Snow Snow Removal

[jfh28]

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]

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]

View by our barn

 

[jfh28]

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]

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]

Nice pics! Your PT looks great!

 

[Barryh]

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]

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]

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]

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 .