Moving Snow with a JD2520 / Opinions wanted

yelbike · Feb 17, 2015

Well consider using the the tph to move your fire wood like the previous post. A carryall works good for that.

For blowing snow, consider a rear mounted blower instead. Much cheaper option and than you don't lose the loader. I have both set ups on different machines and different properties. The front mounted blower is nice but comes with draw backs.

urbandeere2520 · Feb 21, 2015

I own a 2520 have a 500 foot asphalt driveway on a steep hill. I find the 60" FEL works great in most snow conditons, except when depth is greater than about 18" when a snow blower would be a better bet. I have never used a snow blade so I can't comment on its utility in heavy snow.

The perfect setup for me, if I weren't moving south next year, would be the 60" FEL and a 60" 3pt snow blower. I feel this combo would handle most snow conditions. I use the FEL in float mode on the asphalt and the only negative outcome is the welded FEL cutting edge has worn unevenly and will need to be replaced in a year or two. In hindsight, I should have installed a removable cutting edge or purchased a ratchet rake snow edge to protect the FEL.

Though I'm on a 20 degree slope, I've never had a problem getting the tractor up the hill. Most of the time when moving snow I'm in 2WD and occasionally I'll need 4WD when the conditions are icy. Tires are the industrial variety, not the lawn tires. I see absolutely no need for chains and additionally they will damage the asphalt driveway if used. The main advantage of the FEL is that snow can be piled high if required (I need this option), whereas you're limited with the snow blade.

Just my two cents.

beenthere · Feb 21, 2015

Sorry, but no damage to my asphalt driveway from using chains. What kind of "damage" do you speak of from your experience?

And on the few occasions where I have used the bucket on my drive to remove snow, I only tolerate the frustration just so long.
Can quick make a path down the middle the width of the bucket but after that, "push and dump" is the mode needed and it is real, painfully sloooowww. The blade is the way to move snow fast, IMO.

urbandeere2520 · Feb 21, 2015

Damage was caused by chained wheels spinning on the tractor...scarred up the top surface pretty good. Fortunately I don't need chains with my 4WD 2520 on a 20 degree sloped asphalt driveway.

As I said in my previous note, I have not used a blade to move snow, so I cannot comment on it's effectiveness. I do know that the FEL works well in my particular situation.

Tonight we received 12 inches of fresh snow which I moved with the FEL in about 30 minutes. Would a blade be quicker? Maybe, but I'd be using a lighter 2000 series tractor versus a heavy 4000 series that you own and I would be concerned about the front end slipping in heavy snow. Another reason I don't own a blade is because I don't have the space to push a lot of snow. After tonight's snow moving, I had several large 7 foot high piles around my driveway. I suppose if the terrain were flat and I had somewhere to push the snow, a blade would be a more effective option. But like I said - I'm moving south next year and there's no point in investing additional $$ in snow moving equipment.

newt92 · Feb 22, 2015

urbandeere2520 said:
Damage was caused by chained wheels spinning on the tractor...scarred up the top surface pretty good. Fortunately I don't need chains with my 4WD 2520 on a 20 degree sloped asphalt driveway.

As I said in my previous note, I have not used a blade to move snow, so I cannot comment on it's effectiveness. I do know that the FEL works well in my particular situation.

Tonight we received 12 inches of fresh snow which I moved with the FEL in about 30 minutes. Would a blade be quicker? Maybe, but I'd be using a lighter 2000 series tractor versus a heavy 4000 series that you own and I would be concerned about the front end slipping in heavy snow. Another reason I don't own a blade is because I don't have the space to push a lot of snow. After tonight's snow moving, I had several large 7 foot high piles around my driveway. I suppose if the terrain were flat and I had somewhere to push the snow, a blade would be a more effective option. But like I said - I'm moving south next year and there's no point in investing additional $$ in snow moving equipment.

A blade would be quicker for most all snows.. Instead of having a couple 7' piles, you would have 2-3' windrows along sides of your drive.. Then when you have time you can just push them back to widen things out.. You would be amazed at what a 2305 or 2520 can push with a blade.. But like you said, if your moving south where snow wont be a issue, I wouldnt invest in anything but what you already have that DOES the job..