Cub Cadet XT1/MTD plow hack. Poor mans hydraulics

**I ended up replacing all plastic zip ties with more durable hose clamps**
Using some Yankee ingenuity I made a set of poor man's hydraulics. The problem I was having was due to the shape of my yard in the places I have to put the snow I had to constantly get on and off the tractor to re angle the blade. Using this from the operators seat I'm able to release the blade block and use a convenient object like a pile of snow a tree or something like that to re-angle the blade. The total cost for this modification was about $18 in parts. Please click like and subscribe to my channel

[@dustinbowser2762]

I thought I had some hillbilly engineering skills. You, my friend, are a Jedi Master. Nicely done.

[@Maketrainsgreatagain]

Dustin Bowser thank you 😊

[@bwd1963]

They say necessity is the mother of all inventions.

[@garyalensr]

Pretty smart my friend, I'm definitely gonna give this a try. Your right it does suck getting on and off the tractor

[@chancecarlton8403]

That's outstanding, well done! Such a time saver.

[@bobjohnson2800]

Cool. Virtually maintenance free. Poor man's hydraulics, smart man's ingenuity.

[@Maketrainsgreatagain]

Bob Johnson thank you

[@talgatamanzholov7759]

One of the better zero turn lawn mowers I have used in recent years. The extra tall 18 inch seat and suspension makes lawn mowing on bumpy lawns more comfortable on the back. Most of the reviews are 5 stars and this made it easier for me to choose the Cub Cadet.

[@joeganusi8522]

Nice job. I would have used eye bolts instead of all the shackles and rollers. Great idea. Anything to make life easier. We're not getting any younger. ;)

[@a1b9e7l6]

I know I'm way late to this post. Maybe you already came up with this solution. Instead of bumping snow banks you could use a length of rope. On the top corner of each end of the plow there are two bolt holes meant for attaching a blade extension. If you run a length of rope to each hole like reins on a horse bridal, you can use that to pull the blade to one side or the other. Just make it long enough to drape over your steering wheel.I have a very similar model mounted on my zt2. It works really well for me. Fortunately my plow came with a factory mounted release for the swivel. Like you I'm a big fan of keeping it simple stupid.🙂

[@billhendrickson5506]

I have one of these MTD blades. Instead of stretching the spring and easing tension, I bent the L shaped handle straight up. That changed the leverage point from about 4 inches to about 9 inches. Pulls much easier. I have no idea why the position handle is bent sideways from the manufacturer. I have a couple friends who have this same blade and after seeing what I did, made the change on their units.

[@thomasc.belanger9893]

Hose screw clamps are perfect, I use zip ties for lots of things, for that screw clamps are better.🙂 FanTom USA

[@jackslayer2640]

You could try to copy the Allis-Chalmers snow plow mechanism, it allowed release and angling of the blade from the operators seat with a simple pull and twist.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Neat idea. Thanks for sharing it.

[@newwavepressure6478]

Hows the mower holdin up i was thinkin of buyin one juat dont trust the Kohler Courage engine in them

[@MrATVJunkie1]

Have you had any snow this year? 🙂 Looking forward to CubCadet plowing videos 😉 We have had snow here in Norway for some months now 🙂

[@rogeroconnor5182]

on the cable ends where they are looped over,i would at the very least wrap them with electrical tape,or better yet heat shrink them. you may want to use hose clamps where you used the zip ties,or find some stainless locking zip ties. not sure how long that handle will last,a better choice would be a snow blower pull handle. THINK SNOW!

[@minutemanmac]

Those zip ties are gonna have a short life once they get real cold Jessie!

[@Maketrainsgreatagain]

Hmm. I may have to re-strategize the zip ties.

[@vajkaniishwarbhai557]

Price ?

[@ericmick6679]

I bought the XT 3 new with three stages snow blower. worst money ever spent. next will be a John deer. the cadet does nothing but get clogged and break share pins. never again . my opinion eric.

[@billhendrickson5506]

I have the MTD 2 stage unit and have no trouble and I really take the Kohler to the max when removing snow. I also use a special spray designed for snow blowers. My neighbor has the 3 stage and I see him clearing his unit during heavy wet snow. Maybe the spray would help your problem. I am using a spray called Snow Jet.

[@albion2742]

I am more interested in getting my blade to lift higher.

[@t.j.s8477]

Great idea you should make a buck off of that one I would

[@mrkmh1]

Good video, I hate the music anyway

[@deboershapes5601]

nice design. should of tried patenting and selling it to cub cadet, now it is public domain. that is how you are suppose to cash in on being an american is on sweet brain storms like this. a cleaned up implementation of your design can only increase the value of the product as the cost to implement is so small and the gained utility is so big.

[@scottbudzina5605]

bypass the switcc its ez recommend fixing right in sommer

[@ScottElblein]

What do ya mean?

[@mrfaust1959]

how can I move my Cub Cadet ? how do I make hydraulics lose to push it in Garage? Write me at Steve Fisette on f/b or I'll try this page

[@stevefisette1709]

Same name as me.

[@gunther955]

lmao , u put me to sleep .