Snowblower project in the offseason - Cub Cadet 551

[jeff216410]

Greetings all... I'm looking to put a taller and wider snowblower on my Cub Cadet 149 in the off season. Can someone tell me if the 551 model will latch onto the front frame of a 149? Is the width correct? Also, for anyone who uses the 551 unit... What diameter pulley is on your engine? I'm thinking mine is too small and I know there is a belt width issue. I can change pulley diameters/belt width and idlers within reason but would like to start with a blower that would physically latch onto the tractor. I need a taller blower opening and some more width would be nice. Some of the snowdrifts this year were so tall that the shoot was aiming the snow right at the snowdrift. I need a taller outlet and I see the 2 stage units have a shoot that is more offset to one side. This will give me the chance to clear the top of the snowdrifts. The QA series opening did not do a lot for me cutting through 5 foot tall drifts left by the plows. A 20" opening with drift cutters would be really nice. I should have the power since the 14ph is mildly juiced up to probably about 16-17 hp. Anyone know were I can fine a good used 551? I'm in Connecticut.

 

[scoutcub]

Not sure if the 149 will push the 551? I used to own one, but on a diesel SGT-1782.
I've seen the 551's here and there for sale, on ebay and CL.

good luck!

 

[jeff216410]

From what I read the 551 is 45 inches wide. I only have a QA-36 but my father had a QA42 on his 149 and it pushes that no problem. I have extra ballast so pushing it should be no problem since it is only 3 inches wider. As far as power my 149 is pretty healthy; I don't mind having to slow down while clearing snow especially if I'm clearing a 45 inch wide path. I think the powder it will be fine but the heavier mess left by the plows will be a little tougher to move but I got through 3-4 feet of it with the QA36 this last year. It was not the prettiest thing since I was driving into the pile wide open throttle and it dogged a little as it went from no load to over full of snow but it worked. Once I got through I could take half cuts and then it was no problem at all. I've been looking on Ebay and hopefully will find one nearby. If anyone has a 551 for sale in connecticut please contact me!!