HOW TO MAKE YOUR SNOWBLOWER UNSTOPPABLE WITH AN IMPELLER KIT

[@GarageGear]

Here is a LINK to the IMPELLER KIT used in this video. Thank you for supporting the channel! 👍 👉 amzn.to/3OiYtnR

[@brianpfister1456]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJCQc2aeo7F2h8Usi=jVj724Tfp-_5PqiP

[@eliezernegron333]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5evqoaig6ZjibMsi=Y14s0b9nlZVo-8XJ😊

[@hkguitar1984]

Question, after positioning the rubber scrapers, when in operation does the centrifugal force shift the rubber scrapers outwards? Just a cautionary statement to make sure the holes in the rubber are not oversized too much. Also, I'd imagine they will wear down through use to provide acceptable clearance.

[@GarageGear]

@ hey hk they don’t move at all once they are bolted down tight! And once they break in to the housing they are good to go

[@hairballmanor]

I've put these kits on both by snowblowers this winter. I used the thin cardboard from the box they come in as a spacer between the auger housing and the end of the rubber flap. It leaves just enough clearance to prevent rubbing. Nice video on installing.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you hairball! Thanks for sharing this tip!

[@NorthLondonArtillery]

You could also use a feeler gauge

[@TVC777]

Just installed an impeller kit on my Craftsman 26" Quiet technology snowblower over the weekend. We got 6" of heavy wet snow here in Maine yesterday morning. Super impressed how it doesn't bog down, even on the plowed snow at the end of the driveway! A note on the installation regarding craftsman/MTD snowblowers. I used a Dremel with a sanding wheel to round out the rubber flap to fit around the carriage bolts which hold the lower chute piece. this allowed me to get a tighter fit between the rubber and impeller housing. Love the content, keep it up!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome TVC! Thanks for sharing!

[@ScottWakeman119]

I whole-heartedly recommend this type of modification to your snowblower! I've been doing this to my machines for going on 20 years and it really does throw the snow much further than without. Just one caution for first-timers - be careful *where* the snow is thrown. E.g. windows, vehicles, other delicate things like walkway lights. Snow will come out with much greater force. First time I ever used these on my old machine, I ended up blasting all the glass out of a 3 lamp walkway light 😞. And when you occasionally kick up chunks of ice, those can do even more damage. But other than being mindful of surroundings, I would not use a snowblower without this! My blower (a basic 26" 2 stage craftsman) launches snow 40+ feet no problem, sometimes farther!

[@GarageGear]

Good tips here Scott thanks for sharing!

[@lisabillannunziata6830]

gotta ask though, why do you need to throw snow 40 feet. If it's windy out get ready to be caught in a snowblower made snowstorm. I just don't get all the hype with wanting to throw snow that far. been snow blowing for 34 years now and the snow going 10 feet is just fine. To each is own i guess.

[@GarageGear]

It’s all about the fun!

[@cwcole]

I discovered these impeller kits right here on the channel. Thank you! I installed an impeller kit last year on my Cub Cadet 528 SWE. It made a huge difference in performance, and it hasn't plugged up at all even with wet and heavy snow. You'll definitely want to invest in a quality step bit for this. I used 3 different sized twist bits which added to the install time. I used the drill/driver with a 1/4-inch extension to tighten the bolts while holding a combination wrench on the underside. Although the impeller kit did make a major performance difference, I am not really happy with the Cub Cadet 528 SWE. It just doesn't throw as far as my old "73 Toro 8/32. I think I will invest in an Ariens when it comes time to upgrade.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this cole! Good information here! 👍

[@smcnish1droid]

This modification is well worth the time and effort! I installed this type of modification a couple years ago to my 1970’s Gravely MA210 snow cannon and it made blowing wet snow so much fun. I had to disassemble almost the entire feed system, but well worth it.

[@GarageGear]

We’ll worth the time! It’s an investment that just keeps paying you back lol! 👍👍

[@donnovicki9771]

With 21.5" of snow this year here in Erie Pa., I won't be doing anything except cleaning up the Deluxe 28 and putting it in the back of the garage until next season. I bought it new in 2022 and have used it a grand total of 4 times in the last 2 years. I knew when I bought it, it was going to be a waste of money, but my wife insisted I get one. Now it's taking up valuable garage space, and seldom used.Glad this channel exist's because in 5 year when it needs it's first oil change I'll know where to look to see how it's done.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Don pretty crazy you’ve only used it a handful of times! Always here to help you out bud!

[@WayneMarion]

What are your pronouns?

[@GarageGear]

@@WayneMarion I identify as a snowblower

[@banjohappy]

12/4/22. Bet you wish you had made the mod when you had the chance. You got more snow in the past few days than you've had the last few years.

[@KamilaNovicki]

@@banjohappy 10-4 that as of Monday 12-2 we had 57.5" since 11-29. We are getting 8-10 inches/day and they predict more Lake Effect tonight and tomorrow. The snow blower and this old guy are both getting a workout.

[@kenjones4139]

I'm thinking of doing this on my old Toro. It's an 18 year old 1028. Still throws 35-40 feet, but the end of the driveway can still be a challenge when we get the wet stuff. Especially because the auger housing is beginning to rust. I think some of the impeller kit issues people have heard of come from early videos (like 10ish years ago) where it was recommended to not leave a gap and let the rubber pad wear in to conform to the shape of the auger housing. I think it put a lot of extra strain on the machines back then. For the auger bearing wearing out prematurely, a lot of machines - mine included - use a bushing instead of a bearing. I have replaced mine twice over the years. Ariens uses a sealed bearing that seems to last much longer. Several years back, I modified my buddies Toro with an Ariens-style sealed bearing instead of the bushing. It is still working great! Keep up the great work! Love the videos

[@GarageGear]

Give it a shot on that Toro and see how it works. It will only cost you an hours worth of your time. Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@dgrasser]

Great video and instructions on installation of the impeller kit. I think that the main and best reason to have these rubber "paddles" is to prevent the clogging of wet heavy snow. I don't need to throw my snow 50 feet into my neighbor's yard or driveway. My Ariens Platinum Series snowblower already has a Super High-Output (SHO) Impeller that throws snow at a higher rate and distance, but it will still bog down in wet heavy snow, partly because that snow/slush builds up in the Impeller to housing gap. That's where the rubber paddles really make a difference. With that said, if I keep my rpms up as I approach slushy snow, I still don't jam up. Therefore, I'm not going to install this kit. I'm not big on drilling into these expensive Impellers and compromising their structural integrity and balance.

[@GarageGear]

@@dgrasser thanks for watching and sharing

[@Squarekn0t]

Garage Gear, watched your film last year but no snow. Ordered kit from Amazon, only needed 3 wipers. We just snow in Delaware for the first time in 3 years. Wow, I have a few elderly neighbors and a few widows. I could not believe how far the snow went, and no Shute clogging up. I used to stop several times to unplug the barrel and shute. Now my other neighbors want me to install kit's for them. I am only 79 1/2 and I feel like I am 25 again. PS: my neighbors know the snow blower will stall out on the second day if the rum Chata run out!

[@GarageGear]

@@Squarekn0t awesome square knot! You’re gonna be a busy man doing all those installs. Thanks for being a cool fan my friend

[@mikemontagne2703]

Good evening JB. How are you today? An update, earlier today, I successfully installed the impeller blade adapter kit. It took me ~3 1/2-4 hours to accomplish. The temperature was hovering just above zero, with rain, out in my lighted but unheated shed. I did a test run in my backyard with the soggy snow, and as you said, this kit works phenomenally! Now, I'm looking forward to a real 8-10 cm (or more) snow fall, the -20 C plus wind chill not so much!

[@GarageGear]

@@mikemontagne2703 awesome Mike! Glad this worked well for you! Thanks for sharing!

[@frankie7508]

Just another great video very thorough and clean - just like a shop! 2 years ago I was not able to find an impeller kit that I thought was durable enough. So I decided to buy my own parts and make it myself. I used 3/4" thick conveyor belting, 1/2" diameter stainless bolts, stainless fender washers and stainless castilated lock nuts. I sprayed some lubricant in the auger housing and ran it Without snow. I wanted to make sure there was a slight interference fit between the impellor tips and the auger housing. The modification did put some extra load on the engine and drive components, But after a few minutes of running, it wore in satisfactorily. How does it work you ask? It's phenomenal! I continue to spray lubricant in the auger housing To make sure it is continuing to wear Correctly. The wet and slushy pack snow At the end of the driveway now can Be moved by the snow thrower. My snow thrower is ten years old and has a 208 cc engine, So the power is merely adequate. But here in maryland it has very serious fatal flaw with my cub cadet 524 swe unit. It would constantly clog before I made this modification. Now it does not. I completely agree with the assessment and video produced by this professional. Thanks again and great job.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this frankie and for the positive feedback. 👍

[@ImBooX2]

I did this decades ago to my snowblower. It was extremely powerful but the wey stuff caused issue. So I thought of it. I used a piece of 1 mil sheet metal as a spacer when I snugged up then flaps and then just slip it out. A friend worked at an industrial coatings shop and I took the front off and he over a summer was able to coat it all with a super tough coating...freebie, pays to have helped him and the owner a few times. It stayed very clean and was still fine after I'd used it decades. I always sprayed it with silicone, Boeshield T-9, or Carbon Coat. They kept away the rust and slicked up the surface of the assembly. I felt the Boeshield worked the best.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this my friend!

[@johnanderson3405]

That’s a HUGE difference! I wasn’t expecting nearly that much. I have the same blower. I might have to get a kit and get it installed after the season is over.

[@GarageGear]

Go for it my friend! Makes this thing a War Horse! Lol!

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

Hey, JB - I just got done putting an impeller kit on my Ariens 24 Compact. 🙌🏼 Thanks to your video everything went pretty well. I ordered the impeller kit from your link. Thanks to your video, I also went out and got some stainless steel washers as the plates wouldn't work. Again per your video, I cut the rubber pads down to size using my bench vice and a multitool. (That part was super easy -- thanks for the tip!) The drilling wasn't terrible, but trying to get the nuts on the bolts was the hardest part. Trying to work in such a small space was a major PITA... and it took a lot longer than I thought. However, in the end it all lined up well. I fired up the machine and just like you said, a slight weird noise and a little smell of burnt rubber. I had some minor marks from rubbing rubber in the shoot, but soon it was humming. It looks to be a total success! The only problem is now I have to wait until next winter to test it out... 😩 I really appreciate your channel and especially this video. I never would have attempted this without this video, and I couldn't have done it without this video. Thanks, man! Keep cranking out the awesome content! 👍🏼

[@GarageGear]

Hey PMichaels! Glad this video helped you out! You’re right sometimes getting those bolts in is the real challenge. Limited working room and making things line up the way you want can be a chore but trust me, wait until you see how much better she throws next winter. You may have to pick your jaw up. Thanks for being an awesome fan bud! 👍

[@rangerbaynworkshop]

Oh nice! You made an updated one! I'm cracking up- going from the video 2 years ago to this one you seem SO much more trustworthy without the cringey hammed up voice. Thanks again for the excellent info! Cheers!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@billvandorn5332]

Nice job. Our human nature is to improve and measure things. We constantly do it both consciously and subconsciously. Most importantly for me is not the distance thrown but the efficiency of the removal and mitigation of clogs causing downtime. When I get my "Round-to-its" to do this, I'll use some plastic shims during installation.

[@GarageGear]

Good plan! Thanks for sharing

[@daviddion129]

This is one of the most detailed video about this upgrade I have ever seen. I have modified my impellers for years and you totally nailed every single little perks and quirks that I can think of. I even thought about making a video about it but you nailed it so well that I'll just refer to your video from now on. Outstanding work!

[@GarageGear]

@@daviddion129 RIGHT ON David! Appreciate you my friend

[@JonnyHolms]

Wow this is great 👍.. I have been snowblowing my driveway for about 30 years and have never heard of this kit.. Thanks as I am going to look at getting one for mine.. Awesome channel just subscribed 👍 😊...

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Johnny! Pretty cool mod that definitely delivers! Thanks for watching

[@JonnyHolms]

@GarageGear Appreciate you to my friend.. you have an excellent channel and I am so happy that came across it... I try to never stop learning something new everyday and your channel is right up my alley for that.. Thanks again and have a great night..

[@GarageGear]

@@JonnyHolms thank you my friend! Thanks for being a cool fan

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

This is PERFECT timing! I was just watching your other videos on impeller kits but my Ariens compact 24 has cupped impeller blades so I didn’t think it was possible. I was going to give up until I saw this - and now I’m all in. 👍🏼 I also just bought your course. My blower is going to be the pride of the block now. 💪🏼 Thanks, JB!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! You’re going to dominate the neighborhood my friend. Thanks for being a cool fan and supporting the channel. Enjoy the course as well!

[@bc454irocz89]

I cut out some conveyor belt material and marked it on the impeller then drilled a pilot hole then self tapper with a washer. Works perfect. An absolute must do. Also a 4 blade only needs 2 wipers

[@GarageGear]

Yep! Thanks for sharing this info!

[@GerardWeitz]

Hi JB ! After seeing your videos and a few others ,I got one of these kits . I have an Ariens 30" Platinum Snowblower that's 11 years old . Great machine ! Today , I tried to install my kit . I should have re-watched your video as my machine has cupped impeller blades. I bent the steel plates to conform with the blades and drilled several holes. Because of the curve, the holes did not line up and after several attempts, I gave up . I will try again tomorrow without the steel plates . I live in Marilla NY and you make reference to being near Buffalo and lake effect snow , so we both have that going for us ! I will let you know if it works on 2nd attempt . Great videos !

[@GarageGear]

Let me know how she works out for you Gerard! Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@cricket1043]

This is a good mod. After installing the impeller kit, the housing paint where the impellers rub will eventually wear off. Good idea to spray rust preventative or repaint during summer storage.

[@GarageGear]

@@cricket1043 RIGHT ON cricket!

[@jeffreyross3294]

I have a Yamaha machine from 1986 which has been a reliable workhorse forever. I just ordered the impeller kit and can't wait to install it!!! This video happened to pop up on my KZbin, gave it a watch, and subscribed. I look forward to seeing more straight forward home repair content...

[@GarageGear]

@@jeffreyross3294 thanks for watching and subscribing jeff

[@davidplatt8915]

JB, your videos keep getting better and better. Production values are sky high. Quality content and creative editing. Looking forward to several Garage Gear stickers arriving here in today's mail. Gonna put 'em on my snow thrower, my lawn mower, my seed & fert spreader and...? Now, the Heart Of The Rockies could use some SNOW! Give those impeller flaps on my trusty ol' Craftsman a workout!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome, my friend! Your machines will look good! Thanks for following along!

[@DLindgren46]

Thank you for all of these videos. Just bought a MTD8/26 here in Sweden and gonna start maintenece it and have looked on several of your videos to see how its done to do stuff like adjust belt tension, rust prove it and more so I liked and subscribed!

[@GarageGear]

@@DLindgren46 awesome dlindgren! Thanks for subscribing! 👍

[@rob2669]

Great video as always JB! And wooohooo got my Round The Outside fix 😂 ...now I have one thing still waiting in the wishlist...my first ever impeller kit installed in the summer time on my Craftsman and NO SNOW YET! Here in Hamilton Ontario.... arrrrrrrg just rain rain rain...oh well one day soon maybe......lol thanks JB!! Great stuff!!! I always enjoy them....until next time....Round the outside 🎉😂❤

[@GarageGear]

Hey Rob! Figured you’d appreciate that lol! Was hoping you’d catch it! I installed an impeller kit on an older ariens a while back. My side walk has a dip in it and water usually puddles up there. I send the machine through it and it launched the water like a fire hose. Crazy what these kits can do. Should try it on yours lol with all this rain. Appreciate you positive feedback my friend! Until next time… round the outside…👍

[@electroddxful]

Good morning JB. I did this mod with truck mud flaps and cut them down to size. Great a video. I enjoy watching your content. Have a bless weekend together with family 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@nbpt1000]

I just found your channel and am impressed with your level of detail and practical advice while keeping the video to a minimum of time. I love to have choices and you often give alternatives. I have installed a handful of impellar kits and i still learned a few things. I guess I am not too old to learn. That is an awesome snow blower. Too bad you have to add an impellar kit at the price Ariens asks. In the 70's Simplicity Snow -a -Way had rubber wipers on the blades right from the factory. I share your sentiment on getting warrany work done on something simple. A blown engine is different. You are a professional teacher. thanks man!!!!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you nbpt! A lot of work goes into every video! I try my best to be as thorough as possible. Thanks for sharing that info about the simplicity! That was helpful! Thanks for being a cool fan of the channel! 👍

[@nbpt1000]

@@GarageGear Having made a few videos myself, so I get the time and effort involved. I see you have put in a lot of time to cut these down to what is just needed and not wasted out time with watching you spin a wrench or walk across the room looking for something. Keep up the great work. You have something here that helps people at all levels.

[@jaybooth4815]

The garage geezer….love it! That impeller kit definitely makes a difference, especially at the end of the driveway. Might be a nice side business…hint hint. Especially in a heated garage. Great video as always JB! Have a great weekend my friend!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Jay! I’ve done a few for some friends of mine. They all worked out great! I have enough side hustles going on right now though haha! What’s your plan for the weekend?

[@jaybooth4815]

Having the Grandsons over for a bit. I re-sprayed the JD snowblower down. So it's set for the next Winter blast. Probably watch some football later...you?

[@GarageGear]

@@jaybooth4815 filmed some shorts, cleaned up the garage a bit and watched a movie! Busy week ahead! Have a good week my friend!

[@TheNovaNorm]

Thanks so much for this video. I think I can manage that on my ariens. I was hesitant before because of the washer plates. Never thought of just washers, D'OH!

[@GarageGear]

Won’t be disappointed doing this! Have fun Norm!

[@ral446]

This is a great tip JB. I installed the kit on my Cub Cadet 2X, and what a difference. Throws much farther and no more stops because of slush packed in the chute. My neighbor has the exact same machine and after watching mine work with the kit installed, he wants me to do his.

[@GarageGear]

@@ral446 RIGHT ON Ral! 👍 thanks for sharing

[@markhenderson9778]

I did this myself back in the early 80s on a single stage snowblower. Went to TSC and got a small piece of conveyor belt material and made it myself. This made it work a 100% better than it had ever worked.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! These great improve any machine!

[@holeshot406]

Mark, I did this on an old single stage John Deere front mount blower on a John Deere 316 tractor. It is different with the single stage machine, where the augers funnel the snow to the center, then there was a throwing section of the auger. I added mudflap pieces there believing this would solve it….it did not. I came to believe the OD of the auger was worn so far away from the body, that the crusty drift type snow especially had a hard time making it to the center section to be thrown. It worked best when really driving faster into the snow. Hate single stage because of this. How was your experience with single stage?

[@markhenderson9778]

@ after I modified the single stage with the conveyor belt material it was 100% better. I gave it to a friend and he used it for another 5-10 years and finally left it at a nursing home he worked at. For a unit that was made in the late 70s it was pretty good. The nice thing was it actually had gear driven forward and reverse drive. The transmission was very strong as it always broke the drive shaft shear bolt.

[@tonyunderwood2525]

i have done this on a few of my snowblowers over the years but I always put the rubber on the back side of the blade so that it doesnt stop the snow from sliding across the blade and out the chute.

[@GarageGear]

@@tonyunderwood2525 thanks for sharing Tony

[@PainterD54]

This probably the best mod you can do to any two stage snowblower. I just use old conveyor belting, or rubber truck mud flaps also work great. One little hint....if you spray a little silicone inside the impeller housing, it will help the rubber (and snow) to slide easier and not get that burnt rubber smell.

[@GarageGear]

@@PainterD54 thanks for sharing the tip painter! Definitely an awesome mod!

[@lweston3875]

I did this with an old snow blower i had and it worked great. I now have a Husqvarna st330p with a cast impeller. Wondering if i can install there on a cast impeller?

[@GarageGear]

Should be able to!

[@richardkawucha1232]

Saw your video, so i decided to try it. The rubber pieces i got were long enough so i cut them in half. When i installed them, the rubber hit the heads of some bolts, in the throat, it was loud and stalled at low speed. Once the rubber wore away the machine ran great, at all speeds. I have to clear the snow away from the gutter so snow melt doesn’t freeze at the foot of my drive. This addition ensures my machine can not only throw snow further, but it also throws slush and while it slows, won't stall out. Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

Glad this modification helped you out Richard

[@danohagan942]

JB just installed a kit last week on my Toro 826 . Flat impeller went smoothly but getting to the impellers was a different story not as easy as your Ariens . Not impossible just time consuming .

[@GarageGear]

Yeah, some snowblowers have extra steps. Thanks for sharing this!

[@brucematula833]

This will also stop rocks from wedging between the shroud and the impeller and breaking your shear pins. Before I saw this video and knew there was such thing as an impeller kit. My plan was to take an old tire and cut it and fix it to the existing impellers to reduce the gap between the impeller and the shroud so that the rocks would just go out the chute and not get pinched and blow the Shear pins every two minutes. Somebody else had the same idea! God is good.

[@GarageGear]

@@brucematula833 appreciate you sharing this bruce

[@mrvoyagerm]

I have a very powerful 14 HP 28" Cub Cadet 3X and was not happy to see it plug up with wet nasty snow repeatedly having to stop and clear it only to have it plug up again. I installed this kit this past fall and got to try it out for our first deep wet snowfall of the year. I was amazed to see that I had to turn down the chute tip to keep from throwing it over onto the neighbors and also got to see all that power put to work without plugging up once. It even throws the 50% water/slush from the gutter straight out the chute without issue. Why don't they come with this?

[@GarageGear]

You’re not the first tell me this voyager. That hood in the auger housing creates the perfect clogging problem. Glad this kit helped you out!

[@hmdwn]

I did this some 20 years ago and possibly before there were pre-made paddle kits available. It really is a great improvement and throws even heavy snow much further. Makes my wonder WHY manufactures leave the impeller gaps vs having a tighter clearance.

[@GarageGear]

That’s a good question my friend.

[@electroddxful]

Good morning JB. I did this mod with truck mud flaps and cut them down to size for my 3x cub cadet and it works really well. Great video. I really enjoy your content. Have a bless weekend together with family 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@GarageGear]

There ya go Ray! How do you like that 3x? Was thinking about getting one to do videos on. Enjoy the weekend with your family my friend!

[@electroddxful]

I like it but there is nothing like a Ariens snowblower. If I could go back I will buy a Ariens not a cub cadet.👍🙏👍🙏

[@GarageGear]

@@electroddxful I hear ya! Never be afraid to pop a for sale Sign on it and put that money toward an ariens. 👍

[@anythinggoes9705]

Watched a few of these videos from you already and I'm ready to install it on mine. But never see a video from you on Husqvarna machine? But, thanks for all the cool tip, tricks, and maintenance!

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend! Need a husqvarna to work on!

[@barkybarker2592]

I made my own using a tire sidewall, a few self-tapping #12 screws and fender washers. Install it snug against the impeller housing and it will quickly form itself to fit perfectly. It turns a snowblower into a snowthrower.

[@GarageGear]

Right On Barky! 👍

[@dand3975]

I wondered how adding weight to the impeller affects the balance of the assembly and if is unbalanced, what is the effect ware on bearings and grease seals. Those locking nuts are good but consider using locktite thread locker to to eliminate the chance of a flying projectile if a bolt and nut loosened from vibration / imbalance. I still liked the video, thumbs up, just not convinced to add this to my snowblower.

[@GarageGear]

@@dand3975 hey Dan if it eases your mind I have done this procedure on many snowblowers over the past ten years and never had any issues at all. If you were to follow these instructions you’d be good to go.👍

[@ronsorrentino6207]

As long as you install them in the same spot on each impeller tip and they’re all the same size using the same bolts, washers and nuts, you’re not going to change or affect the balance at all.

[@mikechapman4767]

Question for you... which would you choose for your rubber friction disc? The 4.9" or 5.5"? I want to convert one of my blowers to a little trailer mover

[@GarageGear]

Depends on the model my friend. I would go by what fits on the machine.

[@richardkawucha1232]

As I live at the bottom of a small hill, to keep from having an ice rink, at the foot of my driveway I have to clear the street 80-feet tonthe sewer drain. Additionally the snow plows usually keep 18-inches away from the curb when they come by. This means the sewer grate gets plugged. The neighbor, where the grate is located, is too lazy to clear it. I've been doing this now for over 45 years. When I bought my Yard Machine 2-stage it was easier, but the chute would clog. Saw this video this fall and installed the rubber blades. Mine shifted a bit and were just clearing the metal sides, but hitting on the bolt heads. First snow we had was 3-inches after a day of rain, making for a wet heavy mess to move. Fired the machine up and had to let it run a bit, so the bolt heads wore the rubber down. Once everything was finally seated, I took off. I won't say that it was perfect, but I never had to stop and clear a slush plug out of the chute. The modification did what you said. At 72 I look for easier ways tomdo things, but am not afraid of work.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this Richard!

[@freddevito3801]

Excellent video! I added an impeller kit on my Craftsman several years ago. It increased the distance, but mainly the shoot has never clogged!

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON FRED! They work great!

[@georgesteffens7489]

Got the engine swap done I posted elsewhere about on my old Murray, and got this kit installed too. Just gotta decide whether or not to utilize the lighting circuit on the newer engine. Thanks for sharing!

[@GarageGear]

@@georgesteffens7489 thanks for sharing and watching George!

[@georgesteffens7489]

@@GarageGear absolutely, and didn’t mean to double post there, take care!

[@GarageGear]

@@georgesteffens7489 all good my friend

[@brucemitchell5637]

If you're using stainless steel nuts and bolts you MUST use anti- sieze on the threads or you will gall the threads and the bolts will be impossible to tighten or take off!

[@GarageGear]

Good to know thanks for sharing with the Garage Gear community.

[@GenericYouTubehandle910]

Came here to echo the above comment. It can't be stressed enough to use anti seize when using nuts and bolts of the same material. Great video! Impeller mod FTW!

[@Jonas_Aa]

The nuts and bolts look like zinc plated and not as dark as stainless steel.

[@GarageGear]

@@Jonas_Aa it said on the box everything was stainless steel 🤔

[@Jonas_Aa]

@@GarageGear maybe I see wrong color on screen. But the blades look darker than the screws.

[@scottgordin9709]

I did this mod and let me tell ya, it works great and I’m mad I never thought of it years ago. The 22 MTD I have would clog and bog down on anything more than a half inch of the wet heavy stuff. Afterwards it’ll throw it across my yard into the neighbors yard.

[@GarageGear]

@@scottgordin9709 it definitely makes a huge difference 👍

[@mikemontagne2703]

Just a thought, for easier installation, use an extension drill ? One additional suggestion regarding the used "self-tapping" hardware. If you can determine the thread pitch, SAE or S.I.(System International, A.K.A. metric). Then just obtain the appropriate self locking nut(s) to attach. Yes, one can screw a self locking nut onto a self tapping screw or bolt.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@mikemontagne2703]

@GarageGear JB, you're most welcome. Keep up these informative, plus entertaining instructional videos!

[@GarageGear]

@@mikemontagne2703 you got it Mike!

[@RevvedUpLou]

I got a chance to test the Impeller Kit on my Craftsman with the weak Tecumseh 5.5hp engine 😢… but, it made a huge difference in throwing distance for sure…. All thanks to you ….. Cheers from Rhode Island

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! Rock on, Rhode Island! You won’t regret it!

[@cwsosby]

If you've ever had to dig something out of there, then you know that space is your only saving grace 😉 But I see how it improves performance. Good Job!!!

[@GarageGear]

@@cwsosby thanks for watching cw!

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

It would probably be wise to load up the bolts and holes in the impellers with Fluid Film. This as drilling the holes in the impellers leaves raw steel exposed that would be prone to corrosion. Ask me how I know about this issue…

[@GarageGear]

Good tip John! Thanks for sharing

[@stephenwilling7287]

Great info I may have to give this a try. But first I'd like to know what I should be checking as my Atiens w/electrict start, will not start, it does turn over just doesn't start. this year. We never had much snow last year so I never used it at all. I was checking it over this year as we have already had 3X 2" snow events, I live in MN so I think I may need it this year. I hope you can point me to a video you may have done at sometime I just found you and can't find a video that might help me. Thanks

[@GarageGear]

Hey Stephen. I would check your carburetor. 9/10 times starting issues revolve around that

[@garysgarage.2841]

My snow blower has been relatively trouble free for 20 years only issue the O ring maze gasket got hard easy fix. The wet stuff I've learned go fast and it doesn't clog. The impellers are already really close has a slight gap perhaps things were built better back then.

[@GarageGear]

@@garysgarage.2841 things were definitely built better back then gary

[@kqc7011]

I used some old 3/16" thick by 2&1/2 wide scrap conveyor belting. I used 1/4" wide by 3/4" long self tapping screws. I have not had to change the screws or belting in the last 3 years and I live in the U.P. of Michigan.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing kqc

[@pleinairbarnettoutdoors]

I don't have a snowblower yet, but educting myself before putchase. Is the kit installed on the front (attack) face, or rear (passive) face. Thank you.

[@GarageGear]

If I’m understanding you correctly I would say this is on the front face of the impeller.

[@lawrencejneuser8801]

After installing the kits and you're using the machine before you start spray cooking Pam inside the drum to lubricate the blades. Carry this can with you as your snow blowing . If anybody is worried about folding the environment pam should follow the environment less than any other lubricant.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Lawrence

[@Rebel9668]

I wonder if instead of a wrench and a ratchet/socket it might be easier and give a little more room with a standard box end wrench and a box end gearwrench? I know my grearwrenches have made a few of my jobs a lot easier, like changing the alternator on my truck where a ratchet just wouldn't fit and a standard 6pt or 12 pt wrench would have taken about half the day. I have a wilton vise but it looks a bit different than that as it has the standard clamp on the top side but also has a pipe clamp on the bottom side of the jaws. Wish I still had the old one we had on the farm. Never thought about it as back in the day they weren't that expensive. Nowadays people must think the old ones are worth their weight in gold as much as they want for one, lol. Guess you could use a steel 6" ruler to use as a gauge on where to stop the rubber by placing the ruler against the impeller housing and sliding the rubber up against it. Be easier than trying to put enough feeler gauges together to make a millimeter. :) I don't think I'll ever need an impeller kit myself though just because of where I live. We've had 1 decent snow this month and a week of frigid temps and the rest of the month has just been rain and weirdly, it's been as high as 61 degrees this week.

[@GarageGear]

Perhaps it could make it easier. Never know until we try

[@donvonschitzinpantz2]

Great video! I am jealous though. Every snowblower I have tried to install an impeller kit in had a gusset plate right in the way on the impeller that made it a total bastard to get the nuts on the back of it. Try it on an early John Deere 826 or a mid 70's 10000 series Ariens with the later impeller, or a 6 blade Ariens ST928, all of them really sucked to install an impeller kit in, but in the end it was worth it I guess. Sadly I know, all my snowblowers are total dinosaurs haha. Keep up the good work and the good videos!!!

[@GarageGear]

You might want to try the self tapping screws. That way you won’t have to bolt anything down and it would be a little easier for you. Thanks for following along!

[@donvonschitzinpantz2]

I was like you and thought bolts would be so much better, but next time I think I will just give the self tappers a try if the gusset plate is in the way instead of just cursing lol. Thanks for the advice and keep up the great work!!!@@GarageGear

[@GarageGear]

@@donvonschitzinpantz2 you got it bud

[@donvonschitzinpantz2]

I have an idea for a video I think would be great and I would love it. If you ever get enough snow there I would love to see you compare all 3 of your snowblowers, the professional, the deluxe and your 10000 series and tell us what you honestly think. Is the deluxe worth the money vs the old 10000 and is the professional worth double the cost of your deluxe? And what do you think of the hydrostatic drive and stuff too. Have no idea about it and is it worth it too? Would love it if you ever have the time. Keep up the good work!!!@@GarageGear

[@GarageGear]

@@donvonschitzinpantz2 Paul that’s a really good idea! Appreciate you putting this idea in my head! Thank you!

[@JonTaschek]

I have an ancient simplicity 2 stage. Early 80's. Still starts first pull. Due to its age, it did not have the throwing ability it had when new. About 6 or 7 years ago, i did the same modification utilizing old mud flaps cut to the correct size. That modification made that old snow blower throw snow like it was brand new. I wish i knew they had kits. Would have been even easier. Nice video

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching and sharing my friend

[@fuzzyfireman1]

Spraying with a silicone based spray, and adding a crazy carpet cut up in the chute allows an extra 12 feet of range on my 7hp craftsman made 30 years ago.

[@GarageGear]

@@fuzzyfireman1 awesome thanks for sharing fuzzy!

[@rogermartin404]

My neighbors owed me money for past snow plowing jobs and continued to call me, so I knocked on each door and told them to watch what else a snow plow could do.... I filled they're driveways back up with snow. 🤣

[@GarageGear]

@@rogermartin404 hahaha that’s awesome! Time for them to pay up

[@dingdongdaddy589]

Things that never happened for $500 Alex (RIP) 🙏🏽

[@majobis]

My Ariens snowblower is so old it has the electric start Tecumseh 5hp motor on it with a factory headlight and have really used it hard over the years of blowing snow it starts everytime I have replaced the starter rope on it The belts have been replaced a couple years ago and never have been changed up to that point I've bent one of the auger tines on it and bent it back I've twisted the case of the blower It does not like the heavy wet snow because the augers turn too slow and clogs to high hog heavens The powder stuff it is fine on it I cant afford a new one since the price is so high it's like buying a mortgage for it. Can you say I work the snot out of it.

[@GarageGear]

@@majobis yep you work the snot out of it! Thanks for sharing majobis

[@Canfixstuff]

thanks awesome info & your awesome your awesomness lol.....thanks so much i will add this for sure no brainer brother 👌👌👍👍🤙🤙✌✌🤜🤜🤛🤛

[@GarageGear]

@@Canfixstuff appreciate you being an awesome fan canfixstuff👍

[@privatejoker01001]

JB, quick question. I have a Cub Cadet, there are 2 screw heads inside where the impellor is. If I put the paddles on, should I try and notch around them? What would you recommend?

[@GarageGear]

Hey joker! I would recommend doing that. I’ll be doing a video on this procedure soon! Stay tuned!

[@tomkeating65]

You should line the chute with thin plastic so the snow doesn't stick. Also put zip tyes on the main auger to keep it clean of snow. To find out more about this search for Japanese snowblower. There more advanced of what you're doing

[@tomkeating65]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5CnZ6idqdaZgpIsi=AL_76Sk20Xgmu-Zs

[@GarageGear]

I have seen that truck before. Works well! I will look into this!

[@thekingsilverado3266]

I know for a fact y'all ain't gonna just drill thru an old Ariens Impeller blade like that or even an older MTD for that fact. The impellers are hardened steel on them old timers like mine. This gag has been around alotta years. Since the 1980s in fact. I found out about it one Thanks Giving weekend back in early 80s my dad had our snow blower all torn down and he had one of them kits. The problem was a few days after the first of buck season he had to take it to work with him to drill thru the hardened impeller and then he lost the hardware. Man was he mad. It wasn't that many years ago I went to a yard sale bought some old metal tool boxes. Lord and behold one of them old time MTD kits like that is still in the one tool box. I might look for it later today.

[@GarageGear]

@@thekingsilverado3266 thanks for sharing king

[@tempusveritas8901]

Good Idea. This should reduce the space heater time after the work is done. Thanks'

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend! Thanks for watching!

[@BERT4MIX]

you got the best channel ,always helping thank you,I wonder where are you located so i can take my snowblower to you.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you bert! I’m in Lancaster NY! Unfortunately I don’t work on anyone else’s equipment. Got no room in the garage or time to work on anyone else’s stuff. Thanks for your interest though!

[@BERT4MIX]

thank you for your honesty and all the good tips you give.

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

Awesome video! I’ve DIY’d this mod on my machines, using stainless hardware and paddles cut from an unused Toro single stage impeller paddle that I was given. Buy it or build it, this mod is a max performance must! Awesome vid’s! Keep doing what you do!

[@GarageGear]

@@Dan_Kornfeld thanks for sharing Dan! Appreciate you bud

[@harrydoherty8299]

i wonder what the neighbors think with you measuring across the snow . 😅 wind,wet heavy snow and obstructions shush as walks bushes and the neighbors property line also have a bearing on where the snow goes. all your video are very good though. 😊

[@GarageGear]

@@harrydoherty8299 they all know I’m up to something lol! Thanks for being a cool fan Harry!

[@lawrencejneuser8801]

When I installed the Impeller kit i used drill tip screws, in other words the text screws, i use three screws on each blade in case one screw came loose it still had two screws left.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@stevenmarkeveys864]

Been doing this for years. Cut some old tire tread or other thick durable rubber get you a few fine thread (tek5) self tappers-good to go...YW!

[@GarageGear]

@@stevenmarkeveys864 thanks for sharing Steven!

[@gudfarfar]

I bought a cheap snowblower from a shop and found that the distribution shaft in front had no lubricant inside it! Nobody told me that this should be filled but I decided to drain it after a few hours use, and found it was empty! I complained to the shop and they delivered a new distributor to me in a few weeks. The first one still broke after some time, even if I had filled it with oil, so I guess the first dry runs really killed it.

[@GarageGear]

Oh wow thanks for sharing my friend!

[@BCole-bj4lv]

Wouldn't it make more sense to attach to the rear of the blade? On the front, it makes for a bulky, non-slippery surface. Have you ever tried it?

[@GarageGear]

@@BCole-bj4lv the manufacturers of this kit recommended putting it on top of the impellers. I imagine putting it on the bottom could potentially pull it off if it were screwed on and not bolted

[@StlrNtn95]

I've been debating this modification on my Deluxe 24. Seems more than throwing farther, the anti-clogging is the biggest benefit.

[@GarageGear]

That’s really where the mod gets it’s biggest win!

[@deeblues1]

Off topic but what rope do you recommend for a snowblower...After many years mine broke on our last western NY storm..It's on a older MTD Yard Machine with a 5 horse Tecumseh engine... Kinda weird only two small bolts holding the recoil on...THANKS.....OH and second question...Thinking of buying the Toro PowerMax 824...The bolts in the auger...wouldn't be better just to replace them with a equal in size shear bolt.??...I know they claim "no shear pins needed"..??

[@GarageGear]

Hey dee usually # 5 pull rope works best from what I’ve seen. I’d have to see closer up at those bolts to know better. Next time I get a peek at one I’ll check.

[@tigertom53]

Had old 20 inch two stage snow blower looked more like a lawnmower, it did horrible in the snow and it was a 15 year old hand me down from my friend. When i did this mod it came alive doing better then all my neighbors. I recently purchased a bigger snow blower but haven't done the mod yet but I will this winter after watching this.. 😊 ❄️🌨️

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Tom! Your snowblower will really come to life with this mod!

[@galaxiedance3135]

I just wanna be able to throw it all into my neighbors driveway, this looks promising ! Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

I think this might be the video for you!

[@arlenbell4376]

I think these high end snowblowers should come with something like this installed.

[@GarageGear]

@@arlenbell4376 I agree!

[@smallblock412]

Best mod with no downside for a snowblower. 👍👍

[@GarageGear]

You know it Smallblock! This baby just keeps crankin it out! Have an awesome weekend my friend!👍

[@kurtwise7356]

Nice info for people not in the know! But I've been doing this since the 80s with 1/4 ×2 rubber with self tapping screws! Always has worked great!

[@GarageGear]

@@kurtwise7356 thanks for sharing kurt

[@danadams8718]

Ariens always did throw snow pretty good to start with.

[@GarageGear]

They sure do

[@pjpankratz8829]

Ever consider putting the paddle on the backside of the impeller blade vs the front? Smother surface might throw even further. "shrugs shoulders"

[@GarageGear]

It’s a possibility. The Kit instructions don’t recommend putting them on the backside of the impeller though. I worry that the placement and friction of them would pull them off or cause issues though.

[@w9awx1]

Never stick your hand into a snowblower chute with the engine running. A local man had issues and stuck his hand into the chute without turning off the motor. Pulled his hand right in. Luckily, he didn't lose his hand.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing !

[@dshogan6174]

SPRAY the inside surfaces of the auger and the impeller wtih DIESEL or some other slick substance….and the snow will not build up and will super increase the performance. Same trick used in dump trucks hauling snow…..keeps ice and pack snow from forming…easy fix

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@nobodycares3897]

Those with the factory rubber were branded as Husqvarna. Orange housing and black handles. I don't remember which motor manufacturer but I do remember it being a smaller OHV engine. I set them up and sold them back in the late 90s as well blowing snow commercially. For such a compact machine it was balanced perfectly.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@bravo2002fatboy]

The manufacturers are trying to sell a snowblower that throws snow why don’t they just make the impellers a little closer? By the way I’ve started doing this about 10 years ago from conveyor belts from Bethlehem steel thanks for the video actually that’s not a bad price on Amazon makes it easier to buy the kit thanks for making all of good videos

[@GarageGear]

@@bravo2002fatboy not sure why they don’t make them a little closer. Ease of production I guess. Not a bad kit for the price! Cool where you got the conveyor belts from

[@RodneyWesling]

The SS bolts for the impeller kit can be a FLANGE BOLT and the NUTS can be a TOP LOCKING FLAHGE BOLT .the Nuts are not called "TOP LOCKING "any more and you might confuse the person on the other end of the PHONE! The flange hardware SPREADS the pressure out farther and it also gie a little more area to weld to.

[@GarageGear]

@@RodneyWesling thanks for sharing rodney

[@The_Mace]

"JB, what are you doing??!" I bet that question is asked in that same manner quite frequently at JB's house... 🤣

[@GarageGear]

6.4 times per day my friend! Depending on her level of frustration the pitch can vary some. Regardless she still keeps me around lol! What’s the plan this weekend bud?

[@The_Mace]

@@GarageGear Just gearing up for football! Go Lions! (Sorry about your Bills...)

[@GarageGear]

@@The_Mace just another season for us 🤷‍♂️ lol go lions!

[@ek8137]

On the next edition of Neighbor Wars - " Snow blowing to harass neighbors" Nicely done video something I need to do for my machine! thank you man!

[@GarageGear]

I like that video idea! I got one to harass! Thanks for watching ek!

[@kenmandelin7812]

This looks like a good idea! The positive feedback in the comments just made my mind up.

[@GarageGear]

@@kenmandelin7812 awesome. Go for it! Won’t be disappointed

[@dang6832]

It’s cool. If you’re worried about balance you can weigh each one with the hardware and adjust as needed.

[@GarageGear]

@@dang6832 that is true! 👍

[@stephenherbstritt]

@GarageGear I have a Craftsman Select 24 Snowblower. I absolutely hate how it gets clogged every other 2 paths, not being able to move in the snow ( constant tire spinning ) like the Husqvarna snowblower. My question is, is it worth spending over a $1000 on a ariens deluxe 28?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Stephen! You cant go wrong with an ariens. Bigger auger And a bigger impeller will throw more snow better than those machines. If wet sticky snow is a real problem for you I would try installing an impeller kit. 👍

[@holeshot406]

Hi Stephen. I have owned about 4 or 5 of the old 40+ year old craftsman snowblowers and swear by them, because of mainly how tough they are built. They are completely able to be rebuilt, have bulletproof transmissions. Newer units including the craftsman machines have plastic transmissions that I’ve been told are not able to be rebuilt and cause the while unit to be scrapped. The old style craftsman had smaller wheels that at best came with a set of chains that helped traction, but the next generation kept all the same body style, but with larger and very aggressive tires on them that I’ve never had an issue spinning out with. Would I like a new Husqvarna or Ariens snowblower at $1000+ ?? Sure, but by either updating the tires to this newer style and also doing the impeller kit, I think you have every bit of as good of a machine at a fraction of the cost. If your machine is the older style with the bulletproof style transmission…..don’t give up on it. Best of luck.

[@stephenherbstritt]

@GarageGear I live in Erie Pennsylvania. We get a little bit of everything, from thick fluffy snow, light snow, wet heavy compact snow, etc... this Thanksgiving in my area had snow that went up to the doorways on our houses, and cars were buried. I have a select 24 craftsman it's about 900 new. This thing sucked in this snowfall this year. I heard ariens makes really good snowblowers for wet heavy snow. I was recommended to get the deluxe 28. I was wondering if you had experience with it and is it worth it to get.

[@GarageGear]

@@stephenherbstritt here’s your review my friend! 👍

[@dezertraider]

ANOTHER MOD-ADD A THROTTLE LEVER.AFTER IMPELLA MOD I REALISED I CAN BENEFIT WITH A THROTTLE TO RUN MACHINE SLOWER OR FASTER AS NEEDED..GREAT VIDEO..ALSO,YOU CAN FIND MUD FLAPS AT A TRUCK STOP LAYING AROUND..

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching and sharing dezert 👍

[@danbyrne6501]

Spray that chute down with some DuPont Teflon , you'll gain another 10 feet, In to the neighbors pool!🤣

[@GarageGear]

@@danbyrne6501 Iike that idea

[@buffalobluecheese]

Great video as usual 👍 Being up the road in Cheektowaga I can relate to the conditions. I was going to install an impeller kit on my Craftsman sbl'r like the one you have currently, but after full maintenance & adjusted OHV 3 yrs ago it threw snow better then ever... may revisit impeller kit after watching... Go BILLS

[@apexiumim2741]

Unfortunately… it’s “Golf Bills” now. 😢

[@GarageGear]

Just wait until you put that impeller kit on. It’s a world of difference! Hopefully our boys can come back next season strong! Go Bills!