Modifications to Front FEL hydraulic snowblower on Kubota L39TLB

[robstaples]

A couple of changes to my Loftness front hydraulic snow blower. I changed the hydraulic motor from an OEM 4.9 cu inch to a 3.6 cu inch. This was because the L39 has a maximum flow of 11 gpm at its front aux. This gives me a maximum rpm of 686 (measured) at engine rpm of 2650. The performance was only partially tested in the light snow we just had (3in). But as long as I maintain the rotor rpm, I expect it to perform just fine. I may have to slow the tractor way down in deep snow.
I also copied fellow TBN member, Bumperm, lining of the spout and barrel. I used the same 1/8 UHMW PE and some ｾ on the skids. I tried to weld the 1/8 for the longer piece needed in the rotor housing and some corners of the spout. Looks bad torch heat damage--, but seems to be ok. If it breaks, I'll buy a long piece. I had a 24x 48? Needed 67" for the barrel and start of spout. The spout required multiple bends and deflector were a bit of a challenge. I used a break to bend on the lines. Then oven heated. Nothing sticks to it. The real test will be deep wet snow to see the performance difference. All the pieces were attached with 8x32 screws into tapped steel and locknuts. This gives me a snow blower that I can on/off it in 2 minutes. Just have to remember to dress warm. Anxiously awaiting a big snow!

 

[robstaples]

Added test video:

https://youtu.be/_f2-MxmTR9w

 

[Piston]

That looks great Rob! Must be nice that it's so easy to take on and off. How much pressure does your L39 put out? Do you know what the original snowblower motor required for optimal operation in hydraulic flow?

 

[avc8130]

Looks great! Can't wait to hear and see a real test.

ac

 

[robstaples]

Piston, The l39 is rated at 2700 psi . The blower is Loftness model 601es rated at 15-16 gpm. The motor is a 4.9 cu in( Charlyn 106-1061). Optimal speed is 707 rpm at 15 gal/min. I get close to that with my modification. The next BIG snowfall will be the test.

 

[Piston]

Thanks for the info!

 

[grsthegreat]

Did you use a rear mounted hydraulic pump or are you using the tractors hydraulic system?

 

[robstaples]

Using just the built in hydraulics via aux port on fel. By Kubota. Electric on/ off at base on fel control stick with two buttons on stick. ( not great with proper names of equipment) Has published capability of 11 gpm.

 

[lungdoc]

I'm surprised there's enough flow and reservoir for this to work, though the TLB's do have better hydraulics than a standard tractor. For comparison I have an MK Martin 86" FEL hydraulic blower but it uses a rear PTO power pack with a 30 gallon reservoir and 30 GPM at 2500 PSI, on a Kubota L6060 HSTCC.

 

[robstaples]

Lungdoc, don't mix apples and oranges or better melons and grapes. Yours is taking 48.6 hp while my setup is just 17hp. I don't live in a snowbelt. Mine would not be adequate in Buffalo, NY. Your set up will throw snow weight much faster. I can get 6 more gpm from hoses and fitting connecting to the rear of my tlb for total of 17gpm. I'm still in the test phase of this setup.