Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Best method for snow removal

[Jordanbear]

What's the opinion on the best means for using the tractor to move snow?

We have a gravel driveway, not level, with outcroppings of rock (not level, never will be.....)

Tractor is MF 451. The bucket is not currently quick release - so I'm looking at ease of use as well as cost, and how well the job gets done.

or should I just break down and put a plow on the big pickup.

The tractor bucket does not do a very good job.

We're in NH, so we get enough snow (frequency and quantity) that it needs to be a reliable method.

 

[Chuck_Lind]

What's the opinion on the best means for using the tractor to move snow?

We have a gravel driveway, not level, with outcroppings of rock (not level, never will be.....)

Tractor is MF 451. The bucket is not currently quick release - so I'm looking at ease of use as well as cost, and how well the job gets done.

or should I just break down and put a plow on the big pickup.

The tractor bucket does not do a very good job.

We're in NH, so we get enough snow (frequency and quantity) that it needs to be a reliable method.

I use a combination of a front loader and 84" rear blade on my New Holland TN65. After a little use...you get to learn how to use one or the other. The loader works great as long as you keep the bucket level utilizing the "level-rod" on the loader to ensure the bucket will not dig into gravel, or...slide on top of the snow. Only problem with the rear blade - which is a 3 point model -is the porpoising-effect of the front wheels running over a snow bank or a less-than-level driveway.

If I ever were to get a snowplow blade, I'd rig it up to the loader instead of buying one for the truck.

 

[diyDave]

In MD, the best way to get rid of snow is to buy snow removal equipment. Buy yourself a loader, blower, and back blade, and upgrade to a 4wd tractor. Then it won't snow for 7-10 years, minimum!

 

[Z-Michigan]

I use a combination of a front loader and 84" rear blade on my New Holland TN65. After a little use...you get to learn how to use one or the other. The loader works great as long as you keep the bucket level utilizing the "level-rod" on the loader to ensure the bucket will not dig into gravel, or...slide on top of the snow. Only problem with the rear blade - which is a 3 point model -is the porpoising-effect of the front wheels running over a snow bank or a less-than-level driveway.

I have an identical setup and identical experience. Rear blade works great on long level stretches - works poorly on bumpy/rough areas because it is a rear blade. A mid blade would be great, but no one makes them any more (???). A front blade, either frame or FEL mount, would also be good, but for my purposes and a fairly moderate level of snow (maybe 4' a year over 10+ snowfalls) my setup works well.

Price no object - either a snowblower on the 3pt/PTO, or a front blade.

One thing to know - if your tractor is stored in an unheated area, it may take several minutes after startup for the hydraulic system to be functional. Not ideal if you're trying to get to work in the morning. Only remedy I know of is a heated garage.

 

[LBrown59]

I use a combination of a front loader on a Kubota BX23 and a front blade on a Kubota BX1500.

 

[gotcha]

Now I use my bucket on the B26 and stick the blade onto it. My first thought was that the snow would push the front end around, but to my surprise up to this point I haven't had a bit of trouble. I love the way it will reach out and pile the snow just so high and push it back in the piles. With the HST one really has great control.
The Gotcha Man

 

[LBrown59]

In MD, the best way to get rid of snow is to buy snow removal equipment. Then it won't snow for 7-10 years, minimum!

This didn't work for me :
I bought a BX23 with a fel in 2004 and 3 years later we got 4'' of snow.

 

[laurencen]

the best way to remove snow is get someone else to do it, second live where it does not snow, as I do not have the first two options I use a snowblower, I have a payloader and fel on the tractor but one can only pile it so much at the side of the road, the blower puts it where neither tractor or payloader can go

 

[Dmace]

If the tractor has a rear 3pt hitch and PTO, then it's tough to beat a rear mount snowblower. I plow now with my truck since it's faster and easier, but I still use the tractor/snowblower to get the tight areas and move back the huge piles left by the plow.

 

[davitk]

Get two little bx1500's with front blades and weld them together side by side....LOL How about that combination....LOL!!!!

One for forward, one for reverse. Remember Dr. Suess' Push-Me-Pull-You?