HST and Snowblowers (3pt)

[JDGreenGrass]

I haven't used my 3pt. snowblower all that much but, when I have it has been golden. I have a gear tractor and reverse in low range seems to be the "perfect speed."

Having the gears, I often think about my next tractor and it would most likely be the Deere 3032. HST transmission.

It is not compatable for a front blower so, it brings up a question.

Knowing that HST cruise control doesn't work in reverse, with a 3pt blower you would need to have the foot on the peddle and also be somewhat turned around to inspect the blower in operation.

Is that awkward in any way or would you say it is ergonomically comfortable.??

 

[DrainPondDesign]

GreenGrass,

I do not think there would be much difference between backing with a gear tractor and HST, if you are comfortable with one the other should be OK too.

I half turn in the seat and one foot presses the HST reverse pedal all the way, speed in the low range forward or reverse is about 1 to 2 mph when the is blower engaged.

If the HST has load match I think that it slows travel speed to maintain blower rpms as load increases.

One fellow on TBN mounted a bass boat swivle seat on his tractor for blowing snow in reverse.

If you are buying the HST tractor new then test drive them all, might as well get some fun for your money.

 

[TGReaper]

I have a BX 2200 with a 60" Buhler/Allied blower.I do not find it to be a problem,I sit sideways and the 2200 has a great long odd shaped control pedal that works really well in this application.

Dan

 

[Johnbro]

The new Kubota Grand L's have a swivel seat: you can park it at a slight angle to the right or the left. It's ideal for looking backwards while keeping a foot on the HST pedal.

 

[Don87]

My Massey has a small reverse pedal, and I have no problem turning to look behind while backing up.

But then again, I have extremely good peripheral vision, other people may be different.

I can see anything to the side, behind my ears whlie looking straight ahead.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

The new Kubota Grand L's have a swivel seat: you can park it at a slight angle to the right or the left. It's ideal for looking backwards while keeping a foot on the HST pedal.

That's nice. And, I thought the treadle would get high points on this subject.

I'm not ready to buy but, I always think about it. I'm trying to save money but there are so many costs to cover a simple life style.!!?? And now gas is pushing $3.25 a gallon.:confused2:

New tractor doesn't come easy.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

My Massey has a small reverse pedal, and I have no problem turning to look behind while backing up.

But then again, I have extremely good peripheral vision, other people may be different.

I can see anything to the side, behind my ears whlie looking straight ahead.

Geez-um Don...You're either an owl or a hawk. Which is it.??

Sure makes for being a safe operator.:thumbsup:

 

[Don87]

Geez-um Don...You're either an owl or a hawk. Which is it.??

Sure makes for being a safe operator.:thumbsup:

I drive truck for a living, and I can actually see cars in my right hand mirror without turning my head while driving.

The doctor was totally shocked when he saw this during my DOT physical:laughing:

 

[jgrreed]

I blow snow in reverse with my HST 4720 - no problems at all.

-Jer.

 

[JJZ 109]

I have a BX 2200 with a 60" Buhler/Allied blower.I do not find it to be a problem,I sit sideways and the 2200 has a great long odd shaped control pedal that works really well in this application.

Dan

Pretty much the same here. No problem sitting sideways and reaching the pedal on a B3030. Same snow blower as well.
Really like the HST for snow removal with the blower. My previous tractor
(JD 790) was too slow in low reverse and just a tad too fast in high reverse, depending on snow conditions of course. I was on and off the clutch constantly in high range.

 

[tcartwri]

It's not any worse than having to keep your left foot near the clutch on a gear tractor.

 

[wny770]

A HUGE help, is to have a mirror mounted where you can see behind you. Not to depend on it totally, but you won't have to turn fully around as frequently. You will find yourself "glancing" in the mirror more and more.

 

[jinman]

Are you sure that JD's HST cruise does not work in reverse? Mine does on my New Holland.

 

[RoyJackson]

With a gear tractor you set a throttle position (on my old 670, 790 and current 4400 this is a hand throttle) so you don't really need a foot on the throttle (but there is a foot throttle if you do want to use it. This is also how JDGreenGrass' 770 works.
Not a "cruise ontrol" as most would think of one, but that's basically what it does.

 

[JJZ 109]

With a gear tractor you set a throttle position (on my old 670, 790 and current 4400 this is a hand throttle) so you don't really need a foot on the throttle (but there is a foot throttle if you do want to use it. This is also how JDGreenGrass' 770 works.
Not a "cruise ontrol" as most would think of one, but that's basically what it does.

True. But if you've got the engine wound up to run an implement, finding just the right speed for your situation (heavy or light snow, etc.) will depend on your gear selection if you don't have HST.
I found myself having to hit the clutch pedal to almost try and "coast" sometimes while running snowblower if the going got too heavy. Low range was simply too slow in reverse for snow blowing for my liking. It wasn't as much of an issue in brush hogging in forward, due to having 4 gears to choose from.

 

[Airedale]

Roy is right, with my gear tractor I just set my travel gear at a speed that I am comfortable operating with (slow and steady) and throttle up the revs to get the PTO turning at the right speed, pull the reverser and sit back and let the snow fly using my mirrors for the most part. I will say my drive is long and straight which makes the way I operate easy.

Al

 

[RoyJackson]

True. But if you've got the engine wound up to run an implement, finding just the right speed for your situation (heavy or light snow, etc.) will depend on your gear selection if you don't have HST.
I found myself having to hit the clutch pedal to almost try and "coast" sometimes while running snowblower if the going got too heavy. Low range was simply too slow in reverse for snow blowing for my liking. It wasn't as much of an issue in brush hogging in forward, due to having 4 gears to choose from.

Yeah, there is a trade off. A 770 or 790 is really slow in reverse low range, but reverse high range is too fast (this is at PTO RPM). One of the very few things I didn't care for on the 790 (and the old 670 I had).

 

[rekees4300]

Knowing that HST cruise control doesn't work in reverse, with a 3pt blower you would need to have the foot on the peddle and also be somewhat turned around to inspect the blower in operation.

Is that awkward in any way or would you say it is ergonomically comfortable.??

Hasn't been a problem so far. My senior citizen back can only take so much of being turned in one direction so I just alternate between right and left for more comfort. Either way I can reach the reverse paddle.

Minor hassle has been trying to reach the chute rotate handle while sitting in the seat. On my tractor (and I guess many of the newer tractors?) the engine will stop if you stand up with the PTO engaged. So I have to disengage the PTO before turning the chute.

Even if the cruise control worked in reverse, I wouldn't use it. Prefer to have better variable speed control using the paddle with gravel driveway.

 

[ihuntbear]

3.25 per gallon! try paying 1.17 per liter x 4.5= 5.26 per gallon.FU%%%%%g government tax.I don't understand we have our own oil fields but pay more

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Pretty much the same here. No problem sitting sideways and reaching the pedal on a B3030. Same snow blower as well.
Really like the HST for snow removal with the blower. My previous tractor
(JD 790) was too slow in low reverse and just a tad too fast in high reverse, depending on snow conditions of course. I was on and off the clutch constantly in high range.

I can't imagine snowblowing in high range.

Why would you do that.??