Goodwinch
New member
I think the key to the choice of blade, scraper or FEL is two fold. How deep is the snow and does it drift. The second part is what you trying to clear, a parking lot, a driveway or area's around building.
In an open meadow or farm field with large drifts it would seem that a snow blower would work the best by physically removing the snow so a canyon created from multiple plowing efforts doesn't create a deep trench over the winter. A blower on front end of the tractor will eliminate the stiff neck from a blower mounted on the 3 point hitch and backing up. A front end blower for my Massey priced out at $12k vs. 8k for a frame mounted plow blade.
For around buildings I would think a FEL would be the best apparatus. It gives the ability to push snow as well as being able physically remove it to some where else. When using the FEL as a plow on a driveway The first single pass works great as snow just peals off to either side of the tractor. But to widen the path requires a series of angled pushes. If you just just go straight the loader fills and deposits snow where you just cleared. That was my experience. I was cautioned by the dealer about quick attached plow blades on FEL arms. I was told that if you hit something solid like a large rock, post or concrete curb that a FEL arm could get bent. I purchased a frame mounted plow.
I live 9700 ft. In Gilpin County, Colorado. I have long (5/8's of mile) single lane drive. Each side of the road has a wide ditch to push the snow into so I went with a frame mounted snow plow blade. I don't get a lot of deep drifts. I have a 1643 MF with a 6 ft. Blade with round disc shoes for a gravel road. This combination works well for me.
The drive way has a maximum pitch of 12% for fire access. This doesn't sound steep but with freeze/ thaw cycles ice easily forms and 4 wheel drive and chains are must for me. I also have a heated cab which takes the chore part of plowing away.
I usually make the first pass driving down hill in the center of the drive way. The second and third passes are on the left side then then the right side. This works well for me. The only trouble I have had is when I had chain on the front right side come loose and snag a hydraulic hose. Fortunately a saw what was happening and stopped before tearing anything up.
I do have 3 point grader and have played with plowing with the grader off set to one and at angle. This increased my total plowing width but watching both ends of tractor was a hassle. This year it think I will leave the grader off.
Thanks Brad
Very informative Brad,
Thanks Bill