XR3135HC Opinions and snowplow blade vs. blower

[Norwegian Mike]

Hi all,

My name is Mike and I live in rural East Central Wisconsin. The ole plow truck needs replacing, while to motor and plow are willing the body and running gear are not going to make it through this next winter. I've been kicking around what to replace it with.... Kubota RTV and plow or another used truck. A new idea popped into my head. I have had a MF GC2300 sub compact for about 15 years, great little rig but always a bit too small. My neighbor has a LS tractor he bought used a couple years ago and he really loves it. My local LS dealer has a new 2020 LS XR3135HC w/ Loader for about $29,000 taxes with a VK12 3rd function hydraulic kit installed and included. I'm thinking this would solve me small tractor problem, and perhaps my winter plow problem. My winter option are several different blades, the all angle most interests me or a more expensive front mounted snow blower. And thoughts on utilizing a all angle blade for snow plowing with a tractor ? My driveway and barn yard are gravel... a snow blower makes me wonder about tossing gravel.... LOL The cost of a new Kubota RTV-1100C and a BOSS v plow or Snow Dog are nearing the cost of the tractor...

Mike

 

[rScotty]

Snow plow trucks work pretty good with front blades because of the weight. That doesn't work so well on tractors since they are light in the front. Tractors carry their weight in the back for pulling. So with a tractor you can pull a blade just fine, but pushing one doesn't work so well. Even a light snow will kick the front of the tractor sideways so much that a front blade is a constant fight. Add to that a front blade being so far out front that it tends to gouge the surface and I haven't been able to get mine to work.

I guess it might work with a light snow. but here in the mountains it works better to use chains and pull a blade behind the tractor - or use a snow blower like others do.
No matter which, on dirt you are likely to have to choose to either scrape the surface or leave an inch or two of compacted snow that freezes into ice.
Either one can be a bit ugly.

Until I figure out a better solution I'll just do it the easy way.... using the front loader bucket to push and lift the snow into piles off the end of the road ....and then hoping for sunshine to melt the last inch or so. That only works if you have a place to pile snow for the winter, but if so, it is surprisingly effective. Then again, we don't get much snow here. 150 inches seems an average. Maybe someday I'll put some clamp-on wheels on the bucket to keep from scalping the high spots.
rScotty

 

[George2615]

Hi Mike and :welcome: to TBN
I have the older version of the tractor you are looking at purchasing. Mines an XR3037HC and I have a 7 1/2' Quick attach plow for the front and a double auger blower for the 3 pt. It works fine on my gravel driveway. I like it better than plowing with my truck since it can turn much quicker and is easier to maneuver than the truck.

 

[rodneyn]

I have the LS xr3135c no hydrostatic just shuttle shift. Live in northern climate but no issues with abundance of snow just cold weather. Tractor is work horse I have the TLB unit. No complaints but recommendation if you purchase make sure to use 0-w40 oil in cold months. Many of owners have experienced turbo failure from oil viscosity issues. I immediately changed oil in the fall to avoid issues. Everything has been great. Tractor has earned its keep with me.

 

[thclimer]

How long is your driveway? Ours is about 1/3 of a mile, the plow truck makes quick work of clearing the gravel driveway and once a large enough pile is created with plowing I use the blower to throw the snow further away. Can our tractor blow the entire length of the driveway, sure can and for the big snowfalls (30" +) that's what I do but it just takes longer. Its always a struggle with not plowing or blowing away the gravel until the ground freezes solid.