Snow Technique to clear 30" of snow w. Kubota B3300SU

[GFL]

We purchased a used B3300SU last summer and have not been able to use it until today - after around 30" of snow in CT.

What is the proper technique in this situation (I know - don't let it get that deep).

Any help will be appreciated. My Mother-in-law is 95, has COPD and is legally blind. We were caught off guard do to Mom's health and go all of our cars snow in. No one is available for plowing but we need to clear the driveway because Mom goes t the emergency room ever week or so and we need to be able to get her there.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[Teikas Dad]

I've got a B3200, so basically the same tractor. I took the backhoe off for the winter and replaced it with a ballast box.

This was my first storm with the tractor. I kind of made it up as I went along, learning in the process. I could push about 20 feet at a time before the snow piled up so high that the tires started to spin. At that point I got a bucketfull of snow, backed up and dumped it on the side of the driveway. I finally figured out to cut back and area, actually a couple of them, along the side of the driveway to dump the snow in. I pushed back the sides lifting the loader at the same time then dumped the snow in the bucket over the top.

I found that on long flat stretches I seemed to make out better when I put the transmission in H instead of M. I could build up more speed and the tractor could push the snow farther. If I was just moving shorter distances I would leave the transmission in M. I ran at about 2000rpm which seemed to give it plenty of power. The only time it bogged down was when I had the loader buried in a 5 or 6 foot high mound of snow. Then all I had to do was lift it and dump it over the top of the mound.

I just took my time and kept pushing, lifting and dumping until I got it done. I got about 4 hours seat time between my driveway and the neighbor's driveway so I'm not complaining!

I don't know if my technique was the proper one or recommended one, but it worked.

 

[SPMMD]

Depending on the surface under the snow (pavement, gravel or stow drive or dirt) you will either want to push the snow with the loader on "float", or you may need to play close attention to the bucket to gently raise and lower or "feather" the bucket height as to avoid digging up the bottom surface. Be careful backing and remember to take into account the bucket length ahead of you as to avoid damaging any cars or nearby structures while the front end swings while backing!!!!!

 

[BuzzardA91]

Trial and error for me but got it done. I pushed a bunch areas back to dump snow then moved when needed. I tried to go on and angle from the center of driveway out so I could push and lift more then one scoop at a time. A rear blade would have been nice for final cleanup.

Float works ok for pavement but I found feathering bucket worked better.

Tractor WAY better then plow truck for this storm. I had 4' drifts across driveway. Plow wouldn't budge.

 

[Verticaltrx]

I've got a B3200, so basically the same tractor. I took the backhoe off for the winter and replaced it with a ballast box.

This was my first storm with the tractor. I kind of made it up as I went along, learning in the process. I could push about 20 feet at a time before the snow piled up so high that the tires started to spin. At that point I got a bucketfull of snow, backed up and dumped it on the side of the driveway. I finally figured out to cut back and area, actually a couple of them, along the side of the driveway to dump the snow in. I pushed back the sides lifting the loader at the same time then dumped the snow in the bucket over the top.

I found that on long flat stretches I seemed to make out better when I put the transmission in H instead of M. I could build up more speed and the tractor could push the snow farther. If I was just moving shorter distances I would leave the transmission in M. I ran at about 2000rpm which seemed to give it plenty of power. The only time it bogged down was when I had the loader buried in a 5 or 6 foot high mound of snow. Then all I had to do was lift it and dump it over the top of the mound.



I don't know if my technique was the proper one or recommended one, but it worked.

That sounds like a fine technique except for the part about using High range. It's really only meant for transport and road use, you are kinda abusing the transmission by pushing with it in high. Medium range should be a good balance of speed and power for snow removal, remember these are very small tractors so they aren't going to be that fast.

 

[tractchores]

I have a B2920, so a bit smaller, but the technique is the same. You move a LOT more snow if you push it VS scooping and relocating. If it's paved use float and adjust the bucket curl until you get down to pavement (sharper angle scrapes, shallow floats over obstacles). In gravel or dirt you can use float too, just use no angle on the curl or you'll dig in. If it's too deep for one pass i position the bucket square with the snow and push half the mass off the top, then use float to do the bottom. As you push into the bank and lose traction lift the bucket and curl down so that you push up and dump. If you cannot push the snow due to an obstacle you can back drag and create a pile in a place where it can be pushed. If you have a rear blade it works great as a plow at an angle if the snow isn't too deep, otherwise use it as a pusher in reverse.

Not sure what tires you have, but R4's can be tough in the snow, so chains would be recommended. Turfs do pretty good in snow, though you'll want ballast or loaded tires. I have also find that medium range and 4wd is best for snow, you'll slip before you need the torque of low and medium lets you get momentum and momentum is hugely important to moving big piles of snow.

Good luck!

 

[Teikas Dad]

That sounds like a fine technique except for the part about using High range. It's really only meant for transport and road use, you are kinda abusing the transmission by pushing with it in high. Medium range should be a good balance of speed and power for snow removal, remember these are very small tractors so they aren't going to be that fast.

OK, thanks for the tip. Like I said, this is my first storm/use for the tractor so I'm learning as I go along. File for future reference....don't plow in H!

 

[BuzzardA91]

Everyone seems to agree R4s suck in the snow. That is what I have and so far no issues at all. I went through this stuff like nothing. Not to say your wrong, I would just try it a few storms before I got chains.

 

[SPMMD]

So far, loaded R4s with the ballast of the box blade on my B3200 and I haven't run into a traction problem yet. My surface beneath the snow is gravel/ dirt.

 

[Teikas Dad]

Everyone seems to agree R4s suck in the snow. That is what I have and so far no issues at all. I went through this stuff like nothing. Not to say your wrong, I would just try it a few storms before I got chains.

Buzzard, how much did you get up in West Granby? I'm down in Southbury and we ended up with around 24+ plus some drifts up to 30+.