Snow Is Front Mounted Snowblower "PITA"?

jeffburton · Sep 10, 2011

I saw a reference somewhere on the net to the "PITA" aspect of putting on/taking off the front mounted snowblower on the bobcat. My dealer said this was not true and he estimated 30 minutes either way.

Any actual experience out there on this? I am looking at the 235.

RoyJackson · Sep 10, 2011

A buddy of mine uses a front blower on a Deere 4310. Some of the loader bracketry has to come off and some mounts for the blower have to be installed. Takes him (and his brother) about an hour.
The hardest part (according to my buddy) is installing the PTO drive line from the mid-PTO to the front mount.

And, of course, you lose easy access to the loader. This doesn't bother him as the tractor sets all winter unless it snows.

radioman · Sep 10, 2011

What do you consider to be ptia? something that require tools to swap implements? Or tool less way that takes more then 10 mins? Or the need to swap back and forth often?

Boondox · Sep 10, 2011

We have a Bobcat at work and the facilities guys LOVE the blower! With some practice, they can swap it out with the blade or bucket in about ten minutes. Their advice is to get that practice when it's warm. :laughing:

Bigasspilot · Sep 11, 2011

I have a 235 with the front blower. It is not a PITA to put on and take off. Takes 15 mins max after you have done it the first time.
Now you will be amazed at how well the blower clears snow. Always remember a tractor is an extremely versatile machine. But to be versatile you have to spend the time to change over implements. It is, however, well worth the time. All the best.

jeffburton · Sep 12, 2011

Thanks for that info. Do you have the 72" blower?

RoyJackson · Sep 12, 2011

Bigasspilot said:
I have a 235 with the front blower. It is not a PITA to put on and take off. Takes 15 mins max after you have done it the first time.
Now you will be amazed at how well the blower clears snow. Always remember a tractor is an extremely versatile machine. But to be versatile you have to spend the time to change over implements. It is, however, well worth the time. All the best.

Does that include installing the loader?

Bigasspilot · Sep 12, 2011

I have the 62 inch blower.

Sorry the time estimate does not include the time to put on or take off the loader. That takes about 10-15 mins.

Lockport · Sep 13, 2011

Bigasspilot said:
I have the 62 inch blower.

Sorry the time estimate does not include the time to put on or take off the loader. That takes about 10-15 mins.

10-15min.! I can take my loader off in 3 min., tops. 2 if I hurry.

Not to deviate from the subject, I plan to acquire the 72" before snow falls this year for my CT235 having past experience with a Kubota. I will assume they are a similar type of quick hitch, wherein once the mount is connected to the front weight bracket, a mid-pto shaft to it from the mid. Then a short shaft from the mount to the blower and the blower can be easily removed leaving the hitch mount and long pto shaft in place, thus allowing you temporary use of the loader if you so desire. Seasonal mounting was 30 minutes, maybe slightly long the 1st time. Front mount blowers are truly a luxury.

lilranch2001 · Sep 16, 2011

I just contacted my dealer this afternoon re a snowblower
I was wondering, what size you guys put on your tractors, and how much you paid?

I dont have any aux hydros, do they use the rear ones? or put on front?

He is going to send me a quote sometime this weekend.

The loader worked ok last year, but I ended up raking to much stone for my taste this spring