Front Broom on Tractor--Any Opinions?

jcmseven · Sep 30, 2009

I have been thinking of getting a front broom (PTO driven) for my 2320 JD tractor. I am inquiring in the forum because no one I know has either bought or sold one. My main duty for this front broom will be sweeping off the flat portion of the drive in front of my home (about 100 by 100) and sweeping the service drive to our main road (about 1/4 mile). I would also like to try it on our gravel driveway to see if it would sweep light snow off without disturbing the driveway gravel too much. I have not figured out a way so far to get rid of any winter snow we have from our steep driveway without disturbing the gravel. In theory it seems that this would work, but I wanted some input from those who might have used this attachment in this capacity. Since the brooms (52" and 60" HD) are used in the 2000 series and the X series machines, I do not know if it is essential that someone has a 2320 with such a broom to answer--it seems all model owners might have some opinion. I also would be curious to know how difficult and time-consuming it might be to detach the loader to put one of these on, as if it is too time consuming I would rather not spend the money. I feel I have the amount of work to do to merit at least the smaller one, but due to their price and the fact they do not seem to move here in NC too much, I want to make sure I do not make an expensive mistake. Any advice is appreciated.

John M

Spudland_Dave · Oct 1, 2009

I've never personally used a broom for snow removal (Here in Maine that would be a joke at best

)...but I have used a Front mount Sweepster brand broom on a non-green tractor of similar size to your 2320 for "raking" leaves, dirt, etc.. from the yard....no need to even OWN a rake when you got a Broom...with the 50/50 Poly/Steel bristles it works wonders...think rake/dethatch/etc.. all in one pass... It also works great to sweep dirt from any paved areas...again...another springtime ritual here in the Northeast...

I actually JUST scored a Deere 246 for my F935 2 weeks ago...I've got some cosmetic work to do to it, but I hope to have it operational & like new for next spring.

To me, its WELL worth it....

jcmseven · Oct 1, 2009

Thanks Dave. Surprisingly here where I live we do get several reasonably significant snowfalls each winter. It also gets quite cold here, but will generally not stay that way. For every 10" snow, we get about 5 2-3" snowfalls for which mounting the plow might not be always the best option. The other issue is that my snowplow does a poor job of actually plowing my driveway. I have a large asphault entrus at my home, then about 300' of steep roadbond and gravel, then more pavement. It would be nice with the smaller snowfalls to have one tool I could simply go out when about 2" is on the drive and road and go at it. Once that snow gets packed down, though, on our gravel it is going nowhere as about 75% of it is on the north facing slope.

John M

ctlguy · Oct 2, 2009

I have sold a substantial amount of the 60" version (is also the same broom used on 1400-1500 front mounts). And has been a good product and cleans snow well in the lighter conditions. As far as using on gravel so long as the terrain is relatively flat you should be able to keep the brushes just off of the ground by adjusting the turnbuckle and setting your wheel spacers corect. (there is also a hd wheel option that handles rougher work better). As far as install it is the same quick hitch that snowblower's and blades use and for the most part other than the occasional struggle with plugging in the hyd tips is easy. For a little more control on where the snow is going look at the adjustable flap that can be added to the top of the broom housing. Also I may be wrong but I believe that sweepster makes that broom for Deere but could be mistaken. ANd concerning the 52" version I think Deere only offers poly brushes no steel.

etcallhome · Oct 3, 2009

Never used a broom but my daughters in law had one on a 445 and now on a x785
He lives in Morgantown WV with about a 400' l and appx 150' w asphalt and a 40' x 75' gravel area that he uses the broom.
He would rather use the broom than his 54" front blade. Says it does a better job .
I can say where we live with about 5 times the snow it would be questionable.
Maybe if every 2 or 3" of snow fall and you was able to broom the area then and again every couple of inches it may work.
But getting 8-20" every storm and coming home from work and trying to move that amount for the 9 or ten drives I do NO WAY. At present time I thinking of a snowblower instead of front ,rear blade and some time using front end loader just getting rid of 4 -6' plies of snow doing some of our harder winters.
But good luck on what ever you choose !!!!