Another idea for a front blade, this one from the NYS DOT...

[aczlan]

We went on a roadtrip this weekend and I saw a interesting tractor front plow design thanks to the NYS Thruway Authority. It looked like a front mount three point hitch (with slightly different dimensions than a rear one would have) with a HEAVY plow mounted on it.


Hope it gives someone some ideas for their plow build


Aaron Z

 

[beenthere]

Thanks for posting. The cyl apparently used as a single one way to lift the "3 pt" arrangement. The solid toplink puzzled me for a minute.
Looks heavily built as well as is the front end of the Deere.

 

[JB4310]

Interesting, they probably mount a sweeper or a front mount mower for tight areas on that in the warmer months.

 

[aczlan]

Interesting, they probably mount a sweeper or a front mount mower for tight areas on that in the warmer months.

I would guess that they install a sweeper in the summer as the tractor has a full cab and most DOT mowing tractors (of this size) are open station.

Aaron Z

 

[Lt CHEG]

That is a pretty nice setup. I think that's the most heavy duty plow setup I've seen on that size tractor. I believe that that is actually the Thruway Authority though and not DOT. DOT's yellow is a slightly different shade. I've actually seen a lot more customized snow removal equipment in the hands of the Thruway Authority than with DOT, and their snow plowing equipment is almost universally as heavy duty as one can buy. I'm guessing probably because of the heavy lake effect snows that they often have to deal with in the Western part of NYS.

 

[aczlan]

That is a pretty nice setup. I think that's the most heavy duty plow setup I've seen on that size tractor. I believe that that is actually the Thruway Authority though and not DOT. DOT's yellow is a slightly different shade. I've actually seen a lot more customized snow removal equipment in the hands of the Thruway Authority than with DOT, and their snow plowing equipment is almost universally as heavy duty as one can buy. I'm guessing probably because of the heavy lake effect snows that they often have to deal with in the Western part of NYS.

You are correct, I had forgotten that they are not the same and the Thruway does a amazing job of keeping the roads clear no matter what the weather. This tractor was at the westbound rest area just west of Syracuse.

Aaron Z

 

[20 20]

That's is something like what I did, except I use the FEL to raise and lower, no hydraulic angle. The plow blade{connected to front of tractor} is under the bucket and a chain attaches to that to raise and lower.

 

[kenstrac]

I would think that setup would be awkward to plow with it set out there so far that if you were pushing the snow to either side it would push the front end in the opposite direction,and no FWD to help keep it going the way you want.
Sort of like the tail wagging the dog

 

[beenthere]

kenstrac
There can be some side push, but with the hyd. control of blade angle, just turning the blade will help control that side push. All depends on the snow, ice, slush, packing, etc. But there is a lot of weight on the front end of the tractor shown. As well, lifting slightly on the blade will add all the blade and frame weight to the front wheels.

So in the end, side push prolly doesn't bother much. The dog can still wag it's tail as needed.

 

[jimmer2880]

I like the adjustable top link for pitch control, and 2-way lift cylinder. Nice setup. It's a tad long, but looks like it gets the job done.