best snow setup? BH on or off? chains?

[donn12]

I have a B2920 with the Kubota front hitch and front plow. I have loaded ags. Should I leave the BH on for extra weight? I like the ability to extricate the tractor if it gets stuck. I don't know if the overall effect will be more traction or loss of steering ability. Any experience? It also depends on the amount of snow I'm sure. I have chains for my turfs but not the ags. I am hoping not to need chains unless I have nothing but ice and I will probably use my ATV if that is the case. Any one with similar setups? thoughts?

 

[Ductape]

I found that with weight on the back of my tractor, I couldn't steer worth a crap when my blower was in 'float'. I've never needed chains, and my turfs do very well in snow as long as I'm on dirt or pavement. Venturing out onto the grass is where I get into trouble.

 

[DK35vince]

The weight of the backhoe made it difficult to steer when I tried to snow plow with the hoe on.

 

[easygo]

May be the backhoe is a bit too much but the box blade or something in that weight class could be a good balance. Try it and see what works for you.

 

[Egon]

Keep the Hoe on and add chains if necessary. The Hoe can help get you out some difficult situations.

The only drawback, for myself, is the stuff sticking out back that you must always be cognizant of.

 

[dillo99]

I remove the hoe and put on a back blade with the blade at an angle and facing backwards. I don't turn around much - just go in one direction with the loader and then drop the back blade and back up the driveway. Works well and is quick.

 

[WayneB]

I agree with Ductape and think the problem will be steering. Oh by the way Scott, I mounted the quick hitch this fall and I am working on finishing up the install of the front blade. So I might be able to plow going forward and blow snow going backwards. Not too bad it only took me two years to install the darn hitch.

 

[newbury]

I don't have a plow, just the FEL. I left my BH on when I cleared snow and appreciated the weight. Still could have used chains for a little more bite. They are on now.

 

[keyman1808]

Not the same machines but I left my BH on with my blower and had excellent results. Of course its a BX and not a B so that may make a difference.

 

[Carl_NH]

I'd leave the hoe on or put your rear blade on for counter balance and weight. As dillo states is what I do with my B21 TLB - no chains and rear blade - it slides a bit on dry packed snow, and ice but is controllable.

The B21 is nearly perfect balance traction and feel with the hoe on, but the back blade is an old heavy one 350lbs so works quite well, plus when turned around I clean going both directions.

So depending on your snow removal area - if you have ditches, drop offs, and other precipices to deal with maybe leave the hoe on to get you out, other wise put the rear blade on, or get a set of chains.

 

[NHbotanut]

I use a Curtis 6 1/2 plow for the front FEL. When I have the 5' rear blower on, I find that the tractor does a good job plowing. But when I really want to push snowbanks back I find that I have much more pushing power when I have the hoe on. Generally, I put the blower on now, & take it off around March.

 

[techman]

BH will hurt most times due to loss of steering traction. Also you need to be careful in tight situations as you will be swinging the BH around behind you, limiting how far you can back up and clearance in tight turns.

I bought a nice new set of chains when I got the tractor. Never put them on. In 4WD you get all of the traction you will need.

paul

 

[stratton]

the front end is a little light with the backhoe on and snowblower in float postition. Like your title says if you want the best setup... I would have a snowblower in the front and a sand spreader for weight and traction in the back.

 

[donn12]

When we get some real snow I will try it with the hoe on and off. Yesterday I had the front forks on and nothing on the back (loaded read tires) and the traction was not very good. The ground was wet and the ag tires slipped enough to rip up the ground. The front hitch and blade are just as heavy as the forks so we will see. It could be that I need something thats only 300lbs back there in addition to the tires.

 

[donn12]

Best set up is BH off with the loaded ag tires. It plowed the 1.5 inches of icy crap DC got yesterday. The machine is an absolute beast. Before I had the plow adjusted properly I wanted more weight on the front but now it is perfect. It will lift the front end and scrape up everything in its path. I can't tell you guys how much better this is than plowing with my ATV because of the hydro controls.