Rear Blade

[Opti-Mist]

Coincidentally I just borrowed a rear blade to see how I like it. The guy wants to sell it to me and since I already have a FEL and a box blade and an ATV with a big plow I did not think it would be worth it.

Now that I've used it a few days I can say it works great. Most certainly a front mount plow would be best (as stated) but if the price is right get the blade and you will like it for sure.

For me, the only issue I have is the blade the guy wants to sell me is only 5 feet which is just the width of my tires. I'd really like a 6 foot but if the price is right I'm going to buy it.

The 5' may not keep you happy. When the blade is angled it should still cover your track width. For that reason I'm running a 7' rear blade for snow in conjunction with a 6' FEL mounted blade.

 

[jimmyj]

Yes, I agree. I will only buy it if it is really cheap. It does not cover both tire tracks when angled.

 

[turbo660]

A rear blade can be great for snow removal, but it is not necessarily the best method for all applications.

It is really good for pulling snow away from a building, or windrowing snow on a long driveway. Pushing snow with it can be a hassle as you will have to stop the tractor, get off, and reverse the blade. It is great in conjunction with a loader.

Larger blades can be offset sideways so that the blade will extend at least a foot beyond the tires.

I have a friend who has a Ford 9N with a blade, and that is all he uses for plowing snow.

Make sure that you closely match the size of the blade to the tractor.

rear blades can be made far more efficient by adding a hydraulic cylinder,such as I did. preventing the need to get off to angle the blade by hand.

My blade is 7' wide and angles 45 degrees left or right and still covers my tracks.

blade is set up to work in reverse but I can add another mount and turn it around and use it going forward. Ican still use it to back drag as is, but with the FEL I just use that instead.

the only problem I have encountered is deep snow will roll over the top of the blade.I plan on solving this by adding a 6'' to 8'' piece of steel to the top edge. it will be bolted on and used for pushing snow only.

 

[David Devuono]

I have a 1300 ft driveway at my camp and as I only get out once every 2-3 weeks the snow is too deep for the blade to be the primary method of snow removeal. This winter I welded one foot extentions so my 6 ft is now 8 ft and at maximum angle it now covers my rear wheels. (I am looking for a new heavier duty blade for summer use) Anyway speed is your friend when plowing snow so at minimum I would suggest sliders for the blade. You will need tire chains and still be ready to jump on the clutch when the rear end breaks loose as it trys to follow the blade off into the bush.

 

[natman706]

Thanks I'm still thinking of one. its a hard decesion because now i might have to sell my 2305 soon do to the fact that I might be moving in the spring. But the good news is I might be getting a new one. I'm looking at 3 series. I've always wanted a 3032E or a 3038E John Deere. I also might look at a kubota a well since I also favor them too.

Thanks again for your opinion

 

[jimmyj]

I am a loser. The blade I am borrowing is 6'. No question 7' would even be better though. The thing is very heavy and works great.

 

[Chilly807]

rear blades can be made far more efficient by adding a hydraulic cylinder,such as I did. preventing the need to get off to angle the blade by hand.

My blade is 7' wide and angles 45 degrees left or right and still covers my tracks.

blade is set up to work in reverse but I can add another mount and turn it around and use it going forward. Ican still use it to back drag as is, but with the FEL I just use that instead.

the only problem I have encountered is deep snow will roll over the top of the blade.I plan on solving this by adding a 6'' to 8'' piece of steel to the top edge. it will be bolted on and used for pushing snow only.

I built something like this for my FEL (I don't have a back blade, but the idea would be the same).

I used 2" steel tube and expanded metal. I wanted the screen since the lights shine through, and I can see through it unless it's solid full of snow.

Chilly