Snowblower Snowblower - chute rotation question

[Dutchman]

I'm starting to research 3PH snow blowers and have a question about chute rotation. Having no experience at all with the implement, I’m wondering if someone can give me some insight into the benefits of the hydraulic chute rotation option as opposed to the manual mode of operation. I'm assuming it is controlled from the cockpit somehow? I'll be continuing to use the FEL. Will the hookup be an issue? I'm looking at a Pronovost Puma model, based on recommendations here but unfortunately there are no dealers nearby and online documentation is sparse. I plan to make a three hour trip to the nearest dealer but would like to at least appear to know what I'm talking about when I get there.

Thanks
Dutch

 

[DavidJ]

I can't give you advice on the hydraulic option but it might be worth your time to read this thread where Von converted his to electric. Electric Rotation of Snowblower Chute

 

[rambler]

'Manual' is generally a crank sticking up from the blower. You turn around in your seat, streach back & turn the crank. Doesn't work if you have a cab, or if you have really long 3-pt arms, etc. But is simple, cheap, & works fine.

Hyd you need to have a port available - do you have extra remotes on your tractor? Need to hook them up, costs more, often tends to be a flimsy mechanical deal that breaks a lot. On the used blowers I see, the chute rotator seems to have the most welding, busted cables, and differnt/ weird designs. Never used a hyd one, but seems like it hasn't been perfected yet! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I suspect that these joints are made kinda cheap & like to freeze up in ice, and the hydraulics place a lot of pressure on a small location. Perhaps a flow restrictor & a bit of care helps on better-made blowers?

--->Paul

 

[Dutchman]

Thanks Paul,

I don't have a cab but I was thinking about one sometime down the road. The wind really whips it up around here. I also don't have an extra port /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I guess I need more research but it sorta looks like the manual approach has less potential for things going wrong. The electric option suggested by David shows promise too.

Dutch

 

[RichNJKubota]

I have a front mount blower with manual chute rotation. There is a long rod from the blower on the right side up to where my right hand can get a hold of it. Works real nice. In this case no need for something else to break.

Rich

 

[hwp]

I have a hydraulic chute rotator on my snowblower and it works great - just a simple swing arm with a cable wrapped around the chute. I also have a hydraulic cylinder on the deflector. All it takes is a simple hydraulic circuit from a spooling valve.

 

[PineRidge]

My experience in the past couple of years has been with a 6' Woods snowblower w/manual rotation chute. The handle comes so long that you will need to cut it down in most applications. Handle rotation is quite easy from the operators seat. About the only time I need to dismount is when I plug the blower in heavy wet conditions. The Woods is built like a tank and will hurl gravel if you don't adjust it properly. It has made short work of snow removal in the past using a 25 HP Bison. Can't wait to see how far I can throw it with my new 40 HP coming /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif A word of caution with any snowblower, throw your snow with the wind NOT against it. As I found out real early the latter makes for some real interesting and colorful remarks!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif By the way spraying any snowblower with Pam or even WD-40 beforehand reduces the chance of snow plugging your deck while in use.

 

[SacandagaBrad]

I just bought a Woods SS52 as part of a new tractor package, and ordered the hydraulic chute. The rear remote and the hydraulic chute option cost me an extra $580, and I consider that the best money spent on the whole investment! The unit that comes with the Woods is not of the cable and hydraulic ram system mentioned in an earlier post, but rather a solidly mounted bi-directional hydraulic motor with a sprocket that rotates the chute similar to the hand crank. It is a very neat setup that I don't think will ice up much at all. It is controlled with a small lever next to the seat on the TC24D. The owners manual also shows an electric option for both chute rotation and deflector adjustment. I wanted the ability to change directions quickly in fairly tight working space, and there are plenty of other things to keep track of when operating the tractor.

I did a lot of comparisons before picking the Woods. I found it to be heavily made and liked the larger than normal blower fan. I also liked the large skid shoes, they look to be about 4 inches square. They also apparently come in the major tractor colors, as I was surprised to see mine was <font color="blue"> blue </font> /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I can't offer any experience regarding performance yet. I only engaged the PTO at the time of delivery to hear what it sounded like (smooth and quiet) and played with the chute control. Then into the shed to dismount until real snow hits. I was starting to scare the neighbors /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Good luck with your search. I have always preferred a blower over a plow. With the blower you don't have to "plan" for the next storm by plowing extra open space or pushing back the banks.

Brad

 

[pekabu]

Can you post a picture of the controls? I saw a woods snowblower at one of the local fairs and it was really well built. I was also curious how the hoses hook up(TC24). On my backhoe I have one hose of the rear axle, and the other goes up front to the 3pt hitch. So if I have the backhoe on the 3pt hitch won't move.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Deerlope]

Snow plow wax works well also, and would hang in there longer.