Snow plow adapted to FEL

[DET 105]

I got my FEL adapted and l’m now all set to plow, just need some snow. All I need to add are the chains. Since my driveway is concrete I decided to go with rubber chains. The 1/16” black plastic coated wire rope is my “ low tech” solution for changing the angle on the blade.

Next project is adapting the tiller.

[Ed Kennell 38,022]

Looks good, but I don't see a means to maintain the blade angle position.     I would not attempt to hold a 1/16" cable to hold the blade while plowing.

[DET 105]

The tightness of the bolt at the pivot point keeps it pretty stiff. I only plan to use the cable to change the direction of the blade.

[Ed Kennell 38,022]

Not being critical, but I am a little concerned for your safety.    Just be aware the blade angle can change suddenly if the blade hits a solid object like a concrete joint.

[DET 105]

Thanks Ed, I will watch for that. If this doesn’t work like I think it will then it’s back to the old drawing board.

[wallfish 16,985]

Used to have one on my FEL but used the whole swivel assembly and had the pull rope for releasing the pin. Then just ran it into something to change the angle but it was locked in place. One nice thing about it was easily knocking off the piles after multiple storms.

You could go with a selector valve and a small cylinder for the angle powered by the hydraulics. Probably around $300 for all the parts from Surplus Center. The selector valve can switch back and forth between circuits so you can use it for the angle of the blade and the bucket curl cylinders. Little more expense and you can add quick couplers for easy on, easy off, easy connection of the plow blade.

Maybe a 1000 lbs 12v actuator?

 

[Ed Kennell 38,022]

C'mon John.   A ingenious hammer mechanic like yourself could surely use some old WH parts to make an apparatus that utilizes  the existing bucket cylinders to angle the blade.

[wallfish 16,985]

3 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

 use some old WH parts to make an apparatus that utilizes  the existing bucket cylinders to angle the blade

Move the angle lever to the blade support and shorten the index rod, connect the curl cylinders to the lever and woola, you're done!

[Ed Kennell 38,022]

                           for a hammer engineer.

[DET 105]

I did start messing with the small cylinders but it rotated the whole blade up. While I was looking at a different attachment point I thought of the cable. The cable attaches to both sides of the blade and with a little pull turns pretty well. 

Ed, I do appreciate you thinking of my safety but the only time I will be holding the cable is when I change blade directions. I did a dry run today and think it will be ok. If I do choose to do something else I will probably go with a small cylinder that would attach to the blade.