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Re: (ET) Front lift strap keeps breaking

The strap path looks clean and I don't think it would be a factor in where the last strap broke.
The old strap was pretty short, and wasn't near filling the take-up drum. The new strap is a bit thicker, but cut to length based on the first in hopes of avoiding that issue. Goes under the roller on the lift motor assembly.
The roller on the blower is turning freely under finger pressure (no strap), and appears to be turning with the strap now that the replacement is on.
It is possible I have had the lift switch on longer than truly appropriate at times, but not at the time it broke. 

Springs are on and are under tension even when the blower is raised.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.
I have had the machine out for few minutes since the new strap is on (chewing on snowbanks), and all appears well. Now we see how long the 3000 pound rated strap holds up. 

Darryl

On 1/30/2019 3:28 PM, Dean Stuckmann wrote:

A couple of things to check.

  * Double check the strap path. I believe that there were variations
    with the lift and “nose” piece where the strap goes over the front
    of the tractor. One of mine is a mix of parts and the strap is VERY
    close to the strap cutout in the bumper and the nose piece as well
    if I recall correctly.
  * Also check it when the blower is lifted because the diameter of
    strap on the drum get larger when the attachments are lifted. So
    what cleared at a small diameter may rub when larger.
  * Make sure that the roller on the blower is free. I had a rusted one
    that would not turn which added strain to the lift and was abrasive
    to the strap.
  * I’m sure this is not the case but make sure that you are not lifting
    it past the point that it stops.
  * As mentioned, springs will help some but they are more for float.
    When the blower is raised the springs are free -  at least on my
    tractor.

Good luck
Dean.
On Jan 30, 2019, at 1:45 PM, Nick Skinner <kc2dzb nycap rr com <mailto:kc2dzb nycap rr com>> wrote: 

I didn't see a mention of helper springs. You blower does have a set,
correct?

Nick

-----Original Message-----
From: Darryl McMahon [mailto:darryl econogics com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 1:39 PM
To: Elec-Trak
Subject: (ET) Front lift strap keeps breaking

So far this month (January 2019), we have had about 98 cm of snow (about
40 inches).  Fortunately, I picked up an E15 the summer before last and
now have it re-powered (sealed lead-acid golf car batteries and 12-amp
charger).  Got a snowblower turning nicely and attached.  Battery holds
up to 2-3 hours of operation without getting seriously drained despite
cold-soaking (unheated storage).

Had some tire issues, but a friend recommended Green Slime.  Seems to
have resolved the sidewall crack leak, so the 40-year-old tires will
hopefully last a bit longer.  (Will probably replace all the rubber in
the summer, when working outdoors is a more hospitable.  It's cold here
this winter, even by Ottawa standards - repeated frostbite warnings.  On
the plus side, no mosquitoes.)

I wanted the snowblower going, because by Christmas the snowbanks were
already over 4 feet high, and defeating the E12 with the plow blade.

I estimate in the 15-20 hours of run time I have done this month on the
E15, I have lifted the blower 400-500 times.  (Areas I do involve short
runs and not enough space to turn around, so a lot of backing up and
transiting with the blower lifted.)  Yesterday, I broke another lift
strap.  Looks to be simple wear, breaking at the roller on the blower
frame.  I double loop to get the mechanical advantage, and the lift
motor (replaced last fall) is working a charm.  Roller sleeve and side
washers all appear smooth, so should not be fraying the strap.

Has anyone come across a highly durable lift strap?  I would just like
to carry out this replacement exercise less frequently.


--
Darryl McMahon
Freelance Project Manager (sustainable systems)

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--
Darryl McMahon
Freelance Project Manager (sustainable systems)