Buying QA42A questions- what to look out for?

[EricWww]

I’m going to look at a local QA42A to mount to my 1450- tried to read as many threads on here and elsewhere on this and the QA36. DL’d the manual + parts diagram and read through that as well. Besides the obvious parts like the pulleys, belts, mounting points and rods etc, anything in particular to look out for that has a tendency to fail? I read all about the cutter bar, chute polishing, J-mech augerbox 50/50 bearing grease/ 80W90 wet pudding oil, 3.5” pulley modification as well but wondered if I missed anything. Not sure if I’ll be able to look directly at the auger drive either since it sounds like the auger, impeller and box comes apart as one, but I’ll definately check for leaks.

Also, is $300 asking price reasonable for one that looks to be in decent condition- seller sent me a video of it operating. It’s close enough I can pick it up without having to ship or walk away if it’s truly crap.

Thanks,
Eric

[Yosemite Sam]

That one doesn't look too bad.

Since you get a lot more snow there than we do, I'm sure the price will be higher on units in your area. I just bought a pretty darn nice QA42A from a member here for a LOT less than the asking price on the one you're looking at (thanks Don!). I also bought one off ebay a few years ago for $100.00

You will want to look at the chain tensioner (it's the part that holds the small sprocket for the chain) they often get worn to the point that the sprocket eats into the bearings and the chain eats into the aluminum.

Also check to see how much play is in the gearbox. First, make sure the pulley will turn the auger, then turn the pulley back and forth (not enough to turn the output shaft, just enough to see how much play there is) many times the keys and keyways on the input and output shafts will wear causing slop. The bearings in the gearbox also go bad, you can try to wiggle the shafts to see if there is any play in the bearings, but it's hard to tell for sure until you take the gearbox apart.

Auger bearings also go bad, so you'll want to try to wiggle the auger as well.

[EricWww]

I think we're probably about the same latitude.. but either way thanks for the advice! I just got my walk-behind Toro running last night, and have the plow (but as everyone knows you can never have too many tools or toys!). Probably check it out today or tomorrow. Watch me buy this thing and it doesn't snow at all this year

[amflyer]

I gave $125 for my QA42A that I am refinishing. I see some of the prices but it pays to be smart and shop around abit. Take your time there are good deals all around our area.

Robb

[EricWww]

OK I wound up buying it. Seller was an enthusiast with a bunch of CC tractors and accessories. I don't think he's a member here though. He was only 10 minutes away which made it super convenient. He actually just rebuilt the gearbox. The other parts mentioned by Yosemite Sam seemed to be in good shape. I haven't mounted it yet, might do it tomorrow during daylight. We're expecting our first snow tomorrow night but only 1-2 inches. I'm hoping it dumps like crazy then I can test it out along with the new Rim Guard and Terragrips set up

Next I'm reading through the Xtreme Motorworks catalog and already getting ideas, such as the higher lift bracket extender. Seller tried to drive his tractor up on my trailer ramp and it didn't clear, so minor details to work out. Thanks for the advice here, certainly appreciate it.

[Jeff in Pa]

Congrats on the purchase. It looks pretty good.

I have a QA-42 for my 125. Single stage snow throwers work best at WOT and keeping the auger loaded.

[EricWww]

Unfortunately it been bitterly cold here in the mid-atlantic but worse yet hasn’t snowed enough for me to use the thrower (or plow for that matter). Further my hydro check valves are out for repair so I’m going to rebuild the carb in the meantime. But I have some additional questions on the QA42A:

1) Is there supposed to be some kind of shield over the chain in the front? It just seems really exposed.



2) How much clearance is the bottom cutter/scraper and auger supposed to have from the ground? This wasn’t mentioned in the manual. On my walk-behind, it specifies ⅛” clearance from the auger to the ground.


3) Has anyone put some kind of skid or wheel on this? As heavy as this thing is I can only imagine this scratching the heck out of whatever surface it’s going on. Perhaps something off a snowmobile? Alternatively- I’m thinking of getting a fairly thick strip of poly (similar to plow blades) and lining the entire bottom with it. Then, it might not even need the side skids.


4) Are there any covers available so I can store outside? I don’t have a garage at my primary house and it would take up way too much room in the shed. There’s plenty of covers available for walk behind units but I haven’t found any for a tractor mounted one. I could always tarp it but I don’t like they trap moisture. I may extend my shed’s roof eventually so I can store underneath as I just hate leaving anything outside exposed, whether it’s my BBQ grill, mower deck, etc.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by EricWww

1) Is there supposed to be some kind of shield over the chain in the front? It just seems really exposed.

You really need to learn how to go to the parts lookup area of the MTD Cub Cadet site and look at the parts book. Here is the link to the site. Click on "Parts and Service" then enter the model number. Attachments are different, and sometimes hard to find. It's sometimes easier to put in the model of tractor you have, then choose "attachments" and pick the attachment from the list. Here is the link to the pics for your thrower.

Yes, there is a guard, it is callout #1 in the pic.

Originally Posted by EricWww

2) How much clearance is the bottom cutter/scraper and auger supposed to have from the ground? This wasn’t mentioned in the manual. On my walk-behind, it specifies ⅛” clearance from the auger to the ground.

You can run it scraping, or just off the ground. It is your choice. I prefer my cutting edge to just touch, or be about 1/4" off the ground. If you hold it up very far, it has a tendency to ride up on the snow and ice and not "peel" it off all the way.

Originally Posted by EricWww

3) Has anyone put some kind of skid or wheel on this? As heavy as this thing is I can only imagine this scratching the heck out of whatever surface it’s going on. Perhaps something off a snowmobile? Alternatively- I’m thinking of getting a fairly thick strip of poly (similar to plow blades) and lining the entire bottom with it. Then, it might not even need the side skids.

People have yes. It does have skids on the side. One of mine has a piece of round stock welded to it that is bent up on the ends. It worked pretty good, but you couldn't really get it very close to the ground.

Originally Posted by EricWww

4) Are there any covers available so I can store outside? I don’t have a garage at my primary house and it would take up way too much room in the shed. There’s plenty of covers available for walk behind units but I haven’t found any for a tractor mounted one. I could always tarp it but I don’t like they trap moisture. I may extend my shed’s roof eventually so I can store underneath as I just hate leaving anything outside exposed, whether it’s my BBQ grill, mower deck, etc.

Tarp is basically your only choice. I prefer to get mine inside to melt off during season. But that isn't always a choice.

[Yosemite Sam]

No shield for the chain inside the auger housing.

If there were, it would need to be awful heavy duty or it wouldn't last long in there.

[EricWww]

Thanks for the responses. I should have posted a pic. I meant the front of the unit to cover the exposed chain. I'm pretty sure I have #1 already. For the clearance, I have what I believe to be the factory side skids. Right now it's adjusted to what I think is kind of high. I do think I'm going to try using poly to replace the bottom cutter, like what I'm doing for the plow. Ordered it from McMaster today. Ah well, still waiting for the first good snow storm so I can tinker