Converting plastic snow blower chute to metal on L130

[bluebaboon]

I’ve got a 44 inch snow blower mounted on my L130 and I’m in the middle of upgrading it with electric lift and chute rotation. The next step I’d like to know is swapping out the plastic chute for a metal one but I’m not sure what the best approach is or where to begin.

Has anyone here done this kind of conversion before, and if so did you adapt an existing metal chute from another model or fabricate one from scratch?

 

[DirtDozer]

Swapping a metal chute is a solid plan! That plastic is the weak link, especially with electric rotation. The easiest is adapting a metal chute from an older GT series blower, like a 42- or 47-inch unit. The mounting flange bolt pattern on the chute base might be close enough, or only need minor modification to the holes. Check eBay or salvage yards for this. If you fabricate one, use your plastic chute as a template for the base flange and curve, but make it out of at least 14-gauge steel.

 

[cloud8]

Probably get a metal chute from a bigger L or LX model that matches your mounting points, or maybe make one from sheet steel if you can and you know adapting an existing chute is usually easier and keeps the rotation mechanism aligned

 

[Alan]

When going custom, line up the chute base ring with the blower's rotation collar size. If they don't match, it can damage the motor or gears. Before welding everything, test how it moves when fully turned.