Grading Disappointed with rear blade

scootch · Dec 17, 2003

I didn't read all the threads associated with your question so i apologize if this is redundant. We got 10-12 inches last week and my BX2200 + 60" blade worked like a charm. I did go in reverse and had the blade facing backward and at a max angle. In the 3 foot drifts, I raised the blade and plowed the top, then lowered the blade and pulled the rest out. My driveway is about 250 yards long and it took me about 30 minutes to clear. Just play with it to find what works best for your situation, but it can be done.

rbarker · Dec 17, 2003

TresCrows;

Your suggestion of plowing in reverse sounds like a good one. I can reverse my blade without removing it so it will be easy to give this a try.

Thanks!

rbarker · Dec 17, 2003

( You might be asking too much of the tractor. With the first pass, you're plowing 7" of heavy wet snow. Since the blade is moving the snow over, with the second pass, you're trying to plow almost 14" of heavy wet snow. With the third pass, etc. Or have I musunderstood something? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
)

Good point! The snow would continue to get more difficult to move as you get wider. I guess I didn't really take that into consideration.

rbarker · Dec 17, 2003

( In times of much snow you may have to start from the outside and only roll one blade width at a time to the outside.

Egon )

Another great suggestion! I knew you guys would come to the rescue! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

rbarker · Dec 17, 2003

( rbarker,

If you got the same type of snow we got here, then I share your problem.
)

Yeah, I live in costal Massachusetts so we were probably dealing with the same crap. Sounds like I got a little more of it than you did, though. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

As far as the snow blower suggestion is concerned... well we all know THAT ain't happening this year! I have snow blown my drive for many years with Wheel Horse garden tractors. I agree, there's nothing like it! But when I bought this Kubota the dealer suggested that I try the blade since the blower was another $2500. I decided to give it a try for this year but I will probably rethink this for next year. I'm still learning, though and have received some really good suggestions to help me for the rest of the season. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

rbarker · Dec 17, 2003

( Be assured it isn't so much poor technique as it is a physics problem. The little machines (sub compacts & smaller compacts) don't push heavy snow easily. I'm getting closer every day to buying a blower. Trying to find one for the right price... )

Your experiences pretty much mirror mine... and I'm watching your thread about the snow blower as well! If you have any luck finding something reasonable I might try to jump in right behind you. Our tractors are similar in size and HP, I believe (although yours is probably a bit heavier than mine).

Atch4115 · Dec 17, 2003

When plowing forward with the blade at maximum angle make sure you keep the top edge of the blade ahead of the scraping edge by shortening the top link.Then go as fast as you can to get the snow rolling.The secret is to get the snow to roll off the blade instead of bunching up.Works for me.Good Luck looks like we will be getting plenty of practice this winter! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Deerlope · Dec 17, 2003

Any kind if household wax ( liqiud or paste) on the blade will help the snow to roll better. If the snow sticks or builds up on the blade it is not good.

art · Dec 17, 2003

Guy's you might want to start with a three point hitch unit. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif You should be under or near half the price of a front one. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif It is easier looking ahead than to the rear but they say once you go front, you'll never look back! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

frank_f15 · Dec 17, 2003

i just use the rb for light small amts of snow, for anything else i use the fel, may take a few extra passes but i find it easier and can do a good job with it.as some have mentioned a snow blower is nice, i just don't like driving backwards and don't want to spend the $$$$ for front mount nor give up the use of the fel. just my thoughts /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif