snowblower install
 

Was wondering if anyone knows of a simple way to install the snowblower on a narrow frame cub cadet? For one person it is a back breaker sometimes to line everything up.

Hi Bob,

Simple? Not really, but two things have made it a little easier:

(1) Make sure the tensioner is set to the extreme tightened-end of travel. First couple of years I made the mistake of leaving it in the loose position where the belt could be installed or removed... Gearbox and sheave would bind on the "quick attach", was a real nightmare to get it on there. Had a "V8 moment" when I realized it didn't have to be that way.

(2) This last year I used a ratchet strap. Looped it from on side on the frame, around and under the front of the gearbox and back to the other side of the frame. This gave some upward lift and rearward force to help rock and draw the mounting plate into place while using a lever & block of wood underneath to guide/control the lifting of the blower mount. The strap also kept the @#$% from sliding back off every time I had to change grip.
Hope that helps.

It is a battle for sure, especially for those of us that work alone all the time.
Great tips already given which I never thought of. I will add this.
I made a board with casters that was the right height to match up the
blower to the tractor. Still have to use a lever to pry the dolly up at angle
a bit, it helped a bunch.

Ken

Before I had a dedicated winter cabbed 782, I used to take off/install the
QA 42 on my summer mower EVERY year.
I personally found it much easire to install the mule drive and belt seperate from the auger assembly.
After installing the mule drive and belt,I then slid the auger/drive shaft assembly into the mule drive,paying attention to remember to insert the drive shaft spline together clocked properly.
Then it is just a matter of inserting the bottom rod that holds them together,and inserting the cotter pin and rocking it up a tad to install the 2 top links/hair pins.
it took more time to type this than it does to install the snow thrower in 2 pieces
I found it was way easire only having to handle 1/2 the weight than trying to struggle man handling the complete unit,espically if one is working on a dirt floor in a unheated barn.
Not saying other ways are not easy or as one prefers to do. :bigthink: