Snow Equipment Owning/Operating 2 wheel drive

[spencer1199]

Our little Mahindra 1815 has a 52" lucknow blower on the rear and a FEL. We are in the UP of Michigan and we have not found a winter storm yet that it won't handle. I would really look at a new/newer CUT as they are far more manuverable than a regular farm tractor (older ones) Between the tractor and blower we have about $12,500 in it and every winter I think wow, what a bargain. (0% for 60 months)

 

[RoyJackson]

I wish I could find the video, but there was one posted on TBN a while back that showed a guy in NW Pennsylvania snow plowing with a 2WD Cub Cadet (Lowboy, I think). Had, IIRC, the double ring type chains on the rear tires.
He did great pushing some deep snow (8"-12") with a smaller 2WD tractor...

 

[whistlepig]

Alright Roy. I dug this one up again. I like it too.Snow Plowing - YouTube

 

[RoyJackson]

Alright Roy. I dug this one up again. I like it too.Snow Plowing - YouTube

Thanks, Whistlepig!!
I was mistaken about it being a Cub Cadet, I see.

Really shows us how good 2WD tractors can do with chains, eh? Even a smaller machine at that!

I've seen how well old Ford 8N's and others do with 2WD, chains and a rear blade...even around my neck o' the woods. They do quite good...

And, it gives us all a better perspective on what's really required...not that 40 HP 4WD Cabbed tractor is required in all circumstances and we don't have to spend 20 to 40 thousand bucks.

 

[whistlepig]

Don't get me wrong. For loader work in dirt 4WD is the best thing going. I love it for that. For pushing snow I'll take my chains in 2WD any day over 4WD without chains on my tractor.

 

[Mike476]

Sounds like a beautiful piece of property, who doesn't like being nestled in the woods!

A lot will depend on how well you are able to keep the access road up during the Fall, until the ground has a good frost. Depending on where you're at in the Maritimes, some winters the snow comes long before there is any frost in the ground, which makes moving snow all the more challenging.

Like you I really enjoy my leisure time clearing snow, and like you'll need to I spend time each Fall keeping up the access roads on the property that are nothing more than woods roads. They get pretty soft each fall and I make sure any ruts / holes are repaired before the frost hits best I can. Still, they're well used and time restraints prevent me from keeping them in good enough shape that I'd consider using a blower. I use a 7 foot back blade, which does a good job keeping the roads as well as snow removal.

I have a MF135, great tractor, stable (very important, consider the terrain you'll be plowing) and with rear Ag tires loaded, no chains because of the type of roads on the property, I have no real issues moving snow (patient).

I'm now looking at a 1652, with quick attach loader. For me, with where I'm at and the type of roads I clear, my three choices are the rear blade, bucket and front plow. Quick attach will make it quicker to change from loader to plow when needed.

 

[JoelD]

Without traction all the hp in the world will do no good

Ive owned two and four wheel drive, I'd not purchase two wheel drive again can not compare effectiveness in a small tractor in slippery conditions

Two wheel would require chains as minimum

For clearing lots of snow there is nothing better than a snowblower

Plow is faster but builds banks

Loader is good for bank moving but nothing else

Blower does it all and puts the snow exactly where you what it

If I had the money to spend I'd have front mounted blower

Now I used large walk behind blower and then loader should the need arise to move or break banks

I'd consider rear blower but my driveway is only 250 foot long

I've owned plow trucks and blowers and loaders and blower is by far the best for moving continuous big snow

Good luck
Joel

 

[pat32rf]

Sure, that little IH was moving thru deep snow, but it was all light fluffy stuff. No windblown drifts or heavy wet soggy (slippery) stuff.

I grew up on a 30hp Massey with chains and a plow. Often had to open 3/4 mile of straight level concession road before Dad went to work in the morning, but now I have a 30 odd HP FWD with chains and a blower on the back, to do 400' of hilly, wooded gravel drive, plus cleaning up around the barn and woodshed.
I built a FEL "snow bucket" to use for the cleanup.
Someday I'll build a plow for the FEL just to speed up the lighter snowfalls.....

 

[RoyJackson]

Sure, that little IH was moving thru deep snow, but it was all light fluffy stuff. No windblown drifts or heavy wet soggy (slippery) stuff.

The IH has been plowing for quite a while...I'm sure it's seen it's share of wet snows!