builds up. Also, when I clear a hard landing (concrete pad), I can raise the wheels to max to allow the blower to scrape against the concrete for a full cleaning... Another benefit, cranking down the wheels raises the tongue for the quick hitch off the ground making for easier connection without sucking in some gravel...
I'm willing to hear any critical comments, especially if you have tried something like this before and had failure or success...
Steve
