Snow b7800 - FEL worth it for snow?

[NewClimber]

I am new to the FEL world with a purchase of a B7100...I am about to do some light work moving some pea gravel and mulch, should I be worried about having another implement on the back for counter balance?? I only have a 4' brush hog and just removed it. I though it might be easier to get a handle on operating the tractor with out the brush hog extended out the back...should I re-install it before doing my loader work??? My back is getting tired of moving rock and gravel with my wheel barrow!!!

 

[ronjhall]

I would put some type of counter weight on the 3PH. When the FEL bucket is full it can make the rear end very light.

 

[kingoflawns]

I'm glad you love the plow set up and think it's great, good luck with it! I was just trying to save you some pain! Spend some time on this site and others ( snow) and you will find people who bent loader arms with that set up. That loader is not engineered for that duty.

 

[AntrimMan]

As I sit here scratching mosquito bites it is hard to imagine snow any time soon. It is a good idea to be prepared I suppose.
The problem I have had using the loader for snow removal on my long, long gravel drive is that it will dig. Float or no float, it will dig if I allow the bucket to touch the ground. When we get a bit of a blow I can easily get 30" drifts. This is when we bring the loader out. Some of my drive is through a 6' bank and there is nowhere to push the pile. Nothing like scoop and dump.
IMHO there is no substitute for a lightweight blade that will ride on the ground surface, the type that will collapse when you smack an immovable object, and that can be angled to put the snow off to the side. The loader will keep you out of trouble and it definitely has it's place but it is not the best solution.
As far as a rear blade goes, I don't have one, I have never used one and I can't imagine the blade being efficient if it is dragged instead of pushed. You need a fair bit of speed to make snow flow off a blade and speed can be awful when you hit a hidden obstacle if the blade is rigid. Others will not agree. Perhaps a lesson will change my mind. Just MHO.
Snowblowers have a lot going on inside and look to be high maintenance. Good for upstate NY. Pittsburgh is not upstate NY.
If you are going to use the loader be sure to get a bucket at least as wide as the tires.

All the best,
Martin

 

[rswyan]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would put some type of counter weight on the 3PH. When the FEL bucket is full it can make the rear end very light. )</font>

Definitely put some weight on it like ron says .... a raised, full bucket can easily tip over your tractor .... even when it's stationary (.... ask me how I know this /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) If the ground you are on is the least bit unlevel, or you have the bucket loaded heavier on one side then look out .......