Snow Attachments Finally - a real snow plow

[zmansmac]

For the last 6 or so years I've had a modified garden tractor plow that I adapted to attach on my loader. It was a 54 inch plow from a Case 444 that I made wings for along with a couple of gauge wheels (1st picture) since I was plowing a gravel driveway. But last fall I moved and now have an asphalt driveway and I also plowed a neighbor's drive which is cement. The plow always worked fairly well but it seemed like every season something would break and welding in the winter isn't always fun. But this plow doesn't work as well on paved surfaces mostly because it doesn't weigh too much. So I found what I think was a good deal on a new Diamond 6 foot plow and just finished adapting it to my tractor. So, not that I'm really looking forward to the snow season, but I kinda of am. The rest of the pictures tell the story.

 

[nybirdman]

Looks good.Bottom trip edge?Add all the rear weight you can to your tractor;I think it may push you around a bit.
I have a very similar set-up on my own,but it weighs 7,000lbs.

 

[zmansmac]

Thanks nybirdman. Yes, it's a bottom trip edge plow. I have a quick hitch on the 3 point and for winter and I put my Landpride 6 foot back blade on which adds about 400 pounds hanging back there. The rear tires are loaded and I just had my new front tires loaded because I have had some issues in the past with the front end shifting when the plow is angled.

 

[varmint]

Nice job on the metal work! I hope the frame you built is heavy enough nothing will bend on you.

I have a Horst 78" plow in front of my L3400, and it works well enough, although I would prefer the 72" wide plow (this was kept when I sold a larger Kubota, so I run what I brung, so to speak). I use chains, and I might try chains on the front tires, as well, but I want to be sure I won't damage something with such a set-up.

 

[zmansmac]

Thanks varmint. I hope so too. I like to think I tend to overkill on my weldups. The basic A frame mount is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 quarter inch thick stock. The 2 pivot points which are 1 1/4 diameter are held by half inch thick DOM tubing. And I installed zerks on them as well. The mounting ears on the frame for the angle cylinders are 3/8 thick stock. So this winter, if we have a reasonable amount of snow, will be the real test.

 

[Threepoint]

Really admire your fabrication skills. :thumbsup: Looks like you're going to have some fun, for at least the next few snowstorms anyway!

Where are you getting the hydraulics to power the angle cylinders? Rear remotes, power beyond...? I'm assuming you still have your loader functions.

 

[zmansmac]

Hi Threepoint. Yes, I still have all my loader functions. The year after I got my tractor in 2002 I modified a Landpride rear blade to attach to my loader arms. After 2 snowstorms I realized that getting off the tractor to keep manually changing the angle was not for me. So I added a separate valve, basically a log splitter type valve, to my system. Madreferee, may he rest in peace, guided me through the installation. If I remember correctly, the supply for this valve comes from the power beyond port of my loader valve. This added valve ended up coming in handy for a couple of other functions like a hydraulic top link and a setup I made to drive T posts in the ground. Here's a couple of pictures that show the added valve and the connection to my loader valve.

 

[varmint]

Zman... ah- your steel tube is h**l for stout, I see. Should be plenty heavy duty to resist twisting and buckling.

But, please tell me those are NOT pipe elbows on you loader valve hoses in that first photo... but they look like they are. Could be shrapnel right in your face and upper body, if they are.

 

[zmansmac]

Yes, they are bronze street elbows. It was probably the only thing I could find locally at the time as many hardware stores around have been disappearing and the selection of brass fittings is not what they used to be. They are thick walled and so I didn't give it much thought for being a possible problem. My pressure is 2150 and these have been on for 12 years now. But you've put a bit of a scare in me and so I will look on line for some replacement fittings. Thank you for your concern and pointing out this problem.

 

[varmint]

They may be fine, but if they go, it could be bad news. Bronze may be less strong that steel pipe fittings- don't know, but you don't want to use brass, for sure! A snag that hits the plow and knocks it might over-pressurize your system briefly? Look at Surplus Center for fittings, they seem to be a good source, and they have folks there you can call who seem knowledgeable. Maybe someone like JJ, who knows what he is talking about, unlike me, will weigh in?