question on a frame to bring the rear PTO to the front of tractor?

chopped · Sep 26, 2016

Hi . I saw a tractor the other day that had a snowblower front mounted and there was a exclosed shaft that took the rear PTO and ran it to the front of the tractor. Im at a loss on what it is called ,so I can search one out and see if its a possibility for my tractor. Any help would be good. maybe somone has experience with them? thanks

Industrial Toys · Sep 26, 2016

Lucknow made such an arrangement. I have seen a few at auctions, go cheap, I am guessing because they are a royal pain. A friend had one for his 5610 and quickly got tired of it.

jeff9366 · Sep 27, 2016

Your tractor identification should be part of your T-B-N profile.

Without your tractor info, especially ground clearance and horsepower, no one can determine if such an installation is remotely possible.

Aquamoose · Sep 27, 2016

I've seen one. My neighbor has a JD with a nice blower up front. She asked if I could mount it on her tractor before winter came and I told her that I'll clear her drive for her so it didn't get mounted. In hindsight, I should have in case things got bad but fortunately it was a mild winter. This year I won't make the same error. I could find out if you'd like but I think it's more common than we'd think.

SSdoxie · Sep 27, 2016

I just typed "Rear to Front PTO conversion" in google and came up with this one. Lorenz Front Mount Kits

PILOON · Sep 27, 2016

They are kind of like a ladder hung under the tractor with a gear box or chain and sprockets to reverse direction.
Generally 2 PTO like shafts front and rear to direct the drive down under and back up in front.
The underslung shaft needs 2 or 3 bearings to keep things from wobbling about.

Think of it as being like driving around with a ladder hanging down under your tractor.
You also have to have hydraulics available to raise the front mounted blower as compared to the rear tht simply uses the 3 point arms.

As U can imagine maintenance and corrosion prevention would be a chore due to exposed components and annual installation and removal a fair chore especially if U have a FEL to contend with.

Due to a great 'deal' ($300. for a 60" blower) I bought such a rig and simply modified it back to rear blower configuration and never regretted doing so.
Sitting 'side saddle' is not all that bad, besides I mounted a back up camera to make life easier.
Another aspect is a rear blower is very much as agile like using a fork lift while a front mount is a clumsy beast that needs wide turns and is miserable for close in work.
The wide swings while turning make it easy to damage things due to poor detail visibility.

(I have operated both styles)