How well do the snowthrowers work?

Southtowns27 · #1 08-11-2013, 09:03 PM

I'm thinking of picking up a 42" for my 149. Just like the title says, how well do the snowthrowers really work in stock trim? I've seen the pulley swaps so they run faster, but I'm not sure I want to do that. I'd be using it on an asphalt driveway. Thanks in advance!

Jeff in Pa · #2 08-11-2013, 09:53 PM

Here's my 125 with a QA-42

Two main points to get the best results with a single stage snow thrower

1) make sure your tractor runs at 3600 rpm at WOT ( wide open throttle)

2) keep the auger filled with snow to maximize the throw.

bruce s · #3 08-11-2013, 11:36 PM

I have a QA-42 A on a782 . I only use my snow blade for pushing dirt now . I think after you use a snow thrower , you will be the same way .

cubby102 · #4 08-11-2013, 11:41 PM

In my opinion anything under 4 inches a blade is better. If you keep it full they work great just don't let the wind shift on ya

red56turbo · #5 08-11-2013, 11:47 PM

Keep the throttle wide open, keep it full of snow, and make sure the chute isn't all rusted up. Clean the chute and either paint it or use slip plate.

The throwers really depend on the type of snow as well. The dry, powdery stuff will throw nicely. Now if it's the wet, mushy snow, the throwers don't work as well as if the snow's powdery. Even blowers have problems with wet snow, though. The fan tends to plug every once in a while.

I used to have a QA42A on my 149 and 169. It did a nice job for me.

zippy1 · #6 08-12-2013, 01:40 AM

For my two cents, I would go with a blade every time.

drglinski · #7 08-12-2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippy1

For my two cents, I would go with a blade every time.

X2 on that one. Here is why I have a blade and not a snowthrower.

Blade:

-cheaper to buy.
-no moving parts.
-can be used for multi-purpose, dirt/snow/rocks/etc
-does not require WOT or lots of HP to operate. With all the snow we got in SE MI last winter I used maybe 4 gallons of gas in my 147.
-can be used in all types of snow/slush/ice. I've pushed over 6" easy with mine.
-stores easy when not in use. Lay it on it's face and prop the sub frame against the wall.

For what I want/use it for a blade is better value for my $$ than a snowthrower any day. Your results may vary.

yeeter · #8 08-12-2013, 10:32 AM

Related question: most recommend to keep the auger full. Does this suggest that a 36" thrower could work better (more control and less need to drive it fast) for certain snowfall levels?

And if the pulley was swapped to speed it up, would the 36 be able to take this more easily? (less rotating mass, shorter distance between bearing supports, etc)?

I assume the QA36 also comes in the 'A' version to fit both frame sizes. True?

red56turbo · #9 08-12-2013, 11:48 AM

I do agree the blades do a nice job. I've got a 42" and 54" blade and they work well. I'm just curious how well your blades work when you get dumped on with those 8-12 inch snow falls and the drifts are 2, 3, 4 feet high? BTDT. Back in the day, I ended up shoveling the drifts. No way the blade was gonna do anything. Bought a snowthrower and problem solved. There are times when I use my blade. But sometimes a snowthrower or snowblower are needed if you get a lot of snow. Now, I just use the Kubota and loader.

Flatbedford · #10 08-12-2013, 04:13 PM

I was pretty happy with my QA36 on my 125. It could put snow in the roof of my house! It was also able to chop up frozen snow banks when I had to push them back during the very snowy winter of 2010/11. I now have a QA42A for my 149s,but haven't had a chance to give it a good workout. I agree that for less than 4" or so, the blade is fine and easier on the tractor. For deep stuff, there is no substitute for a well tuned snow thrower. I think having both handy is the way to go.