Using a skid steer snow bucket-ground not frozen

[dannyk]

I need some advice for removing wet snow this spring. I have a 753 Bobcat with tracks and a 74" snow bucket. The rig works great on frozen ground, but now the top inch or so of the ground has thawed, and we got more snow. The bucket edge angle is such that as soon as I contact the ground, the machine wants to dig. Because of this, removing snow can cause a serious mess. Has anyone used a bucket with skid shoes, or some other technique for getting the bucket bottom parallel to the ground instead of digging in? It has occurred to me to buy a set of mushroom skid shoes for a Western truck plow and bolt one of them to each end of the bucket, and then run the bucket in float so (hopefully) the shoes won't dig into the soft ground. Any other suggestions?

 

[dannyk]

Re: Using a skid steer snow bucket-ground not froz

I forgot to mention, the tracks are the reason the bucket meets the ground in such a sharp angle. The machine sits an inch or two higher because it is on the tracks. Thanks for any tips.

 

[Dozernut]

Re: Using a skid steer snow bucket-ground not froz

A temporary solution and cheap one would be to get a 2x6 and cut to the length of the bucket width. Cut an angled edge on the 2x6, then bolt this to the bottom side of the bucket cutting edge. This will make up your height difference and allow the bucket to float on the width of your 2x6. This will work on snow and only temporarily, but should keep your bucket from diiging in.

 

[RobS]

Let's see now... top inch or two thawed but the rest frozen? That suggests there is a lot of meltwater in that top inch or two? That sounds like mud. What those New Englanders call "mud season".

I don't know Bobcats too well but a 753 is pretty good sized. They are all typically much heavier than a compact tractor. Tracks add weight and more surfaces to eat into the ground.

Add the mud and the heavy Bobcat and I don't see anything other than a huge mess /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dannyk]

Re: Using a skid steer snow bucket-ground not froz

Actually, Rob, it isn't too bad yet, especially if I leave a little snow to float on. When the ground thaws a little more, of course, it will be impossible to use the 5000 lb. (43.5 hp) machine.

Thanks Dozernut. I had been thinking along these lines too. I also called my Bobcat dealer who says that Bobcat now makes a $210 attachment plate that will attach to a bucket and allow it to rest flat on the ground on a machine with tracks. I don't know any more about this plate, however. Anybody ever see one?

 

[Hoeman00]

Re: Using a skid steer snow bucket-ground not froz

I don't use tracks on my Deere (still setting in barn)when pushing snow.
Is the bucket set up for your machine?
Does it set level w/o tracks on concrete floor?
My grouser tracks are 1.25 thick and w/ the 1" of mud u should be close to where it is still level.
Does your bucket cylinders have play in the pins?
The 2x6 board could help or bolt on another cutting edge like 1"x8" steel this would strengthen bucket too.