Help me decide on these two pull type snowblowers

[NonTypicalCPA]

Pronovost Puma

PUMA-72-IV - Pronovost

MK Martin Meteor (68" cutting width)

MK Martin | Meteor - Pull Type

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

The Pronovost is $4,700 and includes hydraulic chute rotation and a rear scraper blade. The Meteor is $3,995, but I think that was with a manual chute and no rear scraper blade. I'll double check on that.

Based on the specs the Pronovost has 4" wider working width, 4" taller cutting height, 3" larger impeller, only 4 impeller blades vs 5 blades for the Meteor, 2" larger auger, and weighs 169lbs less.

 

[Dadnatron]

Dang!

I've not even thought about a pull snow blower. Seemed counter intuitive to drive over what you plan on moving.

I have no thoughts on the blower... that is not my cup of tea.

But this guy makes it seem like the best thing ever... and this video completely changed my mind. I don't get the amount of snow to make it a worthwhile investment... but wow... it almost makes me wish I did.

 

[Agvg]

That's the right way to do it, if had to go in reverse all day his neck would really pay the price.

Here in Scandinavia we have used pull blowers since the fifties and it works.

 

[oosik]

From 1982 until 2009 when I got my 2009 Kubota M6040 - I used a 3-point snow blower on my mile long driveway, mailbox area and yard.

PITA - H E L L NO - - Pain in the neck and shoulders. One of the MAJOR reasons for getting a bigger tractor - clear the snow and the BERMS that form with just my heavy duty rear blade.

The biggest, heaviest rear blade on my first tractor just could not clear those frozen berms that always form. Driveway kept getting narrower & narrower - until I'd hit it with the blower.

Jeez - forgot what I was supposed to say about the two blowers you are evaluating. I've seen an MK Martin work on a parking lot and accompanying driveways. It is a real monster compared to the one I had. Mine was used for 25 years - clearing my snow and with normal maintenance was still in excellent shape when I traded it against my larger rear blade. Nothing - absolutely nothing - had to be replaced on my blower. It came out of Wisconsin and was called - The Blue Machine.

If I were to need another blower - - I would seriously consider a 3-point PULL type. MK Martin should handle anybodies residential needs.

 

[HEC]

I have had many storms here in northern Maine that in no way could I drive through it with my M5700 which is quite a bit heavier than your L3940 , let alone pull a snow blower . I do have a long driveway where drifts can be a problem . If you only have small storms or keep ahead of them I can see how great one would be for sure . If I remember correctly I have seen one that will pull and reverse to a push type if needed . If I had to choose one the meteor with hydraulics looks like a very rugged unit , but if I had a tar drive the scraper would be a good option so it could be a tough choice .. I have a 3 pt. hitch 7 ft. meteor push type and it works fine although not great for the distance it throws the snow . It does work fine for my needs though .

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

There are a few other threads regarding the effectiveness of a pull type blower. I've already considered my location and options and have settled on the pull type - it should work great for me. Now just which unit?

 

[leonz]

Hello NonTypicalCPA,

Before you empty your wallet you should add the Pronovost PXPL80 to your list.
It is a rear mount that can also be used as a pull type snow blower.
Many of these units are used by commercial snow plow operators to clean both residential driveways and parking lots..
After you read the specs you will see why and how it will work for you very well.
If or when you decide to upgrade to a larger engine frame size and trade up it
will still work very well for you with plenty of power.

 

[fishhead]

I guess i am the first to reply that actually has and uses a pull blower- i have a Pronovost P-74-INV on a jd 3720

Of the 2 i think that the pronovost has an edge due to the greater width and drum diameter. Tractor data shows a width of 66.5 inches for your tractor
is that correct? If so i would want to be at least 72 inches wide - maybe more- you can add small wings to any rear pull to add width but adding too much would probably not feed well.
Quality is probably similar as the Meteors have a good reputation and the Puma is a better quality homeowner model. It does seem to me that the blower i have is quite efficient at moving snow.
Hydraulic chute rotation to me is a must as i am constantly adjusting the chute and deflector. i have read mixed reviews on the scrapers. Check out the thread "switching to a blowing service " on plow site.
You are close to canada - it would probably be worth looking into a Blower north of the border and importing yourself- hopefully there are still no tariffs on blowers.
I brought mine in and it was super easy. I would also look at Normand for quality rear pulls.




I would probably be cautious of the PXPL80 because it weighs 1215 lbs and sits back a bit, My blower weighs 970 and tends to make the front end light. It also lists for 12k so even at a deal or used

Hello NonTypicalCPA,

Before you empty your wallet you should add the Pronovost PXPL80 to your list.
It is a rear mount that can also be used as a pull type snow blower.
Many of these units are used by commercial snow plow operators to clean both residential driveways and parking lots..
After you read the specs you will see why and how it will work for you very well.
If or when you decide to upgrade to a larger engine frame size and trade up it
will still work very well for you with plenty of power.

 

[oldtimer 66]

I like the JD video. A couple of comments on the video. Is that even 4" of snow? I don't see any wheel weights. Maybe the tires are loaded. I need loaded tires, wheel weights and chains or else I am not going any where. Dirt/ gravel roads and hills turn to ice. How much is it going to cost to replace the PTO clutch when it fails because of engaging PTO at PTO rpm? In case nobody noticed you still need to look backwards to back up. In all of the threads I have read about snow blowing nobody seems to be worried about the first pass. I would like to get a 84" snow blower but I know the problems I have now with the 72 inch with a heavy snow. Just my observations. I will stick with my 3 pt rear facing 72" snow blower.

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

I guess i am the first to reply that actually has and uses a pull blower- i have a Pronovost P-74-INV on a jd 3720

Of the 2 i think that the pronovost has an edge due to the greater width and drum diameter. Tractor data shows a width of 66.5 inches for your tractor
is that correct? If so i would want to be at least 72 inches wide - maybe more- you can add small wings to any rear pull to add width but adding too much would probably not feed well.
Quality is probably similar as the Meteors have a good reputation and the Puma is a better quality homeowner model. It does seem to me that the blower i have is quite efficient at moving snow.
Hydraulic chute rotation to me is a must as i am constantly adjusting the chute and deflector. i have read mixed reviews on the scrapers. Check out the thread "switching to a blowing service " on plow site.
You are close to canada - it would probably be worth looking into a Blower north of the border and importing yourself- hopefully there are still no tariffs on blowers.
I brought mine in and it was super easy. I would also look at Normand for quality rear pulls.




I would probably be cautious of the PXPL80 because it weighs 1215 lbs and sits back a bit, My blower weighs 970 and tends to make the front end light. It also lists for 12k so even at a deal or used

Thanks fishhead. Have you been happy with your pull type? How much snow do you get in an average year? The PLPX80 is heavier than I want. I have loaded rear tires and a loader on the front and I haven稚 seen snow in 10 years that I haven稚 been able to drive through.

 

[fishhead]

Thanks fishhead. Have you been happy with your pull type? How much snow do you get in an average year? The PLPX80 is heavier than I want. I have loaded rear tires and a loader on the front and I haven稚 seen snow in 10 years that I haven稚 been able to drive through.

I have been happy, we average about 100 inches a year in many, many small storms and usually it sticks around for a while, Much of my drive is wooded and narrow so plowing is a pain. Too, the area around my house and garage is a bit convoluted with few places to stick snow- a blower works good there but sometimes i scrape with the bucket. My ideal combo would be a front angle blade and rear pull i guess. My drive is about 1/2 mile long and gains about 200 ft in 2 hills. usually I can blow going down hill at 7 mph and up at about 5.

With a rear pull if you can drive through it, its gone

pronovost p-74-inv on a jd 372 on Vimeo

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

I have been happy, we average about 100 inches a year in many, many small storms and usually it sticks around for a while, Much of my drive is wooded and narrow so plowing is a pain. Too, the area around my house and garage is a bit convoluted with few places to stick snow- a blower works good there but sometimes i scrape with the bucket. My ideal combo would be a front angle blade and rear pull i guess. My drive is about 1/2 mile long and gains about 200 ft in 2 hills. usually I can blow going down hill at 7 mph and up at about 5.

With a rear pull if you can drive through it, its gone

pronovost p-74-inv on a jd 372� on Vimeo

Thanks fishhead! That sounds pretty similar to our winters. Do you have a rear scraper on yours?

 

[ruffdog]

I would go with the Pronovost Puma. It's only money!

 

[fishhead]

Thanks fishhead! That sounds pretty similar to our winters. Do you have a rear scraper on yours?

No i don't, every once in a while we get snow that does not scrape well and i wonder if it would help, i imagine it may not on long runs because there is nowhere for the snow to go except over the scraper or out the sides i am thinking of replacing the cutting edge with a thicker piece , maybe of hdpe, so that the 1000lbs of blower are over the edge.

are the cutting edges replaceable on both of those?

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

I'm leaning toward the Meteor mainly because my local Kubota dealer 5 miles down the road can get it for me. For service or any warranty work it would be much handier.

 

[ruffdog]

Well, now is the time to get it before the rush when EVERYONE is trying to get one.