BH and Blower on at same time?

at_obuk · Jul 24, 2004

I really don't like to think about snow and winter in the middle of July but I can't seem to help myself.
Now I have a BX23 with rear tires filled. For the winter I will be mounting a snowblower for my driveway that is approx: 1000ft long with small hills and curves. Do ya all think I should leave the BH on for added weight? Personnally I'd like to take it off so I don't have to worry about it gettin' in the way when I back-up. But if I get the oppisite consences here I'll keep it on.

Eric P.

familyman · Jul 24, 2004

Hey, Eric!
First, I don't have a front mounted snowblower or experience operating someone elses. But I have operated a number of walk behind units and besides working the controls my main physical effort was steering. I never had to help push them (they were self-propelled) because they removed the snow as they went. So to my way of thinking, if your tires are loaded traction shouldn't be an issue as you aren't really pushing the snow load as you would be with say, a plow or FEL. So my first try would definitely be w/o the BH. Granted, the BX isn't that heavy to begin with, but that BH can be a pain in the tail when you're not really using it! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Good luck! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Charley

Junkman · Jul 24, 2004

remove the BH and get a weight box and fill it with sand or some other heavy object. You will need the weight back there when you are clearing snow. The weight box mounts to the 3 point hitch arms. You won't regret having the weigh box when that big snow storm hits. You will regret not having a cab though.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

sandyc · Jul 25, 2004

I agree with Junkman....a weight box is the way to go. I use a front snowblower on my 2200 with a weight box and filled tires. In four wheel drive low range I have yet to be stuck. Because I have a gravel drive I use my front mount plow until the ground freezes...otherwise I am shooting gravel at the squirrels. The switch between blade and snowblower is but a couple of minutes......

at_obuk · Jul 25, 2004

Had a lota seat time so I couldn't respond as fast to the replys as I had liked. Looks like I'll go with the weight box, makes sence, figure I can make my own. These forums are great, I hadn't even thought of a weight box.
Thanks Guys !!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Eric P.

Junkman · Jul 25, 2004

If you would like the dimentions of the Kubota box along with pictures, PM me with your e mail address and I will get them off to you. Just remember that you have to paint it <font color="orange">orange</font> ........ /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jim_Becker · Jul 26, 2004

I could be wrong, but I believe that the BH should only be on the machine with the FEL due to weight distribution...and the FEL has to be on "first". I don't think that the snow blower weighs anything like the FEL. A weight box in back (or a box blade) is a far safer option, IMHO, too.

BPD239 · Jul 27, 2004

I had the BX2200 and used the snowblower without a weight box or filled tires. I found that this a big improvement over the two wheel drive tractor I had traded. I had chains for the two wheel drive tractor and weight on the back. I had to make sure that I didn't let a lot of snow build up before blowing it with that tractor.

When I purchased the BX2200 I found that the 4wd made a huge difference. I had no problems and my driveway is shaded, curved, and uphill to get out. Even with a small layer of ice on the driveway I had no problems.

Last year when I purchased the BX23, I left the BH on the back. I think that the blower on the front is more than enough weight to balance the tractor. I wouldn't want to drive the tractor without the loader or blower for any distance though. I used the blower with the backhoe last year. I found that it worked well. I have bar tires on the BX23 and I had the same on the BX2200. I would say 4wd wasn't used as much with the backhoe on the back.

Using the backhoe for weight did require some extra attention. The width and length of the tractor is increased and you can't get as close to the bosses car!! If I had put a Kubota orange racing stripe down the side of her van.....she may have been upset.

I would try it with the backhoe and if the size of the hoe becomes an issue replace it with a weight box or try it without any weight at all. I have never used filled tires so that may be more than enough weight to get the job done. The blower for this tractor is unbelievable. You won't be disappointed in having it.