68" Meteor Hydraulic or Electric Chute, pros & cons

[ding beep]

I have decided to pull the trigger on a 68" MK Martin Meteor pull-type snow thrower for my 38hp Mahindra TLB.

MK Martin | Meteor Pull Type (click the Features tab)

My question involves the options for chute deflection and chute rotation.

Choices include Manual, Hydraulic or Electric Chute Rotator, and Manual, Hydraulic or Multi-Hinged? Deflector.

I have Power Beyond for the 60B backhoe, but unsure if more rear spools are required for the hydraulic options listed above.

I will be clearing 3 long gravel driveways and multiple paths around the properties, some uplill.

I don't foresee any big problems throwing snow against buildings or other obstacles...lots of open spaces all around...

This is strictly for home use (most of my neighbors have their own tractors) but we often see several heavy snow events each winter.

Any/all recommendations, advice or personal experience on chute deflector & chute rotation options will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your input.

:tractor: ding beep

 

[RickB]

I never adjusted my manual deflector once I got it set to my satisfaction.
Automated rotation is a must have. If you have an available remote valve, hydraulic is the least expensive and most reliable option. If you do not have an available remote valve and have no other need for one, electric rotation is a good choice.

 

[airbiscuit]

I never adjusted my manual deflector once I got it set to my satisfaction.
Automated rotation is a must have. If you have an available remote valve, hydraulic is the least expensive and most reliable option. If you do not have an available remote valve and have no other need for one, electric rotation is a good choice.

If you do not have a rear remote, electric will be the cheapest option for chute rotation. Surprisingly, I am able to manually turn the chute rotation crank from my seat.

 

[airbiscuit]

From Beaver Valley Supply

Hydraulic Chute Rotator $520
Electric Chute Rotator $650

 

[shooterdon]

Last winter was my first with a pull blower. I never adjusted tge deflector. Hydraulic rotation is a must....cab tractor. I suppose with an open station you could try cranking...but it would old after a while.

 

[airbiscuit]

Someday, I may retrofit my chute rotation. For long driveways, manual rotation is less of a problem.

 

[TractorTYMe]

HI! Ding beep, my MK Martin SB68 should be here this week if the tradewinds are in my favor. Hopefully you have at least one set of rear remotes for your cute control. I ordered mine with the hydraulic deflector controls too and will need a diverter valve installed.

 

[ding beep]

Thanks everyone for your quick and helpful responses.

RickB: Perfect explanation! Mine will be manual deflector as well. I think this will work for me.

airbiscuit: My tractor has rear remotes and PB for the backhoe, but I ended up ordering the Electric Rotator, based on my Dealer's recommendation.

If I understood hydraulics better, I might have been able to make the Hydraulic rotation easily work, but I think Electric rotation will also be just fine for me.

shooterdon: I opted for a backhoe rather than a cab. Couldn't afford both! Someone said: a large sheet of Plexiglas bolted to the ROPS, and a snowmobile suit will help...

TYMNorsky: Yeah, I am still a bit confused about rear remotes, "spools" and diverters; 12v wiring seemed easier for me to figure out.

So, I ordered the RED 68" Meteor with Manual deflector and Electric chute rotation. $5,765 CAD, which works out to $4,318 USD.

It will be delivered FREE to my Dealer (piggybacked on his regular order) and hopefully I will pick it up sometime next month.

I'll be sure to update this thread when the new snow thrower arrives...also when we get our first batch of the white stuff.

:tractor: ding beep

 

[airbiscuit]

Is the dealer assembling it?

 

[ding beep]

Yes. He will assemble it, but I will be responsible for wiring it to the tractor.

He made it sound fairly easy, but I'll take any advice or tips anyone has to offer.