I have L3010HST, I'm looing for anyones opinion on front verses rear mont snowblowers. I am going to one or the other before next winter and would value anyones thoughts on which one they have and like. Thanks....Bruce
Snowblowers
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RobS
Super Member
Bruce, there have been some pretty lengthy threads on this topic in the past. You might try searching. I'll summarize what I remember...
The front mount blowers are very expensive (versus only slightly expensive for the rear mount). Front mounts are tractor specific and only available from the tractor manufacturer. If you ever trade tractors, you may have to get a new blower too. With a front mount you loose the FEL capability while the blower is on. Rear mount blowers are made by a number of aftermarket manufacturers and are standard Cat 1 so they'll fit any of our tractors. They are cheaper and you can keep the FEL on for those tasks.
All that said, the biggie for me is driving forwards or backwards. I have a front mount on my lawn tractor and will probably put one on my compact when we move. I prefer moving forward and the changeover from blower to FEL on my tractor is just a couple of minutes. I'll probably keep a rear blade on for ballast and lighter snows (still moving forward though).
It boils down to cost, FEL and which way you like to go /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
The front mount blowers are very expensive (versus only slightly expensive for the rear mount). Front mounts are tractor specific and only available from the tractor manufacturer. If you ever trade tractors, you may have to get a new blower too. With a front mount you loose the FEL capability while the blower is on. Rear mount blowers are made by a number of aftermarket manufacturers and are standard Cat 1 so they'll fit any of our tractors. They are cheaper and you can keep the FEL on for those tasks.
All that said, the biggie for me is driving forwards or backwards. I have a front mount on my lawn tractor and will probably put one on my compact when we move. I prefer moving forward and the changeover from blower to FEL on my tractor is just a couple of minutes. I'll probably keep a rear blade on for ballast and lighter snows (still moving forward though).
It boils down to cost, FEL and which way you like to go /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Bill_in_MI
Silver Member
RobS has pretty much hit the points I would consider. I have a rear mount. I can get my clearing done in less than 1 hour. That's about as much driving backwards as I can take. If it were any longer I would seriously think about a front mount. So, you may want to try and estimate the time factor as well in your decision.
Anonymous Poster
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Bruce , I, too, have been looking into the purchase of a snowblower before another snow season arrives. The most popular blower in this area seems to be the meteor, which is a 3pt unit. However, I am more impressed with the Lorenz, which is also a 3pt unit. I talked with a customer service rep at Lorenz and was told that they have a front mount kit that will drive the same blower from the rear pto. So, if I were to purchase the Lorenz for 3pt and decided that driving backwards for a prolonged period of time became too uncomfortable , then I could buy the kit and not have to buy a different blower. They do not make these kits for every tractor but they have one for a L3010. I have a L3410 and there is a kit available. The specs for the Lorenz are superior to those of the Meteor, but so is the price. ($2500 vs $1400).
I have a front mount blower on my B2150 and it is alittle more than a few minute job to install. First you have to remove the loader and then the sub frame. Although I purchased this directly from the dealer I can't help but think that he sold and installed the wrong hook up and I have a hard time believeing that Kubota intended for the complete loader along with sub frame to be removed?? Anyone out there have a front mount on a B2150 w/loader that has to go through all this. Although I have a 600' driveway plus I think it might be easier to go for a 3pt or switch tractors. I see JD has a nice setup.
emery
Silver Member
I too am looking to buy a blower and if anyone in NewEngland has a used 5' rear mount for sale, please get in touch.
In considering front vs rear I decided that being able to use the FEL as well as the rear trailer hitch were reason enough to go with the rear unit.
In considering front vs rear I decided that being able to use the FEL as well as the rear trailer hitch were reason enough to go with the rear unit.
EdDekker
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Contrary to the dealers advise I purchased a Kubota front mount snowblower with my B2400. It was difficult to install and remove (I also had purchased a loader with the tractor).
The first winter I owned the tractor I discovered how useful the Loader was in the winter, switching between the blower and loader. The second winter I never mounted the snow blower – plowing the driveway with the loader. The third winter I purchased a three point snowblower.
My front mount snowblower is now in a shed at Chappell Tractor (Milford NH) on consignment waiting for someone who wants a Front mount snowblower.
The front mount snowblower was an expensive mistake for me.
Ed
The first winter I owned the tractor I discovered how useful the Loader was in the winter, switching between the blower and loader. The second winter I never mounted the snow blower – plowing the driveway with the loader. The third winter I purchased a three point snowblower.
My front mount snowblower is now in a shed at Chappell Tractor (Milford NH) on consignment waiting for someone who wants a Front mount snowblower.
The front mount snowblower was an expensive mistake for me.
Ed
Pks
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dekker,
When mounting the front mount snow blower, was it necessary to remove the loader subframe?
When mounting the front mount snow blower, was it necessary to remove the loader subframe?
Anonymous Poster
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I have a B7500 with a front mount snowblower - it has its own subframe which
basically bolts onto the loader subframe. On the B7500, you therefore do not
have to remove the loader subframe to mount the actual snowblower.
The subframe for the snowblower only has to be removed for the mid-mount mower.
basically bolts onto the loader subframe. On the B7500, you therefore do not
have to remove the loader subframe to mount the actual snowblower.
The subframe for the snowblower only has to be removed for the mid-mount mower.
RAllen
Silver Member
PKS
I own a B-2910 with a FEL and a front mounted blower.
On my machine, the blower is attached to a subframe. You DO NOT have to take off the FEL frame. To switch between the two, you do the following:
Remove the blower assembly- quick mount 2 minutes- attach the FEL to its subframe.-2 to 3 minutes. You can use the FEL with the subframe still attached. Your only penalty is some groung clearance. Should not be a problem for winter FEL use.
Additionally, as to other's comments about front vs. 3 point blower. As others have stated, I believe it comes down to the length of your drive, backing up long distances is not fun, and your surface composition. My drive is uneven dirt/gravel. I must use a deft touch during the early season to avoid blowing gravel all over the place. I do use the FEL or a back blade for the the first couple of snow falls then the blower.
Three point works fine for short distances on solid surfaces. It depends on what you are doing.
Rick
I own a B-2910 with a FEL and a front mounted blower.
On my machine, the blower is attached to a subframe. You DO NOT have to take off the FEL frame. To switch between the two, you do the following:
Remove the blower assembly- quick mount 2 minutes- attach the FEL to its subframe.-2 to 3 minutes. You can use the FEL with the subframe still attached. Your only penalty is some groung clearance. Should not be a problem for winter FEL use.
Additionally, as to other's comments about front vs. 3 point blower. As others have stated, I believe it comes down to the length of your drive, backing up long distances is not fun, and your surface composition. My drive is uneven dirt/gravel. I must use a deft touch during the early season to avoid blowing gravel all over the place. I do use the FEL or a back blade for the the first couple of snow falls then the blower.
Three point works fine for short distances on solid surfaces. It depends on what you are doing.
Rick
hayden
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I do a 1/2 mile drive/road with a 3PH blower. It's a bit of a pain going backwards, but after you get used to it it's not too bad. I've learned to essentially ride side saddle. I face the right side of the tractor so I can easily look backwards and have my foot on the HST peddle.
To me, having the loader AND blower usable at the same time is critical, and for that reason alone I wouldn't consider a front blower, even when my neck starts to hirt from looking backwards (actually, sideways when you ride side saddle).
Also, there are lots of choices for 3PH blowers and they are about 40% less expensive.
Unless you have a paved, debris-free drive/road, the one tip I would offer is to see if you can get a slip clutch. I replaced 6+ shear bolts this past winter and it gets old fast. But don't be tempted to use harder bolts - I used one out of necessity (nothing else available) and ended up blowing out a very heavy gauge drive chain. Thankfully it was only the chain and not the gear box.
To me, having the loader AND blower usable at the same time is critical, and for that reason alone I wouldn't consider a front blower, even when my neck starts to hirt from looking backwards (actually, sideways when you ride side saddle).
Also, there are lots of choices for 3PH blowers and they are about 40% less expensive.
Unless you have a paved, debris-free drive/road, the one tip I would offer is to see if you can get a slip clutch. I replaced 6+ shear bolts this past winter and it gets old fast. But don't be tempted to use harder bolts - I used one out of necessity (nothing else available) and ended up blowing out a very heavy gauge drive chain. Thankfully it was only the chain and not the gear box.
Pks
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Thanks for letting me know that the subframes do not interfere with each other.
JeffInDaUP
Bronze Member
Bruce,
In town here where I work we get an average of 15' of snow. Most of the people that have front mounts have driveways that are very long, or roads to keep open. It seems though, that many of the local snow removal companies have the rear mount, while using the FEL to eventually move the piles they blow, or to dig people out when they get in "over their head". I talked to some of the local contractors recently and they both said they like the rear mount for long, winding, driveways because the rear tires act as a pivot point and they feel they are much more manuverable in reverse. Also, be sure to buy a blower that has large enough side guards so that the auger is not exposed when blowing into landscaping logs, fences, garages, or homes.
Although, I do get a stiff neck easy....it probably boils down to how much you have to look backwards and how much you will need the FEL.
It is nice to know you have a hopefully long time to think about it!! The grass is finally starting to turn green!!!
Jeff...MI.
In town here where I work we get an average of 15' of snow. Most of the people that have front mounts have driveways that are very long, or roads to keep open. It seems though, that many of the local snow removal companies have the rear mount, while using the FEL to eventually move the piles they blow, or to dig people out when they get in "over their head". I talked to some of the local contractors recently and they both said they like the rear mount for long, winding, driveways because the rear tires act as a pivot point and they feel they are much more manuverable in reverse. Also, be sure to buy a blower that has large enough side guards so that the auger is not exposed when blowing into landscaping logs, fences, garages, or homes.
Although, I do get a stiff neck easy....it probably boils down to how much you have to look backwards and how much you will need the FEL.
It is nice to know you have a hopefully long time to think about it!! The grass is finally starting to turn green!!!
Jeff...MI.
markcg2000
Gold Member
I just finished my first winter with a Meteor, 3PH. I really liked it. The reason I bought 3ph was cost... like said elsewhere, about 40-50% cheaper.
I have also just finished my first week with a box-scraper. I think that all the looking-over-my-shoulder when doing the finsh work is really no different. If you've done any kind of tractoring where you've had to keep a steady/close eye on the back, then I think you already know wether a 3PH is the way to go for you.
mark
I have also just finished my first week with a box-scraper. I think that all the looking-over-my-shoulder when doing the finsh work is really no different. If you've done any kind of tractoring where you've had to keep a steady/close eye on the back, then I think you already know wether a 3PH is the way to go for you.
mark
frank_f15
Super Member, Rest in Peace
dekker. i have a b2400, use fel and back blade for snow, works fine, BUT was considering blower, not being partial to going backwards was thinking front mount.what did u not like about it? and how does it hook to the mid pto? seems like it would be diffcult for shaft to go up front to run blower.
