GR2120 SnowBlower pic
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Terry111
New member
OP
PHILIP8N
Veteran Member
I got mine in July with a 48" deck and snowblower. It has been a pleasure to operate. Love the power steering, tight turning radius, and stability on slopes, have not slipped a tire on wet grass yet when mowing around pond like I did with previous mower. Now, it is ready to eat some snow! Philip.
Terry111
New member
I bought the 48" deck also, I test drove a zero turn for a couple of weeks and like everything about them except for the tight turns which resulted in alot damage to the grass! My dealer didn't have a GR2120 for me to test drive, but he has ashore me that if I'm not completely satisfied he well take back! They been great people to deal with in the past so I trust his words!
Pete6114
Gold Member
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- SW Ontario, Canada
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- F2690(Sold) GR2120(Sold) L3240(sold) B1700(sold)
Philip: I installed mine last week and couldn't figure out what to do with that safety chain....instructions and pics in the manual suck! Could you take a closeup pic on how you use that chain?
What do you use for weights?
I'll take a pic of the sticker with the sheer-bolt part numbers inside the blower, before i start using it and the sticker gets damaged.
What do you use for weights?
I'll take a pic of the sticker with the sheer-bolt part numbers inside the blower, before i start using it and the sticker gets damaged.
OP
PHILIP8N
Veteran Member
Pete, I ended up throwing that chain, clip, and S hook in trash. When you mount the snowblower, that chain is used to hold the locking handle in place to keep the 'slots' open so the pins from the frame can slide in. I found that too cumbersome to do. I put top lip of frame on tractor, jacked up front of tractor with floor jack, slide bottom part of frame in 'slots', then rotated locking handle in place. Does that make sense? Looking at attached pic, the clip for the chain goes in the hole at the front of the tractor frame. I do not like how the exhaust comes out on the frame, but it is what it is.
My Deere LX188 with snowblower was a 700 pound 2WD tractor with weights and chains, and needed both. This is a 970 pound 4WD tractor and no chains. For this 1st winter, I am going to try without weight and chains, and see what happens.
Philip
My Deere LX188 with snowblower was a 700 pound 2WD tractor with weights and chains, and needed both. This is a 970 pound 4WD tractor and no chains. For this 1st winter, I am going to try without weight and chains, and see what happens.
Philip
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Pete6114
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2000
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- 384
- Location
- SW Ontario, Canada
- Tractor
- F2690(Sold) GR2120(Sold) L3240(sold) B1700(sold)
I didnt need a floor jack. Got it all installed alright, once i figured out that the bottom part of frame turns, which i thought was welded in place, when i first started installing the blower.
So..you pitched the chain.....think i'll do the same.....cant figure out how that chain is supposed to be installed. I doubt it'll come loose anyway. Never used it when the mower was on.
The exhaust is darn close to the blower frame, you're right. If i hear a rattle, i'll know where to look. Might cut 3/8 off the exhaust if i need to.
I have 4 - 25LB suitcase weights for the back end. Just wondered if you had wheel weights, not installed yet...
Thanks.
I had to read you post again.....so that chains purpose is to hold the handle to keep the slots open? I'm way off here...was thinking it was there to keep it from opening up after the blower is installed...kind of a safety thing.....either way, it's coming off. That chain is wearing through the paint already.
So..you pitched the chain.....think i'll do the same.....cant figure out how that chain is supposed to be installed. I doubt it'll come loose anyway. Never used it when the mower was on.
The exhaust is darn close to the blower frame, you're right. If i hear a rattle, i'll know where to look. Might cut 3/8 off the exhaust if i need to.
I have 4 - 25LB suitcase weights for the back end. Just wondered if you had wheel weights, not installed yet...
Thanks.
I had to read you post again.....so that chains purpose is to hold the handle to keep the slots open? I'm way off here...was thinking it was there to keep it from opening up after the blower is installed...kind of a safety thing.....either way, it's coming off. That chain is wearing through the paint already.
OP
PHILIP8N
Veteran Member
Yes, keeps the rotating handle in position so the 'slots' are open during lower pin installation. Did not work very well, looked like crap, and did not want a chain dangling around that I would only use once a year. After thought for sure. Philip.
andre53
New member
Two comments;
First, I agree the chain isnt very elegant solution, but it does its job by holding the rotating handle on the quick hitch in the open position when installing the snowblower. It's better than duct tape and it allows the snowblower to be easily installed by one person. Once it has done it job, it just hangs there until next year.
Second, regarding ballast weights. Originally, my dealer installed wheel weights on my GR2120, which did the job, but were a real pain to remove when they were not needed and installation was a finger masher. My dealer traded them out (at no charge) with the rear suitcase configuration at the end of last season. The suitcase weights are terrific, much easier to add and remove. Also, the wheel weights stuck out an extra 2-3" on each side so if you were in close quarters while snowblowing (like next to a parked car) you risked hitting something. Now, I can add or remove ballast in a couple minutes. (Also, I know that as I get older, those 25 pound suitcase weights will be easier to deal with than the 60-70 wheel weights.)
Have fun playing in the snow. Andre
First, I agree the chain isnt very elegant solution, but it does its job by holding the rotating handle on the quick hitch in the open position when installing the snowblower. It's better than duct tape and it allows the snowblower to be easily installed by one person. Once it has done it job, it just hangs there until next year.
Second, regarding ballast weights. Originally, my dealer installed wheel weights on my GR2120, which did the job, but were a real pain to remove when they were not needed and installation was a finger masher. My dealer traded them out (at no charge) with the rear suitcase configuration at the end of last season. The suitcase weights are terrific, much easier to add and remove. Also, the wheel weights stuck out an extra 2-3" on each side so if you were in close quarters while snowblowing (like next to a parked car) you risked hitting something. Now, I can add or remove ballast in a couple minutes. (Also, I know that as I get older, those 25 pound suitcase weights will be easier to deal with than the 60-70 wheel weights.)
Have fun playing in the snow. Andre
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PHILIP8N
Veteran Member
Andre, Do you have any pics of your rear ballast bracket and suticase weights installed? Did you try operation with and without rear ballast? If so, what is your impression? Philip.
andre53
New member
Hi Phillip,
I will post some pics later this week. I have not tried to blow snow without the ballast weight. Just driving around there is no noticeable difference. However, from an engineering standpoint, you really do want to use ballast. When you add the snowblower to ther front end, it effectively "unloads" or reduces weight on the rear wheels. A rough Static estimate goes like this, since the blower weighs over 200 lbs and its center of gravity is roughly 16-18" ahead of the front axle, the net loss of weight on rear wheels is greater than 70-80 lbs. Dynamically, i.e. when you are in motion, that weight loss is increased by inertial forces generated by stopping & starting. Adding the rear ballast weight provide the counterforce to negate those forces.
Bottom line the ballast weights provide balance and improve traction on your rear wheels, which is important on snow & ice.
One last note: My old tractor which I used for snowblowing for 20 years, was just rear wheel drive. It needed weights & chains to go up even mild slopes in the winter. It was very easy to get stuck trying to use reverse up a grade. You will find that your AWD Kubota has amazing traction and will not require chains.
Andre
I will post some pics later this week. I have not tried to blow snow without the ballast weight. Just driving around there is no noticeable difference. However, from an engineering standpoint, you really do want to use ballast. When you add the snowblower to ther front end, it effectively "unloads" or reduces weight on the rear wheels. A rough Static estimate goes like this, since the blower weighs over 200 lbs and its center of gravity is roughly 16-18" ahead of the front axle, the net loss of weight on rear wheels is greater than 70-80 lbs. Dynamically, i.e. when you are in motion, that weight loss is increased by inertial forces generated by stopping & starting. Adding the rear ballast weight provide the counterforce to negate those forces.
Bottom line the ballast weights provide balance and improve traction on your rear wheels, which is important on snow & ice.
One last note: My old tractor which I used for snowblowing for 20 years, was just rear wheel drive. It needed weights & chains to go up even mild slopes in the winter. It was very easy to get stuck trying to use reverse up a grade. You will find that your AWD Kubota has amazing traction and will not require chains.
Andre
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PHILIP8N
Veteran Member
Andre, Looking forward to pics, thanks. I understand ballast. Just remember, when the snowblower is on the ground (in working condition), the leverage effect and weight transfer is not there. However, when the snowblower is in the air (transport condition), yes, the rears are unloaded some. Good part, it will take some seat time of my own to determine what I need. Philip.
Pete6114
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2000
- Messages
- 384
- Location
- SW Ontario, Canada
- Tractor
- F2690(Sold) GR2120(Sold) L3240(sold) B1700(sold)
I think the primary reason for the weights, is to help with traction.
andre53
New member
Great pics, Pete. I especially appreciate the shot of the shear bolt sticker. I have a older model GR2728 and had to get the fan upgraded due to failing shear bolts. But I never got a parts list for the upgrade so I didn't know the PN for the new bolt.
The snowblower action shot is from last Christmas. Currently it is snowing hard here and they predict 8-10" by morning and another 6" tomorrow.
Below is a better picture of the cab and also a shot of the Kubota electric chute rotator. I just added the rotator for this season. Due to the length and turns in our driveway, I am constantly adjusting the chute so I decided to upgrade to the electric. It took about 2 hours to install, mainly due to me trying to route the cabling the way I wanted it.
Last edited:
Pete6114
Gold Member
- Joined
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- 384
- Location
- SW Ontario, Canada
- Tractor
- F2690(Sold) GR2120(Sold) L3240(sold) B1700(sold)
still undecided on the cab, but i can see how it keeps the snow off you. what did the electric chute set you back?
Looks like you'll get to play.....they got 2 feet of snow 1/2 hour from me, but not a flake here last weekend.
Looks like you'll get to play.....they got 2 feet of snow 1/2 hour from me, but not a flake here last weekend.
andre53
New member
The rotator was expensive, $380. Probably could have built one but I just don't have the time right now so I spent the cash. I learned with my first tractor that the cab is a must have if you have to do a lot of snow removal and plan on keeping your tractor for the long term. Besides the shelter it gives while you are snowplowing, its real value is in how it protects the tractor. The snow coming out of the chute is finely granulated and it gets in every crack & crevice on the tractor, especially in the dash & controls. As it freezes & thaws, it can do some real damage, not to mention the rust and electrical issues. It is no fun when your throttle cable freezes up. Finally, it is really nice to be able to get home from work and be able to jump in the tractor and clear the snow, without having to put on a snowmobile suit.
Andre
Andre
andre53
New member
Hi Phillip,
I forgot to mention that I have a gravel drive, so I rarely get to completely ground the blower when I am operating it, especially early in the season before the ground freezes. So, I routinely operate with 50-80% of the blower weight being carried by the lift actuator. See pics above.
TailDragon
Silver Member
You know as as a fellow GR2120 owner I am glad to see them being used during the non mowing season. However I must point out as a F series owner also, the factory cabs, heater, snow blower, broom and other attachments offered for the F series. Just do not ask about the price.
No, I do not have a cab because A/C is not offered.
No, I do not have a cab because A/C is not offered.
Pete6114
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2000
- Messages
- 384
- Location
- SW Ontario, Canada
- Tractor
- F2690(Sold) GR2120(Sold) L3240(sold) B1700(sold)
GR2120 owners. Keep your eye on the fuel tank vent. My tank cap had to be replaced, because it wasn't venting. Reason i found out, is that when i took it off, i heard air rushing in and the tank's neck was a little distorted to a point where the cap was touching the fender.
