[Lonstar]

I've been thinking about modding the chute on my 353 snow blower to get rid of the bar from the chute to the operator. I've read a lot about linear actuators to raise and lower the deflector, and power window/seat/tarp motors to rotate the chute.

It seems a power window motor to rotate the chute is fairly problem free if done right, but linear actuators freeze up or run slow for various reasons (type used, orientation it's installed, etc).

After some thought, I realized I already have a linear actuator, and it's better than an electric actuator - I can use the (left/right) hydraulic cylinder I removed from the hitch when I use the blower.

I could fabricate some brackets to mount it to the chute and raise/lower the deflector with the existing valve/handle. Mount the cylinder low enough on the chute that when fully extended, the deflector is in the fully down position, then use a 5/8 split collar as a stop when the deflector is fully raised.

I will never have a mower deck on the tractor, so I'm wondering how l could use the mower deck cylinder to spin the chute. Then use the existing valve/handle could operate it. The problem is I can't think of a way to spin the chute around with an actuator that pushes in and out.

Has anyone done this? Is it feasible?