Snowblower size?

[Canada_CT230]

I have a new Bobcat CT230 and it is a 30 HP tractor. I've been looking at some snowblowers and I have come across a few good deals but they are larger (72" or bigger). I was thinking a 60" personally but not sure how much HP is required for each size. Any ideas?

 

[Johndeere3720]

I would get the 72" blower. Move a lot more snow faster. I know your tractor can handle it.

 

[smfcpacfp]

You want a blower that is wider than your wheeltrack so you don't drive over snow and pack it down. A wider blower is going to be more awkward in tight spots, but I think wider is better because you can do fewer passes if the snow isn't taxing the tractor engine. If it is tax your tracor, make your 72" blower a narrower blower by taking smaller cuts after the first pass. If the snow is deep, or heavy just go really, really slow on the first pass.

 

[Canada_CT230]

Yes on covering tracks. A 60" will cover my tracks. I was worried about HP to drive the unit but figured if you drove slower it would chew sufficiently.

Normally we get 4-6" at a time. If it was a monster snow fall then maybe 1 - 1.5 feet but I could always go out twice.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't passing up a good deal just to hold out for a 60" model.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Yeah, it will definatly have enough PTO HP.

 

[studor]

I run a six foot on my 28Hp -- not an issue

 

[ndnative]

I have a 66" farm king with my ct225 (27hp ) No problems handling fresh snow.

 

[Mike058]

So, do blowers follow the 5hp per foot rule?

 

[Tul01]

welcome to tbn, canada. i have traction was an issue trying to push too large a snowblower with a 2wd, a quick glance at photos makes it look like a ct230 is 4wd? We push a 84" with 55hp and I can still bog down and blow shear pins. Like the others have said, sometimes just take it slower and/or take a narrower slice, I'm sure you could make do with the larger blower.

Brent

 

[Max2310]

Usually, you should see the HP requirement in the manufacturer specs.

You can have 2 blowers with the same width requiring different min./max. HP based on fan size, weight and so on.

I would go slightly larger than your tractor, just enough to give you a certain maneuverability while you turn and blow at the same time. It could probably take allot larger but I don't think it would be to your advantage.

 

[escavader]

Ithought about a larger one than my 54 when i bought it.My wife and i figured i wouldnt gain anything ; the 54 needs to go around my 12 ft drive 3 times[overlapping each pass]the 6 fter would still need 3 passes,because you need to overlap a little.All i would have gained is a bigger price tag .Something to ponder mabey?
ALAN

 

[Spudland_Dave]

6' without a doubt.

With a hydro its even more reason to go 6'....if you only have 2" of snow...step on it, if you got 18" of snow...you can tailor the ground speed to match conditions...

 

[jimmyj]

Agreed with 72. I have the same tractor basically and just talked to my dealer about a 72" blower. You won't have a problem.

Welcome to TBN

 

[Tig]

I power a 60" blower with my 13 HP PTO. It's adequate for my use. I do have to slow down a lot for drifts but I can clean the lane with one round trip.
30 HP on a 72" would march right through those drifts. If you get 2' of snow you'll be out there grinning and giggling as you show winter who's the boss.

 

[herringchoker]

I have no problem running a 72" blower behind my B7800 HST (30 engine HP, 22 PTO HP). I just have to be careful not to sideswipe things with the blower when I'm using the FEL (54" bucket).