08-12-2025, 07:43 PM
Introduction: When Snow Dust Becomes a Mechanical Threat
In cold climates, operating motor graders and other heavy equipment during snow removal presents unique challenges—especially when fine snow dust begins to clog engine air filters. The issue becomes more pronounced in Tier IV machines, where elevated hood profiles and tighter packaging leave less clearance for air intake systems. This article explores the Snow Rotary Ejector Pre-Cleaner upgrade for Deere motor graders, detailing its installation, performance benefits, and the real-world experiences that prompted its adoption.
Understanding the Rotary Ejector System
A rotary ejector is a turbine-style pre-cleaner mounted on the engine’s air intake. Its purpose is to spin incoming air, separating heavier particles like dust, snow, and debris before they reach the filter element. The centrifugal force ejects contaminants through slots in the bowl, reducing filter clogging and extending service intervals.
Key components include:
Operators of Tier IV Deere graders noticed that the standard rotary ejector sat too close to the hood, allowing snow dust to swirl and accumulate around the intake. This led to:
Installation Process and Adjustments
The upgrade involves:
Field Anecdote: The Filter-Swapping Operator
A grader operator in Missouri shared a story about a colleague who carried spare air filters in the cab. Every few hours, he’d swap out the clogged filter and let the snow-laden one thaw inside the cab for reuse. This not only introduced moisture into the cabin but also fogged the windows and reduced heater efficiency. The root cause? A seized rotary ejector fan that no longer spun, rendering the pre-cleaner useless. Once diagnosed, the fix was simple—but the impact on daily operations had been significant.
Additional Lessons: HVAC and Cab Climate Control
Many operators don’t realize that running the air conditioner in winter helps dehumidify the cab. In Deere machines, the snowflake button activates the AC compressor, which should remain on year-round. One operator noted that failing to use the AC led to fogged windows and a damp cab, while consistent AC use kept the cab dry and comfortable—even in a T-shirt during snow plowing.
Technical Recommendations and Parameters
Similar problems occur in large 4WD tractors with cab-corner intakes. Dust and snow swirl around the cab, plugging filters rapidly. Extending the intake pipe 2 feet above the cab dramatically reduces clogging, confirming the importance of intake height and airflow dynamics.
Conclusion: Elevation Equals Efficiency
The Snow Rotary Ejector Pre-Cleaner upgrade is a simple yet effective solution for improving air intake performance in snowy conditions. By elevating the rotary ejector into cleaner air, operators can reduce filter maintenance, improve cab climate, and extend engine life. As winter operations demand reliability, this upgrade proves that sometimes, a few extra inches make all the difference.
Final Advice
Before winter hits, inspect your rotary ejector for free rotation, consider upgrading the intake height, and run your AC—even in the snow. Your machine will breathe easier, and so will you.
In cold climates, operating motor graders and other heavy equipment during snow removal presents unique challenges—especially when fine snow dust begins to clog engine air filters. The issue becomes more pronounced in Tier IV machines, where elevated hood profiles and tighter packaging leave less clearance for air intake systems. This article explores the Snow Rotary Ejector Pre-Cleaner upgrade for Deere motor graders, detailing its installation, performance benefits, and the real-world experiences that prompted its adoption.
Understanding the Rotary Ejector System
A rotary ejector is a turbine-style pre-cleaner mounted on the engine’s air intake. Its purpose is to spin incoming air, separating heavier particles like dust, snow, and debris before they reach the filter element. The centrifugal force ejects contaminants through slots in the bowl, reducing filter clogging and extending service intervals.
Key components include:
- Rotary Ejector Bowl: Houses the spinning fan that separates contaminants.
- Intake Tube: Connects the ejector to the breather box.
- Breather Box: Contains the primary air filter element.
- Snow Rotary Upgrade Kit: Includes a taller intake box and adjustable tube to elevate the ejector into cleaner air.
Operators of Tier IV Deere graders noticed that the standard rotary ejector sat too close to the hood, allowing snow dust to swirl and accumulate around the intake. This led to:
- Frequent filter clogging
- Reduced engine performance
- Increased cab humidity from thawing filters
- Fogged windows and poor visibility
Installation Process and Adjustments
The upgrade involves:
- Removing the original intake tube
- Installing a new elevated intake box using existing and pre-welded bolt holes
- Inserting the adjustable intake tube and clamping the rotary ejector at the desired height
Field Anecdote: The Filter-Swapping Operator
A grader operator in Missouri shared a story about a colleague who carried spare air filters in the cab. Every few hours, he’d swap out the clogged filter and let the snow-laden one thaw inside the cab for reuse. This not only introduced moisture into the cabin but also fogged the windows and reduced heater efficiency. The root cause? A seized rotary ejector fan that no longer spun, rendering the pre-cleaner useless. Once diagnosed, the fix was simple—but the impact on daily operations had been significant.
Additional Lessons: HVAC and Cab Climate Control
Many operators don’t realize that running the air conditioner in winter helps dehumidify the cab. In Deere machines, the snowflake button activates the AC compressor, which should remain on year-round. One operator noted that failing to use the AC led to fogged windows and a damp cab, while consistent AC use kept the cab dry and comfortable—even in a T-shirt during snow plowing.
Technical Recommendations and Parameters
- Ideal Intake Height: At least 6–9 inches above cab roofline for optimal airflow
- Tube Material: 3/16" stamped steel for structural integrity
- Rotary Ejector Functionality: Fan must spin freely; check for seizure
- Cab Clearance: Maintain 4–6 inches below overhead doors or obstructions
- Filter Inspection Interval: Every 10–20 operating hours in snow conditions
Similar problems occur in large 4WD tractors with cab-corner intakes. Dust and snow swirl around the cab, plugging filters rapidly. Extending the intake pipe 2 feet above the cab dramatically reduces clogging, confirming the importance of intake height and airflow dynamics.
Conclusion: Elevation Equals Efficiency
The Snow Rotary Ejector Pre-Cleaner upgrade is a simple yet effective solution for improving air intake performance in snowy conditions. By elevating the rotary ejector into cleaner air, operators can reduce filter maintenance, improve cab climate, and extend engine life. As winter operations demand reliability, this upgrade proves that sometimes, a few extra inches make all the difference.
Final Advice
Before winter hits, inspect your rotary ejector for free rotation, consider upgrading the intake height, and run your AC—even in the snow. Your machine will breathe easier, and so will you.
