59" Blower mods

[jjmarotz]

Finally got a couple mods done that I wanted since last spring when I got this blower.

1st was some extension wings to increase the width and hopefully speed up the process. Started with 1/8" sheet metal, had my local shop bend it for me to create 3.5" more width per side. Cleaned up, painted, bolted on, and moved the drift bars. Done.

2nd was the chute spout actuator. Since I only have 1 remote available and it is on the rear top link, hyd was out. So electric was the choice. Found an actuator with switch and matching relays and pre-wired harness on e-bay for a touch over $100 shipped. Built an upper mount on the chute spout, painted, mounted. Done.
Now came the wiring... ugh!!!! With the cab its a bit tougher to run wires and keep things clean. But under the floor mat on the right side by the pedals there is a plastic like bucket under the pedals with a 1/4" hole in it already, wires ran thru that really nicely up to the console. Switch installed in a factory knockout hole and wired up.

Now just need snow to fully test things. But I am NOT in too big of a hurry for that!!!!!!

 

[jjmarotz]

Actuator pics..... I ran most of the outside wiring thru some 1/4" fuel line to protect it better than the plastic conduit stuff since it will be there yr round.

Now, does anyone know where to find a rubber accordian style boot to cover the actuator shaft? It is for outdoor use but want to keep out as much water and crap as possible from getting in the housing. Boot would need to be 1"x 20-24" long when extended. Thanks.

 

[JD755]

Very nice mechanical and electrical modifications. What model tractor is this on? Your info still shows 3203.

 

[jjmarotz]

Oh shoot... forgot to update my info Thanks it's a 3720 Cab, just got it this spring, whole whoppin 36 hrs to date!!!

 

[kennyd]

Nice job:thumbsup:

I would check some of the 4WD suppliers online for a boot...they uses them a lot on shocks and may have something smaller.

 

[rswyan]

Now, does anyone know where to find a rubber accordian style boot to cover the actuator shaft? It is for outdoor use but want to keep out as much water and crap as possible from getting in the housing. Boot would need to be 1"x 20-24" long when extended. Thanks.

Check page 3750 of McMaster-Carr's online catalog - they have universal bellows boots in 1' and 2' lengths with rubber cuff inserts of various sizes (1/4" to 2 1/4" ID) to accommodate the particular size shaft you wish to enclose:

McMaster-Carr

Pricey tho' ....

They may have something else that will work as well.

 

[beanerwi]

We have tried the actuator like you have but have not found it to work in the extreme cold. We mounted a small hydraulic cylinder from an old I/O boat outdrive. Most marine dealers have them sitting out back from parts boats. We ran a set of hydraulic lines to the back of the tractor with quick release fittings near the front of the tractor. It attaches to the third hydraulic fittings at the rear of the tractor. We have used this setup on our 4310's and now on our new 3720's. Beats getting out of the tractor cab. We also just drilled holes in the chute and put bolts out the side. Never had a problem. It works pretty slick. I will attach more pictures later in the week. :thumbsup:

 

[jjmarotz]

OK..... after using these wings for a bit (couple weeks maybe)..... I have to admit........ THEY ARE WORTHLESS for heavy snow!!!!!!

In light powdery stuff they will work just fine, but heavy snow and drifts they actually stopped my tractor dang near dead on its feet!!! They tended to "wedge" the snow together and stop me. Can't believe that 3" on each side would have soo much effect, but it does!! And in my area we have more heavy snow and blizzard packed drifts to make them useful.

If anyone has a use for them I will sell them for what I paid in the steel. PM me. They are just sitting in the back of my shop. Live and learn huhlol