Mahindra Snow Thread

Shift4200 · Dec 17, 2013

Hey guys,

Noticed I was talking a lot about snow removal in non related threads.... So, I did a quick search to see if I could just resurrect something that was already out there but didn't see something as "general" as I was thinking.

So, here it is... a new home to talk about using your Mahindra to move snow. Back Blades, Plows, Blowers (front or back), Ideas, Tips... stories... Pics... brag... wallow.... this could be the place to do it all!

Looking forward to hearing what all have to say.

-J

Shift4200 · Dec 17, 2013

My current snow removal setup on my Max25 is the FEL and RB-5 rear blade. Seems work well, but i do plan to invest in something on the front of the tractor to remove snow for next season. Currently I'm not using chains, i seem to get pretty decent traction with just the industrial tires. Although I did go ahead and buy sets for both front and rear....

My drive is 1300ft total with 75% of that being a hill. I don't have much trouble dragging the drive (going forward) with the rear blade, but I've also yet to get a huge storm. For now I'm keeping it to 4-5in before I do a pass so it doesn't pile up on me.

I'm expecting 3-5 today that's going to go on top of some crunchy ice. Kinda wishing I'd taken the time to at least put the rear chains on last night. It's hard not having a barn or garage to work in. It's dark by the time I'm home from work, and last night the temp was running at a mean 9deg. I'll muscle thru this clearing and hopefully the next storm will hold off until my xmas break from work so i can get those chains on.

Anyone else have a longer drive with a hill?

-J

Tkblacktail · Dec 17, 2013

From the comments I have seen, a skidsteer quick-attach snow-blade seems to be the most popular option; looking at it from the perspective of a 1,300 foot sloped driveway, and you are not retired (other things to do).

Remove snow by hand=Total life-altering event (military retiree's budget :laughing

.
Remove snow with > $2K blower=nice if you have the money, but project overkill for 1,300'.
Remove snow with < $2K blade= just right!

I ran a blade on my 2001 Honda Rancher (chains on all 4) for 12+ years; several times I wish I had snow lift or throwing capability. I plowed my neighbor's access road and driveway (1.5 miles) every year for @8 years. In 2008, we had 4+ feet of heavy wet snow and the 48" blade did wonders. My ultimate solution will be a quick attach blade; after I scrape up the money for skid steer forks and some decent lights (from Dave). My 3016 has AG tires with standard rim-guard ballast; haven't had the chance to try them out in the snow.

I'm not affiliated with this link in any way but look how cool this would be...

https://www.google.com/search?q=ski...leysupply.com%2Fsectione%2Fwssnow.htm;500;403

Shift4200 · Dec 17, 2013

I hear what you're putting down Tbt. As much as i like the idea of a blower, it's pricy, and I've not heard good things in regard to using one on a gravel driveway. With a blade I feel like i would be able to cut a little deeper thru the leftovers that blowers usually leave.

Being the East Ice Coast, I would like to spread salt/sand on at least the hill portion of the drive. I've been looking at rear 3pt spreaders and I have to say the idea is appealing. I have two questions about this setup. First, will the Spreader + Sand/Salt be enough of a ballast to offset the weight of the front blade? Does anyone use a spreader for sand/salt? I've heard that an agitator in the hopper is key for this mixture and wonder if they will spread it too thin. A deflector should fix this, but without experience I'm wondering if it's just as good without.

Picking up a spreader would be another thing on the wife's "Next year" list. As taking the rear blade on/off just to run some sand would be a pain. For now it's the ol' Scotts walk behind fertilizer spreader....

-J

kootch88 · Dec 17, 2013

I have the MAX 22 with the front mount snowblower. I cleaned up the rocks where I have gravel by the shed and so far no sheering of bolts like last year. The rest of the driveway is asphalt.

More snow 2013 - YouTube

Snow - YouTube

Shift4200 · Dec 17, 2013

Hey K88, how much weight do you have in that ballast box?

-J

kootch88 · Dec 17, 2013

450#
more or less.

Shift4200 · Dec 17, 2013

kootch88 said:
450#
more or less.

Wow, that's alot more than i expected. To hit a number like that with a spreader and material, that would mean I'd have to shovel near 300lbs of sand/salt into the hopper. I'd have to wonder if the hoppers on those things can even fit that much. I know they can handle the weight.... but is there enough room?

-J

kootch88 · Dec 17, 2013

I don't understand what you are saying, the weight box I use when I have the loader on and I keep it on in the winter since it helps to keep weight on the chained rear wheels. There is nothing to shovel into the weight box as I have cement in there.

Shift4200 · Dec 17, 2013

kootch88 said:
I don't understand what you are saying, the weight box I use when I have the loader on and I keep it on in the winter since it helps to keep weight on the chained rear wheels. There is nothing to shovel into the weight box as I have cement in there.

I follow you, I'm using your weight as a benchmark to try to figure out if i will get enough ballast from a 3pt spreader filled with sand/salt.

-J