"Guide Wheels" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

[OkieG]

\"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

Bowl bottom type Skid Shoes came with my Front Blade. They leave scrape marks on the asphalt road that serves our neighborhood. In all there is about a mile of road I want to clear when snow finally reaches Oklahoma.

My hope was that guide wheels would help keep the cutting edge off the road and not damage the blacktop (and lessen wear on the cutting edge, too). Here's a pic of the guide wheels mounted on the blade.

OkieG

 

[OkieG]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

With snow removal in mind, I purchased the JD wing and top extension kit. They add a little length and height to the basic blade, for moving light material, like snow. This pic shows the extension kit installed and the original skid shoe in place.

OkieG

 

[OkieG]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

Scrap steel makes up the brackets that are welded to the extension wings. A couple of Cat 2 bushings are welded end to end on each bracket. The original Skid Shoe is still mounted just inboard of the new bracket in this picture. The Skid Shoes will be removed when using the Guide Wheels.

OkieG

 

[OkieG]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

I bought the smallest rubber wheel I could find that had a grease fitting for lubing the axle. The mounting plate on the wheel was trimmed some and a Cat 2 pin was welded on top, tilted back at an angle so the wheel would trail properly (I hope).

Washers are stacked between the bushings and the wheel to adjust how close the blade is to the ground. This pic shows a closer view of one of the guide wheels installed with three washers stacked as spacers. I'm using thick washers, about a quarter inch thick.

OkieG

 

[OkieG]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

Overall, this project came out about the way I had hoped, but I don't know if it will actually work well in the snow or if the little rubber wheels will stand up to the abuse they'll get. I've got my fingers crossed.

OkieG

 

[tc35dforme]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

I've thought of that option for my gravel drive. Some heavy caster like on the mower, in place of the scraper shoes. Let us know how they work.

 

[Charliebrn]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

Great post! I have casterson my rear blade and they work pretty well, though they are undersized and don't give me a lot of adjustment room. Your project has given me some ideas!

The only thing I could suggest is rig up some way of greasing the shaft to keep it from rusting up on you...maybe a grease zerk...

 

[livincountry]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

Won't you leave a layer of snow if the wheels keep the cutting edge off the pavement? to keep your pavement from getting damaged consider installing a rubber or polyurethane cutting edge. the urethane will last longer but is expensive. I have seen guys attach old rubber tire tread laid flat for the cutting edge. acts more like a squeegee and if short enough it will not flip over as you plow. just a thought.

 

[wvhillbilly]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

Holy Cow!!! I guess great minds think alike. I do not have a tractor yet........ But I was considering putting wheels on the snow blade for my ATV. Let me know how it works!!

 

[wvhillbilly]

Re: \"Guide Wheels\" replace Skid Shoes on Front Blade

A thin layer of snow is just about necessary if you have a gravel driveway. It is either a thin layer of snow, which most could probably deal with or no gravel left come springtime.hillbilly