Blade on a riding mower

[Mr. Wolf]

Anyone use one?

I have a Kubota T1570 and was tossing around the idea of selling my Craftsman push snowblower and installing a blade on the Kubota for snow removal. Why walk when you can ride!?

The dealer tells me they clear snow fine, but I am a little sceptical. Anyone know how they work? Is my tractor strong enough to move anything more than 4 or 5 inches of snow at a time?

Any first hand experience would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ccsial]

Your profile does not show where you live so I don't know how much snow you get. The size and grade of you drive also play a factor.

You may find you need chains. In a heavy or wet snow the blade may steer the tractor instead of the front wheels. Drifts can be a challenge too. I'd keep the blower for the first winter though.

 

[Mr. Wolf]

Your profile does not show where you live so I don't know how much snow you get. The size and grade of you drive also play a factor.

You may find you need chains. In a heavy or wet snow the blade may steer the tractor instead of the front wheels. Drifts can be a challenge too. I'd keep the blower for the first winter though.

sorry. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada...winters here are very unpredictable. We usually get 2 or 3 good dumps a year though. I would definitely go with chains and weights.

the driveway is very flat (roughly 150 ft long), and drifting is not usually an issue.

 

[ccsial]

I think I'd keep the blower for one season and see how the blade goes if you can do that.

 

[peterc38]

I think I'd keep the blower for one season and see how the blade goes if you can do that.

I agree, I'd keep the blower for the heavier snow (especially the late season heavy, wet stuff) and use the blade for the lighter fluffy 3-5" stuff.

 

[bontai_Joe]

I've used a Deere 316 with a front blade for many years for snow removal. I use weights and chains, but be warned that chains will scratch your driveway's surface. My set up probably weighs in the neighbor hood of 1000 pounds not including my 260 in the seat. I don't know how that compares to your tractor. I can easily move up to 12" of semi wet snow. More than that gets tougher. The blade is 54" wide and about a foot tall and hydraulically lifts and angles. You definitely want some way to angle it from the seat. It's a REAL pain to have to get off and pull a pin to change angles every time.

 

[WayneB]

The problem I would see is after one or two storms you will have snow banks to deal with and I do not think the tractor would be able to move the bancks back. Naturally if there was a snowblower attachment that you could at to the Kubota it would be much better for you.