Snow Greenie's first big snow

[wagonguy]

Got to use Greenie for some real snow moving finally. no plow (but will have one next year) - just used fel. not bad but slow at end of run to raise and empty snow. but handy to pile up snow high as loader will go. first snow last weekend was 19" in driveway-see pic of first path out of garage.
Then I got called to work for our boro driving plow truck 2 nights then we loaded snow with front loaders/backhoes into dump trucks for 3 nights so far and will be doing more tomorrow. We take it down to our park,out of room to plow it in town. 2nd pic-sorry phone cam not good at night.
Like Greenie- only needed 4wd when it hit a pile of thick snow or ice, but front blade is way to go for my use I think. blower wont work,no where to shoot snow w/o goin into road or someone elses property.
Dislike? 5 degree temp before wind chill,5 in morning after plowing/hauling 12 hours. Turn into human popsicle.Brrr

 

[beenthere]

wagonguy
A snowmobile helmet makes a good substitute for a cab when out on the tractor with low temps and the wind blowing. Much easier on the comfort zone.

Thanks for the pics of "greenie" in action.

 

[RalphVa]

If your FEL is slow, you're maybe trying to do things with too low an rpm. On my 4010, I need 2000-2200 for decent FEL operation. It actually moves too fast for me at PTO set speed. Needed that a few times to pick up really monster piles of snow. The 4010 is a beast.

Ralph

 

[RoyJackson]

wagonguy
A snowmobile helmet makes a good substitute for a cab when out on the tractor with low temps and the wind blowing. Much easier on the comfort zone.

Now, that's a great idea!!!

 

[Gizmo2]

wagonguy
A snowmobile helmet makes a good substitute for a cab when out on the tractor with low temps and the wind blowing. Much easier on the comfort zone.

Especially with a 12 volt heated shield

 

[JJKJ]

Especially with a 12 volt heated shield

Ahh, I see this must be the secret. I got tired of getting covered with snow when the wind would change directions while blowing snow, so I tried a bunch of options. I tried all kinds of face masks and came up with the idea of using my full-face motorcycle helmet. Neighbors gave me a hard time, but I was much more comfortable. Downside is that the shield would fog up once in a while depending on conditions. Now a heated shield must be the key! Not a big factor for me anymore though since I opted for plow with my new tractor.

Wish I had known about the heated shields on snowmobile helmets when I needed it!

John

 

[wagonguy]

i usually run at 1800-2000 when plowing. its just more time consuming to plow, come up to pile,raise,dump,lower,level,. quicker to plow,raise,reverse. I have had trucks w/plows and my cub 107 has plow blade, but I am spoiled with power steering and hydro lifting
my head stays pretty warm-wear my old nomex racing hood but even with thermals,flannel lined jeans my knees and legs feel like icecicles by end of night. back out to move snow / plow for boro tonite.

 

[megotatractor]

Ahh, I see this must be the secret. I got tired of getting covered with snow when the wind would change directions while blowing snow, so I tried a bunch of options. I tried all kinds of face masks and came up with the idea of using my full-face motorcycle helmet. Neighbors gave me a hard time, but I was much more comfortable. Downside is that the shield would fog up once in a while depending on conditions. Now a heated shield must be the key! Not a big factor for me anymore though since I opted for plow with my new tractor.

Wish I had known about the heated shields on snowmobile helmets when I needed it!

John

Not all snowmobile helmets have a heated shield, that's a luxury option. Snowmobile helmet faceshields (or ski goggles) are hollow plastic like double glazed "insulated" windows. the air space between the two pieces keeping the inside from fogging for the most part. Snowblower use is an extreme condition with snow particles getting everywhere, which would make a heated visor preferable for this use not necesarily to prevent foggin but to keep snow and ice from building on the outside of it.

 

[beenthere]

I sure appreciate the heated-shield idea. Never knew about it.
For fog, I usually can crack the shield open enough for some breeze (cold air) to whistle through. But there are times that this heated shield would be just the ticket.
Will definitly look into that feature on a helmet. Any links would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to the OP for de-railing this thread.

 

[Gizmo2]

I sure appreciate the heated-shield idea. Never knew about it.
For fog, I usually can crack the shield open enough for some breeze (cold air) to whistle through. But there are times that this heated shield would be just the ticket.
Will definitly look into that feature on a helmet. Any links would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to the OP for de-railing this thread.

One should do a screech on the Internet for snowmobile helmets. You will find numerous makes and models along with pricing from low end to high end. But let's face it you won't be traveling down the trail (driveway) doin 90 MPH so I would think the lower end would suffice. Heated shields are usually purchased separate. I know if I snowmobile without the heated shield in 10 below zero weather I WILL ice over on the inside and outside of the shield. I would also say that following another snowmobiler is pretty darn close to using a snow blower as far as snow being presented at your face.

 

[gonegreen]

"but even with thermals,flannel lined jeans my knees and legs feel like icecicles by end of night."

Solution - Carhart Artic lined bib overalls. You wouldn't want to walk a mile in them because there stiff as a board but they're very warm. If your expecting temperatures below zero, slip a pair of sweatpants over your jeans before you pull your bibs on - no more ice sickle legs!


I just need finger warmers or a heated steering wheel (can't afford a cab)

 

[glc24]

Hello wagonguy,
Where are you in western Pa?

Greg

 

[dex3361]

When it is really cold or snowy and I have to be out on the tractor I wear a rain siut over the polypro clothing and a good warm hat. I dont blow snow so I would sy some kind of face protection would be in order.

 

[jjmarotz]

I sure appreciate the heated-shield idea. Never knew about it.
For fog, I usually can crack the shield open enough for some breeze (cold air) to whistle through. But there are times that this heated shield would be just the ticket.
Will definitly look into that feature on a helmet. Any links would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to the OP for de-railing this thread.

Z1R Stance Snow Helmet with Electric Shield - DennisKirk.com
Or look thru the list of skid-lids here....Snowmobile - Helmets & Eyewear - DennisKirk.com
As far as clothing goes... I use my snowmobiling bibs, coat, gloves, boots, etc... they are designed to keep ya warm when riding so they work PERFECT for open station tractor snow moving. The helmet can get heavy on the twisted neck if you use a 3pt snowblower but does work well!!!
One other tip... I have switched all my under clothing (aka thermals) to Under Armour http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/?&cid=PS|Google||US
Extremely thin and light weight, but provides me a greater warmth with much less "bulk" when all geared up to blow snow or ride!!

 

[wagonguy]

glc24- in McDonald PA. no seat time in Greenie last 2 days-during night-early a.m. hours we've been loading and trucking snow from town streets to the park. hope it warms up before the Easter egg hunt or we'll have to change it to easter egg-snowball hunt.

 

[glc24]

Thanks for the reply wagonguy
When you said putting snow in park,that is what they are doing in my hometown of New Brighton,where I grew up. Just thought there might be a chance

Greg