Snow plowing with Tractor vs ATV

[bpattie]

Originally Posted by CowwFace

Hey Bill,

I got my tractor from down in your neck of the woods. I think it was Lake George...Hitchinpost trailer sales. Vic, the owner is a real stand up guy!

How did the snow end up treating you down there?

Phill

Phill

PS i know the dealership, bought a horse trailer there and used to do reining with the horses with a guy that works there and live in BF. Your right, there are standup folks.

[smfcpacfp]

Snowblowing with Tractor vs ATV

Below are my Old Yamaha Big Bear ATV with a Kimpex snowblower (48" cut and 12 hp Honda engine) and my Kubota B3030 HSDC (63" cut and 27 hp PTO).

The ATV/Kimpex blower did the job 95% of the time. I had to count on the kindess of others the rest of the time. The Kubota does the job 100% of the time. In all fairness the ATV could have done the job 100% of the time if I would have snowblowed more frequently in stormy conditions.

The ATV was a little colder (I got heat from the engine between my legs) but I did have to dress warmer and wear gloves as my hands usually got cold. Kubota - sweat shirt, pajama bottoms, boots to trudge through the snow to get to the tractor but no gloves. Usually have to turn the heat way down after a short while.

The ATV was a pisser to start in clold weather. I usually had to put the kerosene slalmander on it for a while, and then the battery booster to get it to start. The Honda engine was generally better. Plug in the block heater on the tractor for a sufficient time, and it always fired right up.

The snow would stick to the plastic windows of the ATV and I would constantly have to get out and clean it off. Wipers and glass windows on the tractor are a godsend. Never have to get out of the tractor, once in it except to prepare for the next session. Carry a towel in the tractor as the inside steams up at first, but eventually clears - mostly.

Both throw the snow a long way.

Better exterior lighting on the tractor than the ATV.

More maintaince and breakdowns with the Kimpex blower. The belts on the blower usually had to be replaced annually and it was quite a job.

In short with the ATV/Kimpex I would look out at the snow and say to myself, "What adventure is going to befall me today?" With the Kubota, I think, "I wish we had gotten more snow."

[beenthere]

Originally Posted by CowwFace

Hey BeenThere,

Do the snowplow hydraulics operate off of the FEL lever? One issue I have with my ATV plow is when the snow is deep, it can't scower off to the side since the snow is deeper than blade height.

...

Yes, off the FEL joy stick (lever). Works very well. Curl is left and right for the blade angle, and the one way lift ram works off one line (FEL arm lift) with either float or carry. A slight bit of weight on the front wheels if snow conditions just at that point of slippery slush underneath.

Without a cab, the front plow is better than a blower, IMO. Snowmobile helmet is nice to cut the wind in my face. About 1/4 mile drive.

[Steve_Miller]

Originally Posted by CowwFace

Hey List,

Ok here are a few pictures of the recent snow...

The last one is what we call the "Snow Cow". If the snow gets up to the cow my Wife and I have agreed that I don't have to goto work that day. I'm not sure, but I think she keeps moving it higher when I'm at work? hehehe.


Carry on,
Phill

Your a man's man, no cab, just layers of clothes. I feel for you but still don't mind braving the elements myself (probably 'cause I don't have a cab).

Steve

[CowwFace]

Originally Posted by smfcpacfp

Snowblowing with Tractor vs ATV

Below are my Old Yamaha Big Bear ATV with a Kimpex snowblower (48" cut and 12 hp Honda engine) and my Kubota B3030 HSDC (63" cut and 27 hp PTO).

The ATV/Kimpex blower did the job 95% of the time. I had to count on the kindess of others the rest of the time. The Kubota does the job 100% of the time. In all fairness the ATV could have done the job 100% of the time if I would have snowblowed more frequently in stormy conditions.

The ATV was a little colder (I got heat from the engine between my legs) but I did have to dress warmer and wear gloves as my hands usually got cold. Kubota - sweat shirt, pajama bottoms, boots to trudge through the snow to get to the tractor but no gloves. Usually have to turn the heat way down after a short while.

The ATV was a pisser to start in clold weather. I usually had to put the kerosene slalmander on it for a while, and then the battery booster to get it to start. The Honda engine was generally better. Plug in the block heater on the tractor for a sufficient time, and it always fired right up.

The snow would stick to the plastic windows of the ATV and I would constantly have to get out and clean it off. Wipers and glass windows on the tractor are a godsend. Never have to get out of the tractor, once in it except to prepare for the next session. Carry a towel in the tractor as the inside steams up at first, but eventually clears - mostly.

Both throw the snow a long way.

Better exterior lighting on the tractor than the ATV.

More maintaince and breakdowns with the blower. The belts on the blower usually had to be replaced annually and it was quite a job.

In short with the ATV/Kimpex I would look out at the snow and say to myself, "What adventure is going to befall me today?" With the Kubota, I think, "I wish we had gotten more snow."

Hey smfcpacfp,

You forgot the MAIN differance.... CUP HOLDER!!! Havent seen an ATV with one yet!! hehehe. That cab sure looks inviting.

Phill

[CowwFace]

Originally Posted by beenthere

Yes, off the FEL joy stick (lever). Works very well. Curl is left and right for the blade angle, and the one way lift ram works off one line (FEL arm lift) with either float or carry. A slight bit of weight on the front wheels if snow conditions just at that point of slippery slush underneath.

Without a cab, the front plow is better than a blower, IMO. Snowmobile helmet is nice to cut the wind in my face. About 1/4 mile drive.

I'm trying to think of my responce: of seeing a man on a tractor in a snowmobile helmet? THAT is a photo opportunity to say the least. Kinda like black socks at the beach? heheheh

Phill

[radioman]

Originally Posted by LBrown59

Say it hain't so /this can't be snow all ready .

Where have you been? newspapers been talking about snow in colorado already!

Bring on the snow to NYS!

[smfcpacfp]

Originally Posted by CowwFace

Hey smfcpacfp,

You forgot the MAIN differance.... CUP HOLDER!!! Havent seen an ATV with one yet!! hehehe. That cab sure looks inviting.

Phill

Yes but the cupholder is in a very awkward position!

[bpattie]

Originally Posted by radioman

Where have you been? newspapers been talking about snow in colorado already!

Bring on the snow to NYS!

and ya know what, just got back from the store and they are out playing golf in short sleeve shirts. back up to in the 60's and sunny

[Lt CHEG]

Originally Posted by radioman

Where have you been? newspapers been talking about snow in colorado already!

Bring on the snow to NYS!

YES YES YES, please bring the snow to NY. I just picked up my new sled last night and I darn sure want to get plenty of use out of it this year. Let it snow let it snow.