I live in VA and winter is coming fast upon us. I have a JD 4710 MFWD with a 460 FEL and Hydro trans. This is my first tractor I bought this summer and have not had it through a winter yet. I've been on tractors all my life for doing general farm work but not for snow removal. My machine came with an additional front mounted blade that is currently sitting in a barn. It's a basic blade with a manual 3-position setting, no angle hydraulics. I haven't measured it but it does look to be at least as wide as the tractor, I'm guessing about 6-7'.
So, the million $$ question, when they call for that first snow, leave on the bucket or use the blade? We usually get 6-10" on average but we do occasionally get the 18-24+". I hate those, and most of our snows are pretty heavy. I have a rather long paved driveway, no gravel, and some firm level ground to clear around barns. The driveway is mostly level with a slight slope right at the house. I have *plenty* of room on one side of the lane to put the snow. The tires have fluid and I could attach a rear implement for ballast if I needed to. I do not have chains but I do have AG tires in great condition.
I was somewhat concerned that the front mounted blade might put too much pressure on one side of the lift arms and cylinders if I used it in an angled position, which seems like would make the most sense to do. I know not to take a big bite at a time, I'm patient that way, but the first bite is a big bite . I figure with the bucket I can lift the big stuff and carry it out of the way and it might take a little time to do it that way. And no, I will not be affording a blower or box blade any time soon. I'll need to use what I have at least for this winter.
Which is the implement of choice? Have them both handy and see which one works best?
So, the million $$ question, when they call for that first snow, leave on the bucket or use the blade? We usually get 6-10" on average but we do occasionally get the 18-24+". I hate those, and most of our snows are pretty heavy. I have a rather long paved driveway, no gravel, and some firm level ground to clear around barns. The driveway is mostly level with a slight slope right at the house. I have *plenty* of room on one side of the lane to put the snow. The tires have fluid and I could attach a rear implement for ballast if I needed to. I do not have chains but I do have AG tires in great condition.
I was somewhat concerned that the front mounted blade might put too much pressure on one side of the lift arms and cylinders if I used it in an angled position, which seems like would make the most sense to do. I know not to take a big bite at a time, I'm patient that way, but the first bite is a big bite . I figure with the bucket I can lift the big stuff and carry it out of the way and it might take a little time to do it that way. And no, I will not be affording a blower or box blade any time soon. I'll need to use what I have at least for this winter.
Which is the implement of choice? Have them both handy and see which one works best?