Snowblower advice needed!

[Ed]

Hey gents-

I am installing a snowblower on the bow of my boat....any ideas as to how I can attach it?

Seriously, I have the opportunity to buy a mid 1980's Ariens 7hp- 2 stage- 24inch cut- snowblower for $200. It appears to be in good shape. As far as the engine is concerned...what can I do to verify its condition? Do I need to do a compression test and if so, what psi should I look for?
What about the other mechanicals (auger, driveshaft, etc)...what do I need to look for??

Thanks-

Ed

[Scott]

Ed
For $200 what can you say ??
The engine should be ok since it doesn’t run that frequently …. However they can see a good amount of torque when they do since that motor is driving the blower fan /auger and the drive train … A big dump of heavy wet snow puts a load on them

I would try to start the thing absolutely cold (7 hp should have a way to start it electrically ... as simple as plugging it into the wall) Those bigger engines can have some kick (can put a hurting on the shoulder if it wont start). If it starts ok see how well it goes into forward and reverse (it should also have a couple gears/speeds forward and at least 1 speed reverse ) If you need to hand push something that big ….A shovel works much better!!!

As far as how its going to handle snow …. Ya need snow to know!!! With the two stage make sure the auger spins ( slow) and that the blower fan paddles (real fast) and are in good shape, if they are bent up or damaged the thing will throw snow as good as an old man with prostrate trouble !! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] They should have shear pins (especially the auger) in case ya try to snow blow something ya shouldn’t have….even with that we have damaged the blower fan.

Not all are created equal. We have had Ariens ,Simplicity and John Deere ….. the Simplicity kicked butt !! Would go through anything Vermont had to throw at it ….The Ariens we had was just to small and the Deere is ok …

The starter and the blower fan needed work two years ago …. That was a $200 bill ….

Now for just a few more dollars [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
Diesel and 50” path ..Arr Arr Arrr

[Ed]

Hey Scott-

Thanks for the info...for $200 I guess i really can't go wrong. No snow up here...so I will have to do a dry test today.

All I can say is that i am done with shoveling!

Ed

[Scott]

Exactly

as long as she starts and the fan goes round and round [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

So when are we starting a snowblowin forum !! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[ocuyler]

I agree with Scott that they typically don't get very many hours, like most boat motors here in Rochester. I have found the single biggest problem with those carbed 4 strokes is that they rarely have Sta-Bil put in them and the carb gets fowled with varnish. Count on a carb rebuild. Other than that, it's no different than buying an old outboard, seals, fluids and filters.

A GMC 3/4 ton pick-up with a Western Pro plow would be a better choice...

[lost2a6]

Snow? [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] What's that? [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Billybob]

Ed for $200, get it. I have an old Ariens that they were going to throw out at work here. I rebuilt the carbs, and put a coil on it and the thing screams.
Best part is, my 14 year old likes playing with it so I don't have to do the driveway.
Bill

[ocuyler]

Steve,

Ok it may be time to haul the boat...