Garden tractor front end traction when snowplowing

[2720wes]

Hi all,

I picked up a never used 48" snowplow setup for my JD GT225 garden tractor, the price was too good to pass even though I really didn't need it. I would like to set up the GT for use in the small snows and use the 2720 tractor plow for the occasional big ones.

The other day I tested the GT in 3" of snow, I have 100lbs of iron and chains on each back wheel and traction was excellent but the front tires, turf tread, tended to be pushed straight ahead especially when trying to make a sharp turn. I'm afraid a 48" plow will really cause me to lose steering.

Before I spend the money what experiences have others had with a 2wd garden tractor snowplowing on a hilly gravel driveway. Would 30lb front wheel weights and/or front chains if they fit be the answer or am I worrying over nothing. I don't have the split brakes.

Thanks

 

[Wolfy]

I have never tried front tire chains on a 2wd tractor, but front wheel weights will help. On my garden tractors, I run 50lb wheel weights on each rear tire, chains, and rear counter weight. Usually if the front end gets too light, I can fix it by adjusting the rear counterweight.

 

[PeterK]

I used to have JD345 with a plow. I used chains on the rear, no wheel weights, and have a paved driveway with a gentle slope. 3" would be cake walk even if heavy. What I would do is to slowly plow one pass down the center, then plow 1/2 passes at a higher speed with the blade fully angled to one side. If your plow is loaded, the weight on the front would keep the font end planted and make your steering push more. Try picking up the blade a bit before you turn.

 

[some zilch]

tri-rib style front tires would help in steering. also, filling the front tires with window wash fluid would add weight right where you need it

 

[bja105]

My Cub Cadet 147 has enough weight in the front that it does not have much trouble, even with nearly bald fronts.

My Ford 80 is is a different story. After the cast engine pulley broke, I replaced the Kohler K-181 with a recoil start Honda clone. That eliminated a huge cast pulley, the starter generator, and all the wiring. The new engine weighs less than half what it replaced. I plowed snow all last winter with the light front end, sliding wherever the plow sent me. I made do by letting the tendency to slide downhill fight the plow's push.

When I tried the same tractor in the garden with a moldboard plow, the front end came off the ground as soon as the plow bit into the soil. I had to add some weight to the front to do any work.

I filled the front tires with windshield washer fluid. Each little tire took about a gallon. I added some lead and steel weights to the front blade bracket. That made all the difference. I am looking forward to pushing snow with the improved setup.