Cover backhoe when snowblowing?

[Ken P]

Folks - For those of you who leave your backhoe on when you snowblow, do you cover it in any way? Obviously this is my first tractor - a Kubota B2410 - and I was planning to leave the BH on through the winter during snow removal operations. But, I was wondering if it would prevent water/ice working it's way into bad places if I covered the BH with a tarp; it appears as though I could nicely bungee a tarp around the upright arm.

Thanks for helping a newbie -

Ken

(awaiting the first big storm supposedly coming this weekend ..)

 

[Dr_Zinj]

I bet you could get an auto body shop to sew you a custom cover for it. Might cost you a hundred or so.

 

[s78wingrider]

I never have but sounds like a good idea. :thumbsup:

 

[Ford tractor]

There really is no need to, but knock yourself out if it makes you happy. I'd be more afraid of whacking into something like a car, house, mailbox, etc with the hoe on the back.

I'd be surprised if you could get a custom cover for under $250-300 bucks, unless it looked like a 'tater sack. But our prices may be sky high!

 

[jdfire]

The only issue I see is water getting into all the pins at the joints. I think if you keep it well greased it won't be a problem. My backhoe stays on most of the time and the tractor is stored outside in the rain and snow. No problems so far.

 

[FastPauly]

I left mine on the first winter....as stated, the chance of running into something is a bit elevated with the hoe in place. I found myself swinging it off to the side to shorten things up....but that just made things wider in one direction. That almost got me in trouble a couple of times. I have found that once the ground freezes up, I drop it off cause digging would be a little tough anyway.....and the practice of taking it off/on is a good thing.

 

[Ken P]

Thanks folks. I guess I'll grease the joints well, try a bungeed tarp, but not worry about it too much. There isn't much to hit near my driveway (I know, famous last words).

Ken

 

[Ford tractor]

There isn't much to hit near my driveway (I know, famous last words).

Ken

Remember to show us pictures of the stuff you run into...:laughing:

 

[irvingj]

I leave mine on all the time.

I do go over the tractor with a snowbrush after blowing, and park it in the sun as soon as I can to melt it off. When parked, it sits under a lean-to roof. No problems with backhoe so far, and it does make a great weight for the rear.

 

[jaybrad]

I take mine off, because that's where I mount the snow blower...but leave my FEL on so that I can use it to move snow around, and occasionally run into things while I'm backing up and not paying attention. :-/

 

[pat32rf]

My hoe must also come off to mount my blower.
I have found that if I cover stuff up with tarps and such, that it makes a great hiding spot for critters that chew seats and hoses. It also tends to cause condensation under there.
I'd like to store it in a covered shed with lots of ventilation but NOT wrapped up tight