Hydraulic Chute Deflector on the BX2750 Snowblower

[Junkman]

I found that at one time Kubota offered a hydraulic chute deflector for the BX2750 snowblower, or I assumed that they did because it is pictured in the Operators & Parts manual. I have since learned that Kubota has no references to this as being an available option. I decide that I would like to make one, so on a lark, I called Tractorsmart.com to check on the availability of parts. Turned out that the brackets were available because they fit other Kubota snowblowers.
Since the Kubota cylinder is $230 and grossly over sized & over priced, I decided to try to find a substitute. I found a 1 1/2" x 6" x 12" cylinder at Surplus Center. I had to modify the cylinder to limit travel to 5". I did this by putting in a 1/2" x 3/4" x 1" bronze bushing. Picture 1

 

[Junkman]

I had ordered the brackets from Tractorsmart.com and when they arrived, I realized that they were designed for the larger cylinder. I had to reduce the width of the bracket pin holes to accommodate the smaller cylinder. I also had to cut 3/4" x 1/2" bushing to accomodate the smaller pins. Here is what it originally looked like and one bracket done. I removed this material by grinding after trying other methods. Nothing beats hand tools when you don't have a machine shop.....

 

[Junkman]

Next came the trial fit. Seemed that everything was going to work OK, so I decided to clamp the brackets to the snowblower. This is where I ran into problems. The lower bracket was hitting on a corner when it was pivoting. Easy fix.... back to the grinder to round the corner. Then came the top bracket problem. When the cylinder was extended, it was hitting the lower portion of the bracket. Had to do some cutting to relieve this problem. Luckily, I got it right the first time and it went easy....

 

[Junkman]

Here is what Kubota had designed it to look like. I had other ideas..... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Junkman]

This is how I envisioned the finished product. I still have to add hoses, but will wait till it is mounted on the tractor to get the proper length. I hope that my idea of the smaller cylinder will work. One thing came to mind the other day.... will the snow coming out of the chute be able to overpower the smaller cylinder and push the hood fully to the up position? I don't know. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Overall, I am satisfied with the results of a few hours tinkering. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[sandyc]

Fantastic job....sure wish I had the ability to tackle something like that.....have you thought about a hydro chute turner thing?
Kubota offers an electric version but from what others have said it is very slow.....

 

[Junkman]

You don't need a lot of tools to do what I did. The tool list is

Sawzall..... to cut the bronze bearing
Grinding wheel or hand held grinder .... to cut the bracket hole
File..... to clean up the grinders rough edges
Electric drill & drill bits .... to make holes in the sheet metal hood
Snap ring pliers...... to remove snap ring on cylinder
Few box wrench's to tighten bolts and remove bolt at the bottom of piston.

That is all that I used.... oh.... forgot the ruler to center the brackets. It wasn't hard at all and took about 5 hours. Could have done it quicker if it wasn't hot and humid and the phone wasn't ringing off the hook and other distractions... such as lunch, etc. Total cost cylinder $65.00 plus shipping... 2 brass bushings.... $6.00 (expensive hardware store) 2 Kubota brackets $60 aproximately..... Nuts, bolts, washers, etc. No idea... had them in the cabinet.... say $5.00. $136 total so far. Still need 2 hoses (free, because I have a large hose collection from the past) and 2 disconnects... Don't know what the disconnects will cost, but I guess less than $15 each. My guess is that if you have to purchase everything, it will still be under $200. If you have the ambition, that is all that is needed. This isn't a difficult project at all. Give it a try and I and others are here to help you if you run into a problem.

I have been discussing this project with boustany for the past week along with the hydraulic chute turning motor, but haven't decided anything yet. Finding a hydraulic motor that will work is the problem. I don't have the facilities to bend metal so making the mounting brackets will be a challenge. I have also been reading about the window motor modifications and was thinking that it might be a solution. I prefer hydraulics, and if I go with a hydraulic motor for turning, then both the chute deflector and the turning motor will work using the factory supplied loader valve. I will then need to add an additional valve to raise and lower the snowblower itself. I just want to be careful that I don't create a hydraulic monster snowblower with too many hoses and controls to deal with. I also have another BX project underway and need to devote time to it. Too many ideas, and not enough time... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Von]

Junkman, I don't see it being a problem having a smaller size cylinder. I don't tighten down the side screws too tight on mine and its fine. I think that being able to rotate the chute is the most important part! I just set the deflector and leave it. Moved it about 3 times last season, but the power rotating chute is a life saver! Just do the electric conversion and save yourself a lot of $$$ and work. Von

 

[hwp]

Junkman: Both the chute rotation and deflector are hydraulically conttrolled on my snowblower as shown in the attached photo.

 

[Junkman]

Von..... I loosened the holding screws but it still had a bind in the chute. Got a few Teflon washers and put them between the hood and the chute on the carriage bolts. I found that the hood is designed to have some outward side tension that was undesirable with the hydraulic unit. Now it moves smooth and flawlessly....
The electric motor chute turning device is the next project if I don't find a small hydraulic motor. I will be looking at all the electric conversion posts also. Hopefully there will be some good technical information as to how they were made. I have a electric window motor from a Ford Explorer, but haven't looked at how easy it will be to mount it. It is still in the door. Someone backed into my wifes car and smashed the door. Found a identical color door at the salvage yard and swapped it for the dented one. I knew that I saved that door for some reason, but I just didn't know the reason at the time.