Snow Plowing snow - deal breaker? Hope not.

[mposter]

I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on a B2650 w. loader and snow plow. But my recent reading has me wondering if I've hit a significant snag. My previous experience was quite a few years ago. I plowed snow with a John Deere A and then a B, both with front mounted snow plows. As I said, it's been a while, but I remember a fair amount of brake steering to keep the rigs going in their intended directions.

Today, I've been reading about inconvenient brake pedal placement that would seem to make steering with the brakes on the Kubota difficult at best. Can those of you who use FEL's and plows in snow country (like here in VT) comment on this? Is it an issue?

BTW, I understand that blowers are preferred by many for snow removal, but for a variety of reasons, including cost, a blower is not an option for me. Thanks for your help.

Michael

 

[sandyc]

I used to have a 2620 that used both front blower and blade. In plowing I found the tractor to stay pretty much on course and I never used the brakes, just let off on the hst pedal. Should be no problem. The front subframe has to be removed in order to use the loader. All in all that is about 2 minutes to switch out the plow for the loader. Good luck with your quest.

 

[vtsnowedin]

My neighbor Lady has a B2700 with a six foot blade that fastens to the regular bucket and uses the dump cylinder lines for power angle. I used it a couple of times this winter when my tractor was in the shop. It worked alright and would have worked even better if she had the rears loaded or more weight on the back. You can't use her split brakes to steer as she doesn't have a cruse control but I never found the need for it.

 

[davesl708]

I use my BX2200 to push snow with the FEL. No problems steering.

 

[mposter]

DUH. I just noticed that the B2650 has split brake pedals on the left side. That's new, right? So, I suppose it's not an issue at all!

 

[CalG]

4WD will accomplish the same thing as steering brakes.
Point the steering wheels to counter the side push.

On my plow equipped 2WD Fordson, steering brakes are a must. ( I only plow when the snow is too wet and heavy to blow ;-)
But when the front wheels of the 4WD Hurlimann are scratching along a side hill etc , there seems to be enough directional traction to do what is needed. You could always fit some light duty chains on the fronts if a boost is needed.

 

[Kanook]

Yes, the 2650 has the brake pedals (that lock together) on the left...so you can use your right foot to control the HST while using your left to brake steer. As indicated above, 4WD diminishes the need to brake steer in most circumstances.

 

[beckmurph]

DUH. I just noticed that the B2650 has split brake pedals on the left side. That's new, right? So, I suppose it's not an issue at all!

You are correct.
Kubota has moved the brakes to the left side of the platform. And they are split.:dance1:

 

[varmint]

I'd venture that if your plow is right sized, you should be okay. I use a plow that's a big wide for my L3400 (78") but it works okay until I hit a hump in the lane or the raised bank on one side, and then the tractor is pushed over. Adding the rear wheel spacers seems to help, and I think when I add front wheel chains (got the rears already) next season, I should be fine. Even when it is pushed, if I just lift the blade up from float, it is good to go. You won't be tearing through 36" drifts, but hey, not everyone needs a big machine all the time.

 

[s219]

Yep, you're in good shape with the B2650. The rest of us Kubota owners with brakes and HST treadle on the same side get to look like dorky pretzels trying to use the brakes for steering.