Snow Blade Looking for input - Changing the angle of a snow blade with the tilt function of FEL

[StevenChalmers]

Hello,

I have a patent pending design for changing the angle of a snow blade by tilting the FEL. You can see it here: TiltPlow – chalmersinnovations.com

I am looking for feedback as I look to market the design.

This design lets you sit on the tractor and utilize the tilt function of your FEL to change the angle of the snow blade. To make it work the loader has to be in float mode which is why the rig has a tail wheel.

There are a couple of limitations to the implementation that I would like to hear your opinions on:

1) The angle adjustment can only be performed while the tractor is stopped.
2) Transitions possible are: Left to right, right to left, right to center, center to right. You can't go from left to center nor center to left.

This prototype, clearly, is based on a Land Pride quick attach plow. My design will also support a bucket clamp approach.

Regards,

Steven

 

[Dave M7040]

Steven

You requested comments......

What happens of the leading end of the plow blade hits something? On blades that are hydraulically articulated, usually there is a crossover hydraulic cushion valve to allow the blade to move back from whatever it strikes.

My tractor is a M7040. When I try and use the loader in float mode to push, bucket flat on the ground, the forces developed act to lift the front wheels off the ground and then I have no more steering. For me float is far more useful backing up. Smaller tractors may react differently pushing in float mode.

I understand the need for the trailing wheel. I would be inclined to stay away from such a design as I would fear bending or breaking the wheel and its supporting hardware.

Your design is quite innovative.

Dave M7040

 

[grsthegreat]

interesting idea. but in my application i am continually readjusting the angle while moving. i plow some roads in our development and as im plowing the edge pass and come up to a mailbox or driveway i like to swing the plow the opposite direction so as not to place a mound at those locations. for someones property i guess it might not matter.

my system does not have a crossover valve, but has 4 springs. i hardly ever trip the springs.

on mine i ran a set of hoses up front off of the rear ports. i use a non detent type of control. i too did not want to spend the money on 3rd function kit. i simply made an extension rod on my normal rear remote so control is up by the joy stick.

 

[radios1]

what happens when the front wheels of the tractor hit a bump, and lift the fel up?. I think it would change the blade angle..

 

[StevenChalmers]

@Dave M7040,

Leading edge hitting something: The tilt hydraulics of the FEL will hold the blade quite solid so that is a great question. I'll experiment with that.

Float mode - Operating in float mode is a necessity of the design and will actually behave quite differently than other float operations. Without going into too many details, the float mode is necessary as the tilt action pivot point needs to be isolated on my plow assembly.

Tail wheel - Unfortunately it is an absolute necessity to the design

Thanks!

 

[StevenChalmers]

@grsthegreat

Yup, for some applications steering the blade on-the-go will be a necessity.

Thanks!

 

[zzvyb6]

I found that the best setup for me was to drop the loader and use the loader hydraulics for up/down and angle left/right. All done with a single joystick. No more loss of directional control because the plow forces are close to the front steered wheels.

I can dump the loader and have the plow operational in 8 minutes. Part of the time is figuring out where to stash the loader. I have no desire to stop and make adjustments and often angle the blade on the fly as necessary to get thru a gate or a barn door.

Will ice, dirt, or road trash interfere with your mechanism ? If the bucket is no longer there, why not use the curl oil circuit to angle the plow ?

Angling the plow without a snow buildup load on it can be done with my little finger. If I needed too, I'd use an electric linear motor to change it's position.

Be aware that companies often buy patent rights just to keep another company from using it. Meanwhile it gets shelved.

 

[StevenChalmers]

@radios1

Since the FEL is in float mode it will not lift up the snow plow rig. In fact, since the snow plow rig simply pivots on the FEL it will greatly reduce having the snow blade cut into a gravel driveway the way a back blade would on a 3 point hitch.

Thanks.

 

[StevenChalmers]

@zzvyb6

Nice! That's a great approach.


Steven

 

[shooterdon]

Very ingenious!!!

In my use, having to stop the tractor to change angles is not a deal killer. I have to stop it now anyway.

But I already have a third function so using a blade with a cylinder to change the angle is likely going to be less expensive.