451 Auger Opinions

[J-Mech]

Ok. So, maybe some of you saw or remember that I mentioned in a post in another thread, that I broke the auger in my 451 snowblower. Ran a chunk of concrete in it that was buried in the snow. Didn't even see it, but felt it, when it sheared the drive pin. Ok. No problem. Replaced the pin. Well, about 20 minutes later, I was having trouble with it plugging. Got off to clean the chute and noticed the pin was sheared again, but this time only sheared half the pin. The remaining half stayed in and ripped the auger tube. (See pic) Now, I think I can repair it, but it got me kind of worried. Middle of season, parts availability of parts for that old of a machine, that sort of thing. So, called the local cub dealer. He said a new auger was available and gave me the price. Didn't break the bank so I ordered it. Well, got it in, and it's a new design.

So..... here is the question. Has anyone used a snowblower with this style of auger? Is it any better, or worse than the other style? I like the look, but not sure how well it will actually function.
My choices are:
1.) Repair and use the old, saving the new as a replacement
2.) Order the other side and replace both, saving the old as a "backup"

Sorry for the long post, but opinions appreciated. No snow on the radar for at least 10 days, so got time to order another and fix the blower.

Auger on the right is the damaged one.

IMG_20131221_182444.jpgIMG_20131221_184627.jpg
IMG_20131221_182507.jpg

[darkminion_17]

Fix the old one and return the new part

[cubs-n-bxrs]

Jon I just got done repairing my 451 auger that looked exactly the same. I took a 1" long piece of black pipe and drilled a 5/8ths hole through it and cut it in half. Opened up the circumference so it fit over existing wallowed out hole on both sides. Ran a 5/16ths bolt through it to hold it in place and welded the two halves to auger shaft. Dont even have to disasemble to repair. By the way don't use grade 5 bolts in the auger. What were you thinking. BTDT Tears the auger up. I found using non graded carriage bolts work fine and are a lot cheaper than shear bolts.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

Fix the old one and return the new part

Burned the box.

Originally Posted by cubs-n-bxrs

Jon I just got done repairing my 451 auger that looked exactly the same. I took a 1" long piece of black pipe and drilled a 5/8ths hole through it and cut it in half. Opened up the circumference so it fit over existing wallowed out hole on both sides. Ran a 5/16ths bolt through it to hold it in place and welded the two halves to auger shaft. Dont even have to disasemble to repair. By the way don't use grade 5 bolts in the auger. What were you thinking. BTDT Tears the auger up. I found using non graded carriage bolts work fine and are a lot cheaper than shear bolts.

Kelly, that's exactly how I was thinking I'd repair it. Apparently, great minds think alike! Think I'll keep the auger, for now anyway. Just in case. Was going to pull it apart anyway though because I have a bent impeller blade.
As far as the sheer bolt, I actually did have a grade 8 in it when it ripped the tube. I didn't have any more, so threw the grade 5 in to finish up.

[gmbadgley]

I would slip a piece of brass inside the tube and weld up the hole. The brass will support the weld as you go and when you finish the weld pull the brass out since weld will not stick to brass.

The other thing you could do is turn the auger 90* on the shaft and drill a new hole.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by gmbadgley

I would slip a piece of brass inside the tube and weld up the hole. The brass will support the weld as you go and when you finish the weld pull the brass out since weld will not stick to brass.

The other thing you could do is turn the auger 90* on the shaft and drill a new hole.

The brass is a very good idea. I had also thought of that. But, decided against it only because I do not have a piece of 1" brass 2' long, and to buy one, it would cost as much as the new auger! LOL!.
I don't think turning the auger is a good idea. The two augers alternately feed the impeller. I think turning it 90° would make it feed uneven. Slug, nothing, slug, nothing..... See what I mean?

[Jeff in Pa]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

The brass is a very good idea. I had also thought of that. But, decided against it only because I do not have a piece of 1" brass 2' long, and to buy one, it would cost as much as the new auger! LOL!.
I don't think turning the auger is a good idea. The two augers alternately feed the impeller. I think turning it 90° would make it feed uneven. Slug, nothing, slug, nothing..... See what I mean?

Copper works too for welding. Copper tubing might work if you take your time welding.

Turn BOTH augers 90*

[darkminion_17]

Originally Posted by Jeff in Pa

Copper works too for welding. Copper tubing might work if you take your time welding.

Turn BOTH augers 90*

Jeff you da man

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by Jeff in Pa

Copper works too for welding. Copper tubing might work if you take your time welding.

Turn BOTH augers 90*

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

Jeff you da man

Jeff...... You ARE da man!! I didn't think of using copper. That, I think I do have. As silly as it sounds, didn't think of turning both augers either. Sometimes, it's the easy things, isn't it.

[Jeff in Pa]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Jeff...... You ARE da man!! I didn't think of using copper. That, I think I do have. As silly as it sounds, didn't think of turning both augers either. Sometimes, it's the easy things, isn't it.

I can't take all the credit, I just added to the brain trust.

As a machinist, the difficult projects get discussed between us and we usually end up taking a little bit of this idea, a little bit of that idea , then find the best way to do it.