Do BX users think this will work

[Tractor_Jim_CT]

I have a small JD tractor with a plow that I use, but would like to use the FEL to help push or move heavy snow in addtion. I've read how some have protected the bottom of the FEL with a strip of horse mat. I came across these skids that appear can fit in the bottom of the FEL. See link below.

Thoughts on will these fit the bottom of the FEL and work. They appear they may be a solution to keeping the FEL off the ground enough to do the job. If so, what method have users used to drill the holes on the bottom of the FEL to attach Horse mat or these skids for that matter. All thoughts welcomed. Thanks - Jim

Warn Utility Plow Replacement Skids
The Plow Replacement Skids keep your plow from digging into gravel roads or other soft surfaces for smoother operation. Also protects your blade by lifting it slightly above plowing surface. Sold per pair. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif


http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jhtml;jsessionid=RLEAP5XCBBLDLTQSNOISCNOOCJVZIIWE?id=0013291520889a&type=product&cmCat=static_product&_requestid=6612

 

[RonR]

IIRC, the guys bolting horse mat are putting in on a cutting edge of a snow blade, not the bottom of the FEL.

To answer your question, yes, I'm sure you could mount these parts on the bottom of your FEL. Just don't try drilling through the cutting edge of your blade, like I tried this weekend. It is TOUGH steel!

If you put horse mat on the bottom side of your FEL, I'd think it would wear or tear off quickly if you run it on gravel or concrete.

Last winter, I simply bolted a 48" piece of 2x12 on the front of the FEL lip. This worked to slide along the concrete without catching and I could back drag with it.

I built this dozer blade and might put a board or horse mat on it for winter. We don't get that much snow, so it would work ok. Couldn't use the loader bucket to move snow and dump it, but not an issue for me.

Enjoy.
Ron

 

[Junkman]

They are pretty wimpy looking to me and I think that they wouldn't really work well on the loader. They are designed for light weight ATV snow plows. Also, they will not help keep the bucket up unless the ground is frozen. On un frozen ground, they will just dig into the ground.

 

[SeymourBota]

No matter what you attach to the front of your FEL, you still have the problem of pushing snow straight ahead such that it gathers and eventually exceeds your traction capability. You have mentioned using it to help push "heavy" snow. This might work for a while if you have a very large tractor but what you really need is a way to angle the front so the snow dumps off.
How about an old grader blade mounted offset to the bucket or a system like my attached pic.

 

[Tractor_Jim_CT]

Thanks SeymourBota. Does the setup move manually?
I'm surprised a plow designed that attaches like yours to the FEL is not available for those who don't want to remove the FEL. I have a angle manual blade on the JD..just looking for a way to move snow only for the BX23 with a simple or no change to the FEL/BH setup. Since I've never removed these two attachments yet, maybe it's just anxiety.

 

[Ken_CT]

I would think that setup would put a lot of side stress on the loader arms while pushing snow with it angled sharply. To mount my plow (Kubota) you remove the FEL and mount a quick hitch to the front of the tractor. The plow then mounts to that. More work taking everything on & off, but no stress on the loader. Disadvantage: it can be raised, lowered and angle left & right, but not tilt forward or back like yours could.

 

[botalvr]

My personal experience has been that the FEL is only good for piling the snow that you have plowed with something else. It really sucks for snow removal.
Try a back blade rotated so the it is convex rather than concave on the leading edge. That way it won't dig in.
I didn't even like that, although it was alot better, so I use an ATV mounted blade, and when the edges get too big, I use the FEL to pile it somewhere else.
Perhaps it won't even snow this year....
/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[Tractor_Jim_CT]

To mount my plow (Kubota) you remove the FEL and mount a quick hitch to the front of the tractor. The plow then mounts to that.

Ken..When you get yours setup later this year, (fiqure it's to early yet) would you be able to post a picture or if anyone has in the past.. Curious on brand of blade, etc along with costs for the whole setup with the quick attach. I take it the bucket is removed??? Thanks

 

[SeymourBota]

I also have one of these power angle blades from Curtis, which replace the bucket on the loader arms:
http://www.curtisintl.com/tractor_loader.html
This is more of a project, in terms of removal and installation, however.
I installed extra steel plates on the top and bottom of the bucket surface in the setup I posted the pic of, to distribute stress. This is used strictly for smaller snowfalls- there's a 60" 3PH snowblower on the rear for winter.
The best thing is that if I really want to use the bucket, I just pull one pin, back away and I'm in business!!

 

[SeymourBota]

Tractor Jim CT- yes, I can manually angle the blade left, right or center (there are only 3 positions).
I contemplated trying to rig up my 6 ft 3PH blade to the bucket with some type of offset, but the challenge included the question of how to accomodate hitting an obstacle, since the 3PH blade is not spring-loaded.