Rubber Plow Blade Edge?

mlip · Oct 18, 2006

I'm in the process of adapting a used Meyers 6' blade and hydraulics to my 430 loader. In some prior posts I read of folks who have used rubber scraper edges. One in particular who cut a strip from horse stall liners and used it on his plow blade. Whats the advantage? Doesn't it wear out much faster than the metal edge?

I'll be plowing a 300' crushed stone driveway. My plow blade is positioned about 1" above the ground while resting on its two skids or shoes. Should I be using the metal or rubber edge?

Also, I've been thinking of using a Curtis plow quick attach adapter, they're about $285 (http://www.curtiscabs.com/Tractor_Loader.html). I was going to arc weld the plow set up to this quick attach adapter. Any recommendations on a cheaper route?

thanks.

ACKBill · Oct 18, 2006

I've never used a rubber plow cutting edge on a tractor set-up with positive downforce, but when I worked for a commercial landscaper, we maintained a large # of high profile corporate sites. One site, in particular, had a parking garage with ramps to each level from the outside that we had to remove snow from. We were required to use a very heavy (1-1/2" thick) rubber cutting edge that would last about 2 average snow storms. The purpose was to reduce the amount of damage done to the concrete of the ramps. I would imagine in a residential situation, the idea would be the same, to protect the pavement. I think that you will be fine using the shoes to keep the plow up off the gravel in your situation. Keep in mind that as the plow blade moves forward, the shoes or skids will have a tendancy to "sink in" to the gravel, so you may have to set them higher than you would think.

BILL

JasonL · Oct 18, 2006

On gravel I don't think you need a rubber edge. On asphalt/concrete, however, the rubber edge I put on my blade cleans the snow nearly completely without damaging the surface. My drive is asphalt. I made shoes also because I was going to plow gravel drives as well, but last year I never put them on. The rubber edge worked fine on the frozen gravel. I did make my setup so I could either apply down pressure with the FEL or allow it to float as it would on a truck. Both ways appeared to work in different situations. Here is a link to my thread if you are interested. Jason
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/69523-fel-snowplow.html

mlip · Oct 18, 2006

Jason, Thanks. Where did you get the hardware that mates up with the loader? Does JD sell those pieces? Also, how do you find your tractors traction to be? My 4300's rear tires are not loaded, should I be looking at a ballast box? I'm a bit north of Boston, so we do get some pretty deep storms.....Mark

johndeere_2210 · Oct 19, 2006

See these pictures, a $25 horse stall mat cut 4" wide by 54" and sandwitched between the cutting edge and blade, works like a champ.

JasonL · Oct 20, 2006

Mark- I bought the parts from my local JD dealer- about $45.00. I'm not sure what you need for your loader- you might check JDParts (online) to figure out the part numbers, or call your dealer. I had no problems with traction last year. I have loaded tires, and I did not use any other ballast. We didn't have any really big storms last year though so the jury is still out!

Good Luck! Jason

mlip · Oct 20, 2006

Thanks Jason....I found those p/ns on the JD parts site. I'm starting to fabricate an adapter to mount a 6' Meyers to my 430 loader. Will post pictures when its done...