Cutting/Modifying Snowblower Down to Smaller Size

[Basquill]

Has anyone tried cutting a 3 pt snowblower down to a smaller size? I have a 72 inch single auger model and want to cut it down to 60 inches to fit a smaller tractor. My father in law (an amateur but highly experienced welder) will help. We're planning on cutting the auger, drive shaft, and the housing. We will need to retain the two end plates and move them inward towards the center. Anyone tried something like this?

 

[Industrial Toys]

If you consider that as far as attachments and the complexity of them goes, snow blowers are fairly cheap. Not sure why you would go through all this work. Plus painting and getting it to look nice!

 

[Basquill]

Yes, it does seem like a lot of work...but the snowblower and labour is free. I'm not sure if there are problems I haven't thought of that we might run into.

 

[PILOON]

Why?
If you learn and practice various techniques oversize is not all that bad. I for one run a 60" on an about 16HP pto manual tranny and do so in all kinds of snow conditions.
In minor snow falls the full bite is great.
In big dumpings I simply make 1st pass with the PTO raised about 4" and get the rest on a second pass and then take 1/2 passes from there on.

I can compare efficiency as prior to getting my 60" I trashed a 48" of the exact same brand. (learned that a blower will not digest an engine starter.)

Turned out that the augers were rusted to the shaft hence sheer pins were useless and the sudden impact blew the gearbox wide open as well as made an uneven pretzel out of one auger.

 

[BHD]

I bet you could fine some one to trade with, very easily, I would want wider than narrow,

getting the stubs (if there are stub shafts In the auger) may be more challenging than not,

three are probably key ways that will need to be replaced, on the shaft ends,

I think you find it more challenging than it is worth,

I would consider trading, if you modify it most likely you will reduce it resale value considerably, (as it will be "farmered") and standard parts will not be an option, for the next person if you would trade or sell it,

My two Cents

 

[aczlan]

How does it run on the smaller tractor? IF it doesnt work well, I would offer it on Craigslist, etc as trade for a 60" before I would cut it down.
With a light snow, you might be benefited by having a larger blower as you could clear more at a time.

Aaron Z

 

[Basquill]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll try it as is with the next big snow fall. I was concerned about over-working the tractor with such a big blower. Maybe if I take it easy, it'll be okay. If we do decide to cut it down, I'll make sure we watch for the "stub shafts" for the auger.