450 Blower - How Much HP Preferred
 

First post...been lurking for a little while and now looking for feedback from those who use a 450 blower. My current long term project/build is an 1811 frame, with an iron rear end (782), hard side cab, and a 450 blower. I have no engine for it and would really prefer not to spend the $$ for a new 23hp Vanny. This would be a dedicated snowblowing machine and I live in north IA where 10+ inch dumpings of snow and wind are not uncommon.

My question is what available used engines would handle the 450 blower effectively without overdoing the $$ and hp?? So far I have been trying to find a used low hrs 20hp Mag or Command, or larger Command. I think an 18hp could struggle with this but let me know what you have experienced. I do have a rebuilt 18 Mag I could pull out of my other 1811, or a 20hp Mag I could pull out of my 2072, but I would still be looking for a motor to replace what I pulled it out of. Thanks for your help! DT

An 18hp handles a 450 just fine. The machines they were designed for went as low as 10hp. Lower HP just means slower speeds.

A little more info:

I will be blowing a 300 ft driveway so reasonable speed will be an issue.

I should mention I am surrounded by neighbors with the green ones....two 445's and a 1026R, all with blowers so I don't want to embarrass myself!!

I guess I could rephrase the question - What size engine would you prefer to have powering your 450 blower?

Your neighbors have you out gunned. Suck it up. :biggrin2:

As far as HP, some is good, more is better, too much is just right. :beerchug:

I agree completely with Sam. :ThumbsUp:

Again.... 18 HP rus one just fine. If you want more ponies, pony up!!

18hp mag is plenty

You want to get right down to it I have a 16hp 1641 Cub with a 451 on it which is the same thing and the 16hp never let me down yet. Plugged it a few times with wet heavy snow. I live just south of Syracuse NY in the snow belt so I see good amounts of snow as well. :beerchug:

As the others stated. No replacement for discplacement.

For a few years I had a 450 snowblower on my 1712. That old ser. 2 17hp never had a problem with that blower. The performance of the blower seem to depend on the snow. Some times I could only throw the snow a few feet. Other time 15 to 20 feet. All I know is it beat shoving it. LOL

Thanks for your input guys. If anyone else wants to jump in please do.

I am not in a real hurry to get this one together so time is on my side, plus my other cubs seem to keep me busy for now. I am just trying to get some ideas for when a good used motor becomes available.

Glad to hear some have thought the 18 Mags could get errr done! Always good to have options. Thanks again.:beerchug:

Sam - the green 445's MIGHT have me slightly out gunned (we will see) but I will be cozy in my cab!