I finally found time to install the remote spout control on my 2720 with 54" blower. The instructions were a bit confusing as they included a lot of extra hardware. It was a bit of a challenge to determine exactly which hardware was applicable to my tractor. I got it figured out and installed but I am a bit disappointed with the functionality.
The main issue is the control works very hard. The instructions state to bolt the bracket to the left front floorboard. The problem is it works so hard that using just my left hand it causes the floorboard to flex enough that I doubt the spot weld holding the floor board mounting bolt would last one season. If I reach over and support the bracket with my right hand while pulling the lever in and out with my left hand it reduced the flex. Thank goodness it is tall enough to allow me to reach over. I'm not sure why they have you bolt it to such a flimsy piece of sheet metal. I was able to take advantage of some of the information I found on-line and I routed the cable away from the exhaust pipe to prevent it melting. The JD instructions has you literally running the cable right across the exhaust opening.
The control cable seems way too long. I understand the remote control can be used on various tractor models but given how much extra cable there is on my 2720/54" combo, what tractor/blower combo would need all the extra length? It's like 20+ inches too long. I'm certain the control would work much easier if the cable had a more direct route to the spout. As you can see in the photos it has quite a contorted journey on it's way from the handle to the blower.
I will reserve final judgement until the first big snow. I'm sure it will be better than getting on and off the tractor everytime I need to adjust the spout but I feel JD could have done a better job on the mounting and routing.
The main issue is the control works very hard. The instructions state to bolt the bracket to the left front floorboard. The problem is it works so hard that using just my left hand it causes the floorboard to flex enough that I doubt the spot weld holding the floor board mounting bolt would last one season. If I reach over and support the bracket with my right hand while pulling the lever in and out with my left hand it reduced the flex. Thank goodness it is tall enough to allow me to reach over. I'm not sure why they have you bolt it to such a flimsy piece of sheet metal. I was able to take advantage of some of the information I found on-line and I routed the cable away from the exhaust pipe to prevent it melting. The JD instructions has you literally running the cable right across the exhaust opening.
The control cable seems way too long. I understand the remote control can be used on various tractor models but given how much extra cable there is on my 2720/54" combo, what tractor/blower combo would need all the extra length? It's like 20+ inches too long. I'm certain the control would work much easier if the cable had a more direct route to the spout. As you can see in the photos it has quite a contorted journey on it's way from the handle to the blower.
I will reserve final judgement until the first big snow. I'm sure it will be better than getting on and off the tractor everytime I need to adjust the spout but I feel JD could have done a better job on the mounting and routing.