Snow opinions re: snow removal equipment

zuiko · Apr 17, 2004

( The only problem I have is adjusting the shoes to the correct height for given conditions. When the ground isn't frozen solid, I sometimes plow up dirt as well as snow.)

Can you flip the blade around? I run my rear blade in reverse for snow, it makes a huge difference.

Trev · Apr 17, 2004

( ( The only problem I have is adjusting the shoes to the correct height for given conditions. When the ground isn't frozen solid, I sometimes plow up dirt as well as snow.)

Can you flip the blade around? I run my rear blade in reverse for snow, it makes a huge difference. )

No, I don't think there's any way to flip the front blade around.. but I do sometimes just back up to backblade an area if I have to. It usually isn't a problem.. just the first snowfall or so. I leave the blade on year 'round.. makes a good counter weight in front for rear implements, and is handy for moving rocks and dirt and such.

The biggest disadvantage is that the framework for it reduces my ground clearance significantly. It usually isn't a problem, but I think a couple of time I got stuck in mud I probably wouldn't have without that reduced clearance.

Bob

RoyJackson · Apr 17, 2004

For a drive as long as yours (almost 1800'), I'd go with the 3PH snow blower. Even relatively light snows (6" or so) would take a while with a rear blade (which is what I use) by the time you make the multiple passes required. Also, since your drive is paved, that makes it much easier to use the blower.
As far as front weights, just use your loader...maybe have a load of sand in the bucket. You can also drop the sand off at some areas you may need extra traction for your vehicles.

Definitely go with the chains. It would be much less chance of sliding on the drive. Once those tires get impacted with snow, traction is going to lessen dramatically. Not fun on a steep slope. Turfs will load up much faster then ag tires, but a wet snow would give you problems with either type...might just take longer with the ag tire. By the way, if you do go with turfs, look in to getting bar-turf tires. Much more aggressive then regular turfs, but still pretty easy on the lawn. The picture shows the bar turf tires.

Biggest downside to any blower is getting the snow blown back at you by the wind. However, just dress accordingly (wear skier's goggles, hooded parka and good gloves). Of course, you'd have to drive in reverse. That's a bit of a pain in the neck...but not so bad if you takes breaks.

A new 60" snow blower is going to cost around $1200-$1500. Again, with your drive and even moderate snows; I think it would be a good investment.

garchib · Apr 17, 2004

.....all I can say is I am glad I did not buy a snow blower
for my tractor, as it is a one-use implement......The FEL
works great and I have never wished I had a plow or
snow blower.......December was a brutal month this past
winter with several huge snow falls and the FEL was very
easy to move the snow around. I do not have problems
with snow drifts, as my home is completely exposed and the snow just keeps travelling (probably over towards my neighbors /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

JJT · Apr 17, 2004

I plowed with a tractor and then with a truck for ~10 years. 5 years ago I bought the Kubota and a 78" rear blower. I'll never go back to a plow. No matter how much snow we get, (we've seen 36" storms every few years), I bolow the drive 1 time. With a plow anything over 12" is tough to move, especially if it's wet. When I plowed I'd start off with a 20-25' wide drive and get down to a 10-12' lane by the end of the season. With the blower, I make 1 pass down and 1 pass up and I'm done. No snow banks and the snow gets handled once.

The 955 is a fairly small tractor, the nice thing about the blower - you aren't pushing snow and don't need a lot of traction. With the plow you'll need the chains and 4wd.

My drive is 800' long and we average 60" of snow a year.

bigpete · Apr 17, 2004

think the ideal setup would be a front blade for most light to moderate snows. Put a blower on the 3-pt and keep it there for ballast and to move banks that get too big or when you get a really heavy snow.

- Rick


A'yup. Keeny's got it. That's the ideal set up no matter where you live. I don't need a blower and live by the front blade.

If you must choose between a blower and a blade, make sure you hang it off the front. Anybody who tells you they would rather have it hanging off the back doesn't know any better /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Now....if they tell you it's cheaper to hang one off the back, I cannot argue a single word.

Egon · Apr 18, 2004

The 955 is a fairly small tractor, 

Tractor size can be important on choosing the implements that will work best.

Blades, front/rear work better as the tractor size increases.

Smaller tractors will most likely work best with a blower.

In some cases a smaller tractor with no blower may have to resort to the front bucket to work heavy snow.

Chains go with ice, steepness and temperature. They do make life easier and in most cases the factors dictating their use is independant of tractor size.

With my limited knowlegde I'd say that there is no one perfect solution but you have to choose depending on your conditions and cost considerations.

Egon

DieselnHooters · Apr 18, 2004

Correct me if i am wrong but your situation may not be comparable to the task she has to tackle. Just imagine removing a foot of snow up a 1/3 mile hillside with your garden tractor with a puny little FEL /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. . I would go with 3ph snow blower on ag tires for your 955 or preferably trade-in for a larger tractor, you can also contract out.

Trev · Apr 18, 2004

( A new 60" snow blower is going to cost around $1200-$1500.)

Got any recommendations as to brand, etc.? I have a JD4300, and am seriously thinking about a rear blower for next year. Maybe I can get a deal on one during the summer?

Tks,
Bob

cadblaster · Apr 19, 2004

( ( A new 60" snow blower is going to cost around $1200-$1500.)

Got any recommendations as to brand, etc.? I have a JD4300, and am seriously thinking about a rear blower for next year. Maybe I can get a deal on one during the summer?
)

I got a relatively good deal this past weekend. $635.25 on what looks to be a 50" 3PH blower. I got it at a home auction. The sun was shining, the weather was warm, definately not the time to be selling blowers.