how to keep loader from picking up gravel when scooping snow

[mike194]

What do you guys think of this, whenever i am out pushing snow with the loader i always get some gravel with the snow. one idea i have to remedy this is to take a strip of nylon (or UHMW) or someother slippery material about a half inch thick and about 3 or 4 inches wide and attach it to the bottom digging edge of the loader. i would attach it by drilling and tapping about 8 holes in the bottom edge and then using bolts that would recess into the nylon. this would make the cutting edge of the loader over a half inch thick and would help the edge from digging up gravel.

let me know if you think that would work, i have some big pieces of nylon and have a source for UHMW, or Delrin. so cost of the material is not a big issue.

 

[Toolguy]

The best way I can think of is to use a bucket level indicator so you know when the bucket is level to the ground or tipped up just a bit. With some practice you will be able to skim the gravel and take just the snow. If you put something round on the bucket edge you will never be able to dig through hard packed snow. The bucket will want to ride up over it. Don't expect to find something magic that will make the job easy. It takes skill and control which comes from experience. A bucket level indicator is one of the best things you can add to your FEL to allow you to control it the way you want to. I wouldn't want a loader without one. There are several kinds of bucket level indicators available. I made my own and it is a very simple device that makes a world of difference for any loader job. Here is a picture of mine. Once I determined the level position of the bucket, I put a peice of tape on each side of the eye to indicate it from the driver's seat. A small movement up or down makes a big difference in how the bucket digs or skims. Good luck.

 

[art]

Bucket slightly rolled back and loader in float and I go right across he lawn!

 

[RobS]

Yeah, what art said. It takes some practice to get the best angle. To far forward and you're digging gravel, too far back and the bucket starts riding up on the snow. The more snow you get, the more practice!

We've had a strange winter with a lot of freeze/thaw. I'm pretty much reconciled to doing a lot of raking this spring.

 

[itn]

i agree with the previous posts. without a bucket indicator and float for your loader it is tough to do.

 

[frank_f15]

Bucket slightly rolled back and loader in float and I go right across he lawn!

100% agrement

 

[turnkey4099]

Why wouldn't skid plates attached just behind the lip work. Say 1/2 bar stock - 3 pcs - one each end, one in the middle? Skid plates work just fine on my walk behind snow blower.

Harry K

 

[mike194]

yeah, a strip of metal would work also, thought the plastic would be easier on the concrete. i would like to float my bucket when pushing snow but seems like whatever angle i use i cannot get it right.

 

[Toolguy]

Skids plates on the bucket would work if you could put the bucket in float. Problem is that only the loader arms will float. The bucket will stay at whatever angle you put it at. Again, too far down and it digs in, too far up and it rides up over the hard snow. A bucket level indicator and some practice is all you need.

 

[itn]

are you sure your floating your loader? Positioning the bucket just above level should make it a snap when the bucket is floating.