Snow 2210 snow blower or blade?

reich · Oct 3, 2005

I would like to know what people prefer, a snow blower or blade for the winter ahead. I can't make up my mind what to buy. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Rod.

44trxfun · Oct 3, 2005

Rod, not meaning to evade your question, but try 1) viewing the Attachments forum, or 2) using the search feature (below main heading on the webpage). You'll find ample info on this topic. Personally, I use both, usually the blade before the freeze really sets in, then the blower after there's some packed snow layed down. In any event, good luck!

Wildman1 · Oct 4, 2005

A blade is fine until the snow becomes significant. I opted for the blower and have never regretted it. It blows the snow 50' off into the tulips rather than piling it up. You're not pushing snow, you're blowing it away.

JDFANATIC · Oct 4, 2005

I use the 46" single stage blower from my old JD425. It just eats snow. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I used it for about 8-9 years with a gravel drive before I paved it a few years ago. With the gravel it makes a great machine gun, but comparing it to my neighbor's JD318/plow (we share a long driveway), I think it still comes out ahead. Now that the drive is paved, there is no comparison. Attached is a pic. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

RalphVa · Oct 4, 2005

I had both on my Gravely. Only used the snow blower when the blade wouldn't work: just once here in Va.

Found the FEL on the JD the most handy for the snows we get, usually 2 to 6" at a time for 22'' for the season. Don't get the pileups that the blade gave around the parking area. Can just toss them beyond.

You have to be careful where you point the Gravely snow blower discharge. It can throw some major snow into an open garage door or through a window. It's for sale because I no longer have the Gravely. Won't work on a big tractor though, only 26" wide.

Ralph

trlong · Oct 4, 2005

Rod,

I agree with 44trxFun. Blower and Blade. For Ontario, I think you'd be happiest with both (as I spend your money /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif). I guess if I had the choice of only one, I'd go for a front end plow, or a rear blade. But, blowing is so much more fun (and dangerous for cars, trees, pets, windows,....)

Also, I think we need a "Snow" general forum. Lots and Lots of posts.

Tom

Lobo56 · Oct 4, 2005

JDFan

Know how you like snow, so it must have killed you to post that photo. It's coming.

JDFANATIC · Oct 4, 2005

You don't know how right you are! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

bigpete · Oct 4, 2005

I love my blade. Had it on my 445, then my 2210, and now my 4110. However, I don't live in the Great White North, either. A blade is faster than a blower on pavement with snows up to 16", or so. A blade will leave you with nowhere to put the snow if you have two or three snows over a foot deep without melting.

keeney · Oct 4, 2005

Get the blade first - its much cheaper, faster for most snows, and you don't end up with a face full of snow.

Add the blower if you find yourself wishing the snow wasn't crowding you so much.

If you get the blower, you should also think about at least a soft cab.

I think some of the front quick-attach parts are common with the blade and the front blower.

On my 4100, I have both. Here in the South part of MN, I have only ever put the blower on a couple of times over the past few years, but they have been somewhat whimpy winters.

I think the optimum combination for me would be the blade on the front for most snowfall and a blower on the back for the occasional moving of large piles or a really deep storm.

- Rick

awlchu · Oct 4, 2005

bigpete,

Is that the JD squeegie attached to your blade? How does it work?

Brian

reich · Oct 4, 2005

Decisions, decisions, I think I will try the blade first. If I'm not happy I can always go to the blower and then still have a blade for dirt and gravel. Does it sound like a plan? I'm sure my wife will understand fully!

Thanks, Rod.

chevy · Oct 4, 2005

I have both. The blade works best for lighter snows & the blower for heavy snow. I also added a soft cab. I did not like being a snowman.

bigpete · Oct 4, 2005

Yeah, that's the JD squeegee, and it works great on my asphalt and concrete. You don't have to pay the big JD $ for one, though. Go to Tractor Supply, or another Ag store and buy a rubber "Cow Mat." Cow mats are typically 4' x 6' and are 5/8" thick, or so. It will cost you $40 to $50 bucks for a cow mat and at least that much for the JD stock squeegee.

Unbolt your blade cutting edge, lay it on the cow mat, and mark the length and width adding about 1-2" to the width. You can cut the rubber with a utility knife and elbow grease, or use a linoleum blade. After you cut the squeege to size, lay the cutting edge back on the newly cut squeegee and mark the holes for the bolts. Drill the holes for the bolts. You will need longer bolts than stock to re-assemble the squeege, which is sandwiched between the cutting edge and the moldboard.

awlchu · Oct 5, 2005

Thanks bigpete!

The TSC pn for the 4x6 mat is TSC # 2219003, $33.00 and some change.

Now I have a nice weekend project to work on!

belltech64 · Oct 5, 2005

hey chevy, what brand of soft cab do you have for your 2210 and is it easy to remove? thanks

chevy · Oct 5, 2005

It is from Original Tractor Cab. It took several hours to intall the first time. It took about 20 minutes to remove. It should take about that much time to reinstall it.
http://www.originalcab.com/index.htm

JJT · Oct 5, 2005

I pushed snow for 5+ years with a tractor, then went to a truck mounted plow for another 7 years and 6 years ago went to a tractor mounted blower, (78" in width). I'll never go back to a plow. No snow banks, no traction issues, and you touch the snow once. It's also much easier on the tractor. Plowing with a truck can be compared to multiple low speed front end collisions. With the plow you better be out there before you have much more than a foot on the ground, especially if it's wet or if you have any slope on the driveway. I've seen 5 storms in the past 6 years where we've had 30"+. My neighbors plow numerous times, I simply wait for the storm to be over and blow it out all at once. I live in snow country, my gravel driveway is 800' long. I use the FEL to clean out the mailbox area and to stack snow for the kids. Your mileage may vary....

megotatractor · Oct 6, 2005

I always had snowblowers on my lawn tractors in the past and they worked great until the underpowered, featherweight machine got stuck. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif That's why I got a 2210 for some real traction. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif(the HDAP tires work great in snow! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) I didn't think the cost of a blower would be worthwhile for what little snow we get here. Since I had the bucket and back blade I was set /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif... until we got a once in 20 years, 20 inch snow DUMP! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Then I wished for a blower. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Bottom line; how much snow do you get? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Wildbill34 · Oct 22, 2005

Well, I went thru the same thing you are going thru. I did get the blade last year for the drive way. Paved and concrete 500 feet. While I was able to get it done quickly. I did start running out of room. In West Michigan, the snow can really pile up off of Lake Michigan. I went out and bought a snowblower for this year. I'll let you know how it goes after the first few dumps of the lovely white stuff. Right now I am trying decide on the cab I want buy....any suggestions would be appreciated /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif