Loader Snowplowing with a loader mounted blade

[haroldy]

Has anyone damaged their loader while plowing snow

 

[Big Barn]

Not yet.

 

[WVBill]

I adapted a blade attachment from my Craftsman Lawn tractor to hook up on my Kubota FEL and did no damage:

 

[PILOON]

Has anyone damaged their loader while plowing snow

I once had a Deere that I was able to buy at a bargain price.
The previous owner had rammed a curb while scooping snow with the FEL, the right loader arm had to be cut and re welded with splice plates.
It was a heavy brute of a tractor and weight worked against him.

 

[NWOH_Grizz]

Not yet, but I make sure I don't run into anything and I take it easy. Don't smack snow piles either. If it gets heavy enough, I'll switch to the loader bucket and pick the snow up to move it.

 

[PILOON]

With all tractors, just let the hydraulics do the work. Never ram into the work, ease in and gently lift as U push, this way you'll not do any damage.\
As U get more proficient you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Heck with 20 HP machines I totally excavated my home site and had the site prepared for planting and that included retaining walls.
All that over one W/E with a rented tracked digger.
With my CUT I placed about 15 truckloads of blasted material all in one day!
My trick? never ram, let hydraulics do their job!
Too big a load? roll it!
OH, and I'll add , I have only replaced one hose (of about 12) since '85, and that was not my choice as the shop that repaired a scarred cylinder wanted a bigger invoice. ( my bad as I delivered it with the short hose attached. eg lazy)

 

[Katahdin]

Nope and going into my 6th winter. 7'6" blade on a loader rated for 2500lbs. The plow has full trip springs, which do engage occasionally. I plumbed in a hydraulic relief valve but I don't think that has ever opened. I only clear a 400 ft gravel driveway, no commercial use.

 

[PILOON]

Nope and going into my 6th winter. 7'6" blade on a loader rated for 2500lbs. The plow has full trip springs, which do engage occasionally. I plumbed in a hydraulic relief valve but I don't think that has ever opened. I only clear a 400 ft gravel driveway, no commercial use.

Here I must agree, be sure to incorporate 'trip springs', my blade is so equipped and over 6 yrs no problem. Was tricky to do on my DIY plow but seems that I calculated it right. OK. I needed to make an adjustment or 2 but that's part of DIY projects. AKA great fun as long as no damage occurs.

 

[MHarryE]

Going into my 3rd winter with a skid steer blade on my Kubota L6060. Has had lots of tough use and no loader arm problems yet. Previously got by fr 10 years with rear blade and front bucket which was a real pain. Front blade has been easier on tractor because of the trip. In the past when the going got tough I had to use the bucket and it has no give.

 

[AndyMA]

I have an 8 foot plow that I used over 50 years ago on an 8N that I modified to mount to an bucket with 2 large bolts. Have used on 5 different tractors ranging from 30 hp to 75 hp with no issues

Andy

 

[Thomas]

No problems,just go slow until you get the feel of it and make sure trip springs in good working condition.

 

[mcfarmall]

Plowed snow for many years as a teenager with a Ford 2N and a Superior loader with a 6 foot fixed dozer blade, no spring trip or angle capabilities, just a pair of skid shoes and loaded R1's with chains...virtually unstoppable.

Take it easy, mark or remove any obstacles, and you'll do just fine. I made some really large snow piles to play on with that rig!

 

[Budweiser John]

After 15 years I retired my 3PH snow blower and bought a Quick Attach snow blade with hydraulic Angeling
I cut half an hour off my usual snow removal time with the blade and more if you consider the time to attach the blower and PTO shaft.
No issues with FEL damage but as been stated, careful operation and knowing where the obstacles are is paramount.

B. John

 

[mmranch]

I've been using my 9' blade on my road for 9 years without FEL issues. 1/2 mile long and 150' elevation gain. 200-400 inches of snow per season. I have even used the blade to grade road base at times under the right conditions.

 

[DK35vince]

15+ years with a loader mounted snow blade on my tractor.
No problems