Bx25d Snow plow for the quick attach FEL

7lakes · Nov 24, 2015

I just finished up designing a snow plow for my new quick attach FEL on my kubota bx25d. Again, I will attach all of the Solidworks files and dxf files if you want to make one. I don't really like converting files for others, but let me know and I can see what I can do. I just cut out all of the parts and will test fit this week or early next week. This time I tried to use a lot less CNC plasma and use more traditional fabrication. I used a fair amount of 2x2 square and 2" angle. The rest will be CNC 1/4 inch steel and the blade surface will be 11 or 12 gauge steel. I haven't decided. The software says this will come in around 100 pounds, but that doesn't include pins, springs and welds.

In the idea of universal uses, I wanted to be able to attach other agle requiring implements to the piece. I will be able to take off the blade and attach things like a rake and ... well that's all I got actually for now. Also, I wanted to be able to lock it into place for extremely light "Dozing."

I know, I know it isn't hydraulically operated. I am thinking of adding that later, but since I haven't added a 3rd function valve yet, I didn't add it. I really want my third function valve to work different than the ones I have seen, so...still thinking.

I will throw a picture up for now and see if I can get all those files up on wednesday.

I did not design in the springs as my solidworks skills aren't there yet. Also, I did not design up the pins that I will just buy. All pins are 3/4 inch and I am unsure of the spring dimensions yet as I haven't gotten that far. I all but finished all my CNC cuts, when my machined gave me an error on my LAST and Largest cut. Go figure. Oh, well, the cuts were really good this time

When I upload the files, I will make a cut list for the stock metal as well.

7lakes · Nov 30, 2015

Some pics are coming in. The first fit worked perfect so time to add the blade face and finish welding.

7lakes · Dec 2, 2015

I finished it up and tried it out last night. I hope to never have to bend 1/8 thick steel again. That was terrible. The cutting edge is UHMW 1 inch thick. Lastly, I totally guessed on the spring strength. Luckily, it trips at the right time and not before. I didn't have the solidworks skills to test spring tension.

devildog1 · Dec 2, 2015

Wow Great job on the fabrication of your snow plow, please keep us informed when you actually use it.
DevilDog

cschulz · Jan 2, 2016

Excellent job there 7lakes. Looks to be a good combo with enough strength in design and while still keeping the weight down. I myself would really like to have the cad files when you are ready. Im just getting ready to replace all the brake lines on my plow truck. Ive given up what little commercial plowing I used to do so Ive started looking at plows for my BX so that I can retire the truck from plowing. Its really taken it toll on her over the last few years.
Although Im used to being in a warm cab in the winter I would have to fab up a cab for the little BX.
Great work, keep it up.

Thanks Chris

dragoneggs · Jan 2, 2016

Nicely done!!! I'm impressed. Need a little snow now! It's cold enough.

Fallon · Jan 4, 2016

Do you have any lateral float? I'd be screwed if my plow didn't have any as my & neighbors drives aren't flat.

7lakes · Jan 6, 2016

The reason I wanted to attach it to the FEL was for the float feature that the BX already has in it. I am not sure if that is the same as the lateral float you are referring to, but it is the bucket float.

7lakes · Jan 6, 2016

cschulz said:
Excellent job there 7lakes. Looks to be a good combo with enough strength in design and while still keeping the weight down. I myself would really like to have the cad files when you are ready. Im just getting ready to replace all the brake lines on my plow truck. Ive given up what little commercial plowing I used to do so Ive started looking at plows for my BX so that I can retire the truck from plowing. Its really taken it toll on her over the last few years.
Although Im used to being in a warm cab in the winter I would have to fab up a cab for the little BX.
Great work, keep it up.

Thanks Chris

Yeah, I gotta start thinking of cab ideas, Although I have no reason to. Heck I really have no reason for the snow plow where I live. For that matter having my tractor is overkill. Next up is designing forks, then a brush picker up thingy. I started work on a log spitter, and more attachments for my backhoe. I have now finished about 5 attachments for the backhoe quick change bucket thingy I made. I will try and get those files up soon. There were some issues with bending the blade face, but it all worked out.

Fallon · Jan 6, 2016

7lakes said:
The reason I wanted to attach it to the FEL was for the float feature that the BX already has in it. I am not sure if that is the same as the lateral float you are referring to, but it is the bucket float.

I highly suggest you give up on that idea now. Floating the loader arms means all the weight of the arms will be pushing down on the blade causing it to dig into the pavement or gravel. I've yet to hear of anybody being satisfied with that working well. You need to plan on setting the loader height & letting chain or something just float the weight of the blade.

You can see my setup here...

Chain takes care of vertical float. The blade on the plow frame has about 10 degrees of float side to side as well. Without lateral float if your road isn't level side to side (most roads should have a crown), the blade will only hit the high points or one side of the road & leave an inch or 2 of snow on the other.

While I'm generally happy with the design, I'll likely build another one here in a year or 2. I plan on finding a truck plow with hydraulic angle, which is the feature I want the most. I'll also try to shorten up the design a bit so the plow doesn't stick out so far. Hanging out that far gives the plow a fair bit of leverage to push the tractor around or prevent steering from working. It's not to bad, but if I'm building a new one I might as well shorten it up. I saw somebody use 2 nested pipes instead of chain to give float, but also give down pressure with the pipe bottomed out. Might try doing that as well.