Snow pusher build

[The Haymaker]

Done....... Just need to paint the 7' one.

Too bad we have no more snow.

 

[JB4310]

Came out great.

I took pics of one in a local lot, your's looks better built than the factory one.

JB.

 

[mjncad]

Excellent work Haymaker, and I like your use of a turnbuckle to tighten up the chain...simple and elegant.

 

[The Haymaker]

Turnbuckle: "And Cheap"! I now wonder though, because of time it takes to setup the chain, if I should've just made QA pockets for it? I wanted SIMPLE, fast, and the added reach. All I have is "reach".

Thanks for the pics. I should've taken a lot of them for comparisons. and ideas. Maybe mine is overbuilt? If I make a third, I will use 3/16 from the structural components that are currently 1/4". I could probably eliminate a web on the back, at least on the top pieces. I would keep the 12" spacing on the bottom.

One of my thoughts on making the thing so rigid is the lack of a trip edge. For my application, knowing the terrain I am plowing, I couldn't justify the cost and Time To Build for it. I believe I compensated by adding structure, such as the boxed-in ends. If I snag something and it fails, I'd honestly be surprised.

I'm curious to see how my side spars hold up as compared to the 45 degree tubing used on the ones in the picture. I don't think I've seen one yet that is not bent or twisted in some way.

Also not sure I would make the sides removable again either. Would I ever use this thing as a dozer blade? Doubt it. But, they would be easy to replace if damaged.

In the pictures of the commercial unit, I wonder about where they have the binders. They are nearly centered on where the cutting edge rests. I wonder if there is a reason? That setup would require a lot more chain tension than mine to keep it from flopping.One of my worries is my choice of running the chain over the top of the bucket. It's going to tell me how rugged the top lip of my bucket is the first time I fetch up.

Now all we need is some snow!

 

[gordyy]

load it up and head north we are getting to have way too much snow

I got to build me one of them

would a cross strap set up with ratchet straps make a faster mount??

 

[The Haymaker]

load it up and head north we are getting to have way too much snow

I got to build me one of them

would a cross strap set up with ratchet straps make a faster mount??

I think so, yes. I had considered that option and then got sidetracked. A few links of chain at each end, but then, there's have to be a D ring or the sort in the middle to catch the hook. Then to figure out how to snatch the strap at the center point so the unit can't slide left and right

My head hurts.....

Oh, and I think we're just as far north, it's just that all you good fols in the northwest and midAtlantic are taking one for the team so us snowbounds can take a break. Maybe I'll go get the bike out.

 

[The Haymaker]

TaaDaa!

 

[Diamondpilot]

Very nice work. If I may ask what do you have in these? Also what would it cost to buy one of equal quality?

Even if its not much different its fun to build these type of thing yourself. You should be proud of them.

Chris

 

[The Haymaker]

Very nice work. If I may ask what do you have in these? Also what would it cost to buy one of equal quality?

Even if its not much different its fun to build these type of thing yourself. You should be proud of them.

Chris

There's just shy of 200 dollars in material, probably just over that if you count consumables. There is a LOT of rod used by my antique buzzbox, but they were free from a customer so I don't have receipts.

Labor, now that's another story. I think at this point I could build one in a couple of weekends.

The only one I've seen on the web intended for a CUT, same size, was 2500.00. If I "casually" market these, they will be substantially cheaper.

Thanks for the "Good work". I'm very happy to see the thing in reality. Next one (If I do another) will have a few things different, but general appearance will be the same. Problem is I'd start the build, and then when I go to work I have 50 hours behind the wheel to think of better ways to do things. Some of the changes made for a better end product, but not all melded as seamlessly with the existing work as I'd have preferred.

Now all we need is SNOW! I've not seen this much bare ground in February since 2000.

The other unit I built was taken home and thrown on a 20 or 25 horse Kubota with chains. He was pushing topsoil with it to see if he could break it. So far so good!

 

[JB4310]

Look factory, now painted.

These things are in every lot around here, these are some huge ones, tried to get pics of attachment, guess there's not much to it, other than a tether chain, no binder on these.

I'd think it would be pretty sloppy? though they are just pushing it so as long as it doesn't fall off the bucket....

JB.

 

[The Haymaker]

Usually they are run snug. A ratchet style chain binder is used. Thus the reason I put the wedges in between the fingers.

 

[captin_insano]

Nice work.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Now all we need is some snow!

LOL...its amazing isnt it? My Driveway isnt even frozen anymore...we'll be playing in the garden before we know it.

Secondly....BEAUTIFUL Work!

 

[Ezlivn]

Dude quit sayin we need SNOW!!!!! I'm in "bike" mode now!!:thumbsup: I think I cursed this winter cause it snowed twice since I bought this tractor!:laughing:

I actually took the bike out for a little spin on the 20th of Feb. it's supposed to be mid 40's and sunny here Saturday. hmmmmmm
Hey I heard ya lay on the horn a few weeks back too. I was in my office.

Nice work my man!!!

 

[JB4310]

I've totally given up on winter this year, I did spring like yard clean up today. Have not had daytime freezing temps in almost a month, totally missed the maple sap flow thinking there's no way winter is over the first week of february, but it was.

JB.

 

[The Haymaker]

Dude quit sayin we need SNOW!!!!! I'm in "bike" mode now!!:thumbsup: I think I cursed this winter cause it snowed twice since I bought this tractor!:laughing:

I actually took the bike out for a little spin on the 20th of Feb. it's supposed to be mid 40's and sunny here Saturday. hmmmmmm
Hey I heard ya lay on the horn a few weeks back too. I was in my office.

Nice work my man!!!

Yeah, kinda bummin' I never got to use the thing, but it sure looks good out front the shop.

I commuted today, along with one day last week, on the bike. Be glad when I can do it daily. It's 20 miles one way. If it's 28 or higher, I'll ride.

I'm trying to get some guys and gals together for a dirtbike ride in some pits down in Augusta. Kinda "Rights of Spring" type thing. Can't wait! Went out last weekend, there's a short video under "KE1LB" called "Summerhaven KTM" or something like that. Check out "Newtons Law" while you're there!

Back to the plow. Made a delivery to Greenway in Smellsworth today. Mentioned to the salesman what I was doing and he seemed interested. We'll see. If I could sell a few of these a year, they'd do well to support my tractor habit!

 

[The Haymaker]

I've totally given up on winter this year, I did spring like yard clean up today. Have not had daytime freezing temps in almost a month, totally missed the maple sap flow thinking there's no way winter is over the first week of february, but it was.

JB.

Even a lot of the frost is out of the ground here. Dug a trench in marine clay last weekend. Crazy. I knew all those tires I burned would pay off! Sorry Gore! (NOT!!!)

 

[204saskman]

I know this is a older post but how about an update on how your plow is working out for you. Im in the midst of building one my self and your thread gave me alot of ideas.

Thanks

 

[The Haymaker]

I know this is a older post but how about an update on how your plow is working out for you. Im in the midst of building one my self and your thread gave me alot of ideas.

Thanks

It has worked out great for me.

Use 3/8" or better bolts to hold the shoes on. They take more of a hammering than you'd expect and are a bear to keep tight.

I ditched the chain setup and went with a strap binder, with a D-ring and short chain in the center at the attachment point to the bucket. Chain was impossible to keep tight, strap isn't much better.

If you have a QA FEL, ditch the chain/strap arrangement completely. I will (someday) put QA pockets at the ends of the "fingers" on the plow. I will keep them because I like the extra 20" or so of reach. Reason for changing is it is cheaper to use the QA than it is to mount the plow, line it up, tighten, use for a bit, and re-tighten.

If you keep it as a bucket attachment, find a way to keep snow form piling up in the bucket. It gets too heavy and is a bear to empty out because the plow is in the way.

Other than that, as said, love it.

E

 

[snowjoker]

It has worked out great for me.



Chain was impossible to keep tight, strap isn't much better.



E

A snow pusher does not need to be tight on the bucket. All the chains do is hold it against the bucket to keep it from falling off. the pusher needs to float on the ground, they are more of a squeegee than a plow, they just move a bulk of the snow off the area your plowing. the only way your going to make it tight is remove the bucket and directly attach the pusher to the loader arms..