Need Advice to Prevent FEL From Gouging

[TCowner]

When the snow is too deep to plow using the 7' rear blade on my TC40D I use the FEL. Using the bucket level indicator helps keep the bucket level but I occasionally dig into the driveway.

I know this problem has been discussed regarding the rear blade but I can't remember any discussion with respect to the loader "digging in".

Any suggestions?

 

[KrisHansen]

That's a tough one.. Best way is to keep the loader in float, and use the dump/roll control to adjust the attitude of the cutting edge.

My trick is the first few stroms I actually packed the snow, to create an icy layer.. This allows a little 'dig' room with the loader or blower cutting edge.

 

[MikefromMI]

The manual recommends leaving the front end loader in float with the bucket rolled all the way back to hard stop. This is supposed to help out on long term wear & tear of the roll cylinders & not dig into the drive.

I usually roll back untill I see the level meter any where above level. I may have to give it a couple left taps as I'm floating along.

This is on an uneven gravel drive. I'd probably do it alittle different if I knew my whole area to clear was level since I wouldn't have to worry about the rear end going up and down without a floating front end. Shoo, did that come out right??? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[AndyMA]

What I do is set the bucket level on the ground to start. If I were to go forward at this point the bucket would ride up on top of the snow and not scrape clean. So instead of keeping it level to the ground, I actually curl it very little so that the front edge is lower than the rear heal of the bucket. You then control the bucket level only. Some times I do float the level but I usually get better results if I manually control the level. The downward angle of the bucket has to be carefully chosen to scrape clean, but not so sharp that it can actually cut into the ground. Try it. I think with a little practice you'll get it to work well.

Andy

 

[tc35dforme]

Why not just rough it in using the loader knocking off all but the last couple of inches. Then come back with the blade and dress it up. I've had to do that with some 30" storms with deeper dripfts. I'd whack away with the loader to roughly clear it then on goes the plow for the finish up.

 

[MikePA]

Is your driveway paved or gravel?

The only thing I use to plow my driveway (paved) is the FEL. I have the bucket level, put it in float and I've never dug in.

The driveway at the barn is both paved and gravel. On the gravel portion, it depends if the ground is frozen. If it is, I plow it using the same technique as a paved driveway. If the ground is not frozen, I angle the bucket slightly back, put it in float and plow away. However, I go slowly and keep my hand on the FEL control in case I need to adjust the angle of the bucket to accomodate changing terrain.

 

[TCowner]

Mike, my driveway is gravel. I thought about taking a 72" pipe and cutting a slit the complete length of the pipe and attatching it over the cutting edge of the bucket. It probably wouldn't scrape real clean but would clear most of the snow.

I also thought about just adding some additional material to the bucket edge so that the cutting edge isn't so sharp.

 

[Egon]

Seat time:

Egon

 

[NIXON]

I think Egon has your answer . It just takes time and repetiton to learn the quirks of your loader . Man, you should see some of the divits I got going through the process . I'm down to small divits and getting better at it now /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Now if putting chains on were as easy .... can't use the FEL !!!
John

 

[dylan]

I have a poly urethane cutting edge to prevent it from digging in. Look for pics in this link Others have used oak boards, plastic decking or heavy rubber matting.