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

I always wondered why certain driveways were clean to the pavement and mine never was!Now I know,weight to the blade up front.How can I add weight cheaply.I refuse to spend $110 for a painted steel bar,WHAT WILL WORK and is easily made and applied?
Thanks
Myles in Mass

Any weight should work.  I have heard of people adding sand bags, salt bags, dumbbell weights or any weight they have.  I have never tried any myself.

The other thing would be how your blower is setup.  Is it set to scrape clean or is it set to leave some snow behind?

Are the other driveways using single stage blowers or shovels?

You have a 16 hp Simplicity?  That's a monster of engine for a walkbehind snowblower.

Have you tried adjusting your scraper bar closer to the pavement?  A gap of a paint stirring stick is all it needs.

I would try that first before throwing money at a problem.  :)

What aa said, check your scraper blade.  My driveway is pretty smooth, so I've always adjusted my shoes by placing a nickel under each end of the scraper bar and then setting the shoes all the way down. You'll only need additional weight if the scraper bar is sliding across hard packed (driven over) snow.

mylestone wrote:

Are you talking about a snowblower or a tractor? You mention a blade so I think you need to clarify what piece of OPE you're trying to discuss.

Go to a scrap yard and buy a suitable piece of 1" thick flat bar - $10.00.  Go to the hardware store and buy two C-clamps $10.00.   Put a thin piece of material (cardboard/plywood) between the flat bar and top of the snow thrower intake housing.  Use clamps to hold it all together.   You might have to use some blue locktite to keep the clamps from loosening.