John Deere 54 Inch Snow Blower Chute Rotation and Deflector Modifications

Video showing pictures at the beginning and a video at the end of the clip highlighting the modifications that I did to my 54" snow blower. The modifications include using a linear actuator to automatically control the deflection of the spout and a new pulley and cable arrangement to give an increase of chute rotation from 200 degrees to about 270 degrees.
Note: These mods work on the 47" snow blower too.
The linear actuator that I used is from Firgelli Automations. Web site: www.firgelliaut...
It is a 4" Stroke 15lbs Force Linear Actuator 12v. A momentary DPDT switch (toggle or rocker) is required to operate the linear actuator. A wiring diagram for the DPDT switch is on the Firgelli website under Control/momentary switch area.
Pulleys can be sourced from Granger. www.grainger.co...
Note: I can't vouch for the accuracy of this part number from Granger as I used different pulleys from a Surplus Store. Measure your bolt diameter to be sure.
Fellow MTF member consolidated post into a How-To document and it can be found here: www.mytractorfo...

[@FlintMich]

Excellent job! That extra 35 degrees each way makes a big difference. I know I wish my chute would turn just a little bit more sometimes and mine is just a walk-behind...lol. Very nicely done!

[@X748SE]

Thanks FlintMich!! I really like the extra rotation and it comes in real handy when blowing snow near the end of your driveway.

[@vannorman1116]

Very nice mods !! I'll be doing it to mine over the next couple days(of course once the parts arrive). If u want it to blow further,take less HP,go faster, put a steel impeller in the blower in place of the plastic one. The gap from the blade to the housing on the plastic one is 1/2"-5/8". Gap on the steel o e is only 1/8"-3/16"....plus the steel one has hooks that grab more snow per revolution. Totally different machine with the steel impeller! It don't break neither !! The part number for the steel impeller is AM109105

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching and YOUR comment. I appreciated it! I've considered changing over to the metal impeller many years ago but in the end decided not to make the change. Everyone's situation is different and the reasons that made me decide against it are as follows: 1) We live on a gravel road and when the township plows the road the stones end up on your driveway. Those stones will jamb in the impeller area if there is not enough room/clearance and you will break a shear pin or something else. It's a pain the the a$$ to replace since the blower is usually packed with snow by the time you realize it. 2) Although I really like to see that snow fly just like most people do, I've wondered and realized what is there to gain for ME to see it fly further. 3) I have a 60" HD front blade and 51" broom that I can easily switch to when snow conditions warrant their use. So weighing the benefits and advantages that you've mentioned in your comment for a steel impeller, the disadvantage of using one sort of wins for my current situation. Now IF the township ever paves the road .....well that would be a no brainer! Have fun out there! I always do.

[@kenwilcox8123]

I made this modification a couple years ago on my 47” blower. Works great to throw snow behind me when needed.

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching and your comment! This mod has to be one of the best that I've done. It just makes placing snow so easy and exactly where you want it.

[@golawnboygo]

very nice !!!! not looking forward to winter but def need a john deere blower. tired of walking behind those honda. thanks again!!!

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching and your comment!

[@cliffboag]

I am just about to order an X739 with the 54" blower. Your mod is exactly what I have been looking for. I will get my son - an sophomore engineering student to install and learn a thing or two. Great stuff.

[@X748SE]

CONGRATS on the new X739! With these mods you can place snow exactly where you want it.

[@alanbare8319]

I have this snow blower on my 2320. Just need to add the spout deflector system you show and the rig will be complete.

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching. The linear actuator controlled spout deflector really helps out in windy conditions and also places snow exactly where you want it.

[@machone7580]

Very nice! I have been considering doing the same mods to my 47" Blower.

[@X748SE]

Thanks! I think these mods are one of the best that someone can easily do to enhance to capabilities of their blower.

[@georgelehman4970]

where did you get the pulleys from?

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching and your query. I found mine at a local surplus store at the time but I don't think they carry them anymore. From other people that have done this mod have found them at McMaster-Carr. As of this week - here is a link to some that might work --> www.mcmaster.com/products/pulleys/od~3-000/od~3/shaft-diameter~1-2-2/shaft-diameter~0-5/number-of-grooves~1-1/rope-diameter~1-4/rope-diameter~0-25/?SrchEntryWebPart_InpBox=3%22+pulley

[@jakesmith2693]

If I am putting this on a manual snowblower and modifying it. How long does my actuator need to be? Great idea and I can’t wait to get mine going!!!

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching. The actuator that I use has a 4" stroke.

[@dacritic]

have a question: if you replaced the end pulleys with pulleys one inch larger diameter, would that work?

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching. It probably will work but I doubt that you would be able to get the cover back on.

[@wacloseup3678]

the pulleys, are they 2 singles or 1 double pulley?

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching. I used all single pulleys in my chute rotation modification.

[@JoseAntonio-pb7nd]

Hey there, how many pulleys did you need to make this modification to increase rotation degree?

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching and your query. You will need 6 pulleys to incorporate this mod. Look in the description area of this video for a link to a how-to PDF document.

[@dchrist1965]

Like you mods, Where did you get double pullies & part no.'s?

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching! The pulleys that I used are from a local surplus store but other people have sourced them from Granger. I put a link to the pulleys that they used in the info section above.

[@Boobtube.]

I am going to do the linear actuator, but do not really need the extra rotation. Can you somehow post a video showing the location you used to mount your DPDT switch? I was thinking of removing the 12 volt lighter socket switch(since I never use it) and see if I can get a momentary DPDT to fit in there. I can message you my email address if you wish to just send pictures instead of making a video. thanks again.

[@robertknight302]

A very neat and clean installation. Would it be at all possible to get more information i.e. parts numbers, manufactuers, wiring information for the linier chute actuator? Please. Thank you. Contact me.

[@X748SE]

THANKS Robert for your comment. The info that you are requesting can now be found under the description area of this video (show more). Hope this is what you are looking for.

[@mattodin8224]

Hello, I like the 12V connector you are using to connect the spout control. Do you remember the brand name or where you got it from?

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching. I bought the 12V connector off of eBay a few years ago. Search for 12V waterproof outlet or plug.

[@jackfarrell4727]

very nice i am jealous

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching Jack! I think these mods are one of the best that someone can easily do to enhance to capabilities of their blower. See the description area of the video for more info on it. There is a link to a How-To document there. It's not as hard as one might think to do.

[@jackfarrell4727]

X748SE thanks for the reply

[@douglasbork2089]

Hell0 I have looked for the info section all over this, where in the link is the info section at? I want to put this on my 47!!!!! Thanks

[@X748SE]

Thanks for watching and your query. The link is there at the bottom of the description that describes how the to do this modification but here it is again for you;-> www.mytractorforum.com/threads/instructions-on-snow-blower-chute-rotation-modification.1054130/