Mahindra Snow Thread

[Shift4200]

Hey guys,

Noticed I was talking a lot about snow removal in non related threads.... So, I did a quick search to see if I could just resurrect something that was already out there but didn't see something as "general" as I was thinking.

So, here it is... a new home to talk about using your Mahindra to move snow. Back Blades, Plows, Blowers (front or back), Ideas, Tips... stories... Pics... brag... wallow.... this could be the place to do it all!

Looking forward to hearing what all have to say.

-J

 

[Shift4200]

My current snow removal setup on my Max25 is the FEL and RB-5 rear blade. Seems work well, but i do plan to invest in something on the front of the tractor to remove snow for next season. Currently I'm not using chains, i seem to get pretty decent traction with just the industrial tires. Although I did go ahead and buy sets for both front and rear....

My drive is 1300ft total with 75% of that being a hill. I don't have much trouble dragging the drive (going forward) with the rear blade, but I've also yet to get a huge storm. For now I'm keeping it to 4-5in before I do a pass so it doesn't pile up on me.

I'm expecting 3-5 today that's going to go on top of some crunchy ice. Kinda wishing I'd taken the time to at least put the rear chains on last night. It's hard not having a barn or garage to work in. It's dark by the time I'm home from work, and last night the temp was running at a mean 9deg. I'll muscle thru this clearing and hopefully the next storm will hold off until my xmas break from work so i can get those chains on.

Anyone else have a longer drive with a hill?

-J

 

[Tkblacktail]

From the comments I have seen, a skidsteer quick-attach snow-blade seems to be the most popular option; looking at it from the perspective of a 1,300 foot sloped driveway, and you are not retired (other things to do).

Remove snow by hand=Total life-altering event (military retiree's budget :laughing.
Remove snow with > $2K blower=nice if you have the money, but project overkill for 1,300'.
Remove snow with < $2K blade= just right!

I ran a blade on my 2001 Honda Rancher (chains on all 4) for 12+ years; several times I wish I had snow lift or throwing capability. I plowed my neighbor's access road and driveway (1.5 miles) every year for @8 years. In 2008, we had 4+ feet of heavy wet snow and the 48" blade did wonders. My ultimate solution will be a quick attach blade; after I scrape up the money for skid steer forks and some decent lights (from Dave). My 3016 has AG tires with standard rim-guard ballast; haven't had the chance to try them out in the snow.

I'm not affiliated with this link in any way but look how cool this would be...

https://www.google.com/search?q=ski...leysupply.com%2Fsectione%2Fwssnow.htm;500;403

 

[Shift4200]

I hear what you're putting down Tbt. As much as i like the idea of a blower, it's pricy, and I've not heard good things in regard to using one on a gravel driveway. With a blade I feel like i would be able to cut a little deeper thru the leftovers that blowers usually leave.

Being the East Ice Coast, I would like to spread salt/sand on at least the hill portion of the drive. I've been looking at rear 3pt spreaders and I have to say the idea is appealing. I have two questions about this setup. First, will the Spreader + Sand/Salt be enough of a ballast to offset the weight of the front blade? Does anyone use a spreader for sand/salt? I've heard that an agitator in the hopper is key for this mixture and wonder if they will spread it too thin. A deflector should fix this, but without experience I'm wondering if it's just as good without.

Picking up a spreader would be another thing on the wife's "Next year" list. As taking the rear blade on/off just to run some sand would be a pain. For now it's the ol' Scotts walk behind fertilizer spreader....

-J

 

[kootch88]

I have the MAX 22 with the front mount snowblower. I cleaned up the rocks where I have gravel by the shed and so far no sheering of bolts like last year. The rest of the driveway is asphalt.

More snow 2013 - YouTube

Snow - YouTube

 

[Shift4200]

Hey K88, how much weight do you have in that ballast box?

-J

 

[kootch88]

450#
more or less.

 

[Shift4200]

450#
more or less.

Wow, that's alot more than i expected. To hit a number like that with a spreader and material, that would mean I'd have to shovel near 300lbs of sand/salt into the hopper. I'd have to wonder if the hoppers on those things can even fit that much. I know they can handle the weight.... but is there enough room?

-J

 

[kootch88]

I don't understand what you are saying, the weight box I use when I have the loader on and I keep it on in the winter since it helps to keep weight on the chained rear wheels. There is nothing to shovel into the weight box as I have cement in there.

 

[Shift4200]

I don't understand what you are saying, the weight box I use when I have the loader on and I keep it on in the winter since it helps to keep weight on the chained rear wheels. There is nothing to shovel into the weight box as I have cement in there.

I follow you, I'm using your weight as a benchmark to try to figure out if i will get enough ballast from a 3pt spreader filled with sand/salt.

-J

 

[kootch88]

I see. Well, I put 320 pounds of cement in the box, and I think it weighs 120 - 150. I didn't want too much back there but did want enough to handle some heavy loads with the loader. Since the axle and 3pt is rated for a lot more than that I figured I was in good shape and so far it has been great for the loader and the snow blower.

 

[Shift4200]

I have to ask, did you have that same ballast on your rig when recording that Vid of you with the Huge rock? Looks like you nearly lost her for a sec there.

Another 3in of white fell last night. No prob for the rear blade then cleanup with the bucket. To cleanup i put my FEL in float, angle the bucket down slightly and scrape the pavement down nearly to raw. I wont use this technique on the gravel, it just doesn't slide as nice and makes me the feel like I'm going to F' something up.

Off to Vermont this weekend to get some Snowboarding in... then I have time off of work until the new year. Going to try to tackle the chains that following Monday. Seems the ones i bought are a little long, and might need some modification. :thumbsup:

-J

 

[kootch88]

Yes, the ballast box is 2/3 full of cement. Where did I almost loose it? I didn't notice.

 

[Shift4200]

Yes, the ballast box is 2/3 full of cement. Where did I almost loose it? I didn't notice.

It's hard to tell from the vid what happened after the camera man turned away. Here's a screenshot from the youtube. Some pretty decent wheel height right here... i like it.

 

[kootch88]

OHHHHHH LOL **** yeah, I ran in and changed my underwear after that one, but I slammed the bucket down and the wheel came back down as well. And yes, it was full at the time along with about 100 pounds of chain on top of the cement in the box.

 

[Shift4200]

OHHHHHH LOL **** yeah, I ran in and changed my underwear after that one, but I slammed the bucket down and the wheel came back down as well. And yes, it was full at the time along with about 100 pounds of chain on top of the cement in the box.

The only thing more awesome than fact that you pulled this one off, is the fact that you actually got it on camera. Well done!

That's a ton of ballast, that must have been one heavy rock!

-J

 

[kootch88]

My wife had just gotten me (forced me) a new phone and was playing with it while we were working on the new garden there in the photo. Guess we got lucky because I have never lifted a wheel off the ground like that before or after. My wife was freaked out!! LOL

 

[Shift4200]

My wife had just gotten me (forced me) a new phone and was playing with it while we were working on the new garden there in the photo. Guess we got lucky because I have never lifted a wheel off the ground like that before or after. My wife was freaked out!! LOL

I cant say i blame her, that's a pretty good amount of lift. Personally, I've never had a wheel that high on any tractor. Well, except that lawn tractor that ran up a tree on me that one time. But i was young, and it was a long time ago....

My wife would have called the dog, and gone inside. She spooks easily.

-J

 

[Tkblacktail]

OHHHHHH LOL **** yeah, I ran in and changed my underwear after that one...,

:laughing:

 

[George2615]

My current snow removal setup on my Max25 is the FEL and RB-5 rear blade. Seems work well, but i do plan to invest in something on the front of the tractor to remove snow for next season. Currently I'm not using chains, i seem to get pretty decent traction with just the industrial tires. Although I did go ahead and buy sets for both front and rear....

My drive is 1300ft total with 75% of that being a hill. I don't have much trouble dragging the drive (going forward) with the rear blade, but I've also yet to get a huge storm. For now I'm keeping it to 4-5in before I do a pass so it doesn't pile up on me.

I'm expecting 3-5 today that's going to go on top of some crunchy ice. Kinda wishing I'd taken the time to at least put the rear chains on last night. It's hard not having a barn or garage to work in. It's dark by the time I'm home from work, and last night the temp was running at a mean 9deg. I'll muscle thru this clearing and hopefully the next storm will hold off until my xmas break from work so i can get those chains on.

Anyone else have a longer drive with a hill?

-J

I have two tools for plowing. A 2004 1T 4x4 dump truck with 9' PA blade and a 2615HST. A little bigger than your MAx25. I use the 5' loader bucket for plowing my driveway most of the time. I have rear chains and a rear ballast of 850-900 LB. I also have a 7' straight truck blade I can attach by pulling the 4 loader pins and pinning on the blade. The tractor does a much neater job than my 1T 4x4 dump truck with 9' blade. Truck is faster but can't make the sharp turns the tractor can. When I bought my tractor I bought it with a 64" 3pt. blower but with a gravel driveway I spent more time replacing shear pins than blowing snow. Eventually sold the blower as I didn't see my driveway getting blacktopped anytime soon.

I don't have a longer drive but do have one with a steep grade about 150' long. Chains are a must for this. With chains I can go up the driveway from the road (bucket raised) and then plow downhill. Without chains in a 6-8" snow it won't even make it up the drive.