Snowthrower wont lift on 1250

[MrRazz]

Hi all,

I just installed my snowthrower on my 1250 for the first time. It wasn't exactly easy but with some help from my wife we got it on but it doesn't seem like its lifting up very much. Its only lifting enough to get the very bottom about 1/2" to 3/4" off the ground. I think my lift bar is 28" long which I believe is the correct one. Maybe someone has some knowledge on this and can help.

Thank you.

[mortten]

The rod on mine is 27” center to center. It lifts at least 6”. Check the spiral pins on either side of the rockshaft. Sometimes if they break they will grab part way and partially lift but won’t give you full range.

[MrRazz]

I just measured mine and its 28 1/4"

[AndrewNoyes]

I cut my lift rod and welded a pipe onto the cut end, and a nut onto that, on one end. Made sort of a deep nut. On the other cut end I welded the head end of a long, fully threaded hex head screw. Probably was 1/2-13 for a 1/2" rod. I pretty much only adjusted it once, but I’ve been happy with it.
Good luck!

[ironman]

Originally Posted by MrRazz

Hi all, i just installed my snowblower on my 1250 for the first time. It wasnt exactly easy but with some help from my wife we got it on but it doesnt seem like its lifting up very much. Its only lifting enough to get the very bottom about 1/2" to 3/4" off the ground. I think my lift bar is 28" long which i believe is the correct one. Maybe someone has some knowledge on this and can help. Thank you.

Four questions for you MrRazz, which the answers to may help pin down your problem:

#1. Have you made sure that the "Lift Stop Cam" is not set at some point where it is limiting the travel of the lift?

#2. With NO "lift rod" installed in the "rock shaft lift arm", does the "rock shaft lift arm" travel through it's full range when you operate the lift? (i.e. more than 1/2" to 3/4")

If the answers to #1 and #2 are showing full travel of the lift then....

#3. With NO lift rod installed, can you physically move (i.e. grab and lift) the thrower unit more than an inch off the ground?

#4. Have you gone to the Technical Library on this site and downloaded or read the "Operating and Setup Manual" for your particular snow thrower?

[MrRazz]

It turns out i need a lift rod about 1 1/2" shorter. I made up a steel cable to use for the time being to use. I got yo use it last weekend in a snow storm but when i got about half way done with my driveway i blew the chain. I ended up having to install my plow i just bought and all i have to say is wow! I cant beleive the pushing power my 1250 has, i was very impressed! I will get a new chain for the blower and probably only use the blower for really deep snow that i cant plow. The plow just seemed alot easier and it was definitely lots of fun pushing all the snow into big piles!

[Aircomet]

I honestly prefer using a chain to lift plows and blowers rather than a lift rod. It allows the attachment to float over uneven terrain without having to lock the lift into float setting and having it move back and forth. There is really no reason to need down pressure anyways on those type of attachments. So a cable should be fine. Or try a chain with two S hooks or quick connect links.

The plow is definitely a faster and all around more useful implement. I use my plows all the time and the blower only 1-2 times a year on big snows. Even then I try to stay ahead of the snow and plow before it gets too deep. It’s surprising how much you can push with a old cub. Especially with weights and chains.

[Jeff in Pa]

My house is on the top of a hill and the bottom of my driveway drifts quickly. For me, the QA-42 on my 125 works best.

I have a soft cab and narrow tri ribs now ( loaded 8.50s on the back with chains)
Jeff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfWy8jbj_GY

[MrRazz]

I was surprised to see the lift rod that doesn't work with my blower works correctly for my plow. And something i did notice is when i put the plow all the way down, i can actually lift my plow up a few inches. Is it supposed to have some floating ability or is it supposed to be locked into that position? My lift cylinder isn't moving, it seems to be all in the mounting and connection mechanisms that i get the movement.

[ironman]

It can be locked or unlocked. If you go to this sites Technical Library and read the owner's manual for your tractor, pages 17 and 18 will tell you all about it.