More info--front mount snowblower for larger tractor

[GreenTime]

First, thanks for all the suggestions so far. Some have asked my application. I move snow at my self-storage business. My yard is 6 acres with 11 buildings that are widely spaced. I use my JD 2520 with front mount to get real close to buildings but the blower should be higher to handle large drifts and snow that ridges up next to buildings when I use my big tractor (JD 7400). With my JD 2520 I can really get close to the buildings and doors as I have great visibility and great speed control with the hydro but it sure would be nice to have a bigger tractor/blower and nicer cab. My big tractor is JD 7400 (100 Hp). I use it with both a 8' snow bucket for deep and hard drifts and I also have a 13' bucket for lighter snow. I move lots of snow after big storms. A few pics are attached. In the summer I mow about another 5 acres with a Woods RDX 90" finish mower. The ground is quite rough so I like a tractor with big tires. I can use the JD 7400 but would use a more intermediate size if I could find one that accepts a front mount snowblower. The Lorenz and Erskine PTO/hydraulic drive suggested are options but not as clean as a the one on my JD 2520. Any new suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[mri4437]

I have been very happy with my 3720 with a 59" front mount blower used in Minnesota. My drive is about 0.4 miles, gravel, and it does a nice job on any drifts - often high - as it crosses the pasture with good close in work near the house. My only complaint is that I have industrial tires on it which don't work well if there is a base of ice (we had a few ice storms this year and I tended to slide on the ice under the snow). For your applications this type of set up might work well. I also find this tractor to work well for basic mowing (72" mmm) and property chores (tilling, driveway, etc).

Peter

 

[Industrial Toys]

You could go shopping for a self powered blower as I have. On and off in minutes with no frame or hydraulic system.

How do you like the BIG bucket for snow? I use several different machines for the various aspects of moving snow around here but my parking lot has me at a disadvantage. Can't blow the snow far enough, and too much snow falls off an eight foot blade. So my question is, what would be better, an eight foot pusher or HUGE bucket?

 

[GreenTime]

I really like my 13' snow bucket. It is the best attachment I have ever built. Some still spills off the ends but it pushes a ton out front. Under certain conditions, I feel it moves 4x more snow than my 8' bucket. I also like being able to make my piles much higher than I could with a snow pusher.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Given such big buckets and your experience, what is the biggest gain or loss? In height, width or depth? If you understand my question.

The nice thing about a BIG bucket is that it is useful for other applications year round. Unlike a snow pusher or snow blade.

 

[GreenTime]

The biggest gain is in the width. It promotes for a large volume of snow to push out in front without a significant amount spilling off the sides or over the top. Also, I have gotten real good at timing my lift at the pile to push that volume of snow up on top of the pile to reduce "pile spread".

 

[Looking4new]

I have found this winter that the advantage with a bucket over snow blower is that if you get stuck nose down or rear down that with the bucket you can lever yourself out. Whereas with a snow blower on front you can't.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My only reservation with a BIG bucket is that when the ground is not frozen, like this year, I can dig holes in a hurry. If you start level, you aren't accomplishing anything and as soon as you angle downwards you are into the gravel/dirt it seems. Curious, if anyone has put skid shoes on a bucket for this purpose.

 

[beenthere]

For moving snow, the bucket is the worst tool (for me). Get stuck with using my bucket when I have other remaining FEL needs, but as soon as possible I get the FEL off and the snow plow blade on in its place. Fast, and furious snow removal.
And piling snow up with the blade is not a problem.. as the front wheels will go right on up following the blade (likely because less weight ?? ).
But realize a blade is not an option for everyone. And after seeing the snow covered front snowblower rigs, I'm not one bit interested in going that route. just sayin.. not for everyone.

 

[AKfish]

I use an 8' rear mounted blade to get close to fence lines, road shoulders, and the sides of buildings, etc. the blade is heavy-duty (over 1,300lbs.) and has 3-way hydraulic cylinder control for angle, tilt and offset.

I move the heavier snow drifts away from the buildings with the loader bucket and then use the offset on the blade (18" out from tractor) and angle setting to windrow the snow away from the building, fence line, etc.

Gotta have a bank of rear SCV's on your tractor (3) to use the blade, though.

As you well know... Blower or bucket - in close quarters next to structures - (especially steel siding) is a challenge! I like keeping the tractor away from the side of the building.

The offset on the rear blade helps to do that (and tire chains).