Snow I need a better way to move snow...

   / I need a better way to move snow... #12  
Bummer on the steering arm. How long for a new part? You got it off fast!

I'd like to have a blower but I was doing what you were this morning. We had drifts too high for my rear blade so it was FEL time. When we lived in the 'burbs I had a blower on my Craftsman. It was great, still have it but it's no match for the long gravel drive we have now.
 
   / I need a better way to move snow... #13  
with snow like that i'd say start on it before it gets that deep or buy an excavator also. remember, let the more toys the better. good luck and bring on spring.
 
   / I need a better way to move snow...
  • Thread Starter
#14  
I keep this Tractor in the Mountains, I don't live there.
I had to snow shoe in to the garage from the road.
Once near the garage I had to dig out the door as it opens out.
Once in side I had to remove two snowmobiles to allow the tractor to move.

The inside garage picture is after the snowmobiles were driven out
They packed a narrow path out in front of the tractor.

I'd remove the snow more often but I'm just not able to get up there as often as I'd like.

The hardest part of the steering was the ball joints.
Those don't like to come apart with primitive tools.
The arm fractured along an existing crack as there was a tiny bit rust inside part of the crack.
I need to call and see what the part is going to cost me... : (
 
   / I need a better way to move snow... #15  
855Idiot said:
The arm fractured along an existing crack as there was a tiny bit rust inside part of the crack.

Sounds like that part was a break waiting to get more broke. This is the kind of thing that happens with used equipment sometimes -- you don't know what's cracked and ready to break loose. Still, at least you'll know that it'll be good as new when you replace it!

As for all the snow, definitely a snowblower is the way to go if you're in a place that gets a lot of it. We get snow here, but not enough to justify owning a blower.
 
   / I need a better way to move snow... #16  
Didn't you buy that 855 for a song? Pony up and get a blower - money well spent especially given the amount of snow you get in UT. :)

Good luck!

Scott
 
   / I need a better way to move snow... #17  
With snow like that you need a blower plain and simple...realistically a bigger tractor too, with possibly a cab.

If you want to move snow with a front end loader then here is what you need...or at least here is what I use to move big amounts of snow.



Good luck on whatever you choose but it obvious you need more for that kind of snow.

Cheers

Dave
 

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   / I need a better way to move snow...
  • Thread Starter
#18  
Update:

John Deere no longer makes the steering arm that broke.

The easiest option was to have it welded.
I had a local tractor place weld it as my welder will not do metal that thick.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/4999/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

It looks much happier now.

I think a rear blower is the solution to my snow issues.
Plowing leaves piles that have to be dealt with the rest of the season.

What size blower is appropriate for an 855?
My bucket is 5ft. ...5ft blower?
Tractor's rated at 28 horse.
 
   / I need a better way to move snow... #19  
855Idiot said:
Update:

John Deere no longer makes the steering arm that broke.

The easiest option was to have it welded.
I had a local tractor place weld it as my welder will not do metal that thick.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/4999/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

It looks much happier now.

I think a rear blower is the solution to my snow issues.
Plowing leaves piles that have to be dealt with the rest of the season.

What size blower is appropriate for an 855?
My bucket is 5ft. ...5ft blower?
Tractor's rated at 28 horse.


I recentally bought a used ~4' (51") snow blower for my B7100 (16 hp) With the hydrostatic transmission I have more then enough power to blow through wind blown snow drifts (dense snow), plow snow banks, and the total seasonal snow pack when necessary. The biggest problem I've encountered in deep snow I have to "tunnel in" then pull out, let the upper layer collape and blow again. If I'm patient it works great.

For a 28 HP hydrostatic machine, blowing Utah powder I would be looking for 5' minimum but you could probably handle upto a 6'ft if you found a great deal.
 
   / I need a better way to move snow...
  • Thread Starter
#20  
The rest of the story...

I finally got up and put the steering arm back on the Tractor.

I was not sure just how it would fit, given that the part was damaged and it was
hard to tell what it's Exact original shape was.

It seemed to bolt back on nicely and the wheels looked to be aligned reasonably well.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/5184/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

The tie rod that connects the two wheels together appears to be slightly bent,
however this is not a race car, so it probably won't make much difference.

Once bolted on, I fired it up, well I tried.
Apparently someone left the key switch on "ACC".
...wonder who that was...:confused:

I guess leaving the key on since February is a bad thing because it would not start.
It wouldn't even light up the Idiot lights on the dash.

Fortunately I brought the battery charger and was able to get-her-running!
Good thing I don't have many "ACC's" on the tractor.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/5186/sort/1/size/medium/cat/500/page/1
http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/5185/sort/1/size/medium/cat/500/page/1

I was impressed that the tractor didn't break through the crust.
The snow was between 2-3 feet deep and held the tractor up.
I tried scooping the snow with the FEL and it just lifted the front end...

Next year I'll have a blower...:rolleyes:
Glenn
 

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