Blower Downsize Worth It?

[goridedoo]

Just recently upgraded (hp downgrade) from an IH 1086 to a new Massey 4707 (58 pto HP). I've been using a Farm King 960 dual auger blower, it worked OK on the 1086, but the low reverse gear was way too fast in deep, heavy, or hardpacked snow- and I was constantly riding the clutch. I am able to run much slower with the Massey (1.4 mph), between the lower speed and lower HP it works very similar to the 1086, does a nice job in normal conditions, but I am riding they clutch when things get tough. It WORKS, but I don't love it.

I am wondering if I would really gain anything by going to a smaller single auger blower? The blower I currently have in mind is a Pronovost Puma-84. Would one less auger and 12" narrower free up much HP? Another issue I see here is that the Massey is 83" wide, most recommend the blower be atleast 6" or so wider than the tractor. Is it really a big deal? I have a few curves in my driveway, but I am typically pulling forward and getting straighted out and taking another bite around the curves in heavy snow anyway.

I am in South Dakota, we rarely get more than 10-12" at a time. Lots of wind, and there are a few places in my driveway that frequently drift in. Most of the snow is fairly low moisture, but March and April blizzards do happen, and that snow is always very heavy. Driveway is 1200'. Any input is appreciated.

 

[oosik]

I had a blower for 27 years. It was 60" wide - called the Blue Machine. It was about 12" narrower than my rear tires - 6" on each side. I never noticed that the narrower width hurt my blowing abilities one little bit.

Think about it. The ONLY time the narrower blower will make a difference - the first pass. Thereafter you will blow as wide as the blower and only one rear tire will be wider than the blower.

Pronovost is supposedly one of the better brands. How wide are you thinking? A 58 hp tractor should power a big blower easily. If conditions get tough - lower gear/lower engine speed.

In my experience I was most often blowing at right around 1 mph with engine speed around 2K rpm

 

[goridedoo]

I had a blower for 27 years. It was 60" wide - called the Blue Machine. It was about 12" narrower than my rear tires - 6" on each side. I never noticed that the narrower width hurt my blowing abilities one little bit.

Think about it. The ONLY time the narrower blower will make a difference - the first pass. Thereafter you will blow as wide as the blower and only one rear tire will be wider than the blower.

Pronovost is supposedly one of the better brands. How wide are you thinking? A 58 hp tractor should power a big blower easily. If conditions get tough - lower gear/lower engine speed.

In my experience I was most often blowing at right around 1 mph with engine speed around 2K rpm

I am currently thinking 84".

 

[oosik]

Your 58 hp Massey should handle the 84" Pronovost. If you have deep drifts - take them down in layers. Also - take less than a full width cut if cutting thru drifts - once you get a path cut thru the drifts.