HST power needed for 72" blower?

[JJT]

I've used a 30 pto hp hst tractor with a 78" blower for the past 26 years, with no issues. I think you'll need at least 25 hp at the pto for your 6' blower..

 

[tacticalturnip]

A solid rule of thumb is 5 PTO horsepower per foot of width. This of course varies by terrain and use, but it's a good guide.

 

[aesmith]

Thanks everyone. I'm in Scotland.

 

[tacticalturnip]

What machines are you considering?

 

[KCTractors]

I'm looking for a hydrostatic drive tractor. The most demanding job will be the 72" snowblower. I'm currently using a geared tractor, a Siromer 304 which I believe is the same as a Jinma 254. This occasionally runs out of power. Ideally I'd like the new tractor have at least as much power, but I can't seem to get a straight answer about what PTO power the Siromer actually would be putting out.

So I thought I'd turn it round, what sort of power would people want/need for a 72" blower? There are lots of 25 or 26HP tractors around, but a whole lot less choice in higher power.

I had LS MT342 with a front-mount snow-blower which 42 HP. At home in the yard it was just fine, but at some property we own that had a little more than a 1/4 mile of open field on one side, the 42 HP was working hard so I traded it in for a LS MT357 and that 57 HP plays with it.

 

[aesmith]

Thanks again. I certainly wouldn't say no to more power if it was on offer second hand for example.

Someone ask what machines I was looking at. Second hand I'd be happy with the right model from any of the major names, most likely would be JD 3520 or 3720, Kubota from their confusing multiple ranges, or Kioti. If I decide to splash out on new I'd be looking seriously at Kioti CK3530H.

Local dealer has several ex-lease CX2510s in his yard, but they're only 19HP PTO so i think too small. I might take a chance if it was a private sale so wouldn't lose much selling it on.

 

[RjCorazza]

I would not recommend a 72" blower and 19hp at the pto. Sure, you could slow way down with an HST, and take smaller bites, but it's going to aggravatingly slow going in all but the lightest snow conditions.

 

[aesmith]

I agree. You guys haven't so much talked me into wanting bigger, but you're helping me not make the mistake of going too small.

 

[oldnslo]

Would a 25 HP tractor even lift a heavy duty 72” blower without front weights? I know the 52” makes the front light on mine.

 

[aesmith]

It needs weight, or at least our existing rig does. Blower is supposed to 270kg. The Siromer 3PT is rated for 400kg, any model I'm looking at now will lift more.