GC1725 leave before backhoe on with snowblower or remove

[ariesbeck]

Good afternoon!

I recently purchased a used GC1725MB with a 2360 snowblower. When I switchover from the FEL to the snowblower for winter should I remove the backhoe or leave it on? If prefer to remove it to make the tractor a little less bulky in the driveway, but understand that it may be providing some necessary ballast... What do you guys do?

Also, any good sources for shear pins for the 2360? Figure I should have some on hand!

Aaron

 

[kenmbz]

I leave the BH on with my plow, sometimes helps, sometimes doesn't.
Don't want the front too light, lose steering and have to back up sometimes.
But BH helps with traction on the straights and slight uphills

 

[irvingj]

My experience has been similar to Ken's -- when I first got it, I left the BH on, mainly for traction -- and that does help. However, my driveway is relatively steep going up to the road, and the steering (and front traction) became negligible after a certain grade was reached.

I now leave it off all the time, and use 4WD and chains on the rears. That not only works well, but is far easier to maneuver. Oh -- I have turf tires.

 

[not2old]

I push the snow into the ditch across the street and occasionally get stuck. I use the hoe to get myself back out. If I can't just pull backwards, I lift the rear wheels to push some snow under them and try again while I use the bucket curl to move the front. I've only needed a tow once, since new in 2010.

 

[MF RED in MT]

Like others have said, I left my BH on for a few years and then built myself a weight box to use in the winter.

I know others have purchased an empty box for the 3 point hitch and filled it with concrete or other items.

KC

 

[WranglerX]

Leave the BH on you will need it for ballast/traction in the snow....

 

[GeneV]

I plow mines snow, and yes the hoe comes off. I don't have any added ballast for the task...when I lose traction, I put 'er in 4wd and occasionally use the locking diff prn.

 

[ray66v]

I'm late to this party. I can't speak for a blower, but if leave the backhoe on for ballast with my plow, it's unstoppable.

As Irving said, it has a lot to do with your terrain. My land is essentially flat.

Going up hill, you do not want a lot of weight in the back.

 

[Brotherdan]

I tend to leave the BH on if you are comfortable operating the BH without turning the seat around. It's great for tearing into frozen banks of snow left by the plows.

Also, keep a rag on the tractor and use it to block the air intake hose when not in use. Some critter moved into it and blocked the line with acorn shells.

I get a couple dozen shear pins for the auger and a handful for the auger from my dealer. They say if in a pinch to use grade 3 bolts. Make up a kit with a hammer and punch to knock out the chunk left in the shaft. Have the pins in a container with a set of mechanic's gloves and a flashlight. Have open end wrenches for the pins and keep it in a waterproof backpack slung off the back of the seat. Back at the shop have a replacement chain and a couple links for the 2360 gear box. Get a good LED light and strap it to the ROPS about a foot off center. The snowthrower blocks the headlights and the light up there saves a lot of damage.

 

[ray66v]

I tend to leave the BH on if you are comfortable operating the BH without turning the seat around. It's great for tearing into frozen banks of snow left by the plows.

This is why I like my loader mounted plow.

Snow pile too high? No problem. I could knock the snow off my roof. lol.