Snow clearing - Scotland

Miles Ambler · Jan 25, 2011

Hi. I live at about 1000' above sea level on a farm in the Scottish Borders and every year we get snowed in. I'm about to sign for a new Kioti Compact EX35 tractor and it'll come with AG Tyres. Does anyone know how well it'll cope, with those tyres and a normal front bucket? The snow is usually heavy, wet and very deep, so a snow blower won't do it, but I'm worried about traction. I don't want turf tyres with chains if I can possibly avoid them.... Very grateful for any comments at all!

Muhammad · Jan 25, 2011

Hello Miles Ambler, welcome to TBN! Glad to see you posting. Hope you enjoy being a member of our community.

jdonovan · Jan 25, 2011

Miles Ambler said:
Does anyone know how well it'll cope, with those tyres and a normal front bucket? The snow is usually heavy, wet and very deep, so a snow blower won't do it, but I'm worried about traction. I don't want turf tyres with chains if I can possibly avoid them.... Very grateful for any comments at all!

Chains + snow = better traction than with out.

Front bucket (I assume you mean loader) is probably the least efficient snow moving tool you can put on a tractor. It does work, but it takes a lot of time to move the snow.

Most of us over here in the states that have gone to chains for winter use do not ever see going back to a non-chain configuration.

Craig Clayton · Jan 25, 2011

The snow blower is the ultamite machine for removing snow. It clears a path , but yes it can only blow so much. I have had to use my blower and only remove 1 ' in width and the blower is 5' wide but I was in low range pushing through snow as high as my rear tires. This tire ( tyre ) ratio will relate to HP and tire size more or less.
Craig Clayton

Egon · Jan 25, 2011

Wet, heavy, deep snow you say. Bucket will work fine. If traction problems arise add some chains.:thumbsup:

For plows you have to have room alongside the road for the snow. With the bucket you can move it around.

Blowers may/may not handle your snow conditions. It's best to check the local area for opinions on how they work.

CompactTractorFan · Jan 25, 2011

Welcome to TBN!!! Try using the tractor as is and if you don't have enough traction, ad some chains to the AG tires...

Miles Ambler · Jan 27, 2011

Thanks guys - all useful stuff. I'm coming over to Barrie, Ont. to see my family soon, so I guess I'll be able to find out how you all cope with REAL snow!

Craig Clayton · Jan 28, 2011

Hello Miles I live east of Barrie by 50 Miles. We are having an easy winter this year. If you want snow the US New England states are really getting it.
Craig Clayton

scesnick · Jan 28, 2011

I have a Kubota MX5100 with Ag tires. Which is fairly close to the Kioti you are looking at. those are the best tire for snow clearing in my opinion. I have a 2.5 mile driveway that I have to plow constantly. I had R-4's on last winter and they were horrible.

I agree with the chian suggestion stated earlier. Also, be sure that the dealer fills the tires before you take delivery. Loaded tires really help..

I would also look into a 7ft rear blade if you don't want to go the snowblower route. The bucket works OK but the rear blade can be angled and will work alot better.

Miles Ambler · Jan 31, 2011

Thanks - that's helpful. I have a compressor so will fill the tires and keep them well-filled. I wonder if you can use a blade on the front loader arms, as a direct replacement for the bucket. It's just that I've read lots of messages that say that a rear blade is not very effective.
Some folks would say "just try different methods and see what suits you best", but the thought of spending all that cash when you guys are out there to advise me what doesn't work....!!!