Rear Blade rear blade

[Anonymous Poster]

I just received delivery of my new TC33D. I originally was going to purchase a Landspride rear blade, but decided on a box blade(more use of this attachment at this time). How often do you use your rear blade, and for what purposes? I was thinking to purchase this at a later date for snow removal. I do not want to purchase a snow thrower. I do have a FEL with 60"HD bucket.

 

[hazmat]

I use mine to grade the driveway & landscape with. But I don't have a box blade. I Plan on using it for snow removal come wintertime.

 

[gbirky]

Just for reference, in case you haven't tried snow removal with an FEL, I can tell you it is no fun. Though you will get lots of practice with the FEL. I have a 16hp 4x4 Yanmar with FEL. The first winter I had it, I tried to clear our ~50ftx25ft driveway with it. It took way too long. Unless you have noplace to put the snow, and have to pile it up, the FEL is not the right tool. In which case a snow blower is the only tool I know for the job. I mounted a 42" front blade on the tractor (too narrow) and that worked far better for the snow up to about 18". It took me less than 1/4 the time with the blade as it did with the FEL.

A back blade works, but its tough on the neck. The front blade is the only way to go in my book.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for the info. I need to decide on a front vs. rear blade. Is there a front blade that attaches to the FEL?

 

[shade2u2]

I use my box blade with my TC33 alot. I only use the blade for snow removal at this point...

 

[gerard]

There are front blades (curtis is one manufacturer) that replace the bucket. You use the curl line to control the angle. This is a better setup for snow removal than a rear blade BUT it is only for snow and they go for around $1500. I use a 7 foot back blade with skid shoes and also have a box blade (5 foot). I use the blade quite a bit and the skid shoes are a must for snowplowing. You can set it an inch high and plow right onto your grass without tearing it up. Same applies to gravel. I also used the blade to spead a 2 inch layer of sand on a horse arena. Set the skid shoes and drive, leaves a perfect layer. I'm in Syracuse NY, (115inches snow per year average) and I plow about 250 feet of circular driveway and another 2500 sq feet or so of parking area. For light snows (under 6 inches) I can drive forward and shed the snow to the left or right. For heavier snows I'll turn the blade around and drive backwards. I have R1's with chains on the rear and have not run out of traction yet. Not as easy as with a front blade but quicker than with a snowblower for most snows, a lot cheaper, and more versatile. (I tried to avoid an implement dedicated only to snow as they are expensive and have limited use). If you DO get a back blade DO get the skid shoes.

 

[BigDave]

I have a 5' Woods rear blade, and would like to use it for snow removal, does Woods or anyone else make skid shoes for this blade?

 

[Phred]

christy,

I bought a wimpy little rear blade (see attached).

I use it for road maintance and ditching.
A box blade would probably work just as well for most of the road work.
However, the rear blade is ideal for forming drainage ditches. A box blades' end plates would get in the way.
It also makes a pretty good bull dozer.

Around here we take the aproach that god provides the snow so god will take it away. Besides we don't get very much so this is not a major use.

Fred

 

[gerard]

I have a woods LB84 and bought the skid shoes from Woods so I assume they make them for the 5 foot also. They just bolt on, look like upside down mushrooms and adjust with washers.

 

[BigDave]

Thanks Gerard, I'll ask my dealer to order a set on my next visit. [grip]