dnw64
Veteran Member
I am looking into getting a tractor primarily to blow snow for my personal driveway, roughly 5000SF total.
At this point I am considering a TYM 254HST, which is a 24HP diesel with a 17.4 PTO-HP rating.
I've looked all over the web, forums, mfr websites, and YouTube videos and have not come to any great conclusion.
Pronovost says that any of their Lynx models, up to 70" require 16 - 25 PTO-HP.
Woodmaxx says their 60" model requires 18 - 30 HP, and 25 - 60 HP on their 72".
Based on the physical dimensions of the tractor (46" overall width), The absolute minimum would be 54", to give me 4" on each side of the tires. That's what I have on my current Case 444 with 48" blower and that is a minimum. 60" would be a more comfortable margin.
However, several posts I've read have indicated (and it seems logical to me) that the width doesn't really matter too much, being that what your're doing is throwing snow. It takes X force to move Y pounds Z feet. So if you have a wider blower you just slow down compared to a narrower one (there may be higher friction losses in a wider one, but if it's the same model/construction it doesn't seem like that would be measurable).
The primary reason then, that I would consider a 64 - 70" blower is to maximize efficiency. Every time you have to stop/start and/or turn around is non-productive time. So a wider blower would reduce the number of times that happens. Also, with small amounts of snow the fan housing will be full at a lower ground speeds, maximizing throw distance without having to feel like you're going to the races.
The above is all theoretical, of course, or I wouldn't be asking.
Additionally, it seems logical to assume that some blower designs are more efficient than others. My biggest concern regarding performance is distance, as I have a 40' wide parking area that needs to be all blown to one side. I'd really rather blow clean past than have to re-blow when I get near the end.
Any real world experience/recommendations?
At this point I am considering a TYM 254HST, which is a 24HP diesel with a 17.4 PTO-HP rating.
I've looked all over the web, forums, mfr websites, and YouTube videos and have not come to any great conclusion.
Pronovost says that any of their Lynx models, up to 70" require 16 - 25 PTO-HP.
Woodmaxx says their 60" model requires 18 - 30 HP, and 25 - 60 HP on their 72".
Based on the physical dimensions of the tractor (46" overall width), The absolute minimum would be 54", to give me 4" on each side of the tires. That's what I have on my current Case 444 with 48" blower and that is a minimum. 60" would be a more comfortable margin.
However, several posts I've read have indicated (and it seems logical to me) that the width doesn't really matter too much, being that what your're doing is throwing snow. It takes X force to move Y pounds Z feet. So if you have a wider blower you just slow down compared to a narrower one (there may be higher friction losses in a wider one, but if it's the same model/construction it doesn't seem like that would be measurable).
The primary reason then, that I would consider a 64 - 70" blower is to maximize efficiency. Every time you have to stop/start and/or turn around is non-productive time. So a wider blower would reduce the number of times that happens. Also, with small amounts of snow the fan housing will be full at a lower ground speeds, maximizing throw distance without having to feel like you're going to the races.
The above is all theoretical, of course, or I wouldn't be asking.
Additionally, it seems logical to assume that some blower designs are more efficient than others. My biggest concern regarding performance is distance, as I have a 40' wide parking area that needs to be all blown to one side. I'd really rather blow clean past than have to re-blow when I get near the end.
Any real world experience/recommendations?