Snow It's Early - Snow Removal JD 2520

[urbandeere2520]

Okay, we're in the middle of summer, but I'm already thinking about winter. I just purchased a new JD 2520 with a 61" FEL, R4 tires (no filled tires), ballast box and I'm interested in hearing about other folks experience and recommendations on snow removal.

I have a 400' long steep driveway (20% grade) and driveway parking area measuring 50' x 40'. Will I be able to clear this area with the above equipment assuming 4" to 2 feet of snow with just the FEL? Or will I require chains and/or a rear blade.

Thanks!

 

[dsmau]

I have a 855 which is about the same size as your tractor. I have FEL, R4s with rear chains and box blade. I can not comment on other attachments but for me, the box blade is a lot quick than the loader. You will also need chains if you plan to move around in such a steep drive. The tractor will do the job with the FEL but will take a very long time on a nearly flat drive like mine. Since yours is very steep, you will probably need a snowblower.
Here is a list or what I think is fastest to slowest:
1. Front snowblower
2. rear snowblower
3. front blade mounted on FEL QA
4. 3pt box blade (driving forward)
5. regular 3pt blade

Again, I have not tried all these but this is what I came up after some research. Others can chime in. It also depends how much snow you are getting. A snowblower might not be that much quicker than a box blade if there are only a couple inches but in 2 feet, it will make a huge difference.

 

[North Country]

2' of snow will fill up that bucket very quickly. Depending on where you live, your snowbanks might not melt fast enough and you might have issues late in the season. The FEL will help you move your banks, but it's not as much fun moving snow the second time.

I would seriously consider a front snowblower for that much surface area and that much snow.

How often do you get 2'?

 

[rekees4300]

For 2 feet of snow and 20% grade you will need a snow blower, blade and chains.

 

[urbandeere2520]

Bummer.... I bought the JD 2520 FEL so I wouldn't have to deal with a stinkin snow blower anymore. I have a little 16 HP Troybilt garden tractor with a snow blower attachment and it was the reason I purchased the JD 2520 w/FEL, so I wouldn't have to spend all friggin day under that little tractor put on the snow blower and chains each year. It's a pain in the arse to assemble, sub-frame assembly and all.

Now what you're tellin me is that I'll need to do the same thing for the JD 2520 in the event I get the big deep snow. In the 2010 winter season we had three storms, each nearly 2 feet in depth.

I'm been trying to move south, away from the snow, but the Mrs. refuses to go... maybe I should just take my Green tractor an leave. What ya think?

 

[Gizmo2]

Bummer.... I bought the JD 2520 FEL so I wouldn't have to deal with a stinkin snow blower anymore. I have a little 16 HP Troybilt garden tractor with a snow blower attachment and it was the reason I purchased the JD 2520 w/FEL, so I wouldn't have to spend all friggin day under that little tractor put on the snow blower and chains each year. It's a pain in the arse to assemble, sub-frame assembly and all.

Now what you're tellin me is that I'll need to do the same thing for the JD 2520 in the event I get the big deep snow. In the 2010 winter season we had three storms, each nearly 2 feet in depth.

I'm been trying to move south, away from the snow, but the Mrs. refuses to go... maybe I should just take my Green tractor an leave. What ya think?

With your current setup on the 2520 I would not be looking to sell the garden tractor and snow blower no time soon.

 

[urbandeere2520]

"I would seriously consider a front snow blower for that much surface area and that much snow.

How often do you get 2'?"

This past year the snow was relatively light. Last season we had 3 storms of 2 or more feet of snow. Yep, I got some property in Marion, NC....hoping to move there if the wife will go... :confused2:

 

[sunnyside360]

Bummer.... I have a little 16 HP Troybilt garden tractor with a snow blower attachment and it was the reason I purchased the JD 2520 w/FEL, so I wouldn't have to spend all friggin day under that little tractor put on the snow blower and chains each year. It's a pain in the arse to assemble, sub-frame assembly and all.

The John Deere front snow blowers I'm familiar with (47 and 59) are very easy to attach/unhitch and no tools are required --- probably less than an hour for sure if that long. With your conditions, I'd say front snow blower, weighted tires, and chains should do the job.

 

[Gizmo2]

The John Deere front snow blowers I'm familiar with (47 and 59) are very easy to attach/unhitch and no tools are required --- probably less than an hour for sure if that long. With your conditions, I'd say front snow blower, weighted tires, and chains should do the job.

Good post as I would think the OP is comparing a garden tractor/blower setup to a 2520/blower setup and there really isn't any comparison other than both will blow snow.

 

[North Country]

Bummer.... I bought the JD 2520 FEL so I wouldn't have to deal with a stinkin snow blower anymore. I have a little 16 HP Troybilt garden tractor with a snow blower attachment and it was the reason I purchased the JD 2520 w/FEL, so I wouldn't have to spend all friggin day under that little tractor put on the snow blower and chains each year. It's a pain in the arse to assemble, sub-frame assembly and all.

Now what you're tellin me is that I'll need to do the same thing for the JD 2520 in the event I get the big deep snow. In the 2010 winter season we had three storms, each nearly 2 feet in depth.

I'm been trying to move south, away from the snow, but the Mrs. refuses to go... maybe I should just take my Green tractor an leave. What ya think?

Nope - you do have to put it on, but it sure isn't an "all-day" event.

On the 2305, the "subframe" (Front PTO & QH mount) does need to come off every year, but it involves messing around at the front, not really underneath. One PTO shaft has to be connected underneath. The rest is done without tools in front of the tractor (aside from a one-time permanent bracket mount.) I'd guess it's under 10 minutes total, if not under 5. Also, the removed pieces are relatively small compared to the snowblower and can each be lifted easily with one hand. I think the 2520 is similar - someone will be sure to chime in with the actual effort required.

Chains is chains, and you'll need them with the FEL or with the snowblower. Can't save ya any time there...

Not only will the 54" snowblower grab more snow in a single pass, it has more hp per foot (by a lot!) and should be able to move forward faster in the same snow.