QA-42 vs. 450 snowblower

[sbauerz28]

I am looking at picking up a snowblower for this winter to use with my 1450. I'm looking at either a QA-42 snowthrower or a 450 snowblower. I have been trying to decide for days which one I want to buy. My plan for it is for clearing paths in my yard and to my garage and barn. I don't plan to use it full time on my driveway. The 450 I'm looking at is near mint condition for $400 and the QA-42 is only $75, but looks like it could use a rebuild and a complete strip and repaint. Has anyone used both and perfer one over the other for clearing snow? My main concerns are how fast I can clear snow and how far I can throw it.

[squatch]

I can't speak to the QA-42 but my 450 on my super is amazing. It will throw snow twice as far as my big walk behind.



I didn't figure out till after that pic was taken that I only had 1/2 the auger running. I had sheared a pin.

[rweaver]

I don't think you can mount a 450 on a 1450 the belts for a 450 are 5/8 your 1450 is 1/2 also your 1450 is setup to pull back to lift as the 450 is setup to push to lift only blower that will work on your 1450 is a qa style

[sbauerz28]

Originally Posted by rweaver

I don't think you can mount a 450 on a 1450 the belts for a 450 are 5/8 your 1450 is 1/2 also your 1450 is setup to pull back to lift as the 450 is setup to push to lift only blower that will work on your 1450 is a qa style

I'm sure that blower will work. They sell a bracket that changes the lift from pull to push and the belt size thing is nothing a new pulley won't fix.

[cubs-n-bxrs]

Originally Posted by sbauerz28

I'm sure that blower will work. They sell a bracket that changes the lift from pull to push and the belt size thing is nothing a new pulley won't fix.

The 1450 has a electric clutch and I don't think it is just a matter of changing the pulley. Have to swap out the whole clutch assembly. Unless you have a 5/8th clutch assembly with the right diameter pulley to install they are pretty pricey.

[sbauerz28]

I was talking about the pulley on the blower. I was thinking I could change that pulley.

[J-Mech]

I have both. But have never used my QA. But I will say, I'm not sure the 1450 can handle the 450. I have a 450 on an 1811, and I am telling you.... IT'S ALL THAT TRACTOR WANTS in heavy snow. I don't think you would be happy with the 450 on a 14HP tractor. IF you can even make it work. This is one attachment that NEEDS a 5/8" belt. I have slipped the belt on mine before, I DO NOT think a 1/2" belt will hold it. I suggest you stick to the QA.

[hhc70]

I went from a 1450 with a QA-42, to a 1450 with a 451, to a 1572 with a 450.

There are pros and cons to both. The QA-42 was made for your tractor, it will snap right on, and is nice and light and easy to maneuver. I found it limited in its ability to handle anything but the light fluffy stuff, although other people here prefer it over a blower. The 450 was made for later tractors so you will have to modify the lift or buy the push adapter from xtreme. It is VERY heavy and will give you a workout to steer, but will move snow with authority if your engine is up to task. The 5/8" belt works just fine in the 1450's PTO. My 1450 had a healthy engine with a K361 cam, if your engine is tired, you will know it with a 450 blower.

I would recommend that you get the 450 blower, and load the tractor with lots of weight on the back and chains. It will still be tough to steer, but then you will have an excuse to buy a super.

[sbauerz28]

Thanks. Thats what I was looking to hear. I have already decided on the 450 blower. I'm going to pick it up this weekend. I have also heard that people have used this blower and 5/8" belt on a PTO with 1/2" pulley. I already have a set of nice V-bar chains and weights. I also plan to load the tires and add a weight box on the back.

[squatch]

x2 on the weight. It is heavy enough to make my Super light in the rear.