Buying Advice Getting closer to pulling the trigger but have snow plow question.

[LBrown59]

~~~~Just picked up a house w/ 2.30 acres. .

Here is my equipement for my ~ 2.33 acres.

 

[RoyJackson]

Manual blade angle adjustment? That stinks.

"Stinks"? Not really... If one is only plowing their drive, there is little need for the added complexity/cost of hydraulics. Most plowing would be done with the plow angled to the right.
Hydraulics would be convenient, but not necessary.

 

[RoyJackson]

I would agree that hydraulic angling is convenient, but hydraulics are expensive and add complexity and inconvenience to the installation and removal. Our blade is not for everyone, but we think it's great for those who want to easily install and remove the plow, those who want to have easy use of their loader, and for those who don't want to dig completely to the bottom of their pockets to afford a good quality attachment.

I've found that with a little planning, I'm able to clear my entire odd shaped drive and my street without changing the blade angle more than once. As it takes only 10 seconds or so to change the angle, it doesn't seem to be a major hardship.

Now, if you really want to improve your blade (which I think is pretty nice as it is), add a QA plate so an owner can drop the bucket. Heck, if you had that, I'd buy one!!

 

[PHILIP8N]

"Stinks"? Not really... If one is only plowing their drive, there is little need for the added complexity/cost of hydraulics. Most plowing would be done with the plow angled to the right.
Hydraulics would be convenient, but not necessary.

I have had both, and I will only run hydraulic now. You must have way more time on your hands than me. When it snows, I need to get the job done, and fast. Got other things to do....Philip

 

[PHILIP8N]

Hi Phillip, I'm sorry if 10 seconds "does not seem realistic". Here's a little video that shows 3 angle changes. Each in about 10 seconds. In fact, the video shows the blade being installed, the angle being changed 3 times and the blade being removed, all in 90 seconds.
It's perfectly clear that you have a strong preference for hydraulically angled blades and I'm glad you don't need to "compromise". Others might be more interested in other characteristics. I can assure you, if we have enough demand for a hydraulically actuated blade, we will offer one.
BXpanded Quick-On Front blade NEW!!! - YouTube

Nice video, good product. I still say it takes more than 10 seconds when there is snow and ice down, I am watching my step, I have coveralls, boots, and gloves on. I am usually in a race to move the snow and get to the next job. For someone with lots of time your product would suit them well. Philip.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have had both, and I will only run hydraulic now. You must have way more time on your hands than me. When it snows, I need to get the job done, and fast. Got other things to do....Philip

Com'on Bro...how long does it take to get off your tractor, angle the blade and continue? A minute...if that?
Your choice, of course...but don't say "It stinks" just because you don't want to get off your tractor.

Of course, I do enjoy plowing snow...might not be in as much of a rush as you are.

 

[JJPP]

I am in SE MI and I use a bx1850 with loaded turf tires. If you are going to do much grounds work (loader,plowing,etc.) I would recommend loading the rear tires, they will not harm your lawn and the weight is always there when you need it. I have never regretted having them loaded because the tractor is too light to be very effective without any added weight for much more than mowing. I can plow snow fine just using 4wd in high gear with the loaded turf tires. I would be more concerned with any of the more aggressive tires causing lawn damage than the loaded turfs.
Also, I've always been told the the turf tires will provide the most traction in most anything other than mud/loose soil.

 

[crazyal]

Years ago I plowed with a 3 wheeled atv that had a Cycle country manual adjust blade. I found that I would modify my plowing to reduce the number of times I needed to adjust the angle. Now my plow truck has hydraulic angle and do adjust it more but not that often.

But with the snow blower the plow has become a back-up option that rarely gets used. When I do use the plow I angle it so the snow rolls off to the passenger's side and leave it there. I just make a quick pass down the driveway and then back up.

IMO Power angle is nice but if time is a factor then a plow truck should be what you're using.

 

[dodge man]

Turfs do work well in the snow, not so great in the mud. I have turfs on my BX and I use a rear blade on mine. The rear blade is the cheapest route to go for snow removal, as long as you don't get more than 6 inches on a regular basis.

 

[Don87]

I had to go with the blower for the amount of snow we tend to get in my area, but if I didn't get as much as I do, I would go with the BXpanded plow for on the FEL. I think it the "cat's meow".

I also use loaded turfs, they stick really well in the snow. I need to run chains on mine though, because my paved driveway is on a slope that deadends onto the highway, too much risk of sliding into traffic with any tire, but more so with r4's.

I mainly use my FEL, and have the blower as backup when needed, or the piles need moved back.

Here is a thread that explains tires very well, and gives what appears to be a good option for r4's: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/snow-removal/193438-cutting-groving-siping-r-4-a.html