BEFORE YOU INSTALL AN IMPELLER KIT ON A SNOWBLOWER, WATCH THIS!

[@GarageGear]

Here is a link to the IMPELLER KIT that I installed in this video! Thanks for watching everyone! amzn.to/3t47eaY

[@greenidguy9292]

I bought this kit via your link, however your installation doesn't show the "cupped" impellers so I was asking what is the best way to make the kit fit my blower.

[@GarageGear]

@@greenidguy9292 hey green! I commented back to your previous comment! I would bend them to fit and bolt them down. I did the same on my 2013 model! Thanks for watching

[@greenidguy9292]

@@GarageGear Have you seen the impellers I speak of? From what I understand they are common on Ariens produced in the last 15 years or so. I do thank you for the response!!

[@GarageGear]

@@greenidguy9292 yep I have the same ones on my 2013 model! Use a thinner 1/4 inch rubber flap on each one so they can bend into place! 👍

[@micheljalbert6106]

Hello, have rcvd the kit yesterday. Have cut the Rubber pads and Steel plate and ordered titanium step drill bit since i didnt want to use the self tapping screws 😮

[@dustinsiemers4766]

Im always jealous of how organized youtubers garages look. Mine is cold, disorganized and dirty with snow and sand and stuff.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Dustin! Behind the camera it’s a little messy but I’m ocd with it lol! Thanks for watching!

[@RustyZipper]

I know exactly where everything goes in my garage, I just can’t find where I put it last 😂

[@TheOzthewiz]

Yeah! And don't forget HOW NICE a heated garage is when it's -20 outside. Since "Garage Gear" is a high roller, his garage is VERY comfy in the middle of Winter. I am jealous!

[@GarageGear]

@@TheOzthewiz it ain’t perfect but it’s getting some upgrades. Recently my garage door broke. New one coming. Insulating the ceiling soon. Then installing a gas heater. Spend too much time out there to not have it warm.

[@VowellVentures]

You'd be right at home in my shop then!! 😂😂 I do dream of heat, concrete and a bit of organization in the future though.

[@bobsherman3072]

Great idea! I have a 2016 Honda HSS724ATD snowblower. The gap between the impeller that its outside housing is 1/4 inch. That is huge! It might as well be 1/4 mile! Honda is supposed to make the best snowblowers on the market, but with this 1/4 in. gap, it is constantly clogging up when I encounter heavy, wet, and/or icy snow. So I am going to follow your advice and install the impeller kit that you recommend. Many thanks for your help. Also, I find your KZbin site to be very professional and it provides easy to absorb information. Good job!

[@GarageGear]

Can’t go wrong installing one Bob! Appreciate the positive feedback! Thanks for watching!

[@PainterD54]

I see what they are charging for an impeller kit and passed on that idea. Instead I just went and got some 1/4" thick belting that was fiber reinforced made for a piece of construction equipment. I cut some 4" long sections and drilled holes in them to mount to my impellers. I mounted them flush against the inside housing so they scrape it clean. A little silicone spray helps them slide easy and keeps it shiny and clean. I didn't like the idea of self tapping screws. I used small screws with large washers against the rubber side and lock nuts to keep things from coming apart.

[@GarageGear]

There ya go David! Great way to save some money! Thanks for sharing!

[@mikemontagne2703]

Which side of the impeller did you attach them to?

[@GarageGear]

@@mikemontagne2703 the top side of the direction that it spins. Thanks for watching

[@mikemontagne2703]

@@GarageGear You're most welcome!

[@minutiesabotage]

I know this is controversial and counterintuitive, but lock washers are absolutely useless, they're the appendix of the fastener world. (Google the NASA study on locking agents, they found there was no benefit to using them, and often do more harm than good). The only thing worth a damn for preventing fastener backout is a thread locking compound, even the weak blue stuff. Caterpillar performed a similar study and found that a torqued bolt without a lock washer holds better than one with, so you'll find no lock washers on any modern Caterpillar.

[@ranckie]

I like your idea of cutting the rubber paddles with an oscilating cutter and will do that the next time I do a machine, (instead of using a hack saw cutting them one by one). I installed paddles on a 20 plus year old Yard Machine years ago cutting pieces from large mud flaps from trailer trucks and never looked back. I'm not kidding, I almost hit my neightbors house with snow from my modified machine, I couldn't believe it. When I bought my new Cub Cadet four years ago the first thing I did was install a paddle kit, warranty not withstanding. I figured that if anything went wrong with the machine I was going to be the one who fixed it anyway so in went the impaller kit. In a conversation that I later had with a factory technician at MTD regarding my Cub Cadet, I told him about the kits and suggested that snowblower manufacturers should start adding holes in the impeller blades to make future installations easier for new owners but sadly, they just don't get it and we still have to drill our own holes when they could make it so easy. I can't for the life of me understand why they don't just add in two holes in the impellers. They could then sell the rubber impeller kits as an accessory in their stores. To me that's a DUH! Now lets see what manufacturer will be the first to actually add in the impeller kits on their machines and then make the claim of how they improved the efficiency of their newest model.

[@GarageGear]

Hey ranckie! I’m right there with you bud! Been wondering the same thing. When will companies pick up on this! Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Definitely a must have mod for almost any blower. The gap in my 3090 Storm was about 7/16”. It threw the wet stuff about 20-25 feet. After the impeller mod, it chucks it 40 feet easy. Another awesome vid, JB!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot Paul! I tried to be as thorough as possible with how-to video! Definitely a mod worth doing! I have yet to see a snowblower it didn’t help! Thanks as always for being a cool fan! 👍

[@YardworkWithJohn]

I have a 10 year old MTD tracked unit, maybe 28" or something close to that. Sadly the impeller kit didn't have much effect on my throwing distance. But it DEFINITELY prevents all clogs. I live near Boston so sometimes we get feed of dry snow, sometimes we get 3 inches of soupley slush that is impossible for an unmodified snow blower to handle. BUT beware what you use for rubber. I bought two "kits" on ebay and the rubber in both kits crumbled after a few uses. Then a friend sent me a big section of used rubber conveyor belt material and that has been working great! So it's definitely worth doing this mod even if it's not AS great as you might hope. It's also a pain in the ass to install but I'll definitely be doing it on my next machine.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this information with the community John!

[@rickmuir7616]

Had a idea. Before I retired, I was a mechanical designer of process equipment. Where a slick, wear resistant surface was called for. We applied a layer of UHMW tape. What about to the surfaces of the impeller housing & the discharge chute? Thoughts.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Rick! This is a really good idea! I’ve seen guys lately taking the same plastic paneling and bolting it inside their chute! Many say it helps with throwing distance. I imagine this will do the same! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@williamstubbs9737]

after a full day of a clogged chute, i'm very relieved to see there's a solution for the " no clog impeller" (yeah, right). Nice to see someone taking excellent care of their equiptment! you get a sub and a 👍

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for subscribing William!

[@AkornzStash]

The only person thats excited about having a 6" workspace... I'm considering taking my auger apart and pulling the impeller to do this. Would still have to adjust the rubber impellers after reinstall though. i'll try it your way first, but i'm not happy about the 6" work space 😐I did order the impellers from your link. Thanks for the informative videos 👍 Bought a Troy-Bilt Vortex Tracker 2890 a few weeks ago for a good price. Been making some repairs to the chute mechanism & controls, as well as all the maintenance. Figured i may as well as do this upgrade too.

[@GarageGear]

@@AkornzStash hey akornz pulling the augers would be a lot more work and you’d have to readjust them once they’re in place to tighten them to the impeller tube. I would just go through the chute hole. Thanks for being a cool fan! 👍

[@mrvoyagerm]

I bought your suggested kit and installed it today. My Cub Cadet 3X 28" has a 2 1/2" wide 4 bladed impeller and after trimming, the kit went on as advertised. Thanks for all this.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! You’re gonna send that snow!

[@josephlahood4647]

I installed one several years ago on my 13/32 pro. It still fills the gaps and the machine throws further but it will clog in the top of second stage hole in very wet snow if dumps on bucket

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Joseph!

[@UnpleasantChuck]

I recently discovered your channel and am enjoying your informative, well-produced videos. Thanks for your efforts! After seeing this (and other) videos recommending the installation of impeller kits, I purchased one and installed it on my Poulan Pro snowthrower. It presented some problems, due to a reinforcing bend/channel in the top surface of the blades, and a diagonal reinforcing rib on the back side. This made placement of the mounting holes critical. If the hole were to be placed such that it would enter that reinforcing rib, the only hope would be to try to use the self-tapping screws. Fortunately, I was able to locate the holes properly on the first attempt, and was able to use the same strategy on the other two blades. As you mentioned, the included self-tapping screws were supplied by the vendor, and it was recommended that these be used to drill pilot holes. That worked ok for the first hole, but the drilling point of the screw was ruined in the process. I had 5 more holes to drill and was only provided with 3 screws, so that wasn't going to work out well for me... But --- step drill to the rescue! As shown in your video, this was exactly the tool for the job! One non-obvious advantage of using the step drill instead of a regular drill bit is that the shank of the step drill is designed to fit inside a 1/4 socket or impact driver chuck. This means that you can easily add a 1/4" tool bit extension to make the tool longer, providing clearance to reach the impeller blades without the drill chuck or body being impeded in tight quarters inside the housing. This made drilling the holes a piece of cake. It turned out to be much more challenging a project that it seemed, and took longer than anticipated. Seeing you do it in the video probably gave me a false sense of confidence, but you'd done it before and I had to try to adapt your techniques to my circumstances, which required some thinking and experimentation. It doesn't help that I'm an older guy who doesn't deal well with rolling around on the ground on a cold garage floor and feeling sore the next day because of it. But I got it done, and I credit you for the inspiration and assistance. We did it! And I'm waiting for that Detroit-area snow to hit one of these days. Frankly, although I'm curious to see how well this works, I don't care if we have a below-average snowfall this winter. By the way, I also put on some roller skids. I think this is a great idea, but am expecting to be disappointed by a mediocre implementation using plastic wheels with sleeves instead of ball bearings.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Chuck I’m glad my videos inspired you! Wait until you see it send the snow! You’ll wonder how you ever did without them in the past. Thanks for sharing your installation. Thanks for watching my friend! 👍

[@williamb3323]

my issue is not clogging of the chute. Matter of fact it never clogs even in the heaviest snows. I have the ariens Deluxe 30. (4) years old. However my issue is the snows we have been getting the last 3 winters are "wet" the ground is still warm from the temps being 70 during all of November. Then we get a lake effect snow event that drops 2-3 feet of snow in a day. The bottom 6 inches of this snow is water. Now when I begin blowing it out of the 250 foot driveway i have it coats the "scoop" with ice as the water freezes in the scoop which is now 15-20 degrees. I have to take it to my barn and fire up the torpedo heater to melt the ice out. Forget chopping it out with the little plastic shovel you get. It just ices up in less than one pass again. Any suggestions on how to keep the scoop, or shovel, or shroud part of snowblower warm so it wont freeze the H2O? I might install heat tape to the outside of the shroud to keep it warm If i could figure a way to power it. I live in Chautauqua county NY right along the lake erie snow belt, Once "true" winter arrives in Jan. and temps are 20, to -20 degrees. No issues at all. This climate change is real, as I've lived here for 60 years and have seen a drastic change in our weather patterns compared to 25 years ago. Never had this problem back then. It got cold in early November and stayed that way till March. Not any more. Thanks for the video, You do a nice job!

[@GarageGear]

Hey William this is all new to me. Is there a way to heat up your auger housing/ scraper bar? I imagine this would help you out. Thanks for watching!

[@randyg1524]

I live in Chautauqua county as well and have the same problem. The wet snow just gets pushed by the main housing and won't get gathered up by the first stage auger. I have to chip out the ice or bang the whole blower up and down to get it moving again. Drives me nuts. Once the snow gets into the 2nd stage it gets thrown ok

[@GarageGear]

@@randyg1524 thanks for sharing Randy!

[@RustyZipper]

Try leaving your blower outside for a couple hours prior to use to acclimate to the cold weather. Put a tarp over it to keep snow off if you desire. That warm metal melts the cold snow and makes an icy mess. Then when you thaw it out it’s that much warmer. I remember bringing in a “real” style camera that was left in a cold car overnight. As soon as I got it inside it fogged up internally. It took an hour with the lens off to acclimate

[@williamb3323]

@@RustyZipper My machine is in a unheated barn and the chute and shovel parts are cold. That's the problem they are so cold that when the bottom 4 inches of the 10 inches of snowfall is water, liquid slush if you will. That gets pulled in to the shovel and it freezes to the sides and back of the shovel rendering the machine useless. Only happens in early winter when the temps go from 50 to 20 and the lake effect rain is changing to snow. Thanks for the reply.

[@Squarekn0t]

Getting ready after bedding down the John Deer Tractor, Got the Cub Cadet all greased up. Now there is just one more thing I need to be successful. #1 what kind of coffee do you drink and #2 How many cups to get up to your energy level in the video?

[@GarageGear]

Hey squareknot believe it or not this is all natural energy. I don’t drink any coffee at all. Good work getting her all ready for winter! 👍

[@Squarekn0t]

My impeller kit is on the way, I do about 8 small driveways for the elders in my neighborhood, sometimes mine is the last to get done. I tell them ahead of time that a bottle of Baily's Irish Cream or Rumchata keeps the snow blower purring along. It would be a real relief if I don't have to stop to un-glog the Shute every 20 min!

[@GarageGear]

@@Squarekn0t an impeller kit will definitely help with this! 👍

[@philipgallant]

I’ve made a few of these kits with a transport truck mud flap. Definitely a improvement on throwing distance

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Phil! 👍

[@229jhiker]

Great video as always ! What I'm interested to see is the change in throwing slushy snow. That Crap just kinda regurgitates out the shoot some on the driveway some on the machine .

[@GarageGear]

Hey hiker! That’s where an impeller kit helps best! Because wet snow weighs more it won’t go as far as you seen it thrown in this video but the machine will keep chucking it and it won’t clog up! Thanks for watching

[@timb7775]

Video caught my eye because I have the same snowblower. Last year we had a big storm that was snow then turned to rain which made a mess trying to move the stuff. Surprised you can drill holes without removing everything and using a drill press. I'll be looking more into this.

[@GarageGear]

Go for it Tim! You’ll wonder how you ever got along without it! Thanks for watching!

[@tomolson3769]

I did this last year on my older 24" Craftsman unit. I'm amazed at the improvement!

[@sparklander]

I installed an impeller kit on my Honda and now it bas a nice black rubber coating on the inside of the impeller housing. At least that will protect the paint. Another bonus is because of the reduced clearance, the broken sheer pins will no longer get jammed between the housing and the impeller (scratching everything up), but will be pushed out the chute like snow.

[@GarageGear]

Same on mine now my friend! Thanks for sharing

[@forreststump11]

awesome. I did small engine repair for 25 years and a friend and I were doing this 25 years ago. We would save the rubber paddles from single stage blowers whenever we replaced them. Great video!

[@GarageGear]

It’s a great trick that’s been around for a while. Appreciate you stump!👍

[@TheOzthewiz]

I added the impeller kit to my Honda HS55 using a Toro S200 paddle blade. Two yrs ago, it was $9.99 from Amazon, now it's $18.99 (Inflation (!)). The blade is 2 5/8" X 17 5/8", enough for 4 extensions and LOTS MORE left over. The mod works as advertised!!

[@forreststump11]

@@TheOzthewiz good to hear!

[@GarageGear]

@@TheOzthewiz thanks for sharing oz !

[@jedonyoutube5018]

I have done a couple of these mods myself. Couple of tips : 1 Make sure you use a metal bar so rubber is clamped to impeller as this gentleman did. 2 Look from the front before you drill, the 2nd one I did I drilled right into the center of the metal that is attached to the center of the impeller hub. Could only use self tapping screws. All you have to do is move about 1/4" to miss. 3 drill a pilot hole first.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@Jeff-McCallum]

If theses are so good why do Ariens or or other makers of snowblowers not put them on?

[@jedonyoutube5018]

@@Jeff-McCallum warranty reasons.

[@skidancin]

​@jedonyoutube5018 No, The manufacturer doesn't put them on because they are stupid. I'm sure they originally didn't want to have to deal with tight tolerances metal to metal, and just didn't think of a rubber interface.

[@bruceknight878]

No

[@kartboarder22g17]

Honestly only had a 3/16" gap between my wall and auger, so thought I probably won't gain much putting these on and honestly didn't gain much once I decided to install these. Probably gained about 3-5' of throwing distance after install onto my 15' of throw I currently had before install. Which is good because I have an old Noma with a 5hp Techumseh. Yet today I ran them when it was about 30F out with sloppier heavier snow and I didn't get a clog and the throw on the sloppy snow was about double what it usually is which is about 8', so about 16/17'. For me that is a huge win as the sloppy snow would barely throw before and I would have to be very careful upon how much snow I decided to drive into to avoid clogging. Now I don't have to even worry about it. This also makes sense, as sloppy snow adheres better to sloppy snow. So if you have a ring of sloppy snow on the walls of your auger case then the snow being carried by the auger is constantly adhearing to the wall which creates friction and makes it harder for the auger to turn and takes away from some of the throw. While this takes care of that issue. So why don't they do this on off the shelf machines. Two reasons, one having something on the end of the auger that could not be properly tightened and may come apart destroying the machine or even coming out and hitting someone, a pet, a glass window, siding etc. is a problem. The other reason is this is very custom. The installer would have to turn the drum and determine the closest spot assembly to assembly then install it near touching at that spot. This isn't good practice in production, this is more of a fabricator specialty. Overall when my Noma finally get's retired hopefully years from now, I'll do this to my brand new Ariens, which is something I would have thought I would never do. Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this kart! I wonder if you tightened your belts would it help with the throwing distance. Thanks for watching!

[@kartboarder22g17]

@@GarageGear I really don't think so, I don't think I have any belt slipping and I don't smell any burning belts, so I'm thinking I'm good there. I think my machine is just old an not really designed to throw much further than I'm at. I think if I put a preditor engine on it I'd get more power, which is definetly something I run into when I hit the heavier stuff and that again leads me to believe belt tightening isn't an issue cause if I hit heavier snow I don't think I'd get the bogging down at the engine like I do instead I'd get the belt slipping, smoke and burning smell that I don't get. I'm just going to run this blower hard and when something brakes, fix it or replace it if it isn't too expensive. Side note I only use non-oxygenated gas in it as I recommend everyone does with carb equipment and I use amsoil which again I recommend everyone does. I do feel I get more power with the amsoil. Every bit helps.

[@micheljalbert6106]

First 13 inches snowstorm since I installed impeller kit on my Ariens 28 pro! OMG , c'est FANTASTIQUE 😂

[@micheljalbert6106]

Tomorrow, its time to install the weight kit!😅

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Michel! 👍👍

[@susanhenderson2322]

My neighbor was plowing his driveway snow against my fence, with the kit I can blow it right back into his driveway where it sets like cement, stops him solid and no plow marks so he's clueless what happened

[@GarageGear]

Hahahaha! AWESOME SUSAN! This is AMAZING! Thanks for sharing! 👍🤣

[@TheOzthewiz]

LOL

[@jrl3424]

Awesome video.... I couldn't hardly handle watching him throw the snow in the direction of the already cleared driveway. Rookie lol. First thing I do is kick or throw snow up in the air to find wind direction and start from the oposite side.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching jr!

[@RustyZipper]

You do realize that this was a demonstration video 🤷‍♂️ the snow will melt by the end of day judging by the sun and bare pavement 🍻

[@happyguy62]

I'm also a Buffalo guy. Great videos. I installed 1/8" thick HDPE in the impeller housing then used the same material on the face of the impellers. Much like you do with the rubber. Used large head pop rivets. Also heated up a sheet then lined the chute. Took a note from Yamaha snow blowers. My Ariens never clogs and can clear the same path in a higher gear.

[@GarageGear]

Nice my friend that is cool! Great idea by a fellow buffalonian! Thanks for sharing! Go BILLS!

[@SVW1976]

I had no idea this channel was local! 😁👍 Love the videos! I hope everyone is doing ok. That was one hell of a storm huh? I'm doing a little post game right now. I've got a Tru Bilt 26 inch 2 stage. Awesome machine. I'm supper happy with it. After today though I'm getting chains and one of these kits. Thank you for the great info.

[@GarageGear]

@@SVW1976 awesome SVW! Welcome to the tribe! GO BILLS!

[@shortCUT207]

Buffalo ny I’m here! Colvin/HERTEL I weld and mod Lmk if you need or offer help Berco on John Deere + more

[@GarageGear]

@@shortCUT207 thanks for sharing shortcut!

[@dtnel]

Have a Toro 37779 that stalls when in heavy wet snow. Seems as if the chute is clogged. Only way I can get to stop I'm thinking is to thaw it between using it. It was a friends snowblower.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Dt this install will prevent clogging. Give it a shot! Thanks for watching!

[@Userqwerty349]

I installed a kit I made myself. The first time I used it I didn't realize I was hitting the second floor windows of my neighbors house.

[@GarageGear]

@@Userqwerty349 ahaha that’s awesome! Definitely adds some throwing power

[@rickmuir7616]

I was looking at installing an impeller kit on my 2020 Ariens Classic 24. The blades on my machine’s impeller are more of a channel shape approximately 2 inches across the base with near vertical 1 inch high side walls. Unlike most which are over 3 inches at their base. Most of the kits on line ( 5”x 2” x 1/4”) you have install the paddle with the 5” edge against the shoot. This would be near impossible on my blower. I could have the 2 inch edge against the shoot wall. Would a 2” wiper be worth the effort?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Rick I had this same issue with my 2013 model! I cupped mine in each impeller and it worked fine. There was only about a 2 inch contact space but that’s plenty! Throws like a tank! Go for it!

[@stephk5255]

I used an old rubber floor mat with self tapping screws before kits were a thing. The kits might be a bit cleaner, but the floor mats are still going.

[@GarageGear]

Whatever works. Thanks for sharing!

[@nickvaira2655]

I just did this with a 90’s MTD 8.5 hp Blower and It was throwing it 50 ft. Works great and thanks for the video on the install.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Nick! Killer install! Send it! Thanks for watching

[@mervkeyes8804]

I installed one of those kits using old paddles from a single stage snow blower. Afterwards it never clogged and I was blowing the slushy snow into my neighbor's neighbors yard!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Merv! This is hands down the best upgrade you can do to a snowblower! Thanks for sharing!

[@dodgedaddie1733]

Thanks for getting back. My impeller spins freely but the auger does not when I do that. Hoping the gearbox not bad !!

[@GarageGear]

Hey dodge it sound like there may be a busted impeller shear pin in the back. If the impeller just spins freely that may be the case.

[@justmedontknowdoyou7860]

Question for you if I may..Reaching in should you be able to spin the impeller freely ? And the augers not move ?

[@GarageGear]

In most cases the augers and impeller will spin. Some may have a brake on them.

[@RETSAMTV34]

i like the bofore and after video of using the machine without and with the impeller! send it!

[@GarageGear]

Best proof there is that it works! Thanks for watching

[@mcchacho1]

Am interested in this mod but have a quick question. On one of the other seller's sites it says not to do this mod if the gap between the impeller blade and the housing is less than a 1/4 in or more than 5/8. I understand the less than 1/4 inch as that is what you are trying to accomplish with the mod. Not sure why more than 5/8 makes the mod a no go. I have an older MTD Yard Machine, 10 HP/24 inch and I pulled off the chute and measured the gap between the impeller and the housing. It is a full inch. Does a gap this large mean the machine hass less of a chance of clogging and leave as is?

[@GarageGear]

Hey mc! I disregard all that information. If there is any kind of gap I close it up with an impeller kit. With a gap that big I would definitely put a kit on. Any gap leaves room for snow to bind up. Making your machine less efficient. Thanks for watching!

[@mcchacho1]

@@GarageGear OK, I don't know why a larger gap would lessen the chance of making it clog. I have seen that in a couple of places. I guess my concern would be extending the rubber out that far would it leave room to get a strong install and would the rubber be floppy due to the length. I would go with 3/8 for sure.

[@GarageGear]

@@mcchacho1 sounds like a plan !

[@Hot80s]

You need to do a Duff Man “Oh Yeah!” In between some of your comments.

[@GarageGear]

That’s a good one! Thanks for the idea!

[@j.morrison73]

Liked your attitude and drive. I just wonder if it could or would work on my single stage deere snow thrower attached to my lawn tractor.

[@GarageGear]

Hey J. This is only for 2 stage models. Thanks for watching!

[@j.morrison73]

@@GarageGear MANY thanks responding with this VERY important tip.

[@GarageGear]

@@j.morrison73 you got it my friend!

[@micheldumont4619]

Bought the kit last year, but only installed it this Fall. Have to admit, “It Works”. No clogging, and it trows snow much farther.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing that!

[@andik2329]

Inspect your impeller clearance all the way around before buying the gap kit. On my newer Toro Power Max the gap was 3/16 on the side but only 1/16 on the bottom of the chute. So for me it didn't make sense to install a kit. Another consideration is that if the kit is installed too tightly the rubber will rub off the paint which will lead to corrosion.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

I thought about this mod for my Ariens, but mine are shaped liked scoops/curved already so these won't work on my impeller.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Spock my other snowblower impeller has scoops and I did this with thinner rubber. Works great! 👍

[@jamesgeorge4874]

Airens blowers from the 70's are the cat's pajamas. My neighbors had one through the late 70's in Michigan, that thing worked a lot harder than the lawn mower ever did....

[@GarageGear]

I’m sure of it! They are built like a brick house!

[@ShopKatIndustries]

Oh great, another AWESOME KZbin channel! Dammit, I already can't keep up with the ones I was watching, and then one of my subscribers sends me your way! Lol...such 1st World Problems. Cheers from Alberta, Canada!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! Welcome to the tribe! Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@andrewesposito7573]

Thanks for all the informative videos.I'm a new subscriber and have been watching all your previous ones.Your enthusiasm is what has me hooked! I live in central CT. so your snow blower vids are very helpful.Cheers!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Andrew! Thanks for subscribing! I promise to not let you down! Lol! I have a friend who lives out your way and she’s a teacher. She tells me she constantly has snow days. So I know about your area quite well! Glad your finding these videos helpful! 👍

[@AndysDogHouse-h6l]

Hey man. This is a great tip. I'm checking a set out on Amazon for my blower. Thanks for sharing.

[@GarageGear]

@@AndysDogHouse-h6l you won’t be disappointed with this mod! Thanks for watching

[@AndysDogHouse-h6l]

@@GarageGear I told a couple of my Buddies about your video. And after watching your channel, they are getting them as well.👍👍🍁

[@GarageGear]

@@AndysDogHouse-h6l RIGHT ON Andy! Thanks for sharing this

[@patriknilsson2175]

Thank you for the tip, I'm going to mod my old Toro with this modification as it always clogs in the blower when chewing wet snow

[@GarageGear]

Hey Pat! Can’t go wrong with this mod! Thanks for watching

[@duanebaalson2287]

I cheated about 30 years ago. I used 3/4 inch angle iron for the paddles, with a cardboard shim, during installation to keep the paddles away from the housing. If I only get 40 feet, it is a finishing pass. I also added a 1/2 inch lip to each blade to help with suction. Your idea is simpler with almost the same results. Nice video! ! !

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Duane!

[@Believe_the_Bible]

Great video. I could use a little more distance on my Ariens Deluxe 28. Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

I’ll be doing another video on this! This is a great mod! Stay tuned!

[@smallblock412]

Bolt through with lock nuts is much better in my opinion as well. I wouldn't trust just a self-tapping screw considering how fast and impeller spins. Also seeing those chutes on your workbench I figured one of those was going to be going on. I'm thinking maybe you'll test both of them to see which one performs better?

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

I would have to agree with that statement!

[@smallblock412]

@@MyGreenLawn2019 I would have to agree with you agreeing, 😁🤣

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

@@smallblock412 LOL - Thanks

[@GarageGear]

I agree with both of you guys lol! I’m already one step ahead of you there Smallblock! Next weeks video I test them both out. Only issue is I’m running out of snow. End of the season 🤷‍♂️

[@smallblock412]

@@GarageGear Stupid seasons changing ruining all of our fun! 😁

[@dano6943]

I don't have this problem any longer since spending the winters in Florida ☀️

[@GarageGear]

Hope to be there someday!

[@jimmateriuk1737]

Ok. Thanks ,i will try the kit,i use re- rod to chip out the ice

[@GarageGear]

Oh yeah, try out the kit. It will help. Thanks for watching!

[@jimrudolph1582]

Appears it’s a must do. I’m still jealous of that blower! Mine was and is a very well worn mate to yours and needs love. I’m doing the same thing as you with a large newer engine as well. I also have a 32” auger I can install if I want. I did try it a few years ago but with my stop gap 5hp it didn’t have the power. You should show your audience the quality of that Ariens! The gearcase, the auger thickness and even the sturdiness of the whole unit! I’ve been collecting parts and donor units for years and it’s time to refurbish my first blower. Cheers

[@GarageGear]

Hey Jim still got plenty to do with that older machine! Smart to collect parts my friend!

[@steveolive9991]

Do any new snow blowers come with the impeller kit installed from the factory? Or must all new snow blowers have this kit installed after purchase?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Steve! I haven’t seen any new snowblowers with this mod. Lucky for us we get to install it lol! Thanks for watching!

[@georgesteffens7489]

Glad I found your channel! I’m going to add this to the list on my old Murray to upgrade while the blower gets an engine swap too. Thanks for sharing!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome George! You’ll be ready for the next winter blast!

[@zxborg9681]

LOL for those of us on 30-ft lots, loading up the neighbour's neighbour's yard with my snow Nice video, though, great idea!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate the positive feedback Zx! Thanks for watching

[@Gantzz321]

I have done this mod,improved my machine by about 40%, then I did an additional upgrade, I riveted a Crazy Carpet to the inside of my shoot (cut to size obviously). Making it impossible for slush to stick to it and increasing the distance of my though by an additional 20%.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome gantz thanks for sharing! 👍

[@DCSPORTSTER]

I have a 1966 Ariens 24” 6 hp just like the one you put the impeller kit on. I put an impeller kit on it 10+ years ago that I made out of conveyor belt. That snow blower still works awesome to this day. I put the impeller kit on all 4 impellers. It was a little noisy at first but after a few uses it got quieter. It blows snow about 35 ft plus. Wet or dry snow

[@GarageGear]

Awesome DC! Great mod! Thanks for sharing!

[@dslawson2793]

Great video! I have another issue maybe you could help me with ? My 45” mtd keeps slowly going into reverse when going forward in all forward gears. When it’s cold it seems to be good , when warm it will go slower then it goes into reverse ? Please help !

[@GarageGear]

Hey ds, I would give your friction disc and linkages a check. My guess is your disc needs to be adjusted.

[@dslawson2793]

@@GarageGear Hey, thank you for the reply. Your videos have help me a lot. I have no idea how to do that? Is that inside the housing or the cable adjustments? I’ve done belts and other repairs before.

[@GarageGear]

@@dslawson2793 here’s a link to the friction disc replacement. Let’s start there. No worries at all we all start somewhere. This video walks you through it step by step! 👍BEFORE YOU REPLACE THE FRICTION WHEEL DISC ON YOUR ARIENS SNOWBLOWER, WATCH THIS! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmKToGWPgLhsorc

[@dslawson2793]

@@GarageGearThank yo for the help, I don’t think I’m able to do that repair. It’s a 45 inch and I can’t flip it like that. Too heavy for me to stand on its end. So the rubber disc is worn and it’s travelling on the friction disc? Maybe in the spring . I kept my smaller 24 inch as a backup. Thank you again. Have a great day.

[@GarageGear]

@@dslawson2793 you got it my friend!

[@donreinholz8121]

I did this mod with pieces from a big mud flap. Used self tapping screws and it made a big difference.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Don! Definitely makes a big difference! Thanks for watching!

[@derekalexander4030]

So you don’t put them in contact with the chute and let them wear into place? You leave a 1/16 of an inch space?

[@GarageGear]

I would leave 1/16 inch of space!

[@Kevin-sg5xc]

Great video. I bought a new Ariens last year but I think I will wait until the 3 year warranty expires before doing this. I don't want to give Ariens any reason to void my warranty if something happens in the next 2 years.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Kevin!

[@banjohappy]

Here's a tip if you have a 4 blade impeller. Do 2 opposite blades first, break them in, then do the other 2, rather than doing all 4 at once. It's better for your machine.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing banjo

[@edwinclawson438]

Looks like it was shooting it so far that it was going into the neighbors yard. Now that is a useful trick!

[@GarageGear]

It’s an amazing mod! Give it a shot! You won’t be disappointed! Thanks for watching!

[@hunterrollins3165]

I have an Ariens snowblower from 1983 I bought from a friend last September. Original engine on it. All I did was replace the carburetor, replace the scraper, and an oil change and new plug. We had our first snow the weekend of Christmas so I got to test it out. Ran pretty well. Didn’t throw snow very far but it did remove it. Need to do some more tuning on it but I must say it is a little beast.

[@GarageGear]

Hey hunter! Try tightening the belts up! Makes a big difference with older models. Happy snowblowing my friend!

[@l337pwnage]

It sounds like you are mechanically inclined. On some warm summer day you could pull the pan off and check the gears and all the bearings and bushings. A little preventive maintenance could prevent a catastrophic failure, if you intend to keep that machine. Some older Ariens even had grease zirks for the transmission. Older ones also used more ball bearings which held up better to neglect, but sill didn't last forever.

[@yalerich7417]

Any equip. Can last a lifetime if you maintain it properly!

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Yes, that what i call a tune up, rubber paddle is a must on snowblower, strange that No snow thrower Come with paddle

[@GarageGear]

Strange that they don’t put them on! Could be a selling point! Thanks for watching another Kjell

[@tjlovesrachel]

Never understood why they don’t come like this from the factory…I’ve done this to my blowers and a few of my friends and they love it.

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

Love this mod! I have a brand new Toro Power Max, not sure I want to do it on that one yet, but possibly. Ill have to take a look inside and see. I didnt see my name on your sub board! :( LOL Thanks for the detailed info on this mod. Keep up the good work!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks My Green Lawn! Not to worry my friend. Everyone gets on there at some point! Stay tuned! Let me know if you give this a shot!

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

@@GarageGear will do

[@BigDaddysGarage]

I think you blew some snow into my drive! 😂

[@GarageGear]

You just gave me an idea for a future video! 👍

[@jmzbnd724]

Mud flaps cut to size with some self tappers have done me fine for years...just go ez while going thru the heavy wet stuff

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing JMZ! Bet your machine really sends it!

[@Greatgadgetsgear]

Will this work on a yard man that has a 3 paddle impeller but I think it’s plastic? The paddles are not flat like yours. ?

[@GarageGear]

hey great gadgets, This works well on 2 stage snowblower. Nite and day difference! I think your impeller is made of metal. most are. you may have to bend the rubber to fit or use smaller pieces. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelstarr5861]

Heck yes I'm doing this! All the way to the other side of the driveway? Awesome. Mine only throws to the middle of the driveway on a good day.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Michael you won’t be disappointed installing this! Thanks for watching!

[@anon.carpenter4201]

Oh man that 30ft wet throw ... epic. Gotta tune up for montana!! Thanks

[@GarageGear]

This machine is an animal! Thanks for watching!

[@fredohnemus7685]

Installed a kit on my Storm 2410. What a pain. The impeller must have been hardened to 60 Rockwell. Took forever to drill. Don't have any snow to test it now. But it does push a big volume of air out of the chute now. Confident it will do what yours does, maybe even better. Winter is about over. Hoping for one more big snow, wet or dry, don't care witch. Glad I watched this video before I installed my kit. Thanks for the video.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Fred I’m sure you’ll get a shot here at some point to try it out. If not next season you’ll see it in all its glory lol!

[@russellstephan6844]

I've done a number of three-blade impeller wiper modifications. They all worked beautifully. A couple of years ago I did my four-blade. But, I figured I only needed to do two of the four blades with wipers... My suggestion? While you're already in there and doing the work, modify all the blades with wipers. My two-wiper four-blade pulses. In addition, in really heavy wet stuff it will still clog. None of my three blade wiper blowers suffered regardless of how wet/heavy things were. This Summer, I'll be going back in to do all four blades with wipers.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Russel! It sounds like you are just better off doing all 4 while you’re at it. Good to know! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@toben42]

I made an impeller kit with thick truck bed rubber that my dad had laying around, Works great.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Ben! 👍

[@Neonbiker]

So you can do that on the new ariens or 2012 craftsman snowblower .. I don’t know if I could do that myself

[@GarageGear]

Hey Ryan you could do this on just about any snowblower. For most models the instructions here are generally the same! Thanks for watching bud!

[@bignicebear2428]

Gravel driveway here, I want a snow thrower than can chew through rocks.

[@GarageGear]

That’s a tough one. Set it up high with the skids! Thanks for watching

[@bignicebear2428]

@@GarageGear As high as it can go. And an ample supply of shear pins.

[@rogervondach1238]

Well, you are right, at least up to a point. However, if the snow is too wet (or heavy), it will get stuck in the housing itself and that is the end of it. It might even come up all or half the way in the chute. Once that hole is closed, nothing will come up anymore and that is a fact.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Roger did you watch the whole video?

[@rogervondach1238]

@@GarageGear Yes, I did. That snow that you are clearing is anything but wet. I've been there, done that, many years before KZbin and many years before you could buy an impeller set. I know all about it. When I say wet snow, there has to be water in it.

[@GarageGear]

@@rogervondach1238 thanks for sharing. I just used on 45 inches of lake effect snow here in Buffalo and it launched it all. No clogs at all. There was nothing in the machine. Thanks for watching

[@RustyZipper]

@@rogervondach1238 - I’m up by Syracuse, I fail to see how closing the gap will make it worse 🤷‍♂️ Many times my factory Chute clogs halfway up with wet mess at the EOD (end of driveway) and it can’t clear itself until I pull it out of the muck and bang it on the ground.

[@TheDWZemke]

I did self tapping screws and used high density polypropylene many years ago. Truely love it. Would have purchased the rubber kit but it did not exist when I did it.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing dw!

[@TheDWZemke]

@@GarageGear THANK YOU for all your effort!

[@gregfredericks5201]

Very cool news. Thanks. Any advice for a new owner of an electric snow blower? Mine is battery operated, 4 40kw batteries.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Greg are you asking in regards to putting an impeller kit on that battery snowblower?

[@skidancin]

If no one has mentioned it, I'm pretty sure that adding these can prevent little stones from wedging and jamming most all of the time.

[@GarageGear]

Never had anything jam on mine in the last ten years. Thanks for watching!

[@kigpkigp905]

Right on skidancin! They chip sealed our road last summer and the first snow I had sparks coming out of my chute and jams on my auger because of the stones from the chip seal. I put rubber pads in to stop the metal on stone interaction. No more sparks!

[@rosewd2]

thats a great idea of trimming the rubber peices with a multitool in tge vice.

[@GarageGear]

Quick and effective! Thanks for watching

[@burtgraham3689]

I have a st224 - watched your video and I think I will instal the kit - you indicate at the last portion of the video that you spray the impellers with a spray - what is the name of the spray that you use. Thanking you in advance for your advice

[@GarageGear]

Hey burt you could use all kinds of sprays. Silicone sprays, wd40 and fluid film all work well!

[@ErikISkogen]

The only negative is gravel and small rocks, they will tear trough the drum way faster with this. But it will work for a long time :)

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@blackhillsrider2626]

Very interesting video. One comment is that inorder to throw heavy snow you need forward traction to bite into the snow. You were on blacktop and relatively solid cement. Most blowers have difficulty with wet packed snow because of loss of traction, even with chains no matter how much you push. The impeller blades look like they do eliminate clogs and do throw snow further. Guess I will try some. Good stuff.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@robertsanders6463]

We have doing this for years up here. Thanks for letting all the others know this.

[@GarageGear]

Great minds think alike. Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@DrewDiaz]

I checked this video, ordered & installed a kit- what I did differently is paint out the holes drilled in the impellers

[@GarageGear]

Good tip thanks for sharing!

[@waynefeigenbutz4309]

Wish they had this kit when I did mine! BTW I used self taping screws with no issues to date.

[@GarageGear]

Right! I wish they had this a few years ago too. Awesome the screws worked for you! Thanks for sharing Wayne!

[@kurtwise7356]

I've been using quarter inch thick by 2" wide for years ! I use number 10 self tapping screws and had no problems!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Kurt! Thanks for sharing!

[@eddymumford4086]

i only got one piece of rubber on one of 3 of the pelers it works a hundred times better 😊

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@jaybooth4815]

Wow that impeller kit makes a huge difference JB! Cheers buddy!

[@GarageGear]

Night and day! Let me know if you give it a shot. You’ll wonder how you ever got by without it!

[@Xzavieur]

just thought I'd add in my personal story: have a 90s MTD blower with 3 steel impellers. The kit listed on amazon has only 3 "self tapping" screws to use for pilot holes, and they round out before even making one hole. If you manage to fight through with them, they are the wrong size! They're a 3/8 and the machine bolts are a 1/2" so completely useless since the bolts wont even fit in the holes. So get the step bit, or a long enough good metal drill bit to fit down the chute opening and save a ton of time and frustration.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing xzavieur! 👍

[@leadnsteel1428]

I stick to single stage snowblowers. They never clog on me. I have a 6.5 hp Toro and I also studded the paddles. I put small screws in the rubber and it chews through ice as well.

[@GarageGear]

That’s awesome my friend! Thanks for sharing!

[@eddymumford4086]

that thing will thour snow even farther after it wears in 😊

[@GarageGear]

Sure will! 👍

[@riverunner9978]

Just in time for the 18 inch dump here in Northern Maine! 👍👍

[@GarageGear]

PERFECT! You’ll be ready for anything! Thanks for watching Riverrunner!

[@Bubba_Fett_]

Wild! That old ariens worked like a champ!

[@GarageGear]

That old ariens is an ANIMAL! 👍

[@kenwheelock1534]

Kool Kit ,Will have to buy one for my Ariens

[@GarageGear]

Can’t go wrong with it! Thanks for watching!

[@GlitchEmpireBrett]

Another awesome video this summer im gonna put a new motor on my moms old snow blower so I don’t have to shovel for her and make do a kit aswell

[@GarageGear]

You won’t regret putting a new motor on and an impeller kit Glitch! That snowblower is gonna send it! 👍

[@jasonrackawack9369]

I have the same old Arens as this one it is in a few pieces and apart in milk crates it was given to me from my wifes grandfather......given the crazy costs of a new blower I may give it a full restoration, sandblast, powdercoat impeller kit and have a good old solid machine that probably works better than a new one.

[@GarageGear]

That’s awesome my friend! I would love to repaint mine as well! Make it look like it just rolled off the line! Thanks for watching!

[@electricamish]

Love my impeller kits, I set them up squeak tight, and can blow anything.....the squeak stopped very quickly, but I knew it was tight

[@GarageGear]

Awesome electric Amish! They always break right in! Thanks for watching 👍

[@cwcole]

Thanks for the tip. I have been having trouble with my Cub Cadet 2X 528SWE not throwing far enough. I'll give the kit a try and let you know how it works out. If you're in the Buffalo area. You'll really get to test this out in the next few days.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Craig! Let me know how it works out for you! We’ll be busy here in Buffalo lol! Thanks for watching!

[@DrewDiaz]

Have you greased the front end?

[@cwcole]

@@DrewDiaz Greased and non-stick spray. It's just not that great of a snowblower. I guess I was just used to my old 1973 Toro 8/32 that threw snow very far. The Cub Cadet has been a disappointment. The impeller kit has been installed. Hopefully that will help.

[@jps99]

How did that work out for you? I have the same blower and it clogs too often with wet snow.

[@cwcole]

@@GarageGear Worked very well last season. Throws farther and did not get clogged.