Best way to float SSQA plow?

[pcustoms]

Converting a 7.5' plow to SSQA and stuck on best way to float it.

Original thought was ridgid mount and use the float on the loader.

Or should I make float with a chain or telescope too link?

 

[DK35vince]

Converting a 7.5' plow to SSQA and stuck on best way to float it.

Original thought was ridgid mount and use the float on the loader.

Float on the loader doesn't work well for plowing from my experience. (puts to much weight on the plow and can't steer)

 

[the old grind]

Pretty sure you don''t want to hear a usual 'do something else' post, but: I'm not able to neatly plow my 550' gravel driveway, so I add my three Edge Tamers to any FEL bucket in the fall. This method (3 & 2 6-8" from corners) follows the crown and doesn't demand that I re-crown in the Spring. It leaves a hard pack when the ground is frozen solid and gouges the least when we get a good dump on thawed ground. No snow curbs from just pushing it aside, which can build up too high to be pushed aside any further.

I have a ~50' x 50' area for work in front of the barn that I don't maintain greenery on but it fills in there anyway. In the Winter I can clear it to that grass showing thru' without digging up sod and in a matter of minutes. The things I best like about ETs is that the bucket can float despite the weight of the loader arms, that leveling it is far easier for each pass, and that by using the bucket I can dump snow where Spring melt will run off where I want it to and not back onto the d-way. Just not futzing with a poor bucket level indicator saves me a lot of time and gives a better finish.

I'd also use edge tamers to plow over pavement before I'd use a blade with u/s gauge buttons on anything. I just need to drive on a solid surface and hope our frequent Winter thaws don't soften my hard pack. I hope this is more helpful than annoying. jon

 

[ovrszd]

I converted an old Meyer snow plow to SSQA. I did it wrong. I built a rigid vertical pin for the plow to angle on. Used the two cylinders that were on the plow. This requires "float" on the FEL to be used. Too much weight. Requires large shoes. Still when plowing on unfrozen ground the shoes will track the driveway.

In a do over, I'd retain the Meyer system and let the plow hinge and carry it with a chain.

Live and learn.....

 

[ovrszd]

I also added 3pt tabs so I could use it on my Ford. Ford has two circuits so am able to also use Hyd Top Link. Here's some pics that show the basic design. I might have overkilled the build a bit.....

 

[LouNY]

Float on the loader doesn't work well for plowing from my experience. (puts to much weight on the plow and can't steer)

I'll definitely second this, the loader float will put way to much weight on the blade.
There are several threads on here about doing this,
the best ones tucked the mount under the loader ssqa to shorten the whole assembly and let the plow float on it's own.

 

[pcustoms]

I converted an old Meyer snow plow to SSQA. I did it wrong. I built a rigid vertical pin for the plow to angle on. Used the two cylinders that were on the plow. This requires "float" on the FEL to be used. Too much weight. Requires large shoes. Still when plowing on unfrozen ground the shoes will track the driveway.

In a do over, I'd retain the Meyer system and let the plow hinge and carry it with a chain.

Live and learn.....

Pretty sure I copied your pictures this morning.

Spent some time with a cup of coffee going over some threads, a lot said not to mount it ridgid, but this is the first time I've seen someone say they did and it was a bad idea.

Back to the drawing board, I think I can cut/tuck the existing A frame tight to the SSQA and hang it from a chain.

 

[RickB]

I converted an old Meyer snow plow to SSQA. I did it wrong. I built a rigid vertical pin for the plow to angle on. Used the two cylinders that were on the plow. This requires "float" on the FEL to be used. Too much weight. Requires large shoes. Still when plowing on unfrozen ground the shoes will track the driveway.

In a do over, I'd retain the Meyer system and let the plow hinge and carry it with a chain.

Live and learn.....

This^^

 

[nybirdman]

Definitely float the plow,l have a converted truck plow and it works well.

 

[ovrszd]

Pretty sure I copied your pictures this morning.

Spent some time with a cup of coffee going over some threads, a lot said not to mount it ridgid, but this is the first time I've seen someone say they did and it was a bad idea.

Back to the drawing board, I think I can cut/tuck the existing A frame tight to the SSQA and hang it from a chain.

Let me add to the reasoning. When I built it my Brother had a Bobcat CTL. I primarily built if for him to use. He is brutal on equipment. I over built it hoping he couldn't tear it up. Also the Bobcat's loader frame isn't as heavy as a tractor's. He got along with it fine floating the machine.

It didn't work nearly as well on my tractor.

Since I started using it on the Ford I've not had it back on the FEL of the Kubota.

I only clear a parking area in front of the house and shop plus a 200ft driveway.