Snow removal with a 200CX FEL on a 2320

ruralbrew · 12-19-2007, 01:15 PM

Is anyone else using the FEL to remove snow? I am doing in on a gravel driveway in Upstate NY (Syracuse). The tractor is new and the cutting edge is already getting chewed up. Any ideas on how to keep it from getting chewed up? I was thinking high density plastic or nylon and then drill/carraige bolt it to the bottom of the FEL cutting edge. As the edge on the FEL is welded on it looks like pain to replace it, if you can even get a replacement edge for it.

I was wondering if it was worth getting a blade for it, but moving snow with the FEL is just sooo easy. And blowing it would be difficult as my house is U shapped and faces West so the snow blows right back at ya.

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200CX FEL, iMatch, Balast Box, 4' Frontier Rotary Mower, 62" MMM, 4' Backblade (TSC), Post Hole Digger (unknown manuf), Front Work Lights, Light brush guards, block heater, looking for a BH

TimS · 12-19-2007, 02:00 PM

How about bolting on a sacrificial edge of UHMW polyethylene? It's not cheap (Order Plastic UHMW Sheet in Small Quantities at OnlineMetals.com) but you could probably make several edges out of a single 48x12" chunk.

The real problem is that you need skid shoes similar to the ones on a blade or a blower, so they take the wear instead of the bucket edge.

Tim

brettliddicoat · 12-19-2007, 03:26 PM

you could also put a bolt on cutting edge on made out of steel and it is reversible if you have a bobcat dealer or other skidloader dealer they can more than likely get you one you would need to know the width of the bucket and may have to cut a little off but the only hard part about this option is drilling the holes in the bucket after that you can replace the edge quite easily

also replacing a weld on edge can be a pain i did an 80 inch bucket and it took me a day and a little more

goodbyeNJ · 12-19-2007, 03:58 PM

Using the loader is a good way to move snow. I used the 200cx loader on my 2520 last winter and moved a lot of snow from my blacktop drives. I got some nicks and dings on the edge almost right away - looked bad, but really not very serious. I started to curl the bucket up just a bit and it helped a lot. Would also reduce the amount of stones picked up.
Others have suggested wearable edges as a good solution.
Someone suggested shoes - it would be pretty easy to fabricate a couple of bolt on shoes for snow work and would solve all of your concerns. If you don't want to do the fabrication you could modify some from a blade or heavy duty blower.

JCB · 12-20-2007, 12:14 PM

Ruralbrew,

Just to alleviate any concerns so you don't feel you "have to" purchase a blade. The bucket on the 200cx isn't necessarily disposable, you can repair/replace the cutting edge it just isn't an easy bolt-on process.

I've helped do the same thing on larger tractors. Cutting edge steel is fairly standard stuff and widely available. You simply cut off the old one with grinder or torch and weld a new one on.

If you don't have the equipment, any reputable welding shop should be able to easily replace the cutting edge on that bucket if you are so inclined.

Hope that helps you.

Joe

ruralbrew · 12-20-2007, 07:50 PM

I am contemplating getting a set of skids and welding them to a frame for the FEL. Maybe make it easy to remove for the summer. The skids would help also not wear the bottom of the bucket out. I also own an old ford Backhoe and an old Ford 8N. Replacing the edge is easy enough. I have an arc welder and have done some (i would not say alot) of welding. The problem is: is this all worth it or shoudl I look at like the Curtis alternative. The FEL just seems to move snow better than any pickup truck plow blade I have owned. It takes a while longer, but gets the driveway alot cleaner. I wish the European cab enclosure for the 2320 we sold in the US. Then I probably would try a blower.

bostonrats · 12-20-2007, 08:29 PM

Hello to all,

I recently set up a plow for my L185DT. I bought a very used 6' Fisher that had a Meyers pump on it. The frame is a MM1. I cut down the frame any only used the bottom receiver. I welded angle iron to the sides and bolted it into my bucket. I used (5) 5/16 grade 5 bolts per side. TSC by the pound...

This setup allows me to remove the plow during the winter and only have about 2 inches of metal left in the bucket. In the spring I will pull it all out. I plan a quick disconnet DC cable but for not it's hard wired.

I use the right/left angle from the MM1, I use the bucket for vertical. I put a a side to side momentary switch in the dash to control the plow. You only need 3 wires to the pump, ground, positive, and one control wire. I bought a solinoid at TSC for the heavy amps.

Here are some photos of the mock up before I made the cuts and fully mounted. Finally, the plow working a storm.

Best to all!

PS I know about the cab or lack of. Please leave other funny or sarcastic comments!

megotatractor · 12-21-2007, 10:55 PM

I use the FEL for scooping out corners or for pushing some times. Otherwise the bucket is just too darn small. I've found that driving backwards pushing with the rear blade moves the most snow. the rear blade equiped with skid shoes. I'm hunting for a bargain on a front blade.

EdC · 12-22-2007, 12:17 AM

ruralbrew

I left my toothbar on. It that works pretty good to keep my FEL bucket just a bit off the ground when it is in "float". Doesn't pick up too much gravel either.

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