A Setback or "underslung" SSQA Snow Plow Build Story

[GeneV]

Pretty nice!

 

[TractorNH]

I wanted to put a plow on the M5640. I found a guy who wanted to restore a '91 F150 and would give the plow to someone who would take it off the truck. So I did. The plan was to sell the pump, valve/control, head gear, and truck frame parts and start out ahead but that hasn't happened.

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I really liked the concept shown by TractorNH in this thread: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/401291-snow-plow-build-finished-underslung.html and decided to build with that idea. Here is my version

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For my use I saw these advantages: 1) Plowing - The blade rides along and follows the road surface under it's own weight just as it does on a p/u. I have a long irregular gravel road. A plow with a solid SSQA attachment would be a problem for me. In float the weight of the FEL is on the plow making it very heavy which is not good on a unfrozen gravel road. If you take the FEL out of float you have to constantly control the blade height. No problem on a flat drive way but very difficult on a long rough road.

2) Better Steering- Because the blade is set back and not way out front less side leverage is applied to the tractor when plowing with an angled blade which is the normal mode for a long road. And, the weight of the loader arms and heavy SSQA frame hang out front and put extra weight on the front tires for better steering traction.

This is how the build progressed. First I built a new push beam. The old one had seen better days.

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Then the basic frame. I plan on serious plowing with a heavy tractor that is not easy to stop so I think that I made it strong. But I really have no clue about what is strong enough. The square tubing is 2-1/2" X 1/4". The angle is 2" X 1/4". Same width as the push beam and as deep as I could and still allow the plow to angle fully.

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Two posts for attachment to the SSQA plate and line up with the loader arms and tractor SSQA push pads.

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Welded on the new push beam.

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And added some corner brace plates plus a length of 3" X 3" angle between the two posts for a weld point across the bottom of the SSQA plate

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Set the SSQA plate level to the push beam

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Added some angle braces - frame to SSQA plate

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A stiffener across the plate to catch the angle braces

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Made an easily adjustable attachment point for the lift chain and storage for the loose slack chain.

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Finally some primer

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The hydraulics include a pair of flow control valves and a cross over relief valve

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Mounted on the tractor

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And it can push snow. Harder than my one ton actually.

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I know this is overly complicated compared with most designs but it just happens to be the way I did it or how it turned out. Just take it for what it is.

gg

Nice job on your build! I'm glad my post could provide you some ideas for your own design. There weren't many comprehensive posts about building an underslung plow when I built mine which is why I made my post. I'm sure your post will also help the next guy looking to build one too.

 

[TractorNH]

This mounting method doesn't pose a problem. With the hinge and the chain, the blade can be used three different ways. The pictures below were taken before the hydraulics were hooked up, but you can see the relationship of the pieces.

1. Weight of the blade only (FEL arms held in a position that allows slack chain and hinge to function. The left picture shows the slack chain and the center picture shows the gap between the SSQA plate and cross member)

2. Weight of blade plus FEL arms (FEL in float mode, and the SSQA plate bearing on the plow frame. Right picture shows SSQA plate down against the plow cross member)

3. Down pressure applied (Using FEL arms to press the SSQA plate down on the plow frame, Again, right picture)

Also, by dialing some "dump" into the SSQA plate with the FEL arms raised slightly, the plow can float and the edge of the plow can backdrag away from a garage door nice and clean.

It was difficult to see in the pics from my build but I also have a pair of vertical steel pieces that line up with the plow a-frame. They allow me to apply down pressure for back dragging or scraping but I also needed them as a sort of parking stand for the frame when it was off the tractor to keep the frame from resting on the plow hydraulic cylinders.

I tried to circle them in these two pictures but they're hard to see since it's all painted black.





Nice job on your build as well!

 

[GeneV]

I'm glad this thread got linked form the "snow weapons" thread. I got a 48" snow blade from a craftsman gt that I want to weld onto a ssqi plate, to use with the massey gc1710. Initially I thought no biggie, I'll just weld it right onto the face of the plate, but now I'm wondering if I should weld it to the underside of the plate so that the plow will be underslung. Is that the way to go? I'm only doing my own blacktop driveway. And also, the thing already comes with trip springs.

 

[Fallon]

I'm glad this thread got linked form the "snow weapons" thread. I got a 48" snow blade from a craftsman gt that I want to weld onto a ssqi plate, to use with the massey gc1710. Initially I thought no biggie, I'll just weld it right onto the face of the plate, but now I'm wondering if I should weld it to the underside of the plate so that the plow will be underslung. Is that the way to go? I'm only doing my own blacktop driveway. And also, the thing already comes with trip springs.

Underslung is how I plan on rebuilding the solid mount for mine. The further out the blade the more it will push your tractor sideways. Not to mention clearance issues in tight spots. Just don't put it to far back under the SSQA so it hits your hood, grill, bumper or brush guard.

If it's solid mount, it will either dig into the road or leave a lot of snow behind. Loader float won't work, float needs to be at the plow frame.

 

[shooterdon]

I'm glad this thread got linked form the "snow weapons" thread. I got a 48" snow blade from a craftsman gt that I want to weld onto a ssqi plate, to use with the massey gc1710. Initially I thought no biggie, I'll just weld it right onto the face of the plate, but now I'm wondering if I should weld it to the underside of the plate so that the plow will be underslung. Is that the way to go? I'm only doing my own blacktop driveway. And also, the thing already comes with trip springs.

Trip springs are not needed if you are plowing where you know there are no issues. I use an old back blade I got for $100 mounted on this:
Amazon.com: 3 Point Attachment Adapter Skid Steer Trailer Hitch Front Loader case: Home Improvement

I miss nor having hydraulic angle but I have less than $350 into it. I do not push heavy snowfalls as I have a blower. I also use the SSQA adapter to mount my landscape rake. Nice being able to drive forward for handling light duty raking.

Here is my setup:

 

[senecak19]

Well, I'm going to revive this thread. 1) So it shows up in my feed so I can refer back to it easier 2) After intently reading this thread over and over I realized this is the same Gordon that built the Landplane that i copied! Since I don't know sh*& about plowing or plows, I just assume copy this entire thing. After all, the landplane works great!

Are there any other key dimensions to wary of? ****, I'm in Mass, I'd almost be inclined to drive up and measure your setup Thanks for posting all of your details throughout your build once again!