HPX Gator and Snow Removal

[jcmseven]

Fellow Posters,

I have been debating the purchase of a Gator for a while. I placed a post recently in the general forum debating what to add to my 4520 for use on the tight and hilly back parts of my property. One thing I am looking at is the HPX Gator, among other possibilities. One big issue is whether I can move snow with it. Most folks do not think NC gets much snow, but where I live, we generally do, although not much the past 2 years. I have a 72" front blade I used on my 3720, which I recently traded on my new 4520. The blade will retrofit. I have some concerns about the mass of my 4520 in certain hilly situations. My snow removal duties are my drive (about 500') and the loop road near my house (about two miles) and any driveway that needs plowing. Should I stick with the tractor, or would a Gator do a good job with its 72" offered blade??? This would be a major feather in the cap of the Gator if it could do so. Thus, I would like an opinion of anyone who has a front blade for either an HPX or standard Gator and what he/she thinks about it. Thanks in advance.

John M

 

[beenthere]

I did a job for a guy putting the Deere blade on his Gator, and he said it was great in snow. He uses it to finish and re-finish the snowmobile racing course when he and his son race all winter long.
I didn't think it would handle it well but that was his second one (someone bought his old one, so he needed a new one). I would think the HPX would be better yet (his was the 6x4). He chains up just two of the driver wheels, is my understanding.

 

[rtv900]

Several people in my area use the HPX for snow removal and they do just fine with them. They are thrilled to get out an plow. They have a blast. One of the grounds keeping companies in the area also use the gators for plowing. I dont think you could go wrong. I think you will love it.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I guess what I don't understand is I can get a wider snow blade for my HPX than I can for my 4115... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[jcmseven]

Neither do I, and it seems even with the new 2520, that is not likely to change soon.

John M

 

[jcmseven]

One more question on these lines. As some of you may know, I did decide to get the Gator HPX with the gasoline engine. I really wanted the diesel, but the price of the gasoline from my dealer was too good to pass up. He is also outfitting the machine with higher sideboards in back for hauling mulch, and an electric dump bed. I already have a 6' front mounted snow blade from my sold 3720 that I can mount to my 4520, but my question is, should I? I am a little concerned about the extra weight of a front mounted snow blade on an HPX Gator without power steering, but I sure would like the extra manuverability in some of the tight spaces I am working. I could sell the front mounted blade for the tractor if the panel feels the Gator would do well with the 72" blade, but if I am to keep the tractor blade, I would have to add a third SCV and angling kit to my 4520 to make it work. This would cost about $500.00 in total, and makes me think I should choose one machine or the other for this particular purpose. Also, does the HPX Gator need the suspension upgrade to use the blade, or does it already have the heavier suspension?? I just want to make sure I make the correct choice. Finally, V plow or standard blade???

Thanks

John M