QA plate on 7.5' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

kennyd · Nov 6, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Nice looking work Mike as usual, Almost as good as mine! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

You might want to think about cutting that A-Frame back to the cylinders just to bring the plow in closer. Just food for thought...

PineRidge · Nov 6, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

 You might want to think about cutting that A-Frame back to the cylinders just to bring the plow in closer. Just food for thought...


Kenny I did consider that but it would have only been 6" difference overall and I'm not sure that it would make all that difference in how it works. The plow does hang way out there especially with the 17LA loader, but on the positive side I have real good visibility of the plow too. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks for the suggestion and the complement. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

DavidVT · Nov 7, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Nice job. I considered the small QA plates for mine but decided I could get the job done faster but just mounting the truck pins on the large QA plate.

Looking at yours I see that visibility for the operator will be much better than on mine.

The hydraulics, are you using the curl circuit or do you have a third? Does the power angle need anything special for it to work on a curl circuit (other than the speed adjusters you added)?

PineRidge · Nov 7, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Thanks David! Some months back we split the curl circuit to our FEL using a electric diverter valve purchased from Surplus Center. It normally powers up our bucket grapple. The single action plow cylinders attach to the same connection point with no further modification other than the flow control valves that we added to slow the angle action of the plow. If you click on our signature link below you will see the electric valve under our project adding front hydraulics for a bucket grapple or snowplow.

Originally we looked at the single QA plates sold at eBay but after some further thought we figured that the two smaller QA plates might add some additional visibility advantage. After sitting in the seat of the tractor and looking out at the mounted snowplow I don't see that there will ever be any problems with visibility.

JasonL · Nov 7, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Very nice! I'm in the process of converting a snow plow blade for use on my FEL also. I had planned to attach it solidly similar to Kennyd's setup. I see where several people have concerns about running in float. (possible steering loss due to lack of weight on front wheels) It appears your setup will eliminate that. My question, however, is will the plow ride up over packed snow? Will the weight of the plow itself be enough to keep it down? You probably don't know for sure yet , but was wondering if you had consider that. Maybe instead of a chain some sort of shock absorber setup?? Just trying to decide how to do mine.
Jason

PineRidge · Nov 7, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Jason I asked myself the very same questions before construction. Consider this: The weight of the plow itself is all that keeps it in contact with the ground/snow when it is mounted on the front of any plow truck and they have done well for years. Even without having yet used it I really don't think lack of down pressure will ever be an issue.

BTW: Thanks for the complement Jason.

Deerlope · Nov 8, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Nice looking piece of work. Once there is some snow ahead of the plow it will give you all the down pressure that you will ever need. Also when the drive freezes really good you can take the shoes off.

PineRidge · Nov 8, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

 Also when the drive freezes really good you can take the shoes off.



Deetlope thanks for the snowplow tip and complement.

PILOON · Nov 8, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

I plow with an 8' fisher mounted on a GMC 4 x 4 and can assure you that the blade will rarely ride over the pushed snow.
If it does it generally is with heavy wet snow. (the snowman stuff).
On truck rigs they generally provide with 3 rack height positions that are spaced about 1" apart in height, the center being such as to position the rack (or A frame) parallel to the ground.

Using the lower hole will encourage overide and is great for the first snows as it compacts snow and prepares your base for 'shoeless plowing'
Using the upper set of holes gives that slight down pressure that cleans up compacted snow by 'digging in' the blade just enough.

As you see the angle of the push frame to the ground (parallism) is quite critical.
Mind you since you have the 'curl circuit' available from the loader you can adjust that angle at any time while plowing.

Nice project, well documented.

have_blue · Nov 8, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

( my intentions are to lower the FEL until the plow makes good contact with the drive. The fact that the plow pivots on the mount should allow it to track uneven ground while still affording full steering on the TC-40D. I think pushing the loader into the float position might be a mistake and I would think the steering would suffer. )

PR,

This should work fine unless you have bumps and dips in your driveway. With the blade extended that far in front of the front axle, a 3" dip could turn into a 12" movement of the blade in a hurry.

Great project, great pics! Be sure to send pics of it in action when the snows fly!

chuck1975 · Nov 8, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Mike i've got the same project in mind for my 40. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Now for some questions:
Why did you make the framing so tall? Why not stop at the top of the QA brackets (for height & then go over horizontally from there, was there a reason to the height?

Next did you ever consider a V plow? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
if so will your set up work as it is now, /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
or will it require another RR? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I believe it needs another RR but I'm not sure if so how would you set it up? Would you still go thru the joystick if needing 2 buttons?
thanks
chuck
ps already have a western 7.5 trying to find / buy / trade for a "V". Then I'll start the project. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

PineRidge · Nov 8, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

 Now for some questions:
Why did you make the framing so tall? Why not stop at the top of the QA brackets (for height & then go over horizontally from there, was there a reason to the height?

Next did you ever consider a V plow?
if so will your set up work as it is now,
or will it require another RR?

I believe it needs another RR but I'm not sure if so how would you set it up? Would you still go thru the joystick if needing 2 buttons?


Chuck the framing was sized so that I could get a decent angle on the plow lift chain, The steeper angle gives you more control over the lift and curl of the moldboard. You have no lift with a horizontal piece of chain.

It would be extremely hard to find a V plow at a decent price. The Meyers 7.5' that we used only set us back $100. for the plow itself. Plus we will need to angle the plow to push all the snow to one side of the drive since we have yellow markers in place on the other side to let us know where the grass ends and the drive begins. Ours is not a straight drive and it's 650' long. The drive tends to get lost once it snows. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif And if it's not plowed UPS has tried to drive through the grass on more than one occasion.

And yes you would require a way to tie in the V hydraulics in addition to the angling cylinders. I don't think a second button would fit within the 40D joystick as one is cramped.

Lastly when we put a project together we remind ourself to practice the KISS principle. KISS= keep it simple stupid (otherwise we do have a tendency to go overboard)

Deerlope · Nov 8, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Only 650' of driveway!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe you should just shovel it, would help to use up some of your free time plus keep you out of trouble. Try 2500' plus uphill with a few curves like I have to contend with. But it was my own doing because I wanted to be away from the highway when we built the new house 10 years ago. I started with a JD 2010 with the 71/2' fisher on the rear, then I rigged it up solid on the FEL. The Fel was to heavy to use in the float position because it would cut into the gravel drive. Then went to a snowblower and thought that was great until I put a piece of 2x4 thru it and the pins did not shear, that did a real number on the auger. Kubota would not warrenty it so it is gone. I came to the conclusion that a SB it only for someone that does not have much room to push the snow.

DavidVT · Nov 9, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Regarding 'chain vs float' for plowing with a snow board.... I made my QA snowplow mount to utilize the chain (fixed FEL position).
QA plate to mount my 7.5' plow on FEL

Several years of plowing with near dead un-inspectable plow trucks taught me that the snow boards will indeed dig down and move snow until there is simply too much for the truck's traction to move. This with the snowboard's only down force being the weight of the snow board.

My first and only experience pushing a QA mounted snow board with a tractor was a few weeks ago. We had maybe 4-6 inches of fresh snow on warm ground... The snow was no challenge to the snow board but the yard I peeled up was impressive indeed...

I think the chain vs float method will work well but will report back if I am proved wrong... Yes the plow seems far far forward of the steering wheels on the tractor. For that reason I am hopeful that keeping the FEL's weight on the front axle will help the control issues.

TCowner · Nov 9, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Mike, Nice project.

Any chance your good friend Andy Tatro would be willing to make a set of the quick attach brackets like you used for a fellow TBN member? They look well made and would work nicely for a project I am planning. If I could get the brackets made it would save me a lot of time. Thanks.

Terry,

PineRidge · Nov 9, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Terry I'm sure Andy would jump at the chance to help you with your project. If you need his phone number please send me a PM and I'll fire it back, And don't forget to take pictures of your project as you proceed. We like to see all kinds of projects. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

VT_Kioti · Nov 9, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Mike
Once again, a great project. I too am using a snowblower. I have the same problems as everyone else. It is amazing how many stones (rocks) can find their way into the blower even after carefully going over the drive before the season picking them up. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
And of course this gives me food for thought. I would have to find a QA for my tractor to start.
Always look forward to your next project.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Al

chuck1975 · Nov 9, 2005

Re: QA plate on 7.5\' snowplow for FEL, let it snow

Mike my mistake after lookin at many of these plow posts I confused yours with a rigid / frame mount and the typical hydralic lift piston. Sorry for the confusion. Next how long did it take to put together welding etc.? Please post or PM Est of total cost of project hydralic components, hoses etc. ? I'm trying to decide to go for a "twin of yours" or sub it out. Sometimes I just get into to many projects. A few years ago I took an old truck to the junk yark with a plow attached just to get rid of it. Later i found out that the yard put the plow back into use within 2 weeks and that was installation onto a new truck. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Good for them, they always help me when I get into "real" trouble!
Also as many have said the plow looks great.
chuck