I was not aware of it, but am happy to see this forum on TBN. I have a brand new JD 6330 cab tractor with 673 loader. TYhat tractor is 85 PTO HP. Our drive way is 3/8 mile long, it's gravel. I hate the idea of rear blading a lot of my gravel off the drive when it snows. Is there a fairly fast snow blower that will handle this big of drive and do it quick enough? I figured I can use the loader, and can rear blade it too, but like the idea of a snow blower if I can afford one big enough. Help me get to the right web sites, or just tell me I'm nuts if that's the case, we get some good snows here in Kansas at times.
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About your snow caster needs;
You have a number of options and useable
possibilities which can be implemented at
a low cost to you with the present equipment
in your stable.
You could simply install a piece of
heavy wall schedule 80 PVC electrical
conduit pipe on the cutting edge of
your back blade by cutting a slit in
the pipe length ways and sliding it
under the cutting edge.
Doing this simple modification allows
you to pull almost all the snow and
leave your gravel in place during
the snow season.
The schedule 80 conduit is cost effective
as it comes in 20 foot lengths typically and
a simple hacksaw and straight edge ruler and
a hand held jig saw is all you need to cut the
pipe to length and cut the slit in the pipe to slip
it on the cutting edge.
The other addition I would strongly suggest that
you do is install two or three pneumatic wheel casters
to support the weight of the rear blade and also avoid
scraping at the corners of the rear blade as is common
when it left in the float position.
It will reqquire a bit of welding to make the brackets
and drilling of the back back blade to install it and
it has been done by several of the TBN members.
You have not made mention of whether or not you
have wheel weights or loaded rears and what type
they are but I will assume they are the AG chevron tread.
You should look at
Tire Chains by TireChains.com for the ring type
log skidding tire chains and chain binders if you do
not have them.
The chain binders of any type are a godsend to avoid
issues with slipping chains which are a royal pain
(been there done that) and I do not miss fitting with
chain locks that are ice covered when they need to be
readjusted because they slipped.
There are lot of options in persuing snow casters and
a snow caster for your tractors width and horse power
can be had of course but the rear blade modification
may be a simpler more cost effective option in your case
as you have stated you get heavy snows on occasion.
I and many other of the forum membrs have posted many
items and links in many threads regarding snow casters here
in the attachment section and many of the brand sections on
the forum which you can examine.
Ken Sweet is a TBN forum sponsor in good standing and ships
Allied Farm King snow casters from his warehouse in Kentucky.
I suggest that you call him or E-mail him via the forum here
and discuss your needs and you will be supporting a forum
sponsor who employs many folks in his family run business.
Adding pneumatic casters to a snow caster is something many
of the TBN members have done as well with much success.
