Deere 855 snow plow

[Russ7127]

So, I'm tired of fixing my too-small and too-old Cub Cadet 123, but with a 42" plow and a 42" snow thrower, it's currently my only driveway snow removal machine. I just bought this Deere 855 MFWD, with plans that I'd like to someday fit a snow plow to it, but with the Cub broken down for the third time in as many weeks, I think it's time to kick that plan into high gear.

The Deere 855 is fitted with a model 52 loader, which I can have on/off in about 10 minutes. I'd love if a snow plow rig could make use of the loader attachment points / method, but know that's wishful thinking without some fab on my own. I have the ability to fab up my own plow rig, but having just moved, I have other / bigger fish to fry at the moment. I'd be willing to buy new or pay to have something fab'd at this point.

Adding to the above sentiment, SWMBO is getting mighty tired of me spending time repeatedly fixing the Cub, now that I have this nice Deere. I think it's time to spend some money and just make this happen... if possible.

Any ideas / advice? I don't think I want to make the loader my primary means of snow removal. I have approximately 6000 sq.ft. / 450 lin.ft. of smoothly paved driveway. I have considered one of the 59" snow throwers, but honestly believe a plow is a better compliment to the loader (and smaller to store, likely cheaper, etc.).

I use a rear scaler blade to plow my drive. The 350' straight has a small up hill section. The rear blade works well most of the time. When I get 8-12" of wet snow, I use the front bucket to open the first pass. Cleaning up some of the corners would take less time using a snowblower, the time savings is not worth the expense.

 

[WinterDeere]

Cool. Going to ask about buying the lighter blade rig at the Deere dealership tomorrow. Who knows... maybe it's still available?

 

[techwrtr2]

I believe JD755 has it right. The smaller snow blade and the 59 snow blower use the same front mount which can be installed without removing the loader mounting brackets. The beastly 380 blade has front mounts that use the same holes as the loader mounts. The 380 rear mounts use the same cross tube through the frame that the rear loader mounts use, so that would have to come off as well.

JDParts shows the lighter blade using the same part number as the snow thrower.

 

[WinterDeere]

Cool. Thanks. I talked with someone today who owns the snow thrower and an 855, and he says it only takes him 5 minutes (2 bolts) to change over from the mower deck hanger to the snow thrower hanger on the front of the frame. Sounds much simpler than the heavy 380 plow, as I hear people claiming that takes much more time to change over.

It looks like the small yellow 54 inch blade or the blower could be attached without removing the loader brackets.

Just got to look at the old advertisements you posted. Thanks!

 

[WinterDeere]

Arggh... went to the Deere dealer today, and did not get to talk with a salesman. The one who had promised to meet with me to discuss this was tied up talking with the village idiot, and the others were busy selling generators, in light of the coming storm. This guy tying up the salesman I had scheduled to meet was looking at everything from JD-labeled claw hammers to mowers and snowblowers, but the salesman's tone and face told me he's a regular there who never buys anything.

Oh well...

 

[WinterDeere]

After all I've read here, I guess my best bet for getting up and running in the next few weeks is a rear blade. Knowing I'll hate myself forever if I don't get hydraulic angle, and with a rear tire width of 54", that puts me in a Landpride RB1672H or a Deere RB2172H. I chose 72" because the 60" is less than my 54" rear tire width with any kind of angle on it, although I do worry about my 2400 lb. (with FEL) machine pulling a 72" blade. Thoughts?

Next step is figuring out how to add a third hydraulic control to a 26 year old 855. If I get a rear blade, I do want to keep my FEL installed and functional when the rear blade is on the machine.

 

[techwrtr2]

My blade is 72". At full angle it can force you to slide like a rear mounted ice skate, you'll have to adjust based on your situation. WR Long has made a 3rd function kit for the 855. While I think it's usually used for the loader, I'm sure you could use it for the rear. I know I would try that.

 

[WinterDeere]

Do you have skid shoes on that blade, or is the edge right on the pavement / gravel?

Would you try a 60" blade? With the loader, I keep my rear tires set wide at roughly 54" rear width. That 60" blade passes the 54" width mark at 25 degrees angle.

 

[techwrtr2]

No shoes on it, it's just a cheaper KK model acquired at TSC. All of the roads around the property are gravel, pavement is an expensive pipe dream.

 

[BigEddy]

I'm late to this thread but my recommendation for snow removal is a 3 pt blower. I have a 60" blower on my 855 and they are well matched. With the blower on the rear and the loader on the front you can reach in tight to the garage and vehicles with the loader and pull snow out then turn and blow it away. My driveway is 300' and we get plenty of snow most years. I usually take one pass out then do the neighbors and finish with one pass on the way back in.

The 3 pt blower takes 5 mins max to attach and they are reasonably priced around here. Lots of choice used too.

Some folks don't want to look over their shoulders blowing. It doesn't bother me.

Nice thing with a blower is no banks. Banks make a nice calm place where blowing snow can rest, which makes for bigger banks. ..... Where I am, blowing snow is an issue. Without banks it keeps on going by and often clears the drive for me.