GC tractors - do you really use your snowplow?

[zudnik]

Right now I have a smaller JD425 with FEL, 4 way hydro plow etc and use the plow to plow snow. Tractor is 2wd.

I'm going to be picking up either a GC1710 or maybe an older version. Question though is how many of you guys really use a snow plow or blower? They're so darn expensive. I live in northern NJ and get some good use out of the plow and am tempted to get another so that my son, over the next few years, can earn some $ for school. Am I being stupid though? I mean since it has the FEL, is 4wd and heavier than my JD, should we just be plowing with the FEL? I have a woods RBC60 backblade, but there's no cushion on it. Meaning on my current plow, I used some stall mat and put a rubber strip on the cutting blade to help reduce tearing up the walkway/driveway.

At $3K for a 4 way hydro plow and more for a blower, that's a lot of $.

Any feedback is appreciated. I know most buy threads go into the pricing category, but my question is more about using, and what you're doing now. Thank you.

 

[LuckyP62]

I can't speak to the plow but I have the massey front mount snow blower on my GC2410tlb. Based on my use, its worth every penny. i have a 1.6km (1 mile) long drive and clear it in about an hour. I used to pay over $2,500 a year to have it plowed (and I was getting a deal from the previous house owner). I take the backhoe off (need weight on front), put on chains (dirt road), throw it in 4WD and nothing stops me. If you're clearing pavement you probably wouldn't use chains and make sure to have turf tires or you'll spin.

 

[Pixguy]

I can't speak to the plow but I have the massey front mount snow blower on my GC2410tlb. Based on my use, its worth every penny. i have a 1.6km (1 mile) long drive and clear it in about an hour. I used to pay over $2,500 a year to have it plowed (and I was getting a deal from the previous house owner). I take the backhoe off (need weight on front), put on chains (dirt road), throw it in 4WD and nothing stops me. If you're clearing pavement you probably wouldn't use chains and make sure to have turf tires or you'll spin.

X2 on the snow thrower/blower. Works like a charm and I guess I lucked out and got it free from MF when I purchased my 2410.

I likewise have no experience with a plow. I've read where the arms aren't strong enough to counter the torque a plow would put on it.

 

[MJB62676]

I could have used the FEL, but have opted for the hydraulic dozer blade...just much, much quicker.

 

[wrangler6831]

If you have a good frabricator near you can use have them make your current snow plow fir your MF tractor. Im using the same JD plow on my GC2600 and also built one for a friend and the hydraulic hookup are identical, atleast on the two I did. Heres a video of the one I modeled mine after, I think I have $400.00 in everything, including buying the used plow.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omlE8Y9zK-A

Rich

 

[zudnik]

Wrangler, I feel like I should send you a check. You possibly just saved me a bunch of $ and not on my car insurance. That's a great idea. Thank you. I might return the favor by asking a few specific questions when it's time to do that though

 

[wrangler6831]

Any time. If you were closer Id offer to fab it up for you! If you need pics and measurements of mine just let me know.

 

[eagle5473]

Craigslist is your friend I also have a Jed 54 inch plow on my 2300. I found a frame from a Jed 300 and cut the front off mounted to my 2300. I did have to add a larger cutting edge to get things to line up. Search gc2300 and Deere 54 plow. To see mine. Stole the idea from rich on youtube.....

Aaron