In a quandry

[JagAlfaOwner]

I recently bought a TZ25DA. I also got a Back Blade. It is suggested I use the back blade for snow removal. I have a new drive way (asphalt) and I just think the blade will tear it up. I am considering of going to a local machine shop and asking them to make "shoes" that will keep it off the ground. 3 shoes one middle and one on each end? Now how much height, my incline is very steep, 15 to 30 degree incline. I was also told just raise the blade using the middle bar above the ground. Still on the incline it may rub into the asphalt? I know because I did not have it raised all the way by accident and it gouged it already going from flat to incline.

I can post a picture if that would help. I currently have 25 hours on it, should I change any filter, fluid before the winter? Standard delivery grade is 10-30 in the motor.

Suggestions and experience would be greatly appreciated.

Al

 

[MikePA]

A shoe at each end of the blade will be enough. That's what mine has. Your first oil and filter change is at 50 hours according to the operator's manual, right? I suggest following it. 10w is fine for winter in your area.

 

[DieselMonk]

How big is your blade? I wouldn't think that a lil blade could do big damage on that driveway of yours, as it ain't heavy enough. As for the engine oil, I use either Ambra 0W40 and now Castrol 5W40 full synthetic year round.

 

[hazmat]

Some folks here have added a "rubber" cutting edge to their blades to protect their drives. A favorite material source is a horse stall mat.

Here's a thread w/ a couple pix rubber plow blade edge

I'm pretty sure there are more threads on this topic - play with the search a bit.

 

[DieselMonk]

Some folks here have added a "rubber" cutting edge to their blades to protect their drives. A favorite material source is a horse stall mat.

Here's a thread w/ a couple pix rubber plow blade edge

I'm pretty sure there are more threads on this topic - play with the search a bit.

First time I ever see a rubber edge on a blade. What's the sence of it, when the weight of the blade is on the shoes, scraping the driveway leaving 2 scrapes???

 

[Gator6x4]

If the scrape blade has a removal edge one way to prevent damage to a driveway when scrapping snow with a blade is to attach a treated 2x8 or 2x10 to the blade edge. Remove the bolts holding the blade on. Use the blade for a template and drill holes allowing the wood to extend pass the metal blade edge for a couple of inches. Use longer bolts and re-attach the metal blade and the 2x,,. Have the 2x sandwiched between the two metals. Works real well on driveways. No marking or scarring.

 

[Soundguy]

First time I ever see a rubber edge on a blade. What's the sence of it, when the weight of the blade is on the shoes, scraping the driveway leaving 2 scrapes???

i don't even live in a snow area and have seen rubber edged blades at auction from up north. Apparently old conveyor belting and horse stall mats are popular to use the as blade edges, VS using shoes.. thus no skid marks from the shoes.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[daTeacha]

The shoes are pretty common, although I don't use them on my gravel drive. They should work just fine with only two unless you have a high crown on the driveway. Set them high at first and make a dry pass to see how low the blade rides all along the driveway. Lower them until you are comfortable with the clearance and remember that you will be leaving that much snow on your drive.

If you want the whole thing cleared down to the asphalt, use the rubber edge trick.

For oil, ask your local dealer about the grades most folks put in for winter use. Where you are, 10W-30 should work just fine. I use 10W up here in Ohio. We've seen -27 degrees Fahrenheit on the thermometer, not wind chill. More typically, we'll see a couple of weeks in late January or early February where it's in the single digits one way or the other from zero and the rest of the winter is in the teens or warmer.

 

[JagAlfaOwner]

Here is a picture of my drive from the top. It does not show as bad as from the bottom. I guess I should stay with the recommended filter, change sequence. I am considering of going to Synthetic but not until I hit 200 hours. I like the idea of wood, just not sure how to support it as my bottom piece has a bend in it. I need to see about getting the rubber, that should form to the bend and be just below the edge. I think I am going to wait for the first snow fall to see if I need chains, hopefully my turg ties and 4 wheel drive will carry my up as I blade down hill.

Thanks for all the tips and help.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Here is a picture of my drive from the top. .

Widest picture I have ever seen on TBN. I had to scroll from side to side to see it all
Bob