Converting manual snowblower chute to hydraulic

[PineRidge]

Since we first purchased our Woods snowblower some years ago we always thought it would be a nice addition to have a hydraulically rotated chute to save getting on and off the tractor every time the wind shifts or we change direction. The game plan was to wait until we added rear remotes to the tractor and that happened some months back so here we go.

If any of these ideas are helpful to others thinking along the same lines then by all means use them to your advantage and if you have a suggestion on the design then chime in and let us know as well.

This picture shows the stock crank setup.

 

[PineRidge]

This picture shows the blower with the crank and crank mount removed.

The cutter is hanging from the spot that I will need to cut the main shaft. Did I mention not to use a tube cutter to cut thick steel tube? The cutting wheel lasted about 3 revolutions before I dug out the SawZall. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[PineRidge]

This picture shows the crank that was discarded and the original mount that we modified to support the now shortened main shaft.

 

[PineRidge]

This picture shows the hydraulic motor that we picked up for a song and a dance at eBay for $16.05 along with a new motor mount that we fabricated from 6 X 1/4 steel welded up to a short piece of angle iron. We fabricated the 2 U-bolts from a length of 3/8 x 16 all-thread rod. The bracket on the right is the original that has now been modified (larger hole). Spray painted it all to slow down the rust.

 

[PineRidge]

The now modified shaft mount bracket is put into position.

 

[PineRidge]

Followed up by the motor mount.

 

[PineRidge]

Different angle (side shot).

 

[PineRidge]

Hydraulic motor is now mounted.

 

[PineRidge]

Now for our biggest concern. What if the chute gets to the end of it's travel and the hydraulic motor is still spinning? Our experience with hydraulic motors is zip, but I'm guessing the motor might do harm to the blower chute or cable itself. So our plan was to use some type of coupler that would allow the motor to spin at the end of travel without doing harm to the chute. We came up with an idea to use nylon reinforced tube held in place with 2 adjustable stainless straps. The tension can be adjusted on the straps for more or less tension. Think it will work?

 

[PineRidge]

Close up of the motor assembly.