Heavy-Duty Snow Plow - Looking for Advice on Model Selection

ZedAxis · Jan 16, 2020

Hello,

I'm looking for a base tractor to use as a snow-plow for managing a large property and the roads leading into it. Its going to see some pretty heavy usage, I'd like something pretty durable with good HP that has a comfy ride.

I'd really love advice on what models are viable for using as a base for a snow-plow design project.

Thanks

BoylermanCT · Jan 16, 2020

Welcome to TBN.

You want the heaviest tractor you can get. 4,000 lbs or more will serve you well while plowing.

Your profile does not say where you live, so we don't know if you are getting 2" or 200" of snow.

My tractor weights 5000 lbs with the plow, loader, blower and weighted tires. Plows extremely well.

metalbender · Jan 16, 2020

Weight is important. Four wheel drive also. Frame mounted or fel mounted plow? Cab or open station?

ZedAxis · Jan 16, 2020

Thanks for the reply,

Something like a Montana R2844 is within my price range, I'd like a comfortable cab though for the driver. I have access to fabrication shops and am willing to custom-build cabs for a machine, so it isn't necessarily a requirement for the tractor. Do you have issues with getting stuck ever?

I updated my location information, I'm over on the west side of Michigan where we experience heavy snow due to lake effect and can get upwards of 18-19 inches during the winter.

ZedAxis · Jan 16, 2020

metalbender said:
Weight is important. Four wheel drive also. Frame mounted or fel mounted plow? Cab or open station?

I would prefer frame mounted plow over fel, and a cab is something that I can afford to design and fabricate.

ruffdog · Jan 16, 2020

I have used tractors that had home made cabs or vintage cheap cabs. They can be extremely loud like you are sitting in a echo chamber. Just something to think about....:2cents:

Big Barn · Jan 16, 2020

I would spend the extra money for the factory cab as you will get something back for resale.

The best made homemade cab is worth zero. It will probably detract from making a sale unless it is removed and the machine shows no signs of the retrofit.

mcfarmall · Jan 17, 2020

Might want to investigate the Nokian tyres that they use on road plowing tractors in Europe. There are some impressive videos on youtube highlighting their performance on snow and ice without the use of chains.

CobyRupert · Jan 17, 2020

mcfarmall said:
Might want to investigate the Nokian tyres that they use on road plowing tractors in Europe. There are some impressive videos on youtube highlighting their performance on snow and ice without the use of chains.

Which style?
IMHO, OP should get R1's or turfs for best traction, filled with ballast for weight (traction), and will likely need chains depending on where he lives and snowfall. "Individual results may vary."....and opinions.