Snowblower Snowblower question

Bob_Young · Sep 26, 2006

I've been half-heartedly looking for a snowblower for my Kubota B7610 (24HP/18 PTO HP). A local dealer has a leftover Pronovost Puma 72 that he's willing to sell me for $1450. At 6 foot, it's way bigger than the 54" to 60" blower I was looking for. He didn't have any other models in stock, but said he could get a 54" or a 64". The 54" price would be $1875.

The 6' blower's rated for 18 to 25HP so, on paper, the B7610 has enough engine. The 72 is only about 40 lbs heavier than the 54, so that doesn't appear to be an issue. The Puma topped my list of desirable snowblowers. Still, that thing looks like it'll take an awfully big bite for such a small tractor. That, and the 11" overhang past each rear wheel makes me wonder how practical this thing would be. I don't want to bother with it if it'll only clear 2" to 3" of light powder or if I have to sit exposed to winter's blast for half an hour just to go 20 ft. A couple of ft per minute at the full 6' bite would be the lower limit of what I could tolerate.

Is anyone else running a 6' snow blower on a tractor this size? Will it handle a 6" to 8" snowfall at a reasonable rate? Will it handle wet snow? Did you have to have the PTO shaft trimmed to make it work with your tractor?

My bigger tractors all move way too fast in reverse at 540 PTO RPM.

Thanks.
Bob

CraigG · Sep 26, 2006

I also live in central NY. I think that blower is too big for your tractor. I had a woods 60" blower on my JD4310 and sometimes it would bog dowXn in heavy wet snow. I also tried this blower with a BX2350 and it could not handle it. This tractor is close in power to yours. I would stick with a 60" max. Also you will find that if the blower hangs over your tracks too far that you will not be able to control in close quarters while backing.

Craig

MadReferee · Sep 26, 2006

I am running a 64" Puma on a B2710 and have no issues. It is the perfect size for a tractor that has a wheel width of 58". A 6"-8" overhang on each side is not all that big of a deal, but 11 or 12 on each side might be just a tad too much for a slightly smaller tractor. At about 30-35% off retail, that 72" Puma is a steal.

Bob_Skurka · Sep 26, 2006

I run a 60" blower on a 24 hp tractor and have never had a problem with the engine bogging down under load. But then again a very heavy snow for us is 10" to 12" and your conditions may be different.

I would be worried about the weight. If I run my 60" blower with the FEL off the tractor, the tractor tends to do wheelies! The blower is heavy and the front needs counter weight. A 72" blower would be correspondingly heavier in weight, I'd suggest you keep your FEL on the machine when/if you decide to buy it.

scesnick · Sep 26, 2006

I run a 64" Ber-Vac on my Yanmar 200BD. I haven't had any issues at all and it works well. I don't think you would have a problem.

herringchoker · Sep 26, 2006

I run a 72" blower on a B7800 (22 PTO HP) with no problem whatsoever. I always have the FEL on to scrape down to bare ground on a small hill I want to keep clear of ice, and also for balance. In 2 winters, I have not encountered any snow the B7800 could not handle at a good (to me) speed. The HST lets me handle with ease 3 ft. soggy banks rolled up by the road plow. The extra overhang width can be a bit of a nuisance at times, but not a big deal for me. All that being said, you have 4 less HP than me so I'm not sure how it would work for you. That sure is a great deal on the Puma 72.

canoetrpr · Sep 26, 2006

Another way to look at it is that if you get the blower and it ends up being too big for your tractor then you will just have to bite the bullet and get a bigger tractor!.

I've tried that kind of logic on my wife before and it dosen't work

SacandagaBrad · Sep 26, 2006

I run a 52" Woods on my TC-24D with 18 hp at the PTO, and it is perfect. I can bog down the engine in heavy scraper banks, but I think it is just the right size for the width of the tires. We haven't had a decent winter since I bought it, so I can't tell you how it performs in anything more than maybe 10" of fresh snow.

Another thing to consider is the fan diameter. Bigger fan throws it further (all other things being equal) due to higher tip speed, but that also takes more power. My Woods has a 23", I've seen specs anywhere from 18" to 24" on blowers in the 50" to 60" class and the bigger the fan, the higher the hp requirement. Check the fan diameter as one of the variables that will affect your performance. I will be on a 6' unit, the fan is fairly large, probably more than the 23" on mine.

I personally wouldn't want a 72" on mine for our heavy NY snow, but with the HST any speed is possible.

Brad

Bob_Young · Sep 30, 2006

The 72" Pumas have a 20" impellor diameter. Your thoughts echo mine, Sac...brad, 72" is a bit much for 18 PTO HP. I'd give it a try if I had 4 or 5 more HP.

I think I'm going to pass on this opportunity. If anyone else is interested, check Seneca Farm & Home Supply on Route 414 south of Seneca Falls, NY. There were two on the lot when I was there.
Bob

HEC · Sep 30, 2006

What do you have for a transmission? Gear or Hst
If it is a gear trans. without creeper gears the blower will be to big for your tractor in heavy snow,unless you you have a very very low gear for reverse.If you have Hst you can at least get the right speed for the snow conditions, a big plus for any size blower.