Mahindra Snow Thread

[kootch88]

I used to plow, but now when the Spring arrives I have a lawn left instead of half of it being piled up in the gardens from that last storm where all you have is mud and 10 foot banks of snow you are trying to keep from closing in on you. PLow was faster, but the blower sure makes the 3 week grass growing season a whole lot more efficient.

 

[Shift4200]

I hear what you're saying K88, but for me I'm still thinking a plow is the right way to go. I dont have any grass that surrounds the driveway except the very bottom by the house. And like George said, I feel like I'll eat thru sheer pins....

George, surprised to hear you use the FEL for most of your snow removal. Most everyone i know think that it is cumbersome. I find the mix between the fel and the rear blade is sufficient. The length of my drive is gravel, and ices up pretty bad... not sure if this is because I'm not getting the bite from the rear blade, or just the nature of plowing an uneven surface. I'm going to make some adjustments before the next storm to see if i can get the blade to bite a little better.


Either way, next year salt/sanding is going to be more of a priority.

-J

 

[kootch88]

Just a heads up on sheering bolts. I have gone through quite a few. Seems like early in the season one every blow. I bought a bunch of grade 5 bolts and ground then them in the same places as the grade 3 so they sher more easily. Cost me a tenth of what the factory ones cost, and they are available at your hardware store. I probably went a bit overboard on how much I ground down, but better than damaging the auger shaft..

 

[AchingBack]

In case anyone missed what I posted on another thread about snow removal, here's a brief story. I rarely have much snow where I live. Recently we had about 5-6 inches worth. My driveway is 1/3 mile of base shale, granite, and 3/4 minus.

Because I already had my 7' Brush Hog landscape rake with guage wheels on the 3point hitch, and the temps were too cold to change over to my 7' Brush Hog angle blade; I left the rake on, tilted at full angle, gauge wheels set so the rake was not too aggressive.

Between the front loader and the rake it took only two passes, and I was very pleased with the results. The bucket scooped up a lot of snow which I was able to deposit in different spots along side the road.

I realize I will never face any of the battles you have with snow in your areas, yet I wanted all to consider the value of the rake with the gauge wheels. If had decided to try the angle blade, the blade certainly would have moved a bit more snow, but since mine has no wheels, I believe the rake proved invaluable for my needs.

 

[kootch88]

Ab, if you saw my video you probably see my driveway is pretty large, about 150 linear feet and 30 feet wide except for the 60 foot part in from the street. The problem we face up here is where to store the snow, which means either pushing the banks back from the start or blow it into the woods like I do now. If I were to use the bucket it would take me forever to clear the snow. The rake sounds like a cool idea, but I would not want to depend on it in maine for a long term solution.

 

[AchingBack]

Ab, if you saw my video you probably see my driveway is pretty large, about 150 linear feet and 30 feet wide except for the 60 foot part in from the street. The problem we face up here is where to store the snow, which means either pushing the banks back from the start or blow it into the woods like I do now. If I were to use the bucket it would take me forever to clear the snow. The rake sounds like a cool idea, but I would not want to depend on it in maine for a long term solution.

What a difference 3,100 miles makes. To me you are living in a deep freezer. And no, the rake definitely would not be the best tool. Here's a thought though. I believe, overall, the rake with wheels is more versatile than the blade. So, if an owner is just starting out, and is trying to decide between the two implements but can afford just one; I'd take the rake. They cost more, but can do more most of the time.

 

[Shift4200]

What a difference 3,100 miles makes. To me you are living in a deep freezer. And no, the rake definitely would not be the best tool. Here's a thought though. I believe, overall, the rake with wheels is more versatile than the blade. So, if an owner is just starting out, and is trying to decide between the two implements but can afford just one; I'd take the rake. They cost more, but can do more most of the time.

Hey AB,

Great suggestion on the rake. Just to share what experience that i have with using the rake for snow removal. Now this experience is NOT on my driveway, or with my tractor. A good friend of mine used his loader/rake combo for a few storms about 2 years back. He's since changed to a blade. With the rake he found that the light fluffy stuff would pass thru the tines more than he would have liked... Now, on the flip side, he felt that the rake worked well when the snow was heavy as it scored the bottom layer and brought up a little gravel for traction.

Long story short, the blade performs similar in both scenarios, so instead of feeling like he should flip flop... he sticks with the blade. Personally I have both, and I opt for the blade as well.

Just my $0.02

-J

 

[MarkF48]

Anyone put plow skids on a rear blade? Some of my snow clearing is a grassed area and the rear blade sometimes tends to scrape the top a bit too much. Thinking it wouldn't hurt to have skids on pavement as well.

 

[Shift4200]

Anyone put plow skids on a rear blade? Some of my snow clearing is a grassed area and the rear blade sometimes tends to scrape the top a bit too much. Thinking it wouldn't hurt to have skids on pavement as well.

I personally do not use skids or wheels. When I'm being careful of the ground I simply spin my blade around and drag with the back side of it. Seems to work well, but then again, everything is still snow covered right now.

-J

 

[Shift4200]

We got about 10-12inches around our way last week. Seems I've found the max depth that the Max will pull snow with the rear blade..... weather men said it'd be light and fluffy. Wasn't the case. It was cold, but compact snow. Not alot of water in it, but still on the heavy side. I tried to move the full amount with the rear blade angled about 15deg. I just couldn't get the bite that i needed to pull it up the hill of my drive, even with chains attached. Downhill was no problem....

Thinking the 4link chains i got are crap. They fall right into the ridges of the Ind Tires. Considering upgrading to something that will not fall into the groove... .then again, next year with a front blade I might not need it. Anyone here use the chains that make a diamond pattern on the tire? Are they worth the extra $$?

-J

 

[roughcut]

Head to your local tractor supply and get some of the chain links that you can either bolt or splice and then attach two rows together in the middle. That will keep them from falling in between the tire treads. I did this with the chains on my old 9N. It was cheap and easy. Haven't needed chains on the Max yet.

 

[Shift4200]

Head to your local tractor supply and get some of the chain links that you can either bolt or splice and then attach two rows together in the middle. That will keep them from falling in between the tire treads. I did this with the chains on my old 9N. It was cheap and easy. Haven't needed chains on the Max yet.

This is an awesome idea. Thanks!!!

-J

 

[arrow]

We got about 10-12inches around our way last week. Seems I've found the max depth that the Max will pull snow with the rear blade..... weather men said it'd be light and fluffy. Wasn't the case. It was cold, but compact snow. Not alot of water in it, but still on the heavy side. I tried to move the full amount with the rear blade angled about 15deg. I just couldn't get the bite that i needed to pull it up the hill of my drive, even with chains attached. Downhill was no problem....

Thinking the 4link chains i got are crap. They fall right into the ridges of the Ind Tires. Considering upgrading to something that will not fall into the groove... .then again, next year with a front blade I might not need it. Anyone here use the chains that make a diamond pattern on the tire? Are they worth the extra $$?

-J

Shift try loosening the chains a bit. I have 4 link on my R1's and at the top, they fall between the lugs. I couldn't care less what they look like on the upper portions of the tire. I use no chain tensioners and when the tire comes around, the chain is loose enough that it sags to make earth (or snow) contact first. Mine grip very well. Also if you can, fill the rears if you have not already.

 

[Shift4200]

Shift try loosening the chains a bit. I have 4 link on my R1's and at the top, they fall between the lugs. I couldn't care less what they look like on the upper portions of the tire. I use no chain tensioners and when the tire comes around, the chain is loose enough that it sags to make earth (or snow) contact first. Mine grip very well. Also if you can, fill the rears if you have not already.

Hey Bud...

That's another great idea. Funny that you mention it as this morning while my truck was warming up I looked over and noticed the chains looked tight, and wondered if loosening them would help. I don't have tensioners but i am using a couple small bungee cords to keep them taught. No snow in our forecast right now, but next time i can get at her in the light I'll make those adjustments and see what happens.

Thanks again guys.

-J

 

[Shift4200]

Shift try loosening the chains a bit. I have 4 link on my R1's and at the top, they fall between the lugs. I couldn't care less what they look like on the upper portions of the tire. I use no chain tensioners and when the tire comes around, the chain is loose enough that it sags to make earth (or snow) contact first. Mine grip very well. Also if you can, fill the rears if you have not already.

Arrow,

I did this for our last storm and had zero issues with traction. Thanks for the suggestion. I have not yet filled the rears, did you have this done locally or did you do it yourself?

-J

 

[arrow]

Arrow,

I did this for our last storm and had zero issues with traction. Thanks for the suggestion. I have not yet filled the rears, did you have this done locally or did you do it yourself?

-J

Sorry Shift. Hadn't seen your reply until now. There are two ways to fill your tires. (I'm assuming we're talking beet juice here) You can take them off, bring them to Dubay's and the guy that fills his tires will fill yours while there. or 2. Call up Dale to get his filler to come to your place and fill them while on the tractor. He is coming from Conn. so there is a nominal travel charge for the tire guy.Glad to hear you have added traction with loosened chains. I have filled tires myself but it was with calcium chloride. Had this stuff in tubes for 28 years on my other tractor. RimGard (beet juice) is not conducive to self filling as one has to buy it in bulk and they seem to only want to sell the stuff to dealers who use large quantities..

 

[Shift4200]

Sorry Shift. Hadn't seen your reply until now. There are two ways to fill your tires. (I'm assuming we're talking beet juice here) You can take them off, bring them to Dubay's and the guy that fills his tires will fill yours while there. or 2. Call up Dale to get his filler to come to your place and fill them while on the tractor. He is coming from Conn. so there is a nominal travel charge for the tire guy.Glad to hear you have added traction with loosened chains. I have filled tires myself but it was with calcium chloride. Had this stuff in tubes for 28 years on my other tractor. RimGard (beet juice) is not conducive to self filling as one has to buy it in bulk and they seem to only want to sell the stuff to dealers who use large quantities..

Just chatted with Dale at Dubay. We're in the "discussion" phase of a possible warranty repair for my hydraulics (I made a post about it if you're curious). As of now it's looking like the Max will go in for a repair sometime in the near future. I'll have the tires filled then..... as i really see no reason not to. I like the idea of the beet juice with it's anti-corrosive qualities as well as being safe for the pets. Good friend of mine has an old JD that the wheels rotted off from filling with calcium. Until now i really didn't have any idea there was an alternative. Gotta love the internets....

-J

 

[arrow]

Hmm, it sounds minor whatever the problem. Something about blocking flow. Make sure all your fel hoses with quick disconnects are fully engaged. You may want to try "blowing out" your lines by disconnecting them systematically from bucket back and then starting the tractor and engaging the fel. This will make a major mess unless you use something to confine the hydraulic oil as it blows out of hoses. (plastic bags with zip ties works for me). If you go this route, don't forget to inspect the inlet of whatever you removed the hose from for debris. Any debris in the hoses should flow out with this method instead of trapped within a fitting if indeed this is the problem. Only other thing I can think of is something wrong with float on the spool valve itself. I'll check mine and see if it does the same thing.

 

[Shift4200]

Hmm, it sounds minor whatever the problem. Something about blocking flow. Make sure all your fel hoses with quick disconnects are fully engaged. You may want to try "blowing out" your lines by disconnecting them systematically from bucket back and then starting the tractor and engaging the fel. This will make a major mess unless you use something to confine the hydraulic oil as it blows out of hoses. (plastic bags with zip ties works for me). If you go this route, don't forget to inspect the inlet of whatever you removed the hose from for debris. Any debris in the hoses should flow out with this method instead of trapped within a fitting if indeed this is the problem. Only other thing I can think of is something wrong with float on the spool valve itself. I'll check mine and see if it does the same thing.

Thanks for the info Arrow, and again thanks for checking out your machine for me as well. I had high hopes of trying out your suggestion this past weekend, but with the Max still under warranty, and nice days so few and far between.... i opted to take the opportunity to get some firewood processed and stacked instead.

I've got another message in for Dale over at Dubay... hoping to hear from him today.

-J

 

[Shift4200]

Heavy snow last night. Roughly 7in fell thru the day, i started clearing around 5pm and finished about 630.

No traction issues since loosening the chains on the rear tires. Got em to spin once, but that was my own fault. Bit off a little more than Max could chew.

Loader worked perfect, with bucket curl/dump working in float mode like it used to. Reached out to the dealer to let him know that the problem mysteriously fixed itself. Going to put this in a holding pattern until the next storm goes by.

Only complaint so far is I'm wishing I'd gone with a 72in rear blade so I would have a wider drag with the blade at 15deg. But, with hopes of getting the front mount snow blade for next year, i guess this will be a moot point.

-J