Snowblower Revs on a BX2680

[Randy in Muskoka]

What is the optimal revs on the tach when operating a front mount snowblower (BX2822) I've been using 2500 as my guide, but the PTO marking on the tach is 3200?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

What is the optimal revs on the tach when operating a front mount snowblower (BX2822) I've been using 2500 as my guide, but the PTO marking on the tach is 3200?

Then optimal is 3200.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

'optimal' ? can have different meanings to several people.

but.... and there's always a but.....
if the snow's dry, you can use less RPMs and save on fuel.

kinda like asking 'optimal' ground speed ?
one could say 'go as fast as you can, but as slow as you must'...

really there's a LOT of factors and since YOU are there, running the machine , YOU know best. IF 2500 gets the job done you ARE saving fuel from running at 3200.

 

[JimDeL]

What is the optimal revs on the tach when operating a front mount snowblower (BX2822) I've been using 2500 as my guide, but the PTO marking on the tach is 3200?

On my BX2380 the 3200 mark is for the rear PTO. I can - and do - run the front at around 2500.

 

[Randy in Muskoka]

On my BX2380 the 3200 mark is for the rear PTO. I can - and do - run the front at around 2500.

ahhhhhh that makes sense, anywhere I can look this up?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

The owner's manual should have it...
generally some 'mark' on the tach will be the RPM needed for 540 out the back AND 2500 for the mid.
I know there's a spec list in the BX23S for this 'somewhere'. It isn't obvious what they're saying but there will be an RPM listed for the mid PTO and we're supposed to know it's based on engine RPM at the tach 'mark'.

 

[DustyRusty]

It all depends on the snow volume and whether it is wet or dry. Too slow will not clear the snow. Too fast, and you need to increase the ground speed to keep enough snow going into the second stage. Every storm is different, and you need to learn what works best for you. There are no hard and fast rules for snow removal. It is a learning curve for your circumstances. When you think you have mastered it, the weather will change and present new challenges. The one hard and fast rule about snowblowers is not to put your hands into the chute to clear clogs. Use a chute shovel or stick to clear the clog and your hands will last you a lifetime. If you put your hands into the chute even though you think everything is stopped, there is still energy waiting to be released and it will maim you for life. Keep the correct tools and shear pins with you so if one breaks, you don't have to go back to the house to repair it. Don't forget to grease everything on the snowblower, including the chain and augers.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Rule #1. always Shut the *&*&(* machine OFF before clearing clogged snow !!!
Rule #2. Don't be upset when people call you A 'LEFT HANDED idiot' FOR not FOLLOWING RULE #1.

btw when you play russian roulette your odds of dying are 1 in 6, when you parachute , it's 1 in 3

 

[RCW]

Following @DustyRusty , I’ve run front mounted snowblowers since 2002 on a gravel driveway.

In 11 winters I’ve plugged the Kubota blower once.

I run the Kubota without regard to the tachometer. Not sure I’ve ever looked at the tachometer with the snowblower, but I do with the grass mower on.

While PTO-rated engine RPM is very important, I'm less concerned with the snowblower.

Run so it doesn’t lug, but still throws snow as required.

Like Dusty said a dry snow might only need a half or 3/4 throttle.

Others I need all it’s got……

Posted this pic many times - - @North Idaho Wolfman says it's my RoboCop or Batman imitation.

I sooner think it was a tall Frosty the Snowman.....

 

[Randy in Muskoka]

Thanks all

 

[DustyRusty]

Today I had to run the snowblower with the engine at wide open throttle. 8" of wet heavy snow and even though running as fast as the engine could go, the chute still clogged up and I had to stop and clear the clog.

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

Today I had to run the snowblower with the engine at wide open throttle. 8" of wet heavy snow and even though running as fast as the engine could go, the chute still clogged up and I had to stop and clear the clog.

I use non-stick cooking spray, it works and is safe for the environment.

This will be my first winter with the Kubota so I'm not sure how well cooking spray works on that powerful a machine, it works well on smaller machines and snow shovels.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Take less 'width' of snow ,especially when it's wet ! Maybe 1/2, maybe 1/3, maybe 1/4 ? You'll KNOW after a few passes.
The 'trick' is to learn what combination of travel speed, BLOW RPM and width of cut allows you to make ONE pass and get RID of the white, far,far away. Having to do a 'do over' is a waste of fuel and time.

Also when 'done', go around the edges and blow THAT white ,far,far away BEFORE it freezes into a mountain ridge that even C4 can't move.

Like snow plowing, snow blower is an 'art'. It takes a lot of 'on the job training' to get really,really good at it.

 

[Hkb82]

Guess I understand the fuel savings part but personally I run high rpm for all snow types. I am paying for the hp might as well use it. Maybe if I was on the commercial side of snow clearing I’d think about fuel costs a little more but for private use I’m running high. I’m guessing your machine doesn’t tell you what rate the pro is spinning at? With the amount of snow you guys got in muskoka this week I’d be full power captain mode lol. I grew up in Gravenhurst and do miss the dumplings you guys get. Unfortunately I’m across Georgian bay now on the Bruce. We don’t see those types of snowfalls on this side.

 

[RCW]

I use non-stick cooking spray, it works and is safe for the environment.

This will be my first winter with the Kubota so I'm not sure how well cooking spray works on that powerful a machine, it works well on smaller machines and snow shovels.

I've seen here on OTT several folks use a non-stick spray.

I never have, so can't criticize or recommend.

I figured I can't keep paint on the second stage or chute (stone driveway), so thought spray would be scrubbed off in the first 30 seconds.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

maybe 32 ?

Seriously, I'd sandblast it all, then epoxy primer, then epoxy paint. if properly done, it's smooth as a baby's bum...

 

[tek9tim]

As all have said, optimum is whatever the snow and your situation requires. That being said, front mount blowers are geared down so that the PTO RPM mark on your tach gives them the RPM they were designed for. If it works at lower RPM, great, save some fuel. But no need to get inside your head about the mid PTO spinning faster.

 

[nbryan]

I always run at or near the suggested operating rpm, 2500 for the front pto on my machine. Then I adjust the tractor forward speed with the HST pedal according to snow conditions. The way it works for me is at full rpm the blower second stage does the best job of blowing the furthest, every time. Regardless of wet or fluffy snow.
I see no reason to back off pto rpm to "save fuel". If there's less snow, it just gets blown faster at full rpm. Just move forward faster!