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Simplicity Remote Flap Actuator


SmilinSam

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This is I believe the best answer to a remote flap actuator for our Garden tractor blowers. I took these at a Simplicity dealership. Its on a new two stage Simplcity walk behind blower.
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/007.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/002.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/001.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/003-1.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/006.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/008.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/005.jpg[/img]
I ordered a actuator for about $75-$80 and the black bracket to mount it for another $15. The bracket could be fabricated easily, but I wanted a no frills instalation this time around. The only thing I need to fabricate is a new flap with a mount for the screwdrive shaft. I had the same sort of design in mind with BLT's small window seat motor and was well along getting that going until I found the steel shft was stationary in it and the plastic gear simply rode on that shaft. So.. that was the end of that venture. This Stock Simplicity apparatus seemed a good answer and wasnt all that expensive. Will be working on this project today. I already have the tractor wired up to run this. It uses that same sort of 6 pole switch that the old electric lifts use. I got a plastic 6 pole switch at radio shack for a few dollars. The plastic connector on the motor wire pig is the same as the two wire connectors found on Briggs charging systems. Got plenty of those in my wiring collection. If anyone else goes this route, you need to order the left hand thread nut that goes on the end of the actuator shaft as well. I have to order one this week as I cant find one at the local hardware stores. What do you guys think????
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That setup has actually been around for a few years now. I worked at a simplicity dealership putting together snow blowers when i was 16 and that had just come out then. Also the john deere badged simplicity's at lowes have that screw type "flap actuator" Seems like a good idea for a tractor mounted snow blower. For me backing off the throttle has always been how i control the throwing distance but I'm sure if i had a fancy setup like you invision I would use it for sure dOd
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Sam, I don't know if you saved that picture of the mechanical workings of a late model GM power seat I e-mailed you. I was going to bring it down last summer. It had everything you needed, motors, right angle drives, flexible drive shafts, acme threaded shafts & nuts along with pigtail wire harness now that I see the similarities.
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Its probably here on one of these computers somewhere. I'll look around. I just wanted a quick solution to get this project done and back in service again. Also out of the way. Got a 332 Deere to bring in and rob the power steering out of too & sell off all the extras to recover some of the expenditure, then put the PS on my Deere 314 & brantley loader. That and continuing the HB, among other odds & ends. I just came in from the shop and lucked out on the new flap. I have the PTO drieshaft shield from the 1976 Jacobsen/Homelite 36" tiller I got a few years ago NOS.(Simplicity 36" tiller with gearbox & driveshaft for Homelite/Jacobsen application) Its just the right width, length, and hight. Just needs detail trimming around the edges.
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Sam, That looks like I nice add-on and an easier install than retrofitting a cable operated deflector as I did on my "new style" 42" snowblower. With dash space at a premium with the choke control mounted there from the power steering install, where are you going to mount the second switch? I know you already put the spout rotator switch on the right side of the dash plate. I guess there might be room for another, but it's got to be getting crowded under the dash plate. And what are the Simplicity part numbers for the needed parts? I might do the mod to my daughter's snowblower setup. Others are probably interested as well. Thanks.
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Turning the Jacobsen(Simplicity) tiller pto shaft shield into a chute flap was a blazing success I'd say...
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/020-1.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/011.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/012.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/021-1.jpg[/img]
The only thing I did wrong was I should have turned the bracket on the flap that the screwdrive fitting slides into a little more forward before I welded it on. the open slots should have been more vertical. I dont think it will present a problem though.
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/018-1.jpg[/img]
The only hinge I could find was a standard door hinge. It works, but it would have been nice to have one that went all the way across the top like on the walk behind pictured above. The hinge is welded flat to the flap, while it is welded flat at the back on the chute while the pin part rests raised at the edge of the chute welded in place there at the ends and at the 3 rings at the front edge.
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/017.jpg[/img]
The switch for this flap actuator is on the dash to the right of the column. Plenty of room there and didnt have to hide any of the print on the decal.
[img]http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/Smilinsam/more%20tractor%20stuff/019-1.jpg[/img]
Bill, the choke and light switch are in the holes on the left side of the column in the dash. I put the rotator switch down on the left side of the cowl under the throttle control down towrds the frame around the corner from the original choke location. All thats left to do is order a left threaded nut and the rubberized washer that goes on the end of the screwdrive for a stop. Local hardware stores dont have left hand nuts or bolts.
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Awsome...I think that is better and easier to disconnect in the off-season than the "choke cable type"....I want one sm06
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quote:
Originally posted by Zach
Also the john deere badged simplicity's at lowes have that screw type "flap actuator" Seems like a good idea for a tractor mounted snow blower. For me backing off the throttle has always been how i control the throwing distance but I'm sure if i had a fancy setup like you invision I would use it for sure dOd
John Deere Simplicity?:O:p Do tell me that's so:D My Deere inlaws would sooo love to hear that...
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Sam, How much stroke does the actuator have? I saw this one up on the surplus center site.
[img]/club2/attach/GregB/smallact.jpg[/img]
It would take a bit more fab work than the one you got though, assuming it has enough stroke !!!
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Greg, Sam stated the actuator has between 75 and 80 dollars. The bracket was another 15 dollars. Sometimes while there are alternatives it is cheaper and faster to use the parts made for the task. Rick.........
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Greg, I think 2 1/4 is pretty close to what this is. I'll try and remember to run it tomorrow and measure it exactly.
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OH MY. That's great looking fab work. I would like to do same thing also this is a great post. I think i would want a joystick in one spot. Be like Atari Asteroids Game.LOL. Oh And the Simplicity badged JD like to see that model.
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humbs up on the mod Sam. That's one mod I'd definately be doing to my 620,,,,,,,,IF I ever could get a chance to use it.
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Greg, 2 1/4" is about right. Add the rubber stop washers to this on each end and travel is around 2". I got a chance to try this out today on a couple of small snowdrifts that rose up overnight with the inch of snow we had. Works great. The flap itself is way better that the stock short curved one that came factory on the blower. I'm going to add a flap of rubber over the back to keep the snow from shooting out on the motor when the flap is all the way down. Its pretty nice not having to get out of the cab to adjust the flap;)
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