Snow BX2670 w/FEL Blade for Snow. Ugh!

[robertm]

Two years trying this combo on my BX2670. Useless.
On a paved driveway, I have no control. No steering. Angle the blade, and ALL bets are off. I don't care to blow a front axle with chains. Is this just a poor combination because the tractor is so light? Last year I had the rear blower on. Too heavy. This year, a rear ballast box. No rear weight, no traction. Is anyone using a front FEL blade for snow with success? I'm ready to sell it and go back to a rear blade. Before I do, I thought I'd ask the experts here.

 

[diesel85]

I used to use my BX with just the loader and box blade to clear snow for many years until I got some cash to buy a snowblower. In fact, my neighbor still does it this way. Was thinking of getting a snow pusher, but that was before I got the snowblower. I can say that it is a learning curve clearing snow with these machines but it is doable because they are lighter.

With that being said, it depends on the snow. If you've got ice under the snow, forget it, you might as well lift that blade up an inch to keep the existing snow as traction aide. Downside, you don't get a good clean driveway, unless you drop a load of salt down with some sunshine (which we never get!). I had this problem with my loader. Total loss of steering in float position if there was enough ice buildup on the surface.

The other problem I have is there is no good place to put the snow, and I've built snow mountains 15' tall before -- and they take forever to melt come spring!!

So my logical choice was the snowblower, and I have to say, next to my box blade, that is one worth while purchase! I can clean my driveway without making gigantic snow piles in half the time.

I have used heavier machines before, but if conditions are right, those machines act the same as the little BX does.

Edit: One other thing you might want to consider is adding liquid ballast to your tires to add a little more centered weight.

 

[Old Red]

Two years trying this combo on my BX2670. Useless.
On a paved driveway, I have no control. No steering. Angle the blade, and ALL bets are off. I don't care to blow a front axle with chains. Is this just a poor combination because the tractor is so light? Last year I had the rear blower on. Too heavy. This year, a rear ballast box. No rear weight, no traction. Is anyone using a front FEL blade for snow with success? I'm ready to sell it and go back to a rear blade. Before I do, I thought I'd ask the experts here.

Are you using down pressure? Float mode?

 

[nybirdman]

If you are floating the FEL and have a fixed plow(no chain) all that weight takes the traction from the front wheels and you loose steering.Do you have skids on the plow?If not add them and raise up a couple inches.I.E.ride the skids.
I use a front/rear combination;the rear will take it down to asphalt/concrete.

 

[Mowbizz]

What kind of FEL blade? Home made?
I just used my BXPanded 60inch FEL plow for the first time since it was delivered last week. 6 inch snow storm compressed to 4 inches of pure slush because of rain and it was heavy. The BXPanded plow performed very well but it did push me to the side going up a slight grade a couple of times.
Overall I am pleased with it during these tough conditions. I have a BX25D and the backhoe is attached all winter. You have to fiddle with the bucket height and angle to get the best results.
I do have skid shoes too as I plow a dirt 400 ft driveway.

 

[robertm]

I am using the Kubota blade that mounts to the FEL with the Q/A. It has skidders. I installed a rubber edge. No down pressure, only float. Last year, the 50" rear blower seemed to be too much rear ballast, which is why I thought I'd lost steering. Not so. If I had the front mount Q/A type blade, I think it'd be better, but fir that money, I'll go back to a rear blade. I was moving a mere 2" on my asphalt, and it was a loss. The minute any snow gets in front of the angled blade, steering is lost. I even have turfs and am using 4wd. I'd resort to the blower exclusively, but it isn't the choice for dusting, minor spot drift, or cleaning the driveway well.

 

[LouNY]

Take your loader out of float and carry some of the load on the tractor use your brakes to steer if need be.
Your tractor is under 1500# so it's not going to plow like a 5000# truck My over 8000# tractor gets pushed a bit at times.

 

[robertm]

Take your loader out of float and carry some of the load on the tractor use your brakes to steer if need be.
Your tractor is under 1500# so it's not going to plow like a 5000# truck My over 8000# tractor gets pushed a bit at times.

The BX doesn't have R & L rear brakes. Out of float, I'd need the blade above the asphalt. I'm trying to clean it off as much as possible, so the sun melts the remainder.
I think the tractor would be fine on gravel with chains, but it's the smooth asphalt lubricated by slippery snow. Maybe my expectations are incorrect.

 

[Old Red]

I am actually glad you are reporting these findings. I have a nice UTV to plow with but it usually doesn't live at my house...I was looking for a way to plow with something that is at the house 100% of the time....but it sounds like the little BX isn't ideal....I'll just keep the Ranger at the house.

 

[LouNY]

The BX doesn't have R & L rear brakes. Out of float, I'd need the blade above the asphalt. I'm trying to clean it off as much as possible, so the sun melts the remainder.
I think the tractor would be fine on gravel with chains, but it's the smooth asphalt lubricated by slippery snow. Maybe my expectations are incorrect.

Most ssqa blades have at least 3-4 inches of play in the lift, when you are in float mode your loader arms are trying to lift your front end you should be able to lift just a bit and carry the loader frame and some of the blade weight. Also lower your shoes and curl your blade ahead more. I know that I can't use the float on my blade unless I increase the curl considerably which takes the blade off the shoes at times.