Electric Snow Blower Conversion

[dmwahl]

I've been thinking about converting my snow blower to electric for some time, and after it started and died one too many times after the last snowfall I've finally hit the point where I'm going to do it. The carburetor is in bad need of cleaning, it leaks oil and gas, the head gasket is shot, and due to all this power is minimal and it bogs down constantly. Not to mention I come in smelling like gas every time I use it (this would be reason enough in my opinion).

So after considering buying a newer (used) blower to replace it, replacing the engine, rebuilding the engine, etc, I decided the most cost effective way to keep the blower running is to convert it to AC electric (120V/20A). I've found some suitable AC motors for under $200, and including things like a 100' heavy gauge extension cord, adding a 20A GFCI circuit, and hardware/belts for the blower itself, I should be able to keep the cost below $300. The motor I'm considering can be found here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/290833742587

I've done a fair amount of searching and found a few similar projects out there, so I know I'm not crazy to try this (http://www.evalbum.com/2166 http://www.evalbum.com/758 http://www.evalbum.com/2612). The only major difference is that I hope to use a smaller electric motor (1.5hp, 120V 16A, 3450rpm, TEFC) to keep the cost down and not require a 240V circuit. The donor snow blower is a mid 80s Toro 521 two stage model with a 5hp (at one time) Tecumseh engine on it and 20 or 22" wide. Everything but the engine works well, so I don't expect to do much other than swap out the engine for the electric motor.

This thread is to keep track of the progress as well as hopefully get some insight from other members here.

 

[Ypedal]

I hope you get less snow than we get up here in the maritimes, because 10hp is the minimum working power level i can imagine to clear the 8ft tall snow banks i already have .... argh.. ( just got in from a 1.5 hrs snow clearing workout )

If i was going to do mine up, i'd opt for an Agni 95 with 48v 500 amp brushed controller and a big 2~3 kwh Lipo pack.

 

[dmwahl]

Typical snowfall is usually only a few inches, although 8-12 isn't too uncommon. I considered going the battery route since I already have a 3hp pallet jack motor sitting in the garage unused (and a 2hp one) but decided against it since AC motors are so cheap and don't require a controller. I'm not looking to do much more than get the blower back to working condition and avoid the gas engine maintenance and odor issues. I like your thinking though

 

[dmwahl]

Well this project hit an unexpected roadblock when the engine started right up tonight and plowed through what the plow left at the end of my driveway effortlessly. It can't hold out forever though.

 

[Grey beard]

The cost of the motor will be about 1/2 the cost of conversion to electric. As far as "won't last forever", an old Tecumseh can go 1000-1500 hrs. I see them on gen sets a lot with those kinds of hrs. If you use it 20hrs a winter, with a few oil changes, one a year is best, it should go 20-50 years with decent storage and service.
Replacement carbs are $35-40, new.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tecumseh-Carb-5hp-Engine-Snowblower-Troybilt-Yardmachines-Craftsman-Murray-/380402943498?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5891c8460a
Head gaskets run 5-10 bucks, and it has only 8bolts to r and r.
The other thing I see is that 2hp electric will probably blow your breakers when you get a big wad in that thing. Blown breakers, maybe rewiring the circuit you will use, a big expensive cord that won't roll up when real cold, laying around and taking up space, and all the things you'll need to do to make it work.
I would just freshen up the Tecumseh. Turn the fuel petcock off with the engine running and run it out of fuel each time you use it. I'd drain the fuel tank when the season is over so the alcohol in the fuel doesn't gel or mix with moisture and settle in the bottom of the tank, making you try to start it on bad whiskey next year. This +alcohol fuel doesn't store well/long.
So, you ask, will that really work? I have a Johnson outboard that is over 60 years old that has had some new plugs, and a couple sets of points, and is still running very well. I use it for a kicker motor, and always use it to leave the shore and may run it 5-7 hours per day during the fishing season. One doesn't always need to toss something when it's not working right. With a new carb you won't smell like gasoline, unless you leave the choke on full.