Self Contained Snowblower for Bobcat 310

[IntheGroove]

I built a snowblower for my Bobcat skid steer. I started with a couple of old Ariens snow blowers that I chopped up and welded back together to make a 54 inch unit. After trying different engines I settled on a Predator 670cc v twin rated at 22hp. I removed three of the six blades from the impeller, replaced the steel drive shaft with a Monel 400 prop shaft from an inboard boat. I made the shaft longer to add another bearing. Shaft is driven by a size 60 o-ring chain, no clutch. The chute has been lengthened and the chute guide was replaced with a tapered unit to throw the snow farther. The chute rotation is handled by a 12 volt seat motor and the chute guide is moved by a hydraulic ram connected to modified trim tab pump. Controls for the engine and chute are in the cab. This thing works quite well...

[Crusty]

A well done project making a thing that's useful.

Extra props for using "chute" instead of "shoot" in your write up and even more props for doing the right thing with a boat - disassembling it for parts.

[IntheGroove]

And since I mounted the blower in the bucket I had to make a new bucket. Built it last week with steel I had on hand...

[hemmjo]

...snip, Built it last week with steel I had on hand...

I obviously need a MUCH BETTER "had on hand" pile!!!!!!


Nice job on the blower.

[DIYer]

Thanks IntheGroove! We've added your Bobcat Snowblower Attachment to our Farm and Garden category,
as well as to your builder page: IntheGroove's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Bobcat Snowblower Attachment by IntheGroove

tags: snowblower

[Crusty]

Hang in there ITG - I know it's discouraging to be ignored by the angle grinder and glitter crowd when you've successfully completed an extended project making something with significant utility but at least you'll get some satisfaction from moving a bunch of snow out of the way.

[IntheGroove]

The blower has been getting a good workout these last few days. Over four feet so far...

[Crusty]

That's one of those implements that isn't appreciated until it's needed and then it's a godsend. If it's a struggle just to move around then not much else gets done.

[hemmjo]

If you have a place to blow the snow, (no houses or windows, etc to damage) and can control where the discharge goes a blower is much better than a pusher for driveways, etc.

[IntheGroove]

The blower is the best way to remove snow around here. All of the commercial companies use blowers and the push plows are used mainly for roads and large parking lots. Even then they will bring in a blower to clean up. The county first runs the grader then the rotary...