Another add to the LGT Ford snow thrower.

[Propane1]

So, the other day I welded extensions on my original paddles in the thrower. I closed the gap from about 1/2” to 3/16”. Can’t really say I saw any difference in throwing snow.
Today I installed two extra paddles. And the gap on those is also about 3/16”.
I did not use rubber as most people do, because the gap on the paddle where it enters the exit hole was 1/2”, but the gap where the paddle exits the hole is only about 3/16”. So when I welded in the extensions on the original paddles they closed up the entering gap nicely but would not pass the exit hole at the end. So I had to cut off enough so the drum would rotate. Any way, if I had used rubber, they would have to be cut off too or they would have jammed up the thrower.

Noel

 

[Propane1]

More pictures.

Noel

 

[MacWorld]

Have you used any technique to balance the drum after the modification?

 

[chieffan]

I put rubber belting (2) on mine and they touch all the way around. No restriction to the rotation either to speak of. I don't see where your really gaining anything if you don't close the gap completely. Looks like a lot of the capacity of that machine is used in the large center drum ?

 

[poncho62]

The momentum of the drum is your friend on the single stage throwers. I agree with the rubber paddles. put mine on at the start of last winter, throws further and hasn't clogged since. I generally plow, just throw the snow back on the banks that build up. That is usually hard and heavy, so a good test.

 

[Propane1]

No balancing on either thrower that I’ve done.
Can’t really see how closing up a 3/16 or so gap on the paddles would make that much difference in throwing the snow.

Noel

 

[poncho62]

If your thrower is throwing far enough for you, I wouldn't bother. Mine wasn't. I didn't measure the gap I had, but it throws a lot better now. Best part, it isn't clogging anymore.

 

[Cvans]

Didn't put the rubber paddles on mine. Might have tried it if it didn't throw the snow far enough.
Poncho is right, if it ain't broke don't fix it.