another noob (from the south) question...

[/pine]

We are expecting up to 12" of snow...

I have a 4x4 tractor w/loader (17hp) with a very heavy rear blade mechanical angle/hydraulic pitch (reversible) total weight maybe 2500#

I also have a ride on 4x4 Ditch Witch (45 hp) with a front 6-way blade (fully hydraulic) weighs probably 5000#
This machine has wide tires and a very low center of gravity...

Which would work best on a hilly/curvy mountain gravel road ?

 

[deerseeker001]

The tractor for sure,use the loader to push and rear blade.

 

[LD1]

For a curvy hilly road, I would think the heavier and low COG machine would fair a little better getting around.

I think the tractor with combination of FEL and rear blade would be better, but its light and if conditions dont let it get around well, try the ditch witch

 

[/pine]

Thanks..

Either way it is going to be a learning experience...I do have some sections of the road I can "practice" on...
I wish I would have taken the back hoe off the ditch witch before the weather moved in...

 

[Looking4new]

Leave the back hoe on the D-W. It will be extra weight for traction.

 

[koamfps]

2500 pounds seems to be pushing the 17 hp tractors workable limit!

 

[/pine]

2500 pounds seems to be pushing the 17 hp tractors workable limit!

That's the weight of the tractor with the blade...I can load the bucket with gravel to add another 400#'s or so...The rear blade probably weighs about 450#'s...

 

[RalphVa]

The rear blade is way too heavy. You'll end up digging up your driveway with it. I've a very light weight (easily moved by hand off the tractor) back blade. It bites into the snow because of its curvature and the pitch angle of the blade. Don't need blade weight to cause it to bite unless you're trying to clear sleet. For sleet, the weight helps. One year here, I couldn't touch the 7" of sleet that we got but happened to have an old (very heavy) Gravely square chute snow blower. It hunkered down and bit to the bottom of the sleet and slung it about 50 ft or so away.

Ralph

 

[koamfps]

Oh that sounds better :drink: Get much snow where your at? I was just reading a thread on a fella that was worried about 2 to 3 inches and what his options were to remove it.... I think he was either from north or south Carolina , Heck if it ws me I'd leave it it will melt i no time! good luck

 

[/pine]

The rear blade is way too heavy. You'll end up digging up your driveway with it. I've a very light weight (easily moved by hand off the tractor) back blade. It bites into the snow because of its curvature and the pitch angle of the blade. Don't need blade weight to cause it to bite unless you're trying to clear sleet. For sleet, the weight helps. One year here, I couldn't touch the 7" of sleet that we got but happened to have an old (very heavy) Gravely square chute snow blower. It hunkered down and bit to the bottom of the sleet and slung it about 50 ft or so away.

Ralph

The blade is reversible and besides the hydraulic top link I also have an additional pitch cylinder on the blade itself...I can feather it (backwards or forwards) to nearly parallel with the ground...3PH has position control...

 

[/pine]

Oh that sounds better :drink: Get much snow where your at? I was just reading a thread on a fella that was worried about 2 to 3 inches and what his options were to remove it.... I think he was either from north or south Carolina , Heck if it ws me I'd leave it it will melt i no time! good luck

I'm in the same boat as the other GA,SC,NC guys that are not used to this much snow/sleet/ice etc...

be gentle...we're learning...

 

[dave1949]

/pine,

I hope you don't have a disaster in the making. I'm not sure you have what you need for 12" on a hill if it is steep at all. A lot depends on the type of snow. If it stays reasonably fluffy, you might be okay. If it is wet and heavy and wants to pack to ice under your wheels, not good.

The extra weight of the ditch witch plus wide tires won't help if it gets slick on you. Big machines slide just as good as little ones on icy stuff, and they cause more damage when they get stopped. Force = mass x acceleration is always true.

My inclination would be to use the tractor bucket for most of it. The blade makes good ballast and would be good for a cleanup pass when set at an angle.

Be careful to not bend or break your tractor's 3pt lift arms if pushing backwards with a heavy blade in heavy snow. Lift arms are designed for pulling, not pushing.

If there is a danger of rolling, sliding down a hill out of control, or busting up your stuff, let it melt. Or, wait until you get enough air warmth that it won't pack to ice beneath your tires.

 

[9973720wb19]

if you have hills its going to be a bit treacherous without chains.

 

[/pine]

Thanks for the experienced advice and warnings...I understand about the sliding on packed down snow/ice...
I'm going to take it very slow and easy and not take unneeded risks...

Right now we are getting freezing rain on top of 4"-5" of snow and expect another 4"-5" of snow over night...will see how it goes...

I did get the tire chains on my golf cart...going to see how they perform tomorrow...!

Thanks again for the sage advice and suggestions...