Need advice on 30 -40hp tractor purchase

[roscoe7803]

I am looking to purchase a 30-40 hp tractor. Have 12 acres bush to play with. However my major requirement is that it has a front mount snow blower. Now in my sixties and not being able to clear the driveway may force me to move to town in 10 years. Don't want that to happen. Would like to have a tlb. Will use a bush hog, post hole digger, loader at some point. Maybe a grapple.
Any help is appreciated.

 

[Jchonline]

What type of material is the driveway/road that you will be clearing of snow? I also didnt see mention of a cab, but you are almost certainly going to want one if you have any serious snow clearing to do in the winter.

A front mounted snow blower on a tractor is pretty tough. You either need mid PTO (which very few machines have), or fairly high hydraulic flow to run the blower.

1. Mid PTO - You can take a look at the Kubota Grand L as an example. The smaller versions have MidPTO, but the kicker is getting the front blower on and off. It will take you hours to take it off and put the FEL back on and vise versa. They arent plug and play. They have an auto hitch option, but it really is for commercial use and is super expensive (think blow snow then quickly swap to a front sweeper, etc).

2. Hydraulics - here you are basically going to be using a blower meant for a skid steer. Normal tractors just dont have high enough flow to drive these, so you need what we call a power pack. It is a PTO driven hydraulic tank that sits on your 3PT and provides flow to the front blower. They will work well, but also quite expensive. This is probably your best bet for a tractor.

The most economical and effective option for snow blowing with a tractor is a rear mount PTO driven. These are also the least forgiving on our old neck bones...and quickly get old.

Personally I went with a Kubota RTV X1100C with a Boss V-Plow, but I have room to put the snow next to the road. I could also get a front blower for the RTV if I really decide it is needed. The KConnect blower setup is $10k...not cheap either. So far the plow has been fine. Plus, I have AC/Heat and a nice cozy, weather sealed cab.

 

[sea2summit]

If your key requirement is a front mounted snowblower you really need to be looking at a 75+ HP skid steer IMHO. No way a 40 HP tractor is going to be able to spin a front mounted blower fast enough to not be frustrating.

 

[Roadworthy]

I don't know Canada's pollution rules but in the US if you exceed 25 horsepower you add a computer and a diesel particulate filter. A front mount snow thrower would probably best fill your requirements but the smaller ones generally require a tractor with a mid PTO. I have no idea how hard implement changes are to accomplish but your dealer could probably show you if he wants to make a sale. The remaining concern would probably be any mowing on your property - field or lawn.

 

[roscoe7803]

I am looking for a front mount snow blower because I can't see looking over my shoulder for the next 15-20 years with my back.
i have looked at Kubota and MF and am confused. I see that the MF 1500 series have front mount snow blowers.
The driveway at this time is packed pit run gravel. I would like to change to a poured concrete driveway at some point in the future. With what I have been quoted to pour the concrete driveway I figure that would pay for the snowblower or backhoe.
Yes, a cab is required. I drove a tractor home from a repair shop for a farmer neighbour who had broken his leg. it was in a winter month and without a cab it was extremely cold.

 

[Jchonline]

It sounds like based on this feedback if you go with a 74" you will want at least a L4760 size machine. The blower with all the adapters/frame is going to set you back about $10k US. As I previously mentioned, learn more about what it takes to remove the entire blower and re-mount the FEL/bucket. I looked into this a few years ago it it was quite a bit of time. Maybe if you only do it twice a year...but just find out. This is Kubota, I am not sure what other brands offer but there arent many.

L3560 & L4479 (snowblower) Combination ??

I have recently purchased a L3560 and a L4479 front mount 74" snowblower. I have found this combination works great in light fluffy snow but when I blow a small amount of heavy, wet, or packed snow I am disappointed in the power of the L3560. Does anyone else have experience with this tractor /...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[Williy]

I have a YT235C and its so easy to operate!
You just might want to check out the Yanmar
tractors and attachments as you can have a
35 hp tractor and get a front end snow blower
here's the site enjoy! Compact & Sub Compact Utility Tractors | YANMAR Tractor

willy

 

[RustyA]

My Boomer 40 cab had mid-pto standard. Was a dealer installed option on it's LS equivalent. One of the reasons I bought the Boomer was in case I ever wanted to add front blower it was ready for it.

 

[newbury]

Get a rear mount and a GOOD backup cam system. Maybe with multiple cameras and screens.
I've a narrow driveway and a 2019 Ford Escape with a decent backup cam. I turned 70 last month and decided to start using the Escape to go to my shops 100 yards away. And it's getting so I can backup fairly fast.
Or move to Florida, I bet you could get a condo at a discount.

 

[oosik]

For 25 years I had a rear mount - PTO driven - snow blower. My driveway is a mile long and gravel. I can vouch - this setup is a real PITA.

Consider getting a heavy rear blade. You can go like the wind and curl that snow completely off the driveway.

I have a Rhino 950 @ 1050# and 96" - behind my Kubota M6040. It's very fast and very efficient. Offset and angled - don't have to get right up next to the edge of my driveway. A rear blade sized for the tractor you purchase would be a very efficient snow machine.