451 - 551 initial thoughts on using both.
Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2017 10:32 am
So I finally got to try out the 551 on the 1863. Last year the same tractor wore a 451.
The 551 is MUCH lighter overall than the 451, It steers almost as good as it does with the mower deck.
The 451 follows terrain while the 551 doesn't. This is due to the mounting differences on the lower lift section, the 451 uses a 4 link style mount while the 551 uses a solid linked lower arm that doesn't twist. This is good on flat level areas, doesn't work well if you are cleaning off any banked areas or rough spots as the corners dig in instead of float.
The 551 has a plastic panel that directs the snow into the chute and the chute mounts on. Not sure on this yet and it seems like a COLD day and a rock will not be friendly to that piece. Time will tell.
The 551 driveline is much cheaper build wise than the 451. The idlers are thinner steel and bend easily and the main drive pulley is thinner as well. The tensioner works, but it seems like a weak point in the way it locks. Mine is wearing a zip tie as insurance.
As far as parts go. The spirals and front gearbox are the same for both (and the 450 as well) The drift cutters on the 551 will fit the other two but not the other way around as the holes are different on the 551 shell but the cutters are drilled for both.
The chutes will interchange but the 551 is much taller. Same plastic clamps on all 3 for the chute. Cables and adjuster for them are the same, and can be retrofitted back to the 450 as well if desired, the chute tip is the same for all.
Throwing impressions - the taller housing is nice as the snow doesn't fall over the back and onto the belt. Throwing distance is about the same, will see if "good" snow makes a difference as the current batch is mostly ice.
Lastly, I have not got the cab on yet, my thought on this is simple, no cab = MAJOR MISTAKE.....
The 551 is MUCH lighter overall than the 451, It steers almost as good as it does with the mower deck.
The 451 follows terrain while the 551 doesn't. This is due to the mounting differences on the lower lift section, the 451 uses a 4 link style mount while the 551 uses a solid linked lower arm that doesn't twist. This is good on flat level areas, doesn't work well if you are cleaning off any banked areas or rough spots as the corners dig in instead of float.
The 551 has a plastic panel that directs the snow into the chute and the chute mounts on. Not sure on this yet and it seems like a COLD day and a rock will not be friendly to that piece. Time will tell.
The 551 driveline is much cheaper build wise than the 451. The idlers are thinner steel and bend easily and the main drive pulley is thinner as well. The tensioner works, but it seems like a weak point in the way it locks. Mine is wearing a zip tie as insurance.
As far as parts go. The spirals and front gearbox are the same for both (and the 450 as well) The drift cutters on the 551 will fit the other two but not the other way around as the holes are different on the 551 shell but the cutters are drilled for both.
The chutes will interchange but the 551 is much taller. Same plastic clamps on all 3 for the chute. Cables and adjuster for them are the same, and can be retrofitted back to the 450 as well if desired, the chute tip is the same for all.
Throwing impressions - the taller housing is nice as the snow doesn't fall over the back and onto the belt. Throwing distance is about the same, will see if "good" snow makes a difference as the current batch is mostly ice.
Lastly, I have not got the cab on yet, my thought on this is simple, no cab = MAJOR MISTAKE.....