I can finally see.... backwards

jodebg · Feb 7, 2014

tom1023 said:
Up your rpms a bit?

Up yours too...just kidding!:laughing:

What is a good operating rpm that you would advise? I ran around 1700 yesterday and the mirrors vibrated terribly.
Bought a different pair today. Will install and see if they make a difference?
Maybe the rpm will offer improvement?

tom1023 · Feb 8, 2014

jodebg said:
Up yours too...just kidding!:laughing:

What is a good operating rpm that you would advise? I ran around 1700 yesterday and the mirrors vibrated terribly.
Bought a different pair today. Will install and see if they make a difference?
Maybe the rpm will offer improvement?

Just try different rpms. Little bit at a time. Sometimes it doesnt take much.

jodebg · Feb 8, 2014

Will do..thanks.

sparc · Feb 9, 2014

Start the tractor and set throttle at normal operating RPM, then with your hand feel around for a potential mounting spot that does not have any vibrations or as little as possible. You could also take a clear plastic 20oz water bottle nad fill it half way and cap it. Then place it against the mounting spot and see how much vibration is shown in the water dancing around in the bottle. A quick and cheap way to find the shaky spots.

Keep any mounting arm or stem short, as they will magnify any vibration present at that point and telegraph it to the mirror.

Or use rubber or neoprene mounts to isolate/dampen any vibration present.

Search eBay and Amazon for motorcycle mirrors, there are plenty there that can be adapted easily to mount on a tractor.

KennyG · Feb 9, 2014

I added the $30 Amazon golf cart mirrors to my 2320 with OTC Hard Top Cab. The windshield frame has a good surface to mount it but it had to be mounted high. The mirrors, as supplied, would not rotate enough to see down to the edge of the snowblower. I fixed this by swapping the mounting brackets between the right and left side mirrors. If I need to fold them, I will fold them forward because they will keep the doors from opening otherwise. Almost no vibration at this location.

tcreeley · Feb 9, 2014

I bought a jeep mirror that vibrates like crazy, mounted to the fel post frame. I'm thinking if I drilled a little hole in the back of the mirror and sprayed in some foam it might tighten the mirror up in the frame. I've run into the same thing with cheap motorcycle mirrors, that used plastic frames. I've had the best luck with chrome steel mirrors.

jodebg · Feb 9, 2014

Mine were also Jeep mirrors-never stopped vibrating. Packed those up to return after first outing.

Going to try Auto Zone 6" round mirrors next. They are convex and not sure if I can use these for backing up.
Wide field of vision, but we'll see if I can get used to them??

Next, I may have to give the metal frame mirrors a try. The spray foam idea has me thinking..what foam to use?

Shawn Morin · Feb 13, 2014

Shawn Morin said:
I should have mentioned....sorry about that. I took tom1023's advice (see quote above) and bought the same convex mirror at Advanced Auto. $9.99.

I found the right 1 1/4" clamp at Home Depot today. I should have it mounted in the next few days.

Thanks
Shawn

I finally found the right size clamp. The "bar" is 1 1/4" diameter so you would think the 1 1/4" clamp would work. Not so... turned out the 1" clamps inside diameter is actually 1 1/4". Weird, but now I know.

No vibration with this setup either...

jodebg · Feb 13, 2014

Can you send a photo of the back..would like to see how you attatched the mirror to the bracket.
Is this a $6. Auto Zone CONVEX mirror? Thanks-John

Shawn Morin · Feb 13, 2014

jodebg said:
Can you send a photo of the back..would like to see how you attatched the mirror to the bracket.
Is this a $6. Auto Zone CONVEX mirror? Thanks-John

Yes this is the Convex mirror from AutoZone. It was $9.99 where I live.

I think you could improve upon how to mount it compared to how I did, but essentially the "clamp" has a 3/8 thread that you can add a bolt or in my case I used an eye bolt and then a few washers to take up the extra space. See pics attached.

This image shows the 3/8 eye bolt I used. I added a lock washer and a nut to make sure it didn't come loose. This is also a pic of the larger (1 1/4") bracket that I had before I got the right size, but you get the idea...