Joy stick controller

[Got Snow?]

looks to be about the cheapest piece to the whole set-up. The plastic housing is thin plastic and the rocker switches are so stiff the top of the housing flexes. Not to mention the housing itself is way bulky.

i'm a little disappointed.

[cat320]

That seams to be every ones complant if I read the posts right about the controller. I gues it has to be so big for the extra funtions it does .

[4evergreenlawns]

For where I have it straped to the seat in front of the fold down center rest it is perfect. In some oterh cabbs I can see it being too bulky.

As for the overall quality I have not really noticed the stiffness in the rockers nor have I paid much attention to the flexing.

Maybe it is because I am too busy:

watching it go from 8 to 10,

or watching the Wings tip in to control the snow during windrows without trails left behind,

or watching how well it controlls the snow pile in bucket mode,

or looking at my watch to see if I have the right time because I am finishing so fast.

I guess I could find smoething wrong with the controller if I look closer but the MONEY end of this piece of equipment is the big white part up front.

I will say the HEADLIGHTS are really starting to bug me and that I something you can not miss.

[Got Snow?]

Originally posted by 4evergreenlawns
For where I have it straped to the seat in front of the fold down center rest it is perfect. In some oterh cabbs I can see it being too bulky.

As for the overall quality I have not really noticed the stiffness in the rockers nor have I paid much attention to the flexing.

Maybe it is because I am too busy:

watching it go from 8 to 10,

or watching the Wings tip in to control the snow during windrows without trails left behind,

or watching how well it controlls the snow pile in bucket mode,

or looking at my watch to see if I have the right time because I am finishing so fast.

I guess I could find smoething wrong with the controller if I look closer but the MONEY end of this piece of equipment is the big white part up front.

I will say the HEADLIGHTS are really starting to bug me and that I something you can not miss.




since my plow is still in the box, the controller is all i have to critize. compareing the build quality of the plow to the controller and you'll see what i mean. don't forget the controller get as much use as the business end.

what the deal with the headlights?

[4evergreenlawns]

WOW, I should really proof read.

At any rate, I hear what you are saying and if I only had the controller to show for the money spent I might agree. However, during the past three years that I have read about Blizzard plows before buying TWO this season I have NEVER heard or read anything braking on the controller. The joysitck is very manageabel and no match for the cab command.

I think once it is strapped down good and tight and you start using it you will not even notice it at all.


As for the headlights they seems not to want to stay in a fixed position even after they are wrenched down tight.. They vibrate alot and shift around during transporting and alot during plowing. I have asked for some help from other plow owners here and lets see what comes up. I will be working on a fix in the meanwhile and I will let you know what I come up with.

Once you start plowing with that Blizzard your control issues will fade away.

[wyldman]

I replied to your other post about the lights Ron,it's an easy fix.

[urethane dino]

I so agree about the controller, the joy stick is fine, I personally would rather have the rockers on the top of the box, than the bottom. And it is humongus. Bu if it moves snow so well, it will be worth it. But looking at controllers from other companies that have multi function plows, than could redesign for more ergonomics. I think with a bit of ingenuity, I can find a better location for it.
Dino

[BWhite]

Cant Jerre build the controls into the door armrest ?

[wyldman]

You can put the controls anywhere you want if your handy.You could even just make a smaller box too.Soft touch rocker switches would be a nice upgrade.

[Jerre Heyer]

BWhite Cant Jerre build the controls into the door armrest ?


Been there....Done that.. Check some of the posts from last year. Some on PS also. I'll try to find the link.

Fords are easy. Cheve's and dodges present another challenge.


As for the switches for the wings on the top.....Flip it around and try it once....It's a pain reaching over the joystick.

Custom controls made to order...


Jerre

P.S. Mold costs drive control cost. That cheap piece of plastic cost a pretty penny to develop. They ( Blizzard )have increased the thickness of the straight blade control and are working on others for the 810's (thanks Cal )

[Got Snow?]

Jerre,
when you say custom controller do you mean useing the guts from the stock one and making a new housing to fit? what kind of money are we talking?

could i upgrade the rocker switches to something with less resistance?

the electronics seems to be the limitation as far as packaging. i like the package the fish stick comes in and the ability to hold it in your hand and shift at the same time.

as far as the mold goes, seems to me you'd be able to rework the mold to get a thicker housing at the top.

[John DiMartino]

I seen some of what Jerre built when i was in Erie, yes Jerre can buld anything you want. I ended up staying with the standard controller,and a meyer stick for the sidewing. I actually have grown to love the controller.

[4evergreenlawns]

attached spinner controller

[4evergreenlawns]

added auger on/off

[4evergreenlawns]

I have used the new set up several times now for extended periods and I love it.

Also when I attached and rewired it all I added quick plug. In the off season it ALL comes out and the plugs go under the dash.

I would say the controller box it alot stronger than it looks.

[Lawngodfather]

A buddy mounted his in the cup holder portion of this console in his 2002 GMC 2500, he also put his v box spreader controls in it.

[Jerre Heyer]

Got Snow, Done both, Used stock guts and also used other switching and joysticks. Am doing a rework on a new fishstick control board to get 810 controls from this package. Can't sell it though due to restrictions. Just a play toy for a good customer. Blizzard is working on other controls though and look forward to what they have coming.

Jerre

P.S. mounted them in the dash and in the door. Do a search on ford door mount controls.

http://www.snowplowing-contractors.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1668&highlight=door+and+control


Jerre

[4evergreenlawns]

We only plow four maybe five months out of the year and than not very often. I can not see having the controlls there all the time. Just would be something to get damaged or played with during the off season. I like being able to transition from Winter to Summer. In the winter I never have three people in the cab, during the summer I run three most all the time. JMO

[Mark Oomkes]

My only complaint about the controllers is the up\down is opposite of Fisher\Western\custom controls we have for our Boss. So about the time I was just getting used to the Blizzard up\down I moved back to my truck (mainly to keep the tranny from exploding, no I'm not over it yet) and got all screwed up again.

Dug up some sod because I couldn't remember which way was up or down anymore. :headwall

[Jerre Heyer]

Funny thing happened while running my snow plow........

Controls work like running a:
Back hoe
Dozer
Excavator
Skid Steer
Telehandler
Crane
Air plane


Etc.

Back for up
Forward for down

Ever think that Western/Fisher/Meyer had it backward.

Notice the hand held units work different than the joysticks for just this reason.

Jerre

[Mark Oomkes]

You're right Jerre. It's just going to take a little time to get used to. And a little sod. lol

[John DiMartino]

It took me a little while to get used to it,but its second nature now.I dug up a little grass too:D .The blizzard is so heavy it makes a great topsoil/sod scraper.

[Got Snow?]

it's not as bed as i first thought. the one thing i do miss is the ability to shift/raise. the stick on the door is the way to go

[Bonzai]

Got Snow try this I love it.

[Bonzai]

We made this with an old No Parking sign bent to fit into the window channel. It allows you to move the controller any where along the channel for comfort. The buttons on the side have to be put on the front of the controller but that is easy.The door can be open and closed without taking it off as this picture will show.
Good luck:drinkup :drinkup

[Lawn Tek]

A easy fix for the headlights could be welding a 2x2x1/8 angle with a drilled hole in it to the light bar . The reason they move is the round pipe . I havent done mine yet but soon will .