Snow Snow Removal

jfh28 · Dec 9, 2005

Well we got our first good snowfall last night of 12 inches so I got to try out the PT for snow removal.

My previous machine was a small craftsman tractor and this snowfall would have required 2 plowings at the 6 inch marks. That would have meant a 5 am wakeup call. The old machine also took over 2 1/2 hours to clear our drive. The PT took 1 1/2 hours so a total time savings of 3 1/2 hours.

The PT allowed me to wait for the storm to finish before starting. This not only meant being able to sleep in but also not having to plow with the snow falling. A much more pleasent and drier experience.

From an earlier Thanksgiving day snow storm I was able to make a few modifications that made this one easier. I removed the cutting bar from the plow and added a 5 inch wide strip of horse matting. Much easier to plow a gravel drive with the matting. I also added chains to the rear wheels to stop the crabbing.

I bought some shoes to add to the plow but I need to get a bracket welded on to attach them. With the shoes I will be able to plow in float. The drive is just to uneven to use float and without shoes the blade digs in.

jfh28 · Dec 9, 2005

The PT didn't flinch a bit pushing the 12 inches. Power is not a problem. I also like sitting up high and being able to see what I am plowing.

I found that leaving the backhoe on has it's advantages. I got to close to a drainage culvert that was covered with snow and slid in. Using the backhoe I easily pushed myself out before anyone could see my embarassing predictament!

I have the bar treads and I will note that they do work well in the deep snow. I had a flat (actually a slice) thru a tire and my spare had the bars going in the wrong direction for that side (naturally). The Thanksgiving storm which was only 4 inches the front was slidding all over. I have since been able to buy a replacement tire and got it mounted so on this storm everything was correct and what a difference.

I have also discovered a huge advantage the 24 series has over the 14 series. I sit on a built in heater (engine) so my legs and tush were nice and warm the whole time.

jfh28 · Dec 9, 2005

View by our barn

jfh28 · Dec 9, 2005

Looking down our drive after the Thanksgiving storm.

All in all I am extremely happy with the PT as a snow removal machine. Once I get the shoes on the plow I should be able to cut more time off the plowing.

MuncyBob · Dec 10, 2005

Thanx for the pics...according to the Farmers Alamanc you will want to keep the plow handy this winter! I'm contemplating getting a plow for my PT to get to the areas that my truck can't get to.

Highridge · Dec 10, 2005

Nice pics! Your PT looks great!

Barryh · Dec 10, 2005

You bettcha that is a sweet looking tractor. Great snow pic's. Nice to see people taking the time to share pictures. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Barryh · Dec 10, 2005

Ok now I am ready to plow some snow... just got my 8 ball spinner knob today at the recommendation of you PT veterans. Now all I need is a rear view mirror some hanging dice, some Elvis tunes in my cab and I'm set.

MossRoad · Dec 10, 2005

Very nice! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

We had about 9" Thursday evening/Friday morning. The PT425 cleared the entire drive in three passes. Then I spent about 5 minutes piling it up for the kids to play on.

These things are the best for snow removal.

ernemats · Dec 11, 2005

I had the same problem with the blade digging in in float position on my gravel driveway. I have a set of shoes off an old western snow plow I used to have , I will have to get some kind of brackets made to try the plow with .

CRJCaptain · Dec 11, 2005

Great pics...whereabouts are you located?

MuncyBob · Dec 12, 2005

Barryh....I don't have the dice, etc. but I do know Santa is bringing me a 13" leather steering wheel cover! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Barryh · Dec 12, 2005

There ya go ! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif That will help keep them hands warm. BTW rumor has it, Santa will be delivering gifts by PT this year, he likes his 425 so much he decided to give his deer the rest of the season off. Enjoy!

jfh28 · Dec 12, 2005

Thanks. Located in the Poconos, PA.

jfh28 · Dec 12, 2005

I was going to go with some western plow shoes but they looked big for the 60" plow. I opted to get shoes from an atv supplier but with another storm due midweek I'm gun shy to give the plow to the welder and not have it back in time. Could always plow with the lmb but it would take forever.

RegL · Dec 12, 2005

This will sound crazy, but I have taken a piece of pcv pipe and sawed a slot in it lengthwise and forced it on to the steel edge. It broke up after a while due to getting brittle in the cold. Something like sch. 80 may work better. Might work until you get your shoes welded up.

tracdoc · Dec 12, 2005

Boy, now I am really envious of you folks havin' all the fun...er,... I mean doing all the work plowing with your PTs.

My son is hoping for snow to get out of school, and I'm hoping for snow to get to use the PT plow. Of course, the wonderful Mrs. thinks I'm daffy. Okay, she may be correct /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Barryh · Dec 13, 2005

Hey there Doc,

You are welcome to come by and help me plow snow anytime. Of course, if a big one hits you may have to stay over until they plow the roads back here. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I have had to pull at least 10 cars off the road in front of our house with a tow strap in the last two years. People sometimes just get sideways out there lock up their cars and walk home. I know we are due for a big storm anytime now. I Just hope it holds off until we have our Christmas party this weekend. That would be a bummer. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif