Mini skid steer snow blower with PT-1430

[PTWannaHave]

Well, after ten winters of clearing snow with LMB, I was able to splurge and acquire a brand new snowblower. (One does not do this to save money...!!)

I've had plenty of time to think about my 'dream model'. (Hint: it's not PT...) I was willing to wait longer and continue to save money to obtain something that would not have compromises for me. Primary desired features:

• Wider than PT (sounds obvious, but many units are not...)
• within my PT's lift capacity (required, obviously, but many units would be too heavy. Conversely, a light unit would probably not be tough enough.)
• direct drive (i.e.: augers driven directly from hydraulic motor (impeller usually is). No shear pins or chain drive to break.)
• chute rotation and deflection from tractor's seat (although not necessarily hydraulic)

Turns out the features above narrowed down the field very quickly. I decided to go with product Summit snowblower (61 inch).

I knew no matter what, mods would be required to marry the non-PT product to my PT-1430. In my case, this meant:

1. physical attachment to PT interface
2. providing electric-over-hydraulic joystick for chute control
3. providing electric power for electric-over-hydraulic joystick

(1) was acomplished by welding PT female plate to mini-SS male adapter (mini-SS adapter).

(2) was accomplished with electric-over-hydraulic joystick. (I really like the temporary/seasonal aspect of this!)

(3) was accomplished by adding a 12V outdoor-graded outlet (cigarette lighter). [At the recommendation of a friend who knows automotive wiring, there is a relay involved.]

I'll leave it at that unless you ask for more in-depth details on the three points above.

I bought the unit with specs (gpms & weight) that were under or at what my PT can provide. Good thing; my PT does not struggle, but it's working quite hard. (I've never had the cooling fan come on in the winter before...!!) I'm not convinced I would be able to manoevre the unit if my rear wheels were not loaded.

I've used it twice, and the unit meets my expectations. (It's quite a beast, actually.) Waiting for really challenging conditions to complete performance assessment. I hope to live here and maintain this property for another 20 years, so that is my investment horizon. (Assuming PT will also go the distance...!!)

Pics coming shortly...

Bye for now,

 

[PTWannaHave]

A few pics...

 

[ponytug]

Nice work! Thanks for posting this. I hope it works out as well as you want!

All the best, Peter

 

[m5040]

Nice job, now you need a plastic windshield/cab. I took off the loader control lever ball and installed a joystick style with a trigger switch for index finger and 2 thumb buttons. I use this for so many attachments and it is most ergonomic and quick. The trigger works my 4n1 bucket, grapples, front mini hoe, tree shear. The thumb button works the rotator on a log grapple and to rotate the tree shear. Over the years it is well worth the effort.

 

[PTWannaHave]

"... I took off the loader control lever ball and installed a joystick style with a trigger switch for index finger and 2 thumb buttons."

I wouldn't mind seeing pics of this on your tractor...

 

[m5040]

Here are a few, you might want to look at my past post too.

 

[m5040]

A few more

 

[PTWannaHave]

Here are a few, you might want to look at my past post too.

I meant pics of the joystick mod...!

 

[m5040]

I meant pics of the joystick mod...!

D'oh, I need to slow down when I read the post. 1st pic is where I put the 3rd valve.

 

[PTWannaHave]

That looks like an excellent permanent installation!

 

[MossRoad]

I meant pics of the joystick mod...!

 

[m5040]

That looks like an excellent permanent installation!

Thank you. That pic of the handle is on my 1460. The lever needs to be cut to the proper length, threaded and bent so it is comfortable for the operator.

 

[groundcover]

I put a magnet on the joystick for mine, pop it off in the summer.
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