Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I asked this question as part of another post but thought that it would get a better response if I posted it as a stand alone thread.  I am considering a snow cab for my snow thrower.  First do you think that they are a good investment or is a snow thrower better without one?  Second, if you do have one and think that they are worth the effort to buy and install, which one would you recomend?  Borat, gave me a nice link in the other thread and there is a how to install video that I found interesting here: http://www.classicaccessories.com/instructions/.

How important is it to have one that has the easy on, easy off feature.  It was toughted as good for storage.  Thanks for the input,

Rick

Can I ask you guys how wide is the cab? I have a "36" walk in door that I run my blower in through in my garage and I was wondering if I got on e if it would work? I can't get a "30" snowblower through as with the skids on it gets too tight but my "26" goes through as well as my old "28" as well.

Thanks, Coldfingers

This web site gives the dimensions of this particular cab:  http://www.coverbonanza.com/38903/26231/Snow-Thrower-Covers--Cabs/Deluxe-Snow-Thrower-Cab----Two--Stage-Snow-Throwers.html

It lists this Deluxe cab as:  Overall size 30"L x 28"W x 50"H.

They are becoming scarce in my area so it is better to get one sooner than later.  Anyone find any good prices on the deluxe one, I would appreciate either a PM or a response on this thread.

Without going out and measuring it right now, I believe its 28.5" from outside to outside of the bars that the cab holds on too.  I sort of remember this as its mention it the manual to check this dimension to ensure its install right.  My bucket is 30" and its slightly smaller then it.  Hard to believe you cannot fit a 30" snowblower in a 36" door.  skid shoes are not 3" thick. I guess it would be somewhat tight, but it should go in without issue.

My neighbour had difficulty getting his 29" snow thrower through the 32" door to his storage shed.  I recommended that he put the skids on the inside of the intake housing.  Goes in quite a bit easier now.  On his machine (Craftsman) the skids didn't interfere with the augers. 

borat wrote:
Yal, can see that. thats only 3" in difference. But 6" seems more do able.

I have been waiting for a local hardware stock to get some more Deluxe cabs in stock.  They told me that I was on the call list.  In the mean time I found ONE Classic Deluxe Snow cab left at Sears.  I asked them if they would price match the other store even if the other store did not have them instock.  The surprising answer was yes.  They then matched the $89.95 price plus gave me another 10% off.  $81 for the Classic Deluxe Snow Cab was a great deal. 

Putting it all together wasn't terrible either.  I assembled it out of order due to the weather.  I assembled the whole removeable part indoors and then went outside and put the few parts on the snow thrower that needed to be done outside.  The wind was blowing and we had over 8" of snow and it was the most comfortable snow removal that I have ever done.  My pants had some snow blow back on them and even the back of my hat, but for the most part my upper body was in great shape. 

If you have considered putting a snow cab on your machine, once you do so, you will be wondering why you didn't do it earlier. 

Rick

Last year I posted a similar comment on a different  (the OPE ) forum.   I couldn't believe the number of replies that said snow cabs look goofy, made the operator look like a dork or was just not cool?   All these years of snow throwing, I had missed the part about how one should look while doing it.    Got to wonder what goes through some people's heads some times.  Personally, I think looking warm is a far better experience.   

This old guy likes to be comfortable and forget what the neighbors think.  I'm glad to provide entertainment  for them and I will smile to myself.  By the way, the Elmer Fud hat that I wear is comfortable and keeps me warm no matter what my buddies tell me about how it looks.  Thanks for the help making the selection Borat, I really like it.

Rick

Clay wrote:
You're welcome Rick.  I wouldn't recommend it if it wasn't a good value.  For the money, it can't be beat.   Considering what available, out there, I'd say that it's hard to beat at any price, particularly when compared to name brand units.

borat wrote:

I wear glasses so stopping every few minutes to wipe off the wet snow has become a real pain.  I was constantly adjusting the chute direction and deflector angle to minimize the snow blowing back in my face.  I thought about using ski goggles over my glasses but I read on the forum that some people have problem with the goggles fogging up.  Also, even with the goggles, my face is not completely protected from the blowing snow.  I decided to get the snow cab and give it a try.  I have to admit that after seeing on youtube.com a guy using a snowblower with a snow cab and it did look goofy.  From the side, it looked like a John Deere tractor but instead of the two large tires in the rear, there are these two small legs moving in the back.  :)  I did have a good laugh or two watching that video.

I was able to find the Classic Accessories Deluxe Snow Cab at Blain's Farm and Fleet for $94.  Everywhere else online was charging $129.  Stock status was getting depleted at most online places and I didn't want to wait for shipping when the Midwest is about to be pummeled with snow for the next two weeks.  Anyways, if you go online to Farm and Fleet website, you can check stock status of a local store.  I found a store nearby that had it in stock, and immediately called the store to verify stock status placed it on hold until I can pick it up later in the evening.

I installed the snow cab and the process took around 2.5 hours.  I was done in 1.5 hours but took another hour to tweak and fine tune the fit to my liking.  Got out my carpenter's level and make sure everything was level and plumb.  I also adjusted the height so that it's not too high and unstable in the wind, but not too low that the canopy would come down and wack me in the head when the snowblower decided to climb a snow bank.  It was all good to my satisfaction.

Tried it out the next evening.  Wow!  What a difference it made when its 0 degrees outside with 15 mph head wind.   I was well protected from the blasting wind and snow.  I actually felt a lot warmer tucked behind the cab.  I can blow the snow higher and further without worrying about it flying back at my face.  I was a self conscious about the neighbors watching and thinking how goofy or silly I look in the snow cab.  But that didn't matter for long, I was protected and enjoying snowblowing. 

This is the only negatives I have of the snow cab.  They are minor but I will mention them.  I did try removing the canopy top and putting back on.  Removing it was easy, pull two pins and lift the canopy straight up.  Putting it back on was not so easy unless you had someone holding the other side for you.  Also, it was a little work trying to get the four holes on each side of the pipes to line up so I can reinsert the pins.  I don't think I will be taking off the canopy very often so this is not an issue.  Also, the pins do vibrate and make a noise like something on the a snowblower was coming apart under the vibration of the engine.  However, I just rotate the pin until the vibration stopped. 

Well, that's my story and I'm glad I bought the snow cab.