turbotrev

I've just noticed that on my rst the very ends of the fans bolted onto the alternator pulley have just slightly started to touch the bottom rad hose (I have a custom rad which is mounted further back than normal).
My question is can I just undo the alt pulley and remove the whole fan part or should I just trim down the ends of the fan blades?
I believe it's there just to help cool the alternator but is it really needed?
Any opinions appreciated,

Cheers Paul