Close mount for a quick attach plow

[Bradbilt]

Hey guys. I am on the hunt for a plow for my Ford. I already made the bucket a quick attach like the Skid Steers. I have a rock bucket, 60" forks, a grapple bucket and a "snow" bucket. Next on the list is a plow.

My question is, is there anyway to mount the blade closer to the tractor? It seems with them mounted on the loader they stick out really far which not only takes weight off the rear tires but makes the tractor that much bigger and more of a challenge to navigate thru tighter spots.
I also have a 3pt 8' blade for that back that I want to make power angle. Any suggestions for the cylinder? I already have a set of outlets in the rear

 

[nybirdman]

Yes you can; and I wish I had!There are several builds on here where they moved the pivot point behind the SSQA plate and still keep plow float.
Search snowplows in the "Snow Removal"section.

 

[Bradbilt]

Thats kinda why I started the thread. I remember seeing one but I can't find it to save my life

 

[Rustyiron]

I think a guy with a Kioti in PA had a clever mount on his loader arms that was very "close in". might be in the Kioti section.

 

[RockyNY]

Here's what I did with my setup: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/snow-removal/252343-another-qa-plow-build-thread.html

Works quite well, although I wish I had a wider plow. I still do have trouble turning if I'm pushing a lot of snow with the plow angled. Thinking of adding front chains next year

 

[Bradbilt]

Thanks. I never knew a Meyers plow could look so good!!!

What is the vale that is mounted at the top of the SSQA plate for?

 

[RockyNY]

Thanks. I never knew a Meyers plow could look so good!!!

What is the vale that is mounted at the top of the SSQA plate for?

It's called a crossover valve, it's basically a relief valve to allow oil to flow from one cylinder to the other. This means that the blade will automatically "give" or angle itself in the event that one corner hits a solid object, instead of bending something or blowing out a hose.

 

[eddiebroadway]

This is what I did, works great on my Fisher 9.5' Extreme V!

 

[eddiebroadway]

 

[eddiebroadway]

In the finished product I put a X brace in the channel going back.

 

[Bradbilt]

It's called a crossover valve, it's basically a relief valve to allow oil to flow from one cylinder to the other. This means that the blade will automatically "give" or angle itself in the event that one corner hits a solid object, instead of bending something or blowing out a hose.

Good idea, never thought of that!!

View attachment 414040

This is what I did, works great on my Fisher 9.5' Extreme V!

Looks good, V plows are Expen$ive

 

[Fallon]

Here is mine, although decidedly not a compact setup. I was expecting worse results given the leverage, but other than not being able to do tighter turns with a load, it doesn't seem to push more than my back blade.

Total cost is just over $200. $100 for the plow at an estate sale & $100 for the Quick Hitch & 2 SSQA plates at a garage sale. Maybe $50 of hardware, pipe & other stuff. I keep thinking about trying to sell it for $700 or so if I can & building another more compact one with the profit.

 

[Bradbilt]

Thanks, but like you said. that is out WAY further than I want it to be

 

[Fallon]

Thanks, but like you said. that is out WAY further than I want it to be

Yup. If I get around to selling this one & building another, the next one will be a lot tighter & more compact like the other builds here. Not to mention, have hydraulic angle on it.

Next time I plow I might try to con my wife into filming to compare the turning of the tractor with front blade vs the rear engaged. That's the only time I notice the leverage from the front hanging way out there. When plowing straight I just run out of power or traction & it seems to be about the same for either plow. Not really any issues with the plow pushing me to either side.

 

[DK35vince]

Took a few pictures of mine today, but the shadow makes it hard to see.

 

[Airedale]

Most of the FEL mounted quick attach snow plows stick way out in front because of the two piston setup for the power angle, they push from the left or right straight out. I came across the "Cat" brand quick attach that used one piston that is mounted sideways making for a much more compact design for keeping the plow close to the end of the FEL arms. I have been using this Cat seven footer for several years and it has been great.

 

[Fallon]

Most of the FEL mounted quick attach snow plows stick way out in front because of the two piston setup for the power angle, they push from the left or right straight out. I came across the "Cat" brand quick attach that used one piston that is mounted sideways making for a much more compact design for keeping the plow close to the end of the FEL arms. I have been using this Cat seven footer for several years and it has been great.

Most tractor plows I've seen are just converted truck plows. Truck plows operate at higher speeds & really need a crossover relief valve so that if the front edge of the plow catches on something it will get pushed back rather than blow up the hydraulics. A crossover relief valve only works with a pair of single acting cylinders. Double acting cylinders have different volumes at each end because of the rod taking up space, so you can't cram the fluid from one end into the other end. Less of an issue with a tractor compared to a truck as you usually plow slower, but still good to have that protection from the crossover relief valve.

Also, does that design have a pivot so it can tilt from side to side & does it rely on the loader arms to float or is there some kind of float built in somehow? I can't quite make out if it does or not from that photo.

 

[Airedale]

Yes it does have some side to side tilt, and when plowing I float the loader arms. I get a lot of snow here in central NY, I have a farm with a lot of plowing to do so it has been put through it's paces for several years and so far this "Cat" designed plow has worked great.

Al

 

[FatTire]

Most of the FEL mounted quick attach snow plows stick way out in front because of the two piston setup for the power angle, they push from the left or right straight out. I came across the "Cat" brand quick attach that used one piston that is mounted sideways making for a much more compact design for keeping the plow close to the end of the FEL arms. I have been using this Cat seven footer for several years and it has been great.

That's really tight. Couple more photos would be appreciated.

 

[Deerherd]

The HLA 2000 uses a single cylinder also that keeps it close. I had one on my Kioti and it worked great. It also had lateral float, the blade rotated around the large center pin. Maybe it will give you more ideas, good luck!