QA42B Snowthrower Conversion

[Aircomet]

So I just picked up a bunch of goodies from craigslist including a 48 inch deck, wide frame mule drive, wide frame blade, and a running 108. But the biggest score for me was a QA42B snowthrower. It is is good condition and the previous owner ran it on his 582 to demonstrate that it was working.

My plan is to do the modifications nessesary to install it on my 147. From my understanding I need to change out the top curved links, swap to a 1/2 inch pulley, and set the mounts in for the narrow frame. So, does anyone know a good place to find new straight top links? Alternatively, I was thinking about just fabricating some if anyone new the length of them. Or is it possible to just use the curved ones?

Also, does anyone know the correct pulley diameter and belt length I need to pick up to install it on my 147?

I can snap some better close up photos tomorrow if needed.

On a side note, would it be practical to run this snow thrower on the 108? I have no intention of doing so since I have a 147 with more power and a hydro but I was just curious. My guess was that without a creeper and only 10 hp it would struggle.

[Gompers]

I’m pretty sure you can just use the curved top links as-is. Later QA-36/42As even came with them. I believe they are slightly longer hole to hole but that’s about it.

Not 100% sure of the pulley diameter, but easiest thing is just get a pulley off a parts blower. Put up a wanted ad or go check out the sponsors at the top.

Belt is 15/32 x 30. P/N IH-55053-C1

108 would probably spin it ok if the motor was strong and the snow wasn’t too thick, but the lack of creeper means you’ll be riding the clutch a lot. Those snowthrowers work best when you keep them loaded down and the engine on the governor a little. Throwing snow is one of the things that the hydro is really best for for managing that.

[Aircomet]

Thanks for the information. I did some research and found out it takes a 4” pulley. I picked one up along with a 30” belt this evening at the local farm supply store.

I got the old pulley off of it today. Although not without turning it into a funnel with the 3 jaw puller. I got the shaft sanded and ready for the new one. Then I welded up a new tensioner out of a piece of all thread and some of the old parts that were broken off. The original threaded adjuster was broken in half and seized in the special nut that rotates the cam back and forth. So I drilled out the old threaded rod and retapped it for my new piece.

I got the scraper bar off which was only held on by two bolts. The rest were ground off to nothing. I picked up some new carriage bolts this evening and will turn the bar around to reinstall.

I pulled the 4 bolts out on the quick attack bracket and reinstalled them in the narrow frame holes so it would fit my 147. I got it on after some fighting and it fits well. My 147 has a manual lift on it with a spring assist and it is quite heavy to lift. Manageable though just not easy. The curved links actually work fine on it. Doesn’t seem to be tilted much.

Next is pulley install and belt hookup. Then, make sure everything is greased up and reinstall the scraper bar.

[Jeff in Pa]

Originally Posted by Aircomet

............ Then I welded up a new tensioner out of a piece of all thread and some of the old parts that were broken off. The original threaded adjuster was broken in half and seized in the special nut that rotates the cam back and forth. So I drilled out the old threaded rod and retapped it for my new piece.

.............

The original threaded rod and tension cam are left hand thread. I make those if you want original style ( my threaded rod has a 3/4" hex nut welded on )

Jeff

[Aircomet]

Thanks for the offer Jeff. But, I went ahead and tapped it right hand thread and used some standard threaded rod and welded on the original “T” wing nut thing that was factory. It works like new now. Just have to remember it is standard thread which honestly seems more natural to adjust anyways. Thanks anyways though.

By the way, that drive shaft and coupler I ordered from you for my 147 is still going strong.

[Aircomet]

I mounted the new 1/2” pulley on the snow thrower gear box today. I finished adjusting the mounts some and got it hooked up on the 147. I also flipped around and reinstalled the scraper bar with new hardware. Man what a bear that thing is to get the “quick” attach hooked up. Definitely something you don’t take on and off frequently.

I tested it out for the first time and everything turns smoothly. No clunking or banging. Turns very smooth and pretty quiet considering all the mass that is rotating. I was extremely surprised by how fast that auger turns. I guess I’m just not used to single stage units. Now I just need some snow to fully test it out.

[Jeff in Pa]

The spinning auger is what "spits out" the snow. A single stage snow thrower works best at WOT ( 3600 rpm ) and when kept loaded with snow.

I see you have ags with chains. Turfs would actually work better ( better footprint) but you need to run what you have. Loaded tires or wheel weights would be best but any added weight is better than none.

Since you're out int he open, I highly recommend wearing a fullface motorcycle ( snowmobile) helmet. It keeps the snow off your face and will keep you much warmer too.

Good luck
Jeff

[Aircomet]

Thanks for the advice on the helmet and chains Jeff. Ideally I would like to have two sets of rear wheels and tires. One with turfs and chains for the winter and the other with lug tires. Then just switch them out. That would save me from messing with installing tire chains all the time.

I made a weight box today for it out of scrap metal I had. I will fill it with old brake rotors and riding mower flywheels. I would like to pick up some wheels weights sometime for it too. I’m not a fan of loaded tires personally because I have had bad experiences with tubes leaking on old sets and rusting out the rim. Just had to replace rims on my allis chalmers B for that reason. That wasn’t a cheap fix.