Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Pushing snow with back blade

[flatheadlake]

I have seen in some posts that people recommend against pushing snow, as opposed to dragging, with the back blade as it may damage components, just wonder if others have had this experience? What would we be damaging?

 

[dicker]

I use a back blade and an FEL to remove the snow. The reasons I don't push the snow backwards are mainly because I personally don't like working backwards and I find that the blade tends to dig into the gravel.
As far as the damage goes, I suppose what others are suggesting is that because the blade does not have springs to make the blade fold down as the front blades usually do, there would be no give if you were to hit something.
Richard

 

[djradz]

Actually, with the blade turned in the normal forward direction, and then going backwards, or back-blading as many of us refer to it, sometimes it's a little safer, assuming you know what is behind you. With backblading (again, with the blade still facing forward) the blade tends to slide up over things. I do a great deal of backblading when I'm pushing snow over unfrozen ground and areas of my neighbors gravel drive, as the blade tends to not dig in at all. In fact, with a relatively light blade, you may find the blade rises up somewhat on top of the snow and doesn't dig enough.

 

[pekabu]

Maybe this goes back to the discusion on using a boxblade backwards? The 3 pt hitch is strongest when pulling. There was a discussion where some people had done some heavy pushing with a boxblade and bent the 3 pt arms.

I have pushed using my boxblade backwards, but nothing heavy. Just skimming and pushing dirt back in a hole.

 

[Boondox]

I've used a rear blade for snow removal for ten years now and never had a problem. Sometimes I push in reverse, but most often I simply drive forward over the snow with the blade angled sharply to the side. Early in the season when the ground is still soft I reverse the blade but still drive forward to avoid gouging. Once the ground is frozen that's not a concern.

Pete

 

[DDT]

I agree with djradz. It faster you go the higher the blade will raise, so if your on gravel you will not loose much.
Snow is light at least here, unless you back into a building I do not think you would damage the 3 point arms. I would not advise pushing trees in reverse, snow has not been a problem for me.

 

[Freds]

I drag the blade going forward, back blading was it called, but push it in reverse on heavier snowfalls. The trick to driving in reverse is to just grin and bear it. Twisting your butt in the seat as much as possible helps some, but makes operating the pedals trickier. I DO like the control you have with the blade going in reverse.
When pushing snow into an existing and unmoveable pile I always take my foot of the pedal before I hit and let the tractor drift and stop. I'm glad you asked about this because I never saw the posts on damaging the 3PT working in reverse. I guess it would be a good idea to hit the pile more square.

 

[Surge]

I use my rear blade in reverse as well for snow.... I just go much slower in case I run into something...I have not experienced any damage....

I also primarily go in reverse to pile the snow up.... In Nebraska we do not get enough snow (generally) to really warrant an FEL... if we get 30 inches a season, that is alot... we did just get 12" in one dump this past week, and the the back blade did my 150 ft. drive, and 2 of my neighbors without a problem...

I do not have an FEL, so as I am approaching the point where I am piling up snow, I slowly activate the hyraulics and lift the blade... this then piles the snow up... In the full upright position, I am able to push the snow back over the top to create more room... Again, going in reverse is a a bit tricky but the shuttle shift certainly helps as all you are doing is using the clutch and shuttle shift control...

I am in the process of installing a homemade front blade utilizing a 60 inch ATV blade and electric winch with remote control... that will be fine for lighter snows, say 2" - 8"... I still may use the rear blade for the larger snow events....