Snow Front blade, rear blower, steering issues

[Zick]

So I have been using a front blade to snow plow for a couple years without any issues.
Now I bought a rear 3pt snowblower this year and got to try it out for the first time last night.

I'm still using the front blade and found that when trying to plow the front end is too light with the snow blower hanging off the rear and can't steer anymore.

Anyone have any thought on how I can add some extra weight to the front without filling the tires?

I know people will suggest not using float to put some weight onto the tires but I have a lot of angles that causes the blade to either dig in or go over and I'd be spending more time adjusting the height. :confused2:

There just doesn't seem to be much room to hang typical suitcase weights off the front bracket as there is the quick hitch in front and the hose holder right on the one side. I might be able to put one case on the other side?

 

[leonz]

I would try the 2 link type ladder chains first and then go from there if you do not have chains and I would load the front tires with windsheild washer fluid.

I think your lack of snow/mud chains is the issue up front as the front end is light and has no traction.

 

[KubotainNH]

How about some weights that sit inside the center of the front rims? I see some people making them out of cement, usually for the rear though. Throw some lead in the mix for more extra weight maybe.

 

[Zick]

As mentioned before, I'd rather not deal with filling the tires.

I've thought about wheel weights buts typically I've only seen them come in 20-25lb which doesn't seem like much.
As for as making them myself, not sure how to do it and make sure there isn't a balance issue.

I was thinking about making some kind of holder that I could fill w/ cement or lead that sits inside the front bracket.
Anyone know where you can get lead and how much it weights per cu/ft?

Thanks

 

[Zick]

I've heard the chains can cause driveline strain if used on the front tires?

 

[KubotainNH]

I've thought about wheel weights buts typically I've only seen them come in 20-25lb which doesn't seem like much.
As for as making them myself, not sure how to do it and make sure there isn't a balance issue.

I was thinking about making some kind of holder that I could fill w/ cement or lead that sits inside the front bracket.
Anyone know where you can get lead and how much it weights per cu/ft?

Thanks

There's some posts with folks laying plastic on the rim while it's off laying on the ground. They then pour concrete into the rim until as high as they want it. Once cured it comes right out and you peel the plastic off or leave it on for rim protection. I would think you could set mounting bolts so they end up in the concrete before it sets. As for the lead, just go to a tire place and ask for some old weights. I wouldn't be too concerned about balance, just make it as even as possible. No high speed runs on a tractor.

 

[KubotainNH]

A quick search and I found this one using barbell weights.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/212175-wheel-weights-3.html

 

[David s Von Gieserbrechta]

I had the same problem with being light on the front end so this is what I did.

It's a solid block of lead that I melted into an old tool box, I melted old batteries and a pail full of wheel balancing weights that I got from the local tire shop. It ain't pretty but it's compact and it's heavy and doesn't interfere with the loader. I can't remember exactly but I think that it weighs in at around 220 pounds or so.

 

[Zick]

There's some posts with folks laying plastic on the rim while it's off laying on the ground. They then pour concrete into the rim until as high as they want it. Once cured it comes right out and you peel the plastic off or leave it on for rim protection. I would think you could set mounting bolts so they end up in the concrete before it sets. As for the lead, just go to a tire place and ask for some old weights. I wouldn't be too concerned about balance, just make it as even as possible. No high speed runs on a tractor.

Interesting idea, thanks. :thumbsup:

I had the same problem with being light on the front end so this is what I did.

It's a solid block of lead that I melted into an old tool box, I melted old batteries and a pail full of wheel balancing weights that I got from the local tire shop. It ain't pretty but it's compact and it's heavy and doesn't interfere with the loader. I can't remember exactly but I think that it weighs in at around 220 pounds or so.

Unfortunately that is right where my snow blade quick hitch sits.

 

[IdahoTractor]

Buy a bigger tractor.....

Personally, I would first try some chains on the front. You mentioned the possibility of damaging the drive gearing. This has been mentioned dozens of times on these forums, but I have yet to see anyone post a message indicating they experienced damage due to chains on the front. I've been snowplowing with a 4WD tractor for over 30 years and have never experienced any problems with chains on the front tires. The roadway or chains will "give way" before the gears.....

You could also hang some heavy iron plate mounted behind the blade. I have a farmer friend who has done this. With the blade way out past the front the tractor, the leveraged weight may solve your problem. You will not need as much weight up front relative to putting weights on the tires. I'll see if I can get a picture of his setup and post here.