Best attachment for snow

megotatractor · Jul 2, 2005

I would say a front blade with skid shoes.. Snowblowers are not cost effective where it rarely snows heavily. next time we get big snow I'm calling the neighbor. for most snows my loader and rear blade are fine. I put skid shoes on my blade to preserve the gravel.

keeney · Jul 7, 2005

If you didn't even use the front blade on your Mule once last year, there is little chance you would need a snowblower.

I live another couple hundred miles North here in MN and I have only ever used my front blower once or twice. For light snow, the front blade is way faster.

Maybe with a little custom fabricaiton, the blade from the Mule can be adapted to fit either machine?

Actually, with a little more thought, I'd just stick with the Mule. If it has a cab, its going to be more comfortable.

- Rick

454shooter · Jul 8, 2005

Question for John M:
My dealer just got a used JD 6' boom mounted blade back from a customer that used it a couple times and did not like it. It has power angle and looks new except for a minor bend on a skid shoe bracket. I am awaiting a price on it and it looks like list on it is around $1700.00 so I am guessing new it was 1300-1400? Can you tell me what you paid for yours? Also, I don't have the third function lines but don't know if they are actually necessary as I could just secure the tilt on the loader and use its ports for the power angle. ( I do have the rear remote so I could run temporary winter lines from there if the loader tilt is necessary. It appears by looking at the blade that you can manually change the tilt.)( I also plan on having my 8' rear blade on and offset so I can cut a larger swat and may put an angling cylinder on it)
Another question- is it difficult to steer with the JD blade?
Thanks...Shooter

jcmseven · Jul 8, 2005

Shooter,

I think 1300 would be a fair price for the blade. I do not think I would go much above that. I paid (I think) about 1200 or so for mine, minus the hydraulic angling. You do not need the hydraulic angling to make this a useful tool. To be able to angle hydraulically, one would have to have the plumbing routed down the right loader arm and plumbed to the blade. Not a big deal, but adds to the price. Unless you get a lot of snow, or find yourself needing to adjust your blade angle a lot, manual angling would be fine. Just make sure your dealer provides you with the angling pin that comes stock with the blade. He could also order one, but most dealers would have a few in stock that have been pulled out for the hydraulic angling kit. To me, the powered angling is nice, but is not that necessary. I used mine some last year, but more because I had it, not because I needed it. Also, the JD blade does not make it hard to steer. The only thing that some folks do not like is that it adds some length to the tractor, which makes it cumbersome when in tight spaces, but I do not know of anyone who would buy a six foot blade to use in a tiny space; it should not be a problem. If anything, the boom blade affects the steering LESS than a standard front blade, as the loader geometry prevents the blade from easily unloading the front wheels of the tractor when pushing. I cannot speak for others' preference, but I really like my front blade for the purposes noted. It does a nice job.

John M

454shooter · Jul 8, 2005

Thanks John. I'll see what they come up with on a price.
Shooter

LBrown59 · Jul 10, 2005

( I drove a 3720 today. I was very impressed with the emission quality and how quiet it seemed. I had never tried a twin-touch eHydro before and I liked how precisely and easily I could control small movements back and forth. I definitely want this tractor.

 I'm wondering what attachment is best for snow? I have a 1/4 mile, uneven, gravel driveway plus a parking area to keep clear. I live in southeast Iowa where the snow is unpredictable in volume. It's often light, but can drift and be heavy. I do plan to get a FEL.

Consider that I already have a Kawasaki Mule with a front blade. I don't know how well it works because I've only had it a year and last winter had very little snow to test it by.
)
~~~~~~~~~~
 A snow plow on a pick up truck keeping you warm and tosty as you plow the snow. 
This is the fastest way to clear your driveway much faster than a snow blower.