Snow blower hack for Poulan Pro / Husqvarna ES 121 "Paddle Wheel" Snowblower that eases the load.

When my wife began asking me if I could do something to keep the Paddle Wheel Snowblower from catching on the cement and cracks, I set out to find and fix the problem I didn't know it had. The Paddles wear out and when they do, the whole machine grinds away on the cement. This is how I fixed it. The wheels are 2 1/2" Diameter. The left front bolt is 2 1/2 inch long and 5/16 wide. The right front wheel bolt is 2" inches long and 5/16 wide. Thanks for watching and thanks Ilea. God bless and stay safe.
Dave

[@jamesrunge5659]

Any wife that blows snow is a keeper! Great idea!

[@NightFlyyer]

Yep, but she actually is the one who keeps me! LOL. She loves to run the lawn tractor and any machinery for sure. Thanks.

[@NightFlyyer]

When my wife began asking me if I could do something to keep the Paddle Wheel Snowblower from catching on the cement and cracks, I set out to find and fix the problem I did'nt know it had. The Paddles wear out and when they do, the whole machine grinds away on the cement. This is how I fixed it. Thanks for watching and thanks Ilea. God bless and stay safe. Dave

[@martyblake7634]

I just installed wheels on mine. Thanks a lot for the tip!

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. Hope that works well for you as is does me. Thanks kindly.

[@auck1969]

That's an awesome idea. I have the identical snow blower and been having the same issues. This is my next project. Thanks for great info.

[@MitchellPetersoncustomdrone]

Dave, I'm surprised you haven't added RC to your blower along with way-points and full telemetry. Ha Ha, great clip, love you guys

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. Stay tuned. Thanks.

[@MitchellPetersoncustomdrone]

@@NightFlyyer That's a 4

[@randolphmangosing9209]

Ty for sharing your video Sir. I finally found one that will works for my ego snow blower.Bought used rollerblades for $8 and used the wheels and the included shaft locking flat nut .Way so much smoother to push. Takes me 15 minutes to do the job, no sweat.And i have 6 more wheels remaining from rollerblades that i can use for other project.

[@NightFlyyer]

I am very happy to hear that. Thanks so kindly. Happy holidays.

[@moeodeh3741]

I have the same problem so thank you so much you just saved me from spending money on a new snowblower . I'll fix it the way that you just did Thank you again

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly. I am sure it will help a lot.

[@williamlane2126]

Appreciate the video. Getting ready to install new paddle inserts on a Craftsman single. Was going to fabricate delrin skids to install where the intake sides had worn down. Your idea is much less mechanical work and I'll finally use clearance aisle wheels purchased 20+ years ago 😉

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on! Good luck with it. Mine is still working great!

[@WORRO]

Good common sense is worth a million (actually more lol). Brilliant fix Mr Dave! Thumbs-up ~John

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks a lot, John. We appreciate that.

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

I've never seen a snow blower like that. Pretty cool hack, that makes total sense!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very much. I appreciate that.

[@dementia0090]

Great mod Dave. We take basic designs and improve them. We have no snow but mostly mowing and mulching year round. So I do the same thing with my mower and attachments. Adding a few improvements of my own!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks Ricky. Happy mowing.

[@Dick_Shinn]

Here in Colorado, we often get wet, heavy snow. I have thoroughly waxed the reel, second stage auger and chute with Johnsons wax. Helped significantly with the pick-up and expulsion. So far, have only used it once this season. Innovative solution on your machine!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks a lot. Yes, we spray Pam cooking oil in the chute as well and your right, it works really well. Stay well, Dick.

[@budparriott8054]

That's great and it could even be used to blow leaves around the garden. Happy New Year, Dave and Ilea..!

[@NightFlyyer]

Right. Thanks a lot Bud and Happy new year to you as well. Semper Fi.

[@toddsamuel8532]

Great video. I had trouble with mine. Same problem.. great idea with the wheels. I did exactly what u did and it's easy than ever to push now. Thanks

[@NightFlyyer]

So glad to hear that. Thank you.

[@gikar1948]

Thank you for the terrific idea. I will put those 2 wheels on me Toro snowblower.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks a lot. I'm sure you will find that works great.

[@jamesyoungblood555]

No snow here in Tacoma Wa. Thanks anyway. Shalom my friend.

[@gremys]

You are a genius. Thank you!

[@NightFlyyer]

Ha ha, not always. Thanks much.

[@MrWarwick15]

Cool! Thanks Dave. Hope your finger is healing well? Best wishes. Rich.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very kindly, Rich. Finger is still braced, but getting better.

[@dr.detroit1514]

Great video. Now know better wheels that I can use! I basically did the same Idea with my single stage. I installed the wheels, some kind of rubber covered small steel wheels I found years ago at a flea market, and installed them at a height that keeps the scraper and paddles a fraction of an inch off the ground when new. It does degrade the driveway cleaning ability slightly, but the paddles and scraper never wear, and never have to be replaced. The front and rear wheels are the only items that actually contact the ground. I did the same with the shoes on my two stage, set them so the blade is about 1/8 off the ground. Curved snowmobile ski runner pieces brazed to the bottoms of the shoes prevents hammering the cracks.

[@NightFlyyer]

So great to hear of others who are ingeniously fixing things. Thanks kindly. Luckily we havw had only 1 snowstorm this year, so hopefully we and you don't have to do it too many times.

[@SoCal780]

I saw this and thought to myself, “uh-oh, another ‘Dave Mod’ video!” Ingenious idea. Watch, Poulan will come out with a “new model” next year with your inline skate wheels attached! I would demand a commission from them if they did! Great job sir. Semper Fi.

[@NightFlyyer]

Ha Ha. Thanks a lot, Scott. Semper Fi!

[@jp400motox]

thanks for the tip

[@NightFlyyer]

Your welcome. I had to use it yesterday! All still good..Thanks.

[@RackwitzG]

Next best thing to pushing a shopping cart. ;) Great idea.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly!

[@arniergrs41]

Thanks dave ,I've been meaning to do that on my snapper. Maybe I could get my wife to snow blow like you got your wife to do.

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. Good. My wife loves to mow and snowblow. I never get to run those machines, but I won't complain too much. Thanks Arnie.

[@deontehemphill2361]

Hey @@NightFlyyer my name is deonte I’m 16 years old and you have one of those nite flyers rc helicopter 110 how do you fuel the tank I paid 100 for it and the hobby shop said I got a amazing deal so I want to start it they gave me fuel but don’t know how to fuel it can you help me?

[@NightFlyyer]

@@deontehemphill2361 Hi. Well I ran a silicone hose up from the aluminum vent line so it sticks out the top of the canopy where I can reach it. I turn the heli upside down to fill it from that hose. But the best way is to remove the hose at the carb or from the tank tube on the bottom and fill it right side up, till the fuel comes out of the vent line. Good luck.

[@deontehemphill2361]

@@NightFlyyer would you sell me your lite machines helicopter?

[@NightFlyyer]

@@deontehemphill2361 Not at this time, but will keep you in mind.

[@louisaugust1815]

I put skateboard wheels on my snowblower and used the existing screw holes for the axles of the wheels. I once used a bristlebrush broom to clear snow from my parking spot and it cleared snow right to the dirt. I'm planning on jusst adding to the worn blades somehow instead of replacing them.

[@jonas2431]

Great vid

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you sir!

[@jonas2431]

@@NightFlyyer very welcome maybe you can make it rc so you can control from rhe porch

[@NightFlyyer]

@@jonas2431 Haha. Good one.

[@shion_lwn]

Great!!!! I have been looking up skid pad/wheel ideas for single stage snow blower. wow, I haven't seen anyone actually cut out the side plate for wheels! that's cool. I am surprised how well it still clears the snow right above the ground with 1/4" gap!!! Very well done sir. I was going to make my own skid pads with a cutting board because I can't find skid pads work for my Ego in Canada... Although, because of the odd shapes of the steel plates (right and left), i dont have much space to work with and would need to cut the board in L shape (90deg) to fit.... I think wheel may work better.

[@NightFlyyer]

I went thru the same process before I decided to do the wheels. They do a great job and now all ready for the next season which is close at hand. Thanks kindly and happy Winter.

[@shion_lwn]

@@NightFlyyer Thank you for your reply. I am so new to DIY this kind of stuff or any handyman stuff.. What kind of bolts did you use? I am embarrassed that I don't even know much of names of types of bolts, washers and nuts..😅 I am thinking to get Casters, remove them from the brakets, get bolts, washers and nuts to install on my Ego snow blower. it ll be a learn for me.!

[@NightFlyyer]

@@shion_lwn Well it depends on the size of the roller skate wheel. I think 3/8 inch, stainless steel so they wont rust. Length depends on the your unit. One side on mine was longer, cause it houses the belt, so I had to use different lengths. Good luck.

[@shion_lwn]

@@NightFlyyer I think I figured out^^ I got 70mm OD, 8mm ID inline skate wheels, with 5/16" parts. took me different patterns to figure out to get the wheels spin smoothly while the bolt is securely tightened on the blower. part threaded hex bolt gave me a bit of struggle with what I had. it was a learn :) Thank you again for your video!

[@NightFlyyer]

@@shion_lwn That is great. Happy snow blowing!

[@jesseblocker5274]

Nice

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks much.

[@Skammy5]

You go momma!!

[@NightFlyyer]

She do, she do!

[@michaelolivarez8056]

Nice job sir! I have the same snowblower and absolutely love it. I was curious as to the parts you used….bolts to be specific to mount the wheels. Thanks again and very nice hack.

[@NightFlyyer]

The wheels are 2 1/2" Diameter. The left front bolt is 2 1/2 inch long and 5/16 wide. The right front wheel bolt is 2" inches long and 5/16 wide. Thanks much and good luck with it.

[@PainterD54]

They should come with wheels already on it. Send this vid to the people at Poulan!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks much.

[@alanreynolds2125]

Hi Dave, what a good lady you have! give her my regards, by the way how's the finger coming along? take care both Alan.

[@robertwren2289]

Good idea to fix a very bad snowblower.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very kindly, Robert.

[@randybrothen4151]

Did you have to cut out the non belt side? If so what was the reason?

[@NightFlyyer]

I cut out the plastic on both sides. The left side had to be put near the front, because of the belt, but the plastic was cut out so the wheels would fit in tight against the metal.

[@randybrothen4151]

@@NightFlyyer Thank you. I finished putting wheels on my blower. I didn't cut the plastic yet, I'm going to see how it works as is. I did put 2" fender washers against the plastic to prevent the plastic from cracking.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@randybrothen4151 That sounds great. I hope it works out for you. Thanks.

[@tobagoak3014]

How big were the skate wheels?

[@NightFlyyer]

The PRO TEC Replacement In-Line Skate Wheels measure 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.75 , or 6.4 x 6.4 x 1.9 cm, which is equivalent to 19mm in height.

[@ronaldmayes6902]

Where did you get the wheels at? Mine is doing the same thing

[@NightFlyyer]

I got them on Amazon. Here is the link. Hope this helps. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KS34BP7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[@ronaldmayes6902]

@@NightFlyyer what about the screws?

[@NightFlyyer]

@@ronaldmayes6902 Ace Hardware.

[@ronaldmayes6902]

@@NightFlyyer thanks how long?

[@NightFlyyer]

@@ronaldmayes6902 the right side I think is 2” and the left was 2 1/2. Put the heads on the inside. There is some improvising here so good luck.

[@TestECull]

Crappy snowblower design from the getgo. Designed more to blow dead presidents out of your wallet than snow off your driveway.

[@NightFlyyer]

Probably, but it's working pretty well as you saw with my mod. It does require paddles every couple of seasons, but is way less expensive than my other snowblowers were and much easier to run. It even has electric start. Thanks.

[@TestECull]

@@NightFlyyer Ye I'm just not sold on $40 consumable paddles that last two seasons. Just seems like Poulan is after a recurring revenue stream. But hey, ya got it where it works nicely!