CK20 snowblower

[tmccarty81]

Been looking around for a snowblower for my CK20. Going with a rear since I want to use the loader during the winter. Contacted a bunch of local dealers and it seems like agrotrend is the popular model they all want to sell 2,600 for a 54. I found a Deere dealer selling a frontier 54 for about 2,400. I see post of other people getting better prices, Anyone know of any dealers that ship snowblowers? Only looking for something for personal use. I saw Northern Tool has a 50'' Braber but found little reviews and none seemed positive. Open to any suggestions if someone knows somebody who ships or any dealers within driving distance of Reading PA.

 

[Dmace]

Check with Wallace Tractor and Equipment NEPA Compact Tractors Lake Ariel Poconos Honesdale PA, he's in PA and a former Kioti dealer (now Bobcat). If he can't get you set up then I bet he knows who can.

It's probably not much help but I paid $1800 for my JRW 60" rear mount snowblower back in 2005 at the same time I got the tractor/backhoe package. It's amazing how much snow that thing can eat! :thumbsup:

 

[CBB]

I would say you will need chains if you are going to push a snowblower.

Also a strong neck as you spend a lot of time in an awkward position.

On a windy stormy day, you can freeze your eyes with the wind blowing back at you. Maybe you don't get much blowing snow your way so this may not be an issue but goggles really help--ski goggles.

Personally, we have had our rear snowblower for 20 plus years. We put it on about once every 4 years when we really got to dig out--like a neighbor who has been gone all winter and needs their driveway done but mostly, we use the FEL and scraper blade. We get more snow than 99.9% of the folks and could easily live without the rear snow blower. IF I ever bought another one, it would be with a cab tractor and front mount AND a paved driveway, not gravel.

Gravel not only gets thrown out into the lawn but one in a great while, a stone gets caught in the chain drive and causes difficulty.

Hope my input and experience helps you make a wise decision.

 

[Dmace]

I would say you will need chains if you are going to push a snowblower.

Also a strong neck as you spend a lot of time in an awkward position.

On a windy stormy day, you can freeze your eyes with the wind blowing back at you. Maybe you don't get much blowing snow your way so this may not be an issue but goggles really help--ski goggles.

Personally, we have had our rear snowblower for 20 plus years. We put it on about once every 4 years when we really got to dig out--like a neighbor who has been gone all winter and needs their driveway done but mostly, we use the FEL and scraper blade. We get more snow than 99.9% of the folks and could easily live without the rear snow blower. IF I ever bought another one, it would be with a cab tractor and front mount AND a paved driveway, not gravel.

Gravel not only gets thrown out into the lawn but one in a great while, a stone gets caught in the chain drive and causes difficulty.

Hope my input and experience helps you make a wise decision.

I have to disagree with all these statements. It's tough to see in the picture above but that is a relatively steep hill and I have never needed chains. When it starts to slip, I simply step on the rear differential lock and keep on trucking up the hill.

Secondly, on windy days just blow the snow with the wind and not against it. Even though I have the cab, I still do that just so the snow doesn't build up on the tractor. I will NEVER use just the loader again for snow removal after the first year I didn't have the blower and ended up with snow banks over 10ft tall. They didn't completely melt until mid-April and when they did there was so much water in one area that it washed away the ground and I had mud puddles there all year long. With the snow blower, all the snow was spread out, there were no big snow banks and it all melted uniformly and quickly. I never noticed much of a neck problem because I actually sit side-ways in the seat so I am only turning my head slightly and clearing the whole driveway only takes 45 mins vs over 1-1/2 hrs using just the loader.

Lastly, after the first snowfall I just pack it down so the gravel stays smooth and frozen and after that I never pick up any gravel or rocks. If it is early in the season then I shorten the top link to angle the snow blower upwards and that helps a lot. I would be willing to bet I am one of those 0.01% that gets more snow than you too. :thumbsup:

 

[Gil Case]

I am running a 60" Meteor on my CK20S and ran it on a 24 hp Chinese Beast before that and I do not have chains. My driveway is paved, but it is about 11degs, so fairly steep. Let me tell you the snow is gone, gone when you use these snow blowers. Go with the wind and there are no snow banks just a sharp edge on the driveway. Using the FEL to push snow and ramming into snow banks IMO is not good for the machine, things get bent. I use the FEL to move snow in areas that the snow blower is hard to maneuver such as along the end of the driveway where it meets the highway and the town trucks pack it into cement.
I know folks who use their FEl to clear snow by putting the front edge down and getting a running start, that works until you hit a rock or raised drain and then the world stops very suddenly.
So my suggestion is put on the snowmobile suit, some goggles and go with the rear mount. It is fun.

 

[CBB]

Chains are a must due to several times a year it rains at 32 degrees and we get a ribbon of ice that is inches thick....The blower we have is so heavy it causes the front end to be light and we live in hill country.

A front mounted snow blower would be nice but my neck can't take the turning around. We have a long driveway and usually, if using the snowblower, we do several long driveways.

Blowing winds that come from all directions unless you are retired and can wait for the wind to die down. I hear you on blowing down wind but it is not actually feasible all the time and once I actually frozen my contacts to my eyes from being out so long. It was one of those days when ice is hanging off your face and the snot freezes.

I will say this. Once back in the 80's, the road iced up and our drifts got so big that the snow plows could not move the snow. We used our '81 Ford 17?0 and the rear mounted snow blower and cut a path so the plow could get up the hill, turn around and plow going down.

DMACE--sounds like you love snow, too! God love the seasons. I love the challenge of a blustery snow storm when the world stops.

 

[sweettractors]

Been looking around for a snowblower for my CK20. Going with a rear since I want to use the loader during the winter. Contacted a bunch of local dealers and it seems like agrotrend is the popular model they all want to sell 2,600 for a 54. I found a Deere dealer selling a frontier 54 for about 2,400. I see post of other people getting better prices, Anyone know of any dealers that ship snowblowers? Only looking for something for personal use. I saw Northern Tool has a 50'' Braber but found little reviews and none seemed positive. Open to any suggestions if someone knows somebody who ships or any dealers within driving distance of Reading PA.

I have in stock the top of the line 3 point Buhler/Farmking 50 inch for $1995 and the 60 inch for $2195 + very modest shipping. You can't beat the quality or price. Ken Sweet

 

[Dmace]

Chains are a must due to several times a year it rains at 32 degrees and we get a ribbon of ice that is inches thick....The blower we have is so heavy it causes the front end to be light and we live in hill country.

In that case, I agree that chains would be necessary in icy conditions. I was just disagreeing with the statement "you will need chains if you are going to push a snowblower". It just sounds like you are saying it's impossible to use a snow blower without chains. It's all good though, I do love my snow! :thumbsup:

 

[Gittyup]

Might also check out Iowa Farm Equipment. They have nice 4 blade blowers and I think they ship.

 

[dickday]

I bought the 72" from Northern Tool last month. Here is the review I posted on their website...

"I normally do not have the time, or inclination, to write product reviews. I am so impressed, on so many levels, with this product, the manufacturer and Northern Tool, that I felt I should let others know about my buying experience.

I must admit, I was very skeptical of a 72" snow blower that sells for about half of comparable units. I did research on Braber Equipment and had some questions for them before buying the Agriease blower. The customer support folks at Northern Tool were great about putting me in touch with the right person at Braber. He was able to answer my questions about quality, pricing and parts availability. I felt so comfortable with his replies that I immediately got one on order.

Mine arrived considerably sooner than I expected, which was a pleasant surprise. As with any 700lb item that is shipped, there is always the chance of freight damage and my new snow blower did have some minor damage. The Northern Tool customer service reps were very responsive and gave me instructions on how to handle it. The folks at Braber had a part ready to ship immediately, so I could not have asked for it to be resolved any faster.
Upon arrival,

I honestly expected to see a snow blower that resembled a high-school metal shop project. What I received was a well-constructed piece of equipment that will still be working long after I am gone The fit and finish is the same as what I see on other brands sitting on implement dealer lots.

Bottom line, if you are looking for a solid snow blower at an incredible price, do not hesitate to buy the Agriease."