Hydraulic Snowblower Control Suggestions

[Jay4200]

I have a 6' 3pt snowblower with hydraulic chute controls. My open-cockpit tractor doesn't support this functionality, so I am going to add remote functions. My tractor has power beyond ports, that are used to run my backhoe, and I am going to plug into these to make my dual remotes. I am considering two options for setting up the remotes and would like suggestions/opinions/recommendations, etc.

1) Attach a rigid mounting arm to the snowblower, then connect the remote valves to that mounting arm. Design the mounting arm such that it positions the valves conveniently for control from the cockpit. Keep all remote plumbing local to the snowblower, with the exception of the two lines that will plug into the existing PB quick-connectors. I could use screw-connectors for all of the connections, eliminating many hoses and quick-connects, as I could screw all of the hoses directly into the valve body. This will allow my tractor's current configuration to remain essentially unchanged, and will set up a dedicated system for the snowblower. Hook up the blower, plug in the two lines and go. This seems to be the easiest solution and I'm sure it is far less expensive than option (2).

2) Build a full remote system that resides on the tractor. I would have to set up valving and plumbing to make a clean install. I could then use the remotes for whatever I wanted in the future, although I have no plans for anything that uses additional rear-hydraulics. This would require a bunch of extra stuff compared to (1) such as a set of 4 hoses from the remote valves to the remote quick-connects and mounting brackets for both valves and connectors (AND they have to look good). Remote quick connects would be mounted somewhere in the rear, and the blower connection would be made using it's 4 hoses and quick-connects. I would still run the two input hoses from the existing PB.

I'm on the fence, but I think I am currently leaning toward the dedicated system mounted on the blower. Pros/cons of either? ideas? Insight?

JayC

 

[Tig]

I think option 2 is the way to go because it can be used with other implements or a TNT.
Here is how I installed remotes on my small tractor. I use them for a TNT when I grade or blade I also use them for my snow blower.
Personally I would not want them on the blower since the blower moves independantly. I'd hate to get pinched if it bounces or when it is lowered. With the valves mounted on the tractor, I rest my arm on the back of the seat and they are always at my fingertips, even if the blower is raised a bit to skim fresh snow off gravel.

 

[hawkeye08]

I think option 2 is the way to go because it can be used with other implements or a TNT.
Here is how I installed remotes on my small tractor. I use them for a TNT when I grade or blade I also use them for my snow blower.
Personally I would not want them on the blower since the blower moves independantly. I'd hate to get pinched if it bounces or when it is lowered. With the valves mounted on the tractor, I rest my arm on the back of the seat and they are always at my fingertips, even if the blower is raised a bit to skim fresh snow off gravel.

Nice job on the remotes!

 

[oldnslo]

+1 on what TIG said. Controls on the blower move with the blower so operating them in all positions could be a challenge.

As 3rd and maybe not viable option could you make a bracket to mount the control valves on the tractor and use the PB lines to feed them for the blower use? Then remove the valves for the summer. Would not be as neat looking but would possibly be less work that making a permanet mount if you are only going to use it part time.

Roy

 

[Jay4200]

+1 on what TIG said. Controls on the blower move with the blower so operating them in all positions could be a challenge.

As 3rd and maybe not viable option could you make a bracket to mount the control valves on the tractor and use the PB lines to feed them for the blower use? Then remove the valves for the summer. Would not be as neat looking but would possibly be less work that making a permanet mount if you are only going to use it part time.

Roy

I don't agree with you on the positional challenge - originally a concern, but consider manually-controlled blowers (which is most of them). The chute rotation crank is attached to the blower, and cranking that thing around isn't a problem - AND it requires a whole lot more movement than tweaking a couple of little levers. If the valve handles were positioned in the same vicinity as a typical crank handle location, access should be trivial. At least that's what I'm thinking.

A removable valve block is a possibility, but if I were going to go to the trouble of all that plumbing and fittings, I might as well make it a permanent installation. The big advantage of the blower-mounted system is that I only need to get a couple of hoses, and most of the plumbing will reside on the blower. The 4 blower hoses could be screw-connected directly into the valve - I only need QCs for the two main feed (PB) hoses. With a tractor-mounted system, I have to run hoses to QCs for all of the blower connections and the PB connections, and provide mounting locations and hardware for the valve, extra hoses, and all 6 QCs. That could be a pain, although it surely would be the slickest solution. I don't know that I could get something that complex together before the snow flys.

JayC

 

[Jay4200]

I think option 2 is the way to go because it can be used with other implements or a TNT.
Here is how I installed remotes on my small tractor. I use them for a TNT when I grade or blade I also use them for my snow blower.
Personally I would not want them on the blower since the blower moves independantly. I'd hate to get pinched if it bounces or when it is lowered. With the valves mounted on the tractor, I rest my arm on the back of the seat and they are always at my fingertips, even if the blower is raised a bit to skim fresh snow off gravel.

I finally could check out your system (photobucket is blocked at work) - looks nice, but I think you've convinced me to go the other route, at least for this year. I KNOW I won't have time to do the fabrication necessary. My tractor is at my camp, so we only get to see each other on weekends (tragic, really). That, and trial and error purchasing is difficult since I really can't get to the hydraulic supply house - there hours are such that you can't go there if you have a job - and I do.

'Course, the other nice thing about a remote system is that it could be popped off and replaced with a different one for little more than the cost of a valve and a couple of hoses. I am intrigued by those TnT systems though - I want one.

JayC

 

[Tig]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I should have also noted that so much depends on how you use the blower. I have strong winds and a few tight areas on my 600M lane, so I am constantly adjusting where I throw the snow. I also have to clear the lane in the dark sometimes. On a straight open lane or one with no wind you won't need to fiddle as much as I do so fingertip control may not be an issue.