GC2300 Snowblower and Lift Capability

[loulblades]

Well I have had my 2300 for over a year now and am still having a blast on it. I placed an order with my dealer yesterday for a snowblower so I am hoping for lots of snow this year. I used my FEL and rear blade to move the snow last year and, even though I had an oak strip on the FEL, managed to scratch up the blacktop pretty good (part of my justification with the money manager /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ).

As I was placing the order I mentioned to my dealer that when it comes in I wanted to bring the tractor down for them to do the next scheduled maintenance and also check the flow and pressure on the hyd. The tractor just doesn't seem to have as much lifting capability as it used to. Now when I am using the FEL to move dirt and such I put a rear blade or carrier with some weight on the 3 pt. The dealer asked my if I was keeping the 3pt all the way up while working. When I said yes, he told me I should put it down a little because a relief valve could come into play. I haven't had the opportunity to test this but will before the blower arrives. I also wondered if anyone else has experienced a similar issue.

I am also having the rear tires filled with foam while it is there. No point waiting 'til a stump goes through the tire (as it almost did over the weekend when I was doing some grading and stump removal).

I also intend to add some lights to the FEL support bracket to use with the FEL and blower.

Now I am looking forward to some winter fun on this thing /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SwampKing]

I always enjoy reading your posts-mostly because of equipment envy! I have a 2310TLB myself and am curious as to the snowblower hookup. MF literature mentions the quick-hitch feature of front end implements, but I haven't seen it in action. When your snowblower comes in maybe you could give us your assesment of the quick-hitch system. If you don't mind, what did the snowblower cost? I'm guessing more than the MMM but less than the backhoe....Either way I won't be affording one this year /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[loulblades]

I talked to my dealer yesterday and he said the blower is finally on the way here. I will drop the tractor off at his place tomorrow, since I will be out of the country for a week, to have the blower installed along with some other work.

So next week I will, hopefully, be able to let you know how it all works.

In the mean time, I will be hopin' for snow. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[loulblades]

The snowblower arrived and was installed just in time for some snow. What a blast. Only problem is the fan stopped working within 2 hours due to a shear bolt. I really don't believe that it sheared, I think the nut came loose and it fell out but I couldn't find anything in the snow. I replaced it and was back throwing more snow by Saturday.

The dealer showed me how to remove the blower and it looks pretty straight forward. There is an electric chute rotator and a deflector control that I didn't get ('cause I didn't know about them).

So the blower, mounting and install (and gov't portion) came to $3180.

I also had the rear tires foam filled ($146 ea.) along with oil change and a part purchase (sheet metal between rear fenders messed up due to stupidity) etc. I asked them to check my hyd. pump because it didn't seem to be as capable when new. They found that some loose bolts inside the joystick box and now the hyd. is within spec.

So overall it was a pretty expensive week but I think we will be gettin' lotsa snow this winter and my fun will now go year round.

Come on snow. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif