BX23 and Blizzard B54

[Electron8]

After laboring this a lot, it seems the rear mount 3-point snowthrower is the way to go so that the loader can remain on the tractor - its handy with the snow too. Which one to get? I've looked at a few and think I'm about to step off a cliff and buy the Blizzard B54 (by RAD), with the hydraulic chute control. Can anyone talk me out of it, or have a better choice? Also - do the 3-point mount blowers have some kind of float ability?

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

I had both 3 pt Puma 54" and front Kubota snowblower on the BX. The front blower is the way to go. You will not miss the loader if you go with a front blower. More $$$ BUT worth every penny.

Here is a link web page

 

[SeymourBota]

Anything on the 3 point hitch "floats" based on its own weight- it is not held down. You will just need to adjust your skid shoes so you don't dig up anything not paved.

 

[bird1968]

I have to aggree with Yankee, the front blower is the way to go, use a rear blade on the 3pt, you won't regreat it. I'm blowing this white stuff aorund alot... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[sandyc]

I agree with the use of the front mounted blower. It is easier to drive and control. Basically, I use the front blower and keep the valve on float except when there is a bit of hard packed snow and then I take it out of float and put a bit of pressure on it. Also, if you have a blower you will not need the FEL.
When I need to use a blade like before the ground freezes I can drop the blower in a matter of seconds and hook up the blade. Works slick.
My vote is for the front blower with quick disconnect!

 

[jim_wilson]

Looks like I am going to be the one person to disagree with the general consensus. I also have a BX23 and for this winter I have been using the FEL and the 60" rear blade that I have. Neither one of these is ideal in my opinion - since I don't have gauge wheels or skids on my rear blade it tends to skip on pavement and dig into the gravel parts of my driveway. I usually end up going forward pulling the blade which works ok for a time but then I get a huge wad of snow and have to stop and clear it with the FEL. Going backwards - pushing with the blade works ok but I don't think putting those kind of forces on the 3pt is necessarily the best either.
The way I thought this out was to think of what the best implements for clearing snow were and I came to the conclusion that the best combo would be to have the FEL ( I need to pile snow up because of restricted space), a blade of some sort , and a snowblower. And I don't want to be constantly swapping implements off and on just to clear off the driveway. The only way I could think of doing this was to put a snowblower on the rear, keep the FEL on - and get a plow blade that will mount to my FEL bucket or to the FEL arms themselves thru some sort of quick attach.

I managed to score a used Loftness 54" snowblower a couple of weeks ago that was originally intended for a Jacobsen industrial mower and am working on adapting it to the BX 3pt. This cost me $750.00. The next thing I am plan on doing is getting one of the Cyclone style plow blades they make for ATV's and either coming up with a mounting adapter to the FEL bucket - or make a quick attach setup for the FEL that will allow me to change out implements on FEL - which means I will be able to swap between bucket and plow relatively easily.

The reason why I think this will work for me is because 1) - I dont mind driving backwards and my driveway is only about 200 feet long, 2) a front mount blower is $2500 new from Kubota - I will get out of this for way less than that and will end up with a front blade and a blower if I can pull it all together, and 3) I think I will mostly use the blower to clear piles of snow into the backyard vs clearing the whole driveway with the blower because of the restricted space I have.

I guess the point is that like everything else you do with the tractor you need to think out what best suits your specific needs. If I had a 500 foot long driveway with plenty of space on each side to blow snow then a front mount blower would make the most sense for me too. If you don't mind driving backwards then it doesn't matter how long your driveway is - get the rear mount and save yourself $1000.

 

[Junkman]

What brand is your cab and could you please post some more pictures of it. Your tractor looks like a BX22..... am I correct on this assumption????? thanks Junk....

 

[Electron8]

Thanks for all the feedback on this. I agreed before posting that the front blower would be the easiest to use. But I have somewhat tighter quarters and drive backward half the time anyway.
One more question for someone like Yankee's Fan that has had both front and rear blowers - especially considering the difference in PTO speed - do both blowers tend to throw equally? It seems the rear blowers get away with slower shaft speeds by having a larger impeller fan - just wondering what kind of throw I can expect - and compared to the Kubota front mount. Thanks !!

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

The BX with a FEL and rear blower is much longer then just the front blower so if you have tight quarters this is something to think about. The distance the snow is thrown is about the same for both blowers, front and rear. The front blower puts more of a load on the BX then the 3pt unit did. Moving the the chute deflector and or lowering the PTO speed can be used to direct where the snow will go. I had to cut the handle for the chute because it hit the seat when the blower was in the up position.

 

[bird1968]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What brand is your cab and could you please post some more pictures of it. Your tractor looks like a BX22..... am I correct on this assumption????? thanks Junk.... )</font>

Yes "Mr. Junk"you can put a Curtis Cab on those BX, with a little modification. There a handle on each side to move the height up down.(2 position)

 

[Junkman]

That is a great modification. Could you please post close up pictures of the mechanism and how it is hinged on the front, so I and others could make the same changes? Did you make this modification yourself or did the dealer do it for you? How much additional hight does it give you? thanks... Junk..

 

[bird1968]

This work great...I've got 6" more clearence when I need it for the BH. Here is one photo showing the track on one side, the same design required on the other side.

 

[bird1968]

Another pic, in the open position

 

[bird1968]

Another pic, in the closed position

 

[JASTN70D]

Real nice work.

I think Junkman had better get to work.!!!

 

[Junkman]

did you do this or did your dealer? Where did the track and roller come from? How is it hinged in the front? A very good idea well thought out and executed. Thanks for the additional pictures..... Junk.

 

[bird1968]

I would love to take full credit for this, but no. I've got the local Kubota dealer to build this for me (deal on the purchase). There is surprisingly not many parts involved in this. There is no hinges required for the front, it's moving from the front of the roof (flex, but no bends nor leaks). The track is just a steel channel & the roller from a motorcross chain roller. I love it.... go Kubota

 

[bird1968]

This is a pic to show a cheap way to get out of the rain, when on the BH (no rain nor snow...will stop me). With a few bungee cord, treaded rod and a welder. I move around with this, no problem.

 

[bird1968]

...nor snow...well I guess mayyyyybe mud combined with a stump somewhere in there will slow me down /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[notamustang]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...nor snow...well I guess mayyyyybe mud combined with a stump somewhere in there will slow me down /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>
Ohh I have been there....
I like that pop top mod and the additional additional cover too.