Inexpensive Snow Blower Upgrade!

[Victor Machine Works]

This is an easy and inexpensive upgrade for the deflector chute of your snow blower. I got the idea from a member of this forum (before I was a member) but I cant seem to locate his post to give him credit, sorry! In his post he also did a nice clean install. Anyway as I've been reading this forum awhile and getting good ideas and info I figured that it was time to join and contribute.

Parts List:
$40 linear actuator from amazon
$6 project box from amazon
$15 Latching panel mount plug from amazon
$15 2strand 18 gauge wire from amazon
$8 1/4 Braided cable cover from amazon
$10 double pole double throw momentary toggle switch from amazon
A couple of 1/4 npt cable glands that I had lying around (also from amazon)
A piece of 3"x10" CRS and a length of 1/2" ID pipe for the cable guide.

Just a bit of welding for the cable guide. I pulled my 12v power from the rear 12v auxiliary outlet behind the seat. I did have to drill and tap 2 holes to mount the project box (junction box) but with the Latching panel mount plug it makes for a nice quick disconnect for removing the blower. I had previously modified my joystick with a piece of 1" aluminum pipe with some heat shrink over it for the land pride third function kit (to aid in hiding all the wires) so I 3d printed a toggle switch mount out of a carbon fiber material to mount the switch (and hide the wires). (I think with a little Enginuity one could also use a "project box" for a toggle switch mount on the joystick and have it come out nice and clean). My goal was to have it look and feel as factory as possible and I think it came out pretty well. Anyway I hope someone can get some inspiration from this and I'm happy to help if anyone has questions or concerns please let me know, Thanks!!...... Inspiration for this Project came from member DonyStoy, Thank You!!

 

[Dustball]

Looks great! Are you willing to print/sell a version of your switch housing but to fit the factory 13mm loader lever diameter?

 

[DustyRusty]

That is pretty slick. The only problem that I saw was the tag that says "on-off" instead of "up-down".

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Very clean install sir! That looks Factory (or better).

I really like that 3-d printed mount.

Welcome aboard!

 

[S-G-R]

Great mod and writeup.

 

[woodman55]

This is an easy and inexpensive upgrade for the deflector chute of your snow blower. I got the idea from a member of this forum (before I was a member) but I cant seem to locate his post to give him credit, sorry! In his post he also did a nice clean install. Anyway as I've been reading this forum awhile and getting good ideas and info I figured that it was time to join and contribute.

Parts List:
$40 linear actuator from amazon
$6 project box from amazon
$15 Latching panel mount plug from amazon
$15 2strand 18 gauge wire from amazon
$8 1/4 Braided cable cover from amazon
$10 double pole double throw momentary toggle switch from amazon
A couple of 1/4 npt cable glands that I had lying around (also from amazon)
A piece of 3"x10" CRS and a length of 1/2" ID pipe for the cable guide.

Just a bit of welding for the cable guide. I pulled my 12v power from the rear 12v auxiliary outlet behind the seat. I did have to drill and tap 2 holes to mount the project box (junction box) but with the Latching panel mount plug it makes for a nice quick disconnect for removing the blower. I had previously modified my joystick with a piece of 1" aluminum pipe with some heat shrink over it for the land pride third function kit (to aid in hiding all the wires) so I 3d printed a toggle switch mount out of a carbon fiber material to mount the switch (and hide the wires). (I think with a little Enginuity one could also use a "project box" for a toggle switch mount on the joystick and have it come out nice and clean). My goal was to have it look and feel as factory as possible and I think it came out pretty well. Anyway I hope someone can get some inspiration from this and I'm happy to help if anyone has questions or concerns please let me know, Thanks!! View attachment 118186 View attachment 118187 View attachment 118189 View attachment 118190 View attachment 118191

Impressive. Better than factory, I would say.

 

[Donystoy]

Looks similar to mine that I did last year. My switch is on my dash as I have a third function switch on my joystick. Have under $100 in it. Just could not see spending mega bucks on the oem hydraulic system to move a deflector that you can move with one finger.

 

[Yooper]

Got me thinking about getting a 3D printer…again! Very professional looking!

 

[skeets]

Looks real nice, I would like to see it work.
Oh and one thing, we had a gentleman on here that did tons of mods to his and other Kubota's. And he posted them to help others that may want to do the same thing. Some were simple others down right ingenious. Most of the old timers here know of whom I speak.
Turned out there are some unscrupulous people, that desided to take his ideas and run, makeing bucks of them and labeling them as their own and he got nothing out of it.
I only mention this, as a cautionary tail.

 

[monkers1212]

That looks great! Nice and clean. Where did you get the "plug" going into that little outlet type box? Great work, thanks for sharing it!

 

[Hkb82]

Very nice job and craftsmanship. Looks amazing

 

[torch]

Looks great! The only comment I have is consider inverting the linear actuator, so that moisture can't run down the piston into the mechanism.

 

[Victor Machine Works]

Looks similar to mine that I did last year. My switch is on my dash as I have a third function switch on my joystick. Have under $100 in it. Just could not see spending mega bucks on the oem hydraulic system to move a deflector that you can move with one finger.

Thank YOU!! Yours was the inspiration, (sorry I couldn't give you credit in the original post!) I really liked the way you managed the wire. I believe I ordered my actuator seconds after seeing you pics, so thanks for helping to fuel the fire!!

 

[Victor Machine Works]

That looks great! Nice and clean. Where did you get the "plug" going into that little outlet type box? Great work, thanks for sharing it!

the plug that i used was a Clinko from amazon, but an amazon search of " 2wire panel mount plug" will pop up dozens to choose from.

 

[Donystoy]

Thank YOU!! Yours was the inspiration, (sorry I couldn't give you credit in the original post!) I really liked the way you managed the wire. I believe I ordered my actuator seconds after seeing you pics, so thanks for helping to fuel the fire!!

Happy it worked out for you. Besides the actuator and the switch mine was cobbled together with "stuff" that I had kicking around. The post to hold the wire was some 3/8" threaded rod with 3/8" gas line over it and topped off with the perfect rubber cap that I had in a junk drawer. Most of the wiring was left over from car wiring harnesses from my restoration days. I just have a 2 wire plug similar to a trailer plug hanging out from under the front grill. Mine is a cab model so it was a bit tricky to route the wire. The feed for the switch was tied into the feed to the accessory socket (cigarette lighter socket) on the dash.