How does a 4x6 Gator do at snow plowing?

[aczlan]

So, I ran across a '02 Gator 4x6 locally, it has 215 hrs, a gas engine and it has a blade on the front. Has anyone run one of these pushing snow? We are sort of looking for a new "utility vehicle" to replace the 2x4 honda knockoff 4wheeler that we currently have (which has a hard time getting out of its own way) and being able to plow snow with it would be a big plus.

So, two questions:
1. How will it do pushing snow?
2. Is it worth $5k (assuming that it is ready to go and in nice shape)?

Thanks

Aaron Z

 

[Charlesaf3]

First off, I know pretty much nothing about 4wheelers - bear that in mind.

That said, weight and traction mean a lot pushing snow. I doubt those things weigh much, and imagine you'd have to take light cuts and plow with storms - ie 12 inches on the drive would probably stop it. FWIW

 

[Mike120]

So, I ran across a '02 Gator 4x6 locally, it has 215 hrs, a gas engine and it has a blade on the front.
Aaron Z

Good gosh...it's barely broke in (mine has around 1400 hrs) and that's a good price unless it's been trashed. I don't have snow down here but mine is great in mud. I wish I had it when I lived in NJ.....I have no doubt it would push snow, but I would put some extra weight in the back when doing it.

 

[WH401]

I contemplated using my Gator to plow snow, up until about the time I got the 3320. I have no doubts that it would do well plowing snow, especially with all the rear traction you can get from a 6x4. The biggest issue is weight. The 4x2 and 6x4 Gators by nature are supposed to float over the soup, not sink in it. They do this because of their wide high flotation tires, their wide(width)/short(height) build, and their low weight. I believe the 6x4's will hold over 1k lbs of weight in the bed. I loaded up the bed with a layer of cinder blocks and that worked very well for traction in the snow.

At 215 hrs that thing is barely broken in. In comparison, mine is an 04 and I just turned 100 hrs last fall and currently have 102 on it. A neighbor just bought a brand new 6x4 Gator and does nothing to take care of it's appearance. At 5 years old, mine already looks years better. If I ever sold mine I would look for at least 6 - 6.5k, as it isn't just a stripped model either. Check to see what other features this Gator has, like does it have an electric dumping bed?, windshield?, bed liner?...accessories will add to the value.

 

[BarryinMN]

I have a 6x4 diesel now for years, it's good for many things but snowplow NO!!!

The miniscule ground clearance combined with flat bottom makes it constantly high center. It does not go outside over 3" of snow on the ground... much disappointment to nieces & nephews.

6x4 does not turn sharp either causing plow users to remove one set of 4x4 drive tires. A newer 4 wheel UTV or ATV is much better suited to pushing snow.

You can always sell the blade & buy a skidloader or rear blower for the 3pt tractor hitch.

 

[WH401]

I have a 6x4 diesel now for years, it's good for many things but snowplow NO!!!

The miniscule ground clearance combined with flat bottom makes it constantly high center. It does not go outside over 3" of snow on the ground... much disappointment to nieces & nephews.

6x4 does not turn sharp either causing plow users to remove one set of 4x4 drive tires. A newer 4 wheel UTV or ATV is much better suited to pushing snow.

You can always sell the blade & buy a skidloader or rear blower for the 3pt tractor hitch.

3" of snow? You must be kidding. If it won't go through 3 inches of snow than you have bigger issues. I've put mine through 1'+ w/ no rear weight and it would still even climb hills.

 

[BarryinMN]

Maybe light powder.

Here 1' of heavy wet stuff the gator will bulldoze 50-100' all the while pancaking underneath then spinout. No backing up either as the wheels are lifted off the ground.

Cousin plows his 500' and 1000' with a 4x4 ATV small, light, steers easy & fast. Only takes out the SS or tractor when the hwy apron berm is too much.

 

[Scooby074]

I plow with a 450 honda 4x4, no problems. So id IMAGINE that the gator would do good cause its naturally heavier and you could throw some sand or salt in the box to weigh it down... But others have said that it wont work.. so i dont know.

People do plow with the toolcats, but there a different beast.

 

[MikeOConnor]

I've got pretty much the same Gator -- a couple years older, gas engine. I have to agree with the "not so great for plowing snow" crowd. I struggled with it for years and finally got in the habit of using it only if there was 3 inches of snow or less. Even then, it was really easy to get stuck (always at the far end of the driveway, half a mile from the house).

Eventually I gave up and use the Power-Trac instead -- if anybody wants a good deal on my Gator blade, let me know. It hasn't been on the machine in 5 years.

It's a fantastic gizmo, we use it all the time. But not for snow plowing.

 

[ededic]

So wish I would have been on this site when this was being talked about.

For all of you JD Gator experts that say it can't pow snow. Watch this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_azCVVvKrQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Ed

 

[MikeOConnor]

Very nice. But up here in Wisconsin we don't call that "snow" we call that "a dusting" and generally don't bother to clear it.

The Gator works fine for that kinda stuff (perfectly level ground, dusting, etc.). But it gets nowhere in "snow."

THIS is snow...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZfJKbjphfs

 

[strum456]

Even if you get it to push the snow, you will have a really hard time steering. A 4x4 gator would be better for plowing, if you are set on a gator. Its hard to replace a tractor with utvs and quads.

 

[nickel plate]

I contemplated using my Gator to plow snow, up until about the time I got the 3320. I have no doubts that it would do well plowing snow, especially with all the rear traction you can get from a 6x4. The biggest issue is weight. The 4x2 and 6x4 Gators by nature are supposed to float over the soup, not sink in it. They do this because of their wide high flotation tires, their wide(width)/short(height) build, and their low weight. I believe the 6x4's will hold over 1k lbs of weight in the bed.

Why not also consider loading all of the tires with an antifreeze or similar liquid compound just like the tractor guys do for extra traction?

 

[wsp617]

One of the issues of plowing snow compared to blowing snow is you can run out of places to push it. The best thing I've ever seen to move snow is a snow blower mounted on a skid loader with rubber tracks. Unfortunately, most people can稚 afford one?including me!

You have to look at the big picture and ask what is best for us. You could get by fine with a 4x6 Gator with a plow a majority of the time. If you live in an area that gets a few heavy snowfalls each year then maybe it痴 not for you. If they are rare, then go with the Gator and you値l be money ahead to hire someone to plow you out on those rare times you get a heavy snow.

 

[ededic]

Very nice. But up here in Wisconsin we don't call that "snow" we call that "a dusting" and generally don't bother to clear it.

The Gator works fine for that kinda stuff (perfectly level ground, dusting, etc.). But it gets nowhere in "snow."

Yes, I know that the snow I was pushing that day was a light dusting. The 4x6 Gator does a good job, steering is not a problem with the weight of the plow on the front and 300lbs of ballast in the back. I can use diff lock to keep a straight line if needed and turning radius is a lot better than my dad's Ranger 6x6.

I was born and raised in the UP, Rock, MI so I know what snow is. However, where I live now, on about the same latitude line you are and this 90miles of big lake between us get's me some pretty good dumps, lake effect and otherwise.

I have other tools for cleaning snow for the extra heavy snowfall. I rarely get them out of the barn except to show some winter love.

Blowing Snow with my JD 345 and 42" SB - YouTube

Moving Snow with John Deere 2210 with FEL - YouTube

Ed

 

[aczlan]

We ended up getting a cab and blade for our BX2660 and it works very well.

Aaron Z

 

[ededic]

Good to hear. Sounds like a nice rig. Pictures? Video?

 

[aczlan]

Good to hear. Sounds like a nice rig. Pictures? Video?

Pictures of it with the sides off of the cab: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/217105-relocating-bx2660-flasher-lights-curtis.html
Need to get some with the sides and the plow on.

Aaron Z

 

[Erin the Mountain Woman]

What about an electric Gator 6 x 4 with Plow? Is there a difference in power between gas and electric?? My driveway is about 1/10 of a mile, dirt with a little gravel left.

 

[aczlan]

I have never driven a electric gator, but if its anything like our electric golf carts, I would say it probably wont plow too well.
Look at the trailer towing capacity of the gas vs electric versions and see if they are the same.

Aaron Z