Fun With Snow Throwers

The Troy-Bilt Storm 5524 snow thrower is a two stage unit. One stage are a series of blades (called augurs) that break the snow up, and feed it to a large spinning blade that then throws the show out an exit chute. Well, after replacing the pins again that hold the augur blades to the shaft that turns them, we noticed that the spinning blade was no longer turning. Was it perhaps prevented from moving by a rock? (This has happened several times now.)

Nope. The blade will turn by hand. After a little troubleshooting, we found that the belt that drives that spinning blade is stretched enough that it doesn't likely turn anything with more resistance than a record turntable. (Younger readers may want to consult a museum to find out about these delightful pieces of technology.) Now that I think of it, one of the times that a rock locked that part, I saw smoke coming out--which was probably the drive belt cooking.

Anyway: no local dealer has the drive belt in stock, but one of them has generic rubber drive belts. Since the stretched one is now 34 1/2" circumference, we're hoping the 34" version will fit. I suppose we better order some spares, while we're at it.

Removing the belt was difficult, aggravated by the fact that all the parts were either covered with snow, or were still at snow temperatures, and a less than clear manual explaining how to remove the belt. I see why people put up with the unbelievable expense and aggravation of California politics.

One reader suggested that a 5.5 hp snowthrower is probably not sufficient for snow the depth we are getting. Of course, this isn't a normal snowfall for here--at least, that's what I am hoping. It was also suggested that an ATV with a blade on the front would be a more pleasant solution than four passes with the snowthrower. At least you get to sit down while you are being pelted by icy wind, falling snow, and snow that the wind takes from the snowthrower's exit chute, and then blasts into your face.

Another reader suggested concreting a 10 foot post into the ground at the top of the driveway, and mounting a winch on it--then just winching the Trailblazer up. Unfortunately, the driveway isn't straight. It has a couple of substantial turns to it, and this would be slow. I just need to keep this driveway clear.

These people sell a snowplow kit for the Trailblazer. It's about $1300, however. On the plus side, we could quickly and easily clear the driveway, the private road beyond that, and the Old Highway if need be.

UPDATE: And this snowplow for the Trailblazer is quite a bit more reasonably priced--under $500. I suppose that I should start finding some product reviews--and how complex it is to mount this.

UPDATE 2: There is the question of voiding the warranty by putting on a snow plow. Understandably, that's not usually considered an appropriate passenger vehicle use. It might make sense to buy an ATV and a plow for it. That also means that if you get home at night, and the driveway is impassable, you can walk up the hill, and plow the road. It wouldn't make sense to drive around with the plow on the Trailblazer.