Snowblower size?

[Canada_CT230]

I have a new Bobcat CT230 and it is a 30 HP tractor. I've been looking at some snowblowers and I have come across a few good deals but they are larger (72" or bigger). I was thinking a 60" personally but not sure how much HP is required for each size. Any ideas?

[Johndeere3720]

I would get the 72" blower. Move a lot more snow faster. I know your tractor can handle it.

[smfcpacfp]

You want a blower that is wider than your wheeltrack so you don't drive over snow and pack it down. A wider blower is going to be more awkward in tight spots, but I think wider is better because you can do fewer passes if the snow isn't taxing the tractor engine. If it is tax your tracor, make your 72" blower a narrower blower by taking smaller cuts after the first pass. If the snow is deep, or heavy just go really, really slow on the first pass.

[Canada_CT230]

Yes on covering tracks. A 60" will cover my tracks. I was worried about HP to drive the unit but figured if you drove slower it would chew sufficiently.

Normally we get 4-6" at a time. If it was a monster snow fall then maybe 1 - 1.5 feet but I could always go out twice.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't passing up a good deal just to hold out for a 60" model.

[Johndeere3720]

Yeah, it will definatly have enough PTO HP.

[studor]

I run a six foot on my 28Hp -- not an issue

[ndnative]

I have a 66" farm king with my ct225 (27hp ) No problems handling fresh snow.

[Mike058]

So, do blowers follow the 5hp per foot rule?

[Tul01]

welcome to tbn, canada. i have traction was an issue trying to push too large a snowblower with a 2wd, a quick glance at photos makes it look like a ct230 is 4wd? We push a 84" with 55hp and I can still bog down and blow shear pins. Like the others have said, sometimes just take it slower and/or take a narrower slice, I'm sure you could make do with the larger blower.

Brent

[Max2310]

Usually, you should see the HP requirement in the manufacturer specs.

You can have 2 blowers with the same width requiring different min./max. HP based on fan size, weight and so on.

I would go slightly larger than your tractor, just enough to give you a certain maneuverability while you turn and blow at the same time. It could probably take allot larger but I don't think it would be to your advantage.