Snow 4310 First big test in the snow!

[Jim_n_Motown]

What a machine! I was finally able to play, I mean work on my 4310 with the front blade in the snow today. As about a quarter of the country knows we got our first big snow today. I was wondering how the tractor would do pushing a couple of feet of snow without any chains. I did about a quarter mile of a country road and it didn't hesitate once or sit and spin the tires. I used 4WD and turned on the Loadmatch and away I went. The only problem I had was a little snow going over the top of my blade but my neighbor followed me on his ATV and took care of that.

Anyway, no more worrying on whether I bought the right tractor or not.

Very happy in Motown

Let it snow!!

 

[19977]

Pictures sure would have been nice /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mike

 

[jcmseven]

Jim,

I am happy to hear your first snow removal experience went well. I have recently purchased a 4310 and the boom-mounted six foot blade. Now I am just waiting for it to snow. I am pleased to hear you were able to accomplish the work without chains. I live in a very hilly area, and was concerned I might need them. Now, I am relieved to hear I likely will not. We generally do not get as much snow as you but 6-12" is not uncommon for a regular snowfall.

John M

 

[beenthere]

I've found that chains are not needed for most of the time when the snow is new and when the snow is kept plowed, and when the temps stay below freezing.

Now, I found when chains were needed was when the temps went above freezing and some of the packed snow melted, and/or it rained and then froze. When there is a layer of smooth ice (all ice) you will have very little traction without chains.

So, plan accordingly, IMO

I have chains, but in 5 winters I have only used them one. No way I could have moved the tractor without the chains.

 

[VTer]

Hi - I signed the papers for my 4310 but have not decided on what to purchase for snow removal. I have about 1100' of gravel driveway and have debated front blower or blade, rear blower or blade, etc. Will you please describe your front blade setup? Thanks and glad to hear (it's confirming for me) that you are happy with your 4310 purchase and decision.

 

[beenthere]

I know you were not asking me about the blade, but I have a 7' Western blade on my Deere 4300. Had to make a bracket to attach it, but it hitches up to the MMM plates and the weight bracket, and is not on the loader arms. It works great and used it on long gravel drive for 6 years. This year I have asphalt.

Search on Western plow and some pictures and discussion can be found.

 

[dicker]

Hi I live in southern Ontario and I agree that chains are not needed on my 4310. For snow removal, I use the FEL and a 6ft rear blade. I thought about a front blade, but did not want to loose the versatility of the FEL. Most of the time the rear blade is just there for ballast and is used only for final finishing. On hardpack or ashphalt, the FEL can do a great job of scraping off the ice and snow and is also great for moving back those piles of snow later in the year. Good luck.

 

[Jim_n_Motown]

Vter

Here are a couple of pics

I use the boom mounted front blade that mounts right on my 300x loader. As I said it works great in the snow and I can change between the bucket and the blade in seconds without leaving the tractor seat. It is awesome! You will probably also want to consider getting the tires loaded. I also use my Imatch with a rear blade so I have extra weight and an extra blade.

The only thing I might do different if I could would be to get the 7 ft front blade instead of the 6 ft. I use mine at the 30 degree angle but with the 7 ft you could probably go at 45 degrees and still stay wider than the tires. I think it was only another $100. I will say I haven't even tried the 45 angle on mine. It would probably work fine. Also I am not sure the 7 ft is available on the 300x but it is for sure on the 300cx.

Hope this helps you out some.

 

[Jim_n_Motown]

One more pic of the blade.

 

[CurtC]

That's a really sweet setup! I want! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif