Pixguy
Elite Member
Anytime I've tried pushing snow either with my back blade, blower or front loader and not put my rear chains on, ($125 set) I've been sorry.
YMMV
YMMV
Don't overthink it. No chains, no ballast, it's fine:I am wondering how well a 2017 GC 1705 will push and load snow. Do I need chains just on the front or no chains at?
Don't overthink it. No chains, no ballast, it's fine:
It's a 4' plow, which partially explains why I get by w/o chains or loaded tires. It was originally used on a Craftsman garden tractor, I just welded it on a ssqi plate to use on the Massey. The o/p is in the same region as me, not too far from Chicago, so similar weather, snowfall, etc.looks like it does a nice job. What size plow is that? Looks like maybe 60"?
I was using a 72" blade straight to push snow when I had my GC. I suppose that is a factor also. It would not push very well on a gravel drive with that blade, without ballast. With ballast it pushed very well.
I will say to the OP, just try things and see for yourself. Everyone's application, snowfall, terrain, blade size, etc., is different. No one can tell you for certain will work. We have all experimented to find what works for us.
There's a long tire thread somewhere here on TBN, a bunch of talk about R4 vs turf tires, vs hybrids and whatever. Per it and some chatting elsewhere, my takeaway is that not all industrial tires are the same. The R4s on the Massey are great...I like how they do on grass, in dirt, and I got no problems plowing snow with them either. JD and Kubota owners seem to hate theirs though.Given I'm on flat ground, I never had issue clearing my driveway with my Deere 1025R, hybrid tires, and Edge Tamers. Obviously it's a different tractor, but they are quite comparable. Hybrid tires like the R14, and in this case Carlisle Versa Turfs, are excellent in the snow. Prior to, I had R4 tires, and they'd fill with snow and slick out once there was any resistance. I hated them so much I replaced them, lol.
Now, again, I'm on flat ground- but I'm moving a fair bit of snow being in Maine. Anyhow, these are capable tractors, especially when outfitted properly.