Snow plow hydraulics for tractor - questions

[sdboers]

Thanks for the feedback folks. I was absolutely going to rely on the float function of the loader. I was already a bit skeptical of this as my loader kicks out of float very easily, so I'd essentially be driving with one hand holding it in float all the time.

I did look at the cost of a diverter vs. a separate DCV. Given I'd want the diverter back near the seat - the hoses and fittings would be the same cost, and there is only a difference of about $20 between the DCV and diverter. I figure I may as well go DCV. Since my loader function already has power beyond built in - it isn't a complicated hookup.

So - underslung with a pivot for the blade and suspended by a chain. Got it. In some ways - that's an easier implementation than hard mounting it as well.

No time today - but I'll re-work the sketchup image and post again once I make the modifications...

Sean.

 

[Fallon]

My new plow is solid mount & sticks out a ways forward. It works ok, but I do wish it was more compact (underslung) & had float. I got it new at a good enough price figuring I could redo the interface to the SSQA plate to add float. It's worked well enough I havent bothered, yet.

The small yellow plow I made for my old machine had excessive float (flipped it back over the top occasionally when it was lifted all the way up). It hung out to way to far & caused lack of steering issues.

 

[sdboers]

Question... If I undersling the mount with a pivot - How much vertical room should there be between the a-frame and the bottom of the SSQA plate as it passes underneath? Zero room would mean zero upward pivot and it might as well be hard mounted.

Sean.

 

[sdboers]

Ok - morning coffee and some time spent with sketchup... Pretty crude drawing - but based on feedback - here's what I came up with.

Mount is now underslung on the QA-Plate with 2" of clearance between the a-frame and the bottom of the QA-Plate. Cylinders and chains are not shown.



Sean.

 

[aczlan]

I have seen that done, but they moved the pivot for the arms up to be even with the front of the quick attach so that it can float up or down without hitting like your design will. They left the upper a frame sticking back begin the quick attach plate to have a place to mount the angle cylinders.

Aaron Z

 

[sdboers]

Ah - I like that suggestion. See - I should have had the coffee BEFORE drawing out the design.

If I move the pivot forward on the a-frame as you suggest - directly under the quick attach plate - it eliminates a lot of that material and work on the back end of the plate. It becomes literally just the a-frame with a couple ears to pivot on. Waaay easier. For some reason - I just assumed the pivot needed to be at the end of the a-frame...

Sean.

 

[aczlan]

Ah - I like that suggestion. See - I should have had the coffee BEFORE drawing out the design.

If I move the pivot forward on the a-frame as you suggest - directly under the quick attach plate - it eliminates a lot of that material and work on the back end of the plate. It becomes literally just the a-frame with a couple ears to pivot on. Waaay easier. For some reason - I just assumed the pivot needed to be at the end of the a-frame...

Sean.

On a truck it does as you can't have the end of the a frame hitting the radiator. On a loader mounted plow, you can get away with it.
I might also add a couple of skids to the bottom of the quick attach frame so that it will skid smoothly when it bottoms out.

Aaron Z

 

[sdboers]

A couple of these (1 in. Thick x 1 in. Hole Male Tang Cylinder End | Princess Auto) welded under the quick attach plate - and a couple more on the a-frame, along with two 1" draw pins and I've got an instant pivot point without all the xtra work. Yes - I like this a lot more... That design is more suited to my level of skill as a welder too.

I thank everyone for the use of their brains on this thread. Mine was clearly busy over thinking some items and under thinking others...

Sean.

 

[sdboers]

Here's what I'm dealing with for a plow... A little rough - but certainly usable. The worst is the one end where it's bashed in pretty good with a bad repair on top of it.

Not sure I'll keep the hinged piece on the back - anyone have any strong opinions on that? It's seems to be an add-on that was cut out around the springs with a torch. It's in fairly rough shape (some cracks) and not sure it provides much value? It also appears like it would get in the way of the running skid feet...



Sean.

 

[LouNY]

That looks like a backdrag blade that has been added, they are handy at times but that one looks like you can't use shoes on the plow with it on.
It would or should fold back when plowing forward and drop down for pulling backwards.