How to Build a Snow Blower
Introduction
There are many people who like to make machines, especially people who are interested in mechanical and automation aspects. Winter is a dominant season in the USA, and people tend to suffer a lot during this season because the temperature falls and the snow covers houses. The government appoints people who are responsible for removing the snow.
But sometimes this becomes so acute that it is better to remove them by themselves than waiting for the government service. In this case, a DIY snow blower can be much useful. You can make it and then use it to remove the snow from your lawn. For this reason today, we are going to explain a simple and easy technique on how to build a snow-blower. this can be a useful device to manage the snow by yourself. You can make it easily at home and then use it to remove the snow.
Requirements
The building of a snow-blower requires quite a several things. The first thing you need is an old snow caster, and you can renovate it to a new one. Then you will require a drill, which will also be much help because this will act as the primary way of shoveling the snow. You will require iron rods. This will help you to make the frame. And for attaching the rods, you will need a welding machine. You can get this from any hardware store. The next step is to make a bucket. You can either use an old bucket or buy a new one. Then you will need a piece of pipe for the exhaust.
Next, you will need bolts that will be required to attach the frames to the shovel, and you will also need some scoops that will be assigned for the enlargement of the shovel. After that, you will require an engine that you will install in the machine. Then you will require some waterproof wirings and a switch to which these will remain attached. You will also need LED lights. Lastly, you will require some paint and decals to decorate the snow-blower.
Procedure
Making a DIY snow blower for your home is quite complicated because you will need much knowledge and some elements that have to be appropriately adjusted. For this reason, we are going to give you a simplified chronological step that will make this work much easier ad this will also act as a great way of learning. The steps are stated below with proper explanation. First of all, you need to gather some materials that are mentioned below. The tools and elements you will need are; two batteries, an electric motor, 4 pieces of PVC pipes, a power switch, and a speed controller.
Step One
At first, you have to manage an old snow caster. You can buy them on the internet or the junkyard. This is much needed because the sophisticated machinery that is required for the manufacture of the snow-blower may not be available all the time, so it is better to renovate one. Then this will act according to all the specifications that you need. So buy a cheap one which has all the parts attached and then you can make them work.
Step Two
You can add another engine to the old one and then make it work as a new snow-blower, you can also reshape the front panel. As you have already purchased an old one, you will increase the front panel’s length by adding scoops. This is done because the range of the front panel, when enhanced, will be able to get hold of more amount of snow, which will be much beneficial. So we start by adding more scoops on both sides of the panel.
Step Three
The same amount of scoops are added on both sides, which makes it look more robust. As you have increased the width, you have to give a bracing, so we are adding metal jack wheels. These metal jack wheels will be attached to the wear plates, this will increase the power of the scoop to hold the ice, and the locomotion will also not be an issue for the new scoop. The scoops will remain firmly attached in this manner.
Step Four
The next step is the preparation of the frame, and this frame is needed to mount the engine of the machine. The frame is made to hold the engine, and it is essential to install the engine behind the snow removing shovel that you have altered by increasing the length by adding the scoops. The frame is to be made using iron rods, the irons must be sturdy, and you have too much sincere while attaching the iron rods with a welding machine.
Step Five
Now you have to take the proper measurement of the engine and mark the dimensions. Then you have to arrange the iron rods based on the size to make the frame, make sure to keep a bit gap from the edges because the vibration of the engine must not harm the integrity of the iron rods, next you have to weld the frame and then attach the frame with the back of the shovel using bolts, this the framework will remain firmly attached to the machine.
Step Six
At this step, you have to adjust the chute. The chute is used to eliminate the smoke created due to the running of the engine. The chutes which remain attached with the machine have a long linkage with the channel. This is mostly seen in the traditional tools, but as you are going to substitute the engine, you can easily shorten the chute length and then start installing it for the next step. Installing the Engine In this step, you have to install the engine. First of all, you have to make sure that the whole transmission is ready for the installation of the engine.
Step Seven
Now you have to shorten the length of the chute you have to install actuator. This actuator will be much helpful for the proper functioning of the chute. It is better to use a linear actuator, and you can easily buy them from the internet. Then you have to install the gas tank for your machine. This is essential for the device, and for this, you can make a DIY tank, or you can use one from the old machinery, which will be helpful.
Step Eight
Next, you have to install the drill, and the auger is used to get a proper hold on the ice, which should be much powerful. Most of the engine’s efficiency is utilized for running the drill, so the auger must be installed correctly, and you should always use a new auger, and the blades must be properly polished. For engaging the drill, it is better to use a heavy-duty wood splitter. This splitter will increase the efficiency of the drill.
Step Nine
Now you have to install the belt scrap. This belt scrap will act as a primary source for the engine to run correctly. The belt is made of scrap metals that are made thin, and you can apply color coating on the belt to suit it with the overall décor. Then you have to install tensioner, you can find this on the internet, or you can also get hold of them from other old machinery. Next, you have to design the subframe.
Step Ten
The designing of the sub-frame should be done using the heavy-duty casters, and this should be prepared in such a manner that the whole weight of the blower can be rested upon the frame. You have to keep the casters in a free position, and the bearing shafts should be installed correctly as well as the couplers and collars. Then you can also add LED light bars at the top of the shovel. This will help to visualize while driving during night time.
Step Eleven
After you have attached all these, you will get a frame installed with the shovel and auger. Now you have to make the proper assembly of these elements and then use color to paint them. You can increase the aesthetic value of the snow-blower by attaching decals to them. Next, you have to complete electrical connections. In this case, you have to connect all the wires associated with the throttle, light, and the chute to a connection circuit and then connected to the switch box.
Step Twelve
At last, you have to make the switch waterproof, and the wires should also be waterproof. Install the brakes and the steering or joystick by which you want to control the vehicle. Now you have to check all the switches and the engines properly. You can go for a test drive and check the viability of the product. The ager must be adequately tested, and the newly attached scoops must be checked thoroughly. After reviewing all these aspects properly, your snow-blower is ready for action.
Precautions
Welding
For making your snow-blower, the use of welding is quite eminent. For attaching the bolts and making the frame, you will highly appreciate the requirement of a welding machine. But this machine is quite tricky to use, and you must be very sincere because flairs are instantly ejected from this machine. So safety is a must for operating the machine. You must wear goggles before you start working with this machinery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we would like to state that the technique that we have mentioned will be much helpful to build your snow-blower. This will be beneficial for developing your skills, especially for beginners, it will be a great achievement. Thanks for your patience. Have a beautiful day!!