Ideas needed to turn snow blower chute

[like2wheel]

That's a lot of current to run directly through a switch. Using relays is often a better method, & gives you more flexibility in wiring & switch options.

SPDT Relay Wiring Diagrams - Electric Windows

 

[JBourquin]

Seeing that diagram actually makes it very easy to understand. Thanks.

 

[Mendonsy]

Make sure that the switch you select has enough current rating to handle the motor load.
If your motor is only 10 amps then most of them will work but a bigger motor requires something more substantial.

 

[like2wheel]

Motor loads are hard on switch contacts. Motor start-up load causes very large current surges of about 3 to 8 times the running current, even more if the chute becomes frozen to the blower housing.

 

[wotalota]

I got a used Puma this year with a hand crank and a fixed position bolted top flap. After seeing this thread just had to copy theses ideas. Used a Superwinch 3000 from Amazon $114 that includes the remote switch already wired up. The actuator for the flap was from speedwaymotors.com $99. Used a separate battery with fuses sitting on the blower. Tried the spring method first but not strong enough to reliably rotate the chute. Covered things up with a couple of storage containers that make it easier to clean off the snow without disturbing the connections. It really helps to keep at least some of the snow off you when it is windy.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Make sure that the switch you select has enough current rating to handle the motor load.
If your motor is only 10 amps then most of them will work but a bigger motor requires something more substantial.

Regarding relays, switches and such, this is a very small motor, just used to raise and lower a window on a mini-van. I put a 10amp fuse on the line from the battery and added a 2 amp fuse downline near the motor. I haven't had any problems except for when I inadvertanly let the motor try to spin past the chute stops, then the 2 amp fuse performed its function.

 

[Mendonsy]

I added a new part to my chute rotator today. The rotate switch that came with my winch was nearly impossible to operate with gloves on. I found these joysticks on All Electronics website for $15 each. They are heavy duty four way joysticks with a 5 amp contact rating. Now the rotate operation is really easy!!

 

[davedj1]

could you post the website where you got these joysticks? I have been looking for something similar for a while that was affordable.
thanks,
dave

 

[Mendonsy]

could you post the website where you got these joysticks? I have been looking for something similar for a while that was affordable.
thanks,
dave

Sure!! Here's a link to the page.
JOYSTICK | AllElectronics.com
The joystick comes with four standard snap action micro switches rated at 5 amps. If you need more current they can easily be replaced with a higher rated switch. I have seen them rated up to 25 amps in the same package design.
It is also possible to add four more switches to that joystick if you need more contacts.

 

[Ralph Copp]

I just built one about a month ago. About the same idea but I used a couple small pullys. Drilling holes and welding up a bracket took the longest time.