Front or rear snowblower

[jaybrad]

Won't be too long and we will be out there playing (working) in the snow again.

Wayne

Too true. For the next couple of months I can still dig, move, mow, and chip, but in the winter the only such work (play) I get to do is snow related.

And I still have several more projects before I'll be ready to make that switch.

Jay

 

[rbargeron]

Figured I'd chime in on this thread - I have both a front-mount Erskine and for several years a seven-foot New Idea rear-mounted snowblower. Like YankeesFan I did the golf cart cab thing too. This year there's even a big comfy Laurin cab (I'll report on that after the snow comes).

From using both types I can say that front mount and rear mount each have their pros and cons. The rear mount shines on shorter curved driveways - its easier to feed into tight spots - but there is the side-saddle looking back thing. The front mount has the advantage on long straight runs - the front facing driving position is an obvious plus. But for curved paths the front mount should be a foot or more wider than the tractor - where a rear mount can be just a few inches wider and avoid packing snow down with the tires. The other issue with front mounts is whether they can float to follow twisty sloped surfaces. Some are rigid side-to-side and are best on flat surfaces.

 

[rbargeron]

Here's another attempt at links to using both types and the front-mount blower's ability to follow the contour of the ground .

 

[Brent.Roberts]

I've found the electric chute to be pretty mickey mouse. I changed it to the hydraulic and love it.

I use the front blower on 800 feet of drive. From time to time if the conditions get bad I use a read blade just to loosen stuff up so the blower can get rid of it.

If you have it on the front you might want to use some flat black paint to reduce the glare from the head lights at night. You get lots from the snow anyway.

If you use a rear mount you'll have to mount lights on the back. You also better be young and not starting to get fusing of your spine. ( who? me? )
Twisting to watch behind you while you're making hay in the summer is one thing. Twisting in the cold with a big parka is another.

Blow it as far from your drive as you can at the very beginning of the season. If you plow or blow it beside the drive you're going to create a snow fence effect and the wind will fill it back in faster.

Good luck

 

[Charlesaf3]

Figured I'd chime in on this thread - I have both a front-mount Erskine and for several years a seven-foot New Idea rear-mounted snowblower. Like YankeesFan I did the golf cart cab thing too. This year there's even a big comfy Laurin cab (I'll report on that after the snow comes).

From using both types I can say that front mount and rear mount each have their pros and cons. The rear mount shines on shorter curved driveways - its easier to feed into tight spots - but there is the side-saddle looking back thing. The front mount has the advantage on long straight runs - the front facing driving position is an obvious plus. But for curved paths the front mount should be a foot or more wider than the tractor - where a rear mount can be just a few inches wider and avoid packing snow down with the tires. The other issue with front mounts is whether they can float to follow twisty sloped surfaces. Some are rigid side-to-side and are best on flat surfaces.

Love to hear what you think of the Laurin cab - are they as nice as they look?

 

[rbargeron]

Love to hear what you think of the Laurin cab - are they as nice as they look?

This isn't as nifty-looking as the cab they make for your M59, but here's a stock picture of the Laurin cab model for my tractor. I really like that it is so roomy, about 54" wide inside. It has tinted glass and the Laurin attention to detail is everywhere. Mine doesn't have air - but western Mass summers are reasonable and it has a huge fresh air blower. This older design has flat glass and heavy steel corner posts - For mowing this season I lifted off the doors and back windows. Laurin did a very nice job of fitting to the open-station L5450. This winter it will be quite a step up from my golf cart cover.

 

[BXRICK]

First off, no matter what, get a snowblower.

I plowed with a rear blade (going backwards) on my BX1500 for a few years.
Then, I stepped up to a 40-something" Meteor 3PH snowblower, and it was great.

I can see the advantages of a front mount, but I like having the FEL on at the same time.
It's not hard to remove, but I'm lazy.
The FEL can be useful to backdrag the garage door (I can't drive across the front of my garage), underneath the mailbox, and a few other areas.
I also use the FEL to carry my firewood box from the shed to the house during the winter. The rear snowblower makes a nice counterweight, and frees up the FEL.

I don't mind the backing up. We have about 700' of driveway, but it's just not a problem for me (yet?). Of course, I did the same thing with the back blade.

The shute has three "distance" settings. I use the middle one. It's not quite as impressive as the the "send to the neighbor's yard" setting, but it does keep the blowing down somewhat, and still gets the snow away from the driveway.

Another factor, as with all things related to snow clearing: The type of snow you get. In MA, we get quite a bit of fairly wet snow. Wet snow doesn't blow back in the wind as badly. So, it may be that those in, say, the uppper midwest or lake effect territory have a bigger blow back problem. Not that it never happens, but it's not this horrible thing. I do wear a hat, my prescription glasses, and a snowmobile suit. And there are times I get covered - but not that often.

Lastly, I have noticed how different people look at the phrase "clear snow". To some people, their driveway has to be black and dry. Others find that as long as it's passable, it's good enough. I usually don't plow when we get only a couple of inches. So, the "blade is good with smaller snows" argument isn't worth much to me. But, to others, it's a big deal. To each his own.

 

[WBWI]

I don't mind the backing up. We have about 700' of driveway, but it's just not a problem for me (yet?).

I'm in the same situation. Our drive is roughly 700' and with 100+ inches of snow last year the rear mount snowblower and my neck got a workout. It wasn't too bad because I could twist in the seat enough to stay comfortable. I bought my tractor used and it came with the blower and a cab and FEL. If I were looking at new I might consider a front mount.

 

[magnatic]

Thanks for all the opinions with this.

Does anyone have experience with a snowblower on a stone driveway. The dealer mentioned that it may be a problem. We generally don't get a good frost in our area to freeze the ground so I have been known to push up a few stones with the FEL.

 

[rdpowell]

I am putting a front snow blower on my new L5740. Some of the snow work is going to be in/around buildings so it should be a lot easier to operate (steering the tractor, rotating the chute, tilting the chute deflector) compared to have one on the back. I also plan on having a 3pt hitch 7ft blade on back. I can use this to back into a buiding door way and pull the snow out to where I can handle it with the blower. Seems like a snow blower on front and blade onback should be a good plan. If not, I will just have to sit in the warm cab and listen to the radio til the sun takes over. This is my very first tractor with a cab so I hope these extra $ are being wisely spent.

My biggest concern is will the L5740 (with the Kubota 72" snow blower) be able to throw the snow out at least 35-40ft, and hopefully a little farther.

 

[WilliamBos]

Jay,

See link

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/19837-bx-2200-cheap-cab.html

Northen Tool has one for $85

Classic Accessories Golf Cart Rain Cover | Golf Car Covers | Northern Tool + Equipment

I like that idea. Could also add a power point and get a car warmer or micro furnace.

Thanks,

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

I like that idea. Could also add a power point and get a car warmer or micro furnace.

Thanks,

The problem on the BX is the alternator does not put out a lot of amps and these things suck up a lot amps. I added the larger alternator and added a electric heater, did not do much, just too much air space to warm. I would go with a small propane heater.

 

[WilliamBos]

The problem on the BX is the alternator does not put out a lot of amps and these things suck up a lot amps. I added the larger alternator and added a electric heater, did not do much, just too much air space to warm. I would go with a small propane heater.

So how was it with out a heater?? We are going to build a canopy and I love the golf cart cover idea.



Thanks,

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Will,

The best thing about the golf cart cover is you do not have the snow blowing on you. It is still cold inside of the golf cart cover, BUT at least you are not covered with snow. Without the cover the snow on your body would melt and you end up sitting in water.

Dress as you would to go outside in cold weather and u will be fine with the golf cart cover.

 

[rbargeron]

......... It is still cold inside of the golf cart cover.......

This rig is actually quite decent inside - it's open at the bottom but it gets enough heat from the tractor to take the chill off. I usually don't get to the snow until a few hours after it stops. By that time there's often a clearing NW wind that whips the snow around, especially what's coming out of the blower. That's when the golf cart comes in handy. The only drawback of a plastic tent is visibility through the wrinkles. This winter we'll see if the Laurin cab's windows work better. They should be good unless they fog up.

 

[number two]

Although I use a front blower,the 3 point hitch rear blower has advantages. As well as price and a simpler design,one important feature is being able to adjust the toplink a little shorter if being used on non-paved surfaces. With the toplink shortened,the leading edge of the blower leaves a little snow,but doesn't gobble up dirt and stones. I have used the slit pipe over the edge method with some sucess,but an adjustment like that would be a welcome feature for front blowers. I believe John Deere has this feature on some of their units.

 

[FullBucket]

re fogging problem: might be worth getting some anti-fog treatment. Comes in a bottle. Just rub it on and steaming up is greatly reduced.

 

[escavader]

AS SOON AS I GET MY CAB PAINTED AND BACK ONim gonna build me a heater for it.Dealer told me he had in stock the ts too put in my collant lines to run to a heater core.Iknow the one for my plow truck was under 20 bucks [OLD FORD] .Im guessing for 100 bucks for materials i can build me a simple cab heater[ts,core,fan,materials for box,couple hoses]Something to keep the windsheild un fogged,and warm the hands and toes will make me happy.Add a cup of joe in the cup holder and it will be hard to pry me out of there
ALAN

 

[WilliamBos]

That is what we are going to do. Plumb in a heater core with a small electric fan on it, at least help keep the chill off.

Princess Auto should have something.

 

[smfcpacfp]

Thanks for all the opinions with this.

Does anyone have experience with a snowblower on a stone driveway. The dealer mentioned that it may be a problem. We generally don't get a good frost in our area to freeze the ground so I have been known to push up a few stones with the FEL.

I have a gravel driveway and haven't had a problem although the ground is usually frozen most of the winter. Here is what I do after about 25 plus years of blowing to avoid breaking shear pins and picking up gravel.

First, just before we get our first snow, I make sure things are pretty level and all potential shear pin breakers are out the way.

After the first real snow (not the little early season snows which I don't bother with), I drive my 4WD vehicle up and down the driveway to pack it down a bit.

Then I blow with the blower an inch off the ground the first time. Usually after that first time, I put the blower on the ground and don't pick up stones. Our snow usually never leave completely once it starts in earnest.