Hydraulic snowthrower chute re-do

[senecak19]

If I try hard I can probably get access to a Bridgeport but not that chuck! Now to find me a nice snowblower like yours.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I tacked a piece of 2" scrap into the bore of the sprocket, then clamped that in my super spacer's chuck.

View attachment 683151

You don't need a mill to do this job. I will say it's nice to have one though.

All you need to do is figure out how to rig up a circle cutting attachment and then use either a cutting torch or a plasma cutter to cut the sprocket to size. The accuracy would be close enough for this application.

 

[Jim Timber]

Plasma and torch both leave dross that's gotta go before welding, but if it's what ya got - then yes, they'll get the job done. If you're using one of those methods, it'd make sense to cut 3 or four pieces of "pie" out of the sprocket, while leaving yourself some "legs" towards the center. That way you have less surface to grind clean, and fitting it up tight for the welds should be a snap.

If you have access to a lathe, you could cut it on that as well.

I love my super spacer! They're crazy expensive now, but I got mine 10yrs ago for $400 and it's been worth every penny.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I just wanted to point out that you don't need an expensive set up to do this for someone thinking about adding this to their snow blower. I have rebuilt several rollers just using a cutting torch. I haven't measured the run out after I was done but it was good enough that you couldn't see any runout with the eye.

 

[Jim Timber]

Runout on this application is a non-factor. You just need it round enough to not throw the chain, and even that can be compensated to an extent with a spring loaded idler arm.

 

[Dougeye]

A simple and elegant solution, expertly done. Good job. I'm wondering if you've thought about putting some stops on the rotation, maybe 90 degrees apart, to avoid the possibility of the operator getting a snootful of snow.

 

[Jim Timber]

Thanks!

:laughing: Stops are for sissies.

Actually, with the size of the motor, I'd need to put pressure reliefs on both lines or the drive would likely rip itself off the chassis with hard stops.

So this one will require the operator (me) to not over-rotate while in motion.

 

[PILOON]

I modified my blower chute in a similar fashion but used an ATV winch for power'.
I mounted the winch vertically similar as U did and gave the winch 5/6 turns in either direction with the middle pinned to the drum.
I next wrapped one turn around the blower chute and anchored the ends.
With the ATV winch rated at 2000 lbs there is plenty of torque for the chore and electric is much easier to 'plumb' than hydraulics, besides with hydraulics you also need a control valve, hoses and fittings and that providing you have an available circuit.

My DIY rotator cost but a winch @ $+/- $75. and a DPDT switch @ $maybe $5.00.
I must be on my 8-9 year without any problems.
I did add an Anderson connector for easy seasonal connection.

I do admire that the poster did do a nice job of modifying and posting his fix.
I enjoy reading all the alternate fixes for various problems.

 

[Jim Timber]

I've got 3 empty SCV's out back when the snowthrower's hooked up.

I have a 2-spool valve dedicated to top & tilt, then I have a 2-spool I use for my stump grinder.

It'd actually be more work hooking up an electric device.

Not the best pic, since it was taken at night:


Had to make some 90ｰ blocks and custom banjo bolts to give the QD's room to work.

 

[Jim Timber]

Used the chute actuator today and it worked flawlessly. It's so nice not having to guess where to aim it, only to find out you're wrong as you get showered in snow. :laughing: