Since we all know FEL's are not built for pushing like a dozer . . .

[dirt clod]

Some fel are designed for pushing. My 214s jcb has a 6n1 bucket. Factory designed bucket to be used as a push blade when the bucket is opened the rear is shaped to push. Can really tell a difference when trying to push with the bucket closed and pushing with bucket open. the inside rear of bucket is designed like a dozer blade to roll dirt. I think the problem with pushing with the fel is not due to the fel but rather the design of the bucket is what makes it a problem. When you try to push the bucket trys to hook into dirt rather than roll or push. A dozer blade made for a quick release fel mount may not be a bad idea. Pushing with 3 point is a bad idea.

 

[Mike476]

While I agree in principle that pushing with a back blade is not what it was designed for, I don't agree it can never be done.

I've been doing it for several years now to clear my driveway and subdivision of snow. Like anything it's operating within the limitations of the equipment. Would I back blade a mound of gravel flat or break ground pushing a box blade using this method, certainly not.

 

[Rio_Grande]

Farmer down the road from us has a medium sized JD tractor that appears to have a factory dozer blade that goes all the way to the back end and has hydraulic rams that lift it up and down. Appears to have manual tilt.

 

[swick1]

I haven't designed or built one but aside from the weight and traction issues here are my thoughts...

The 3 pt should only have tension loads on it. Heavy backblading will load it in compression. I would take the 3 pt arms off and pin to their mounting points on the tranny housing.

I would consider a cable operated lift in the front powered by the 3 pt lift cylinder. You should rig it with some heavy steel cable.

Make the front blade pivot left and right to reduce the needed pushing force by about 30%.

Build a heavy duty guide system to keep the blade centered between the front wheels. I'd consider a track bar arrangement tied into the loader arm mounts if possible.

Make the blade too heavy to lift by hand so it can do some work. You will gain more tractive effort if you make the entire assembly as heavy as possible. Consider a lever style stand like they use on sport bikes at the race track or the big levers with wheels for open wheel race car tire changes to facilitate hookup to the tractor. A helper will also be useful.

If you want to spend more get some hydraulics to lift it from the front. This will increase down pressure while keeping overall weight down if you work in wet areas regularly.

 

[Redbug]

I have a 4in1 bucket and open it up all the time to push stuff. The bucket has a blade designed for that kind of thing when you open it up. I also have one of those 3 point quick hitches that attaches to the loader arms. It is very handy, also.

 

[chim]

My first tractor was a Cub 154 LoBoy. It had a blade like the one in this OM: It moved material better than a 3PH blade.

http://www.cleancomputes.com/Cub/Number Series Cubs/Cub-154 Lo-Boy/IH 54 Blade/IH 54 Blade.pdf

Since it used the same rockshaft as the belly mower, it was an either/or with the mower and blade. What a pain! I was always thankful to have all my fingers when I was done swapping attachments. The kids were too small then to help and although the pictures may not look like it, the tangle of bars and steel plates were a bear to do by myself.

 

[Mace Canute]

.........I would consider a cable operated lift in the front powered by the 3 pt lift cylinder. You should rig it with some heavy steel cable...........

John Deere used to make a front blade that operated with cables ran from the rear 3Pt lift. I have seen one on an old John Deere A.

 

[Taylortractornut]

JD had some nice ones. My freind that sawmills has a big propane Deere with a subframe blade and its handy. He has a friend that helps him that has a smaller diesel JD with a subframe blde as well and its really handy around the place. I dont have powersteering on my 3000 Yanmar. I didnt want to put a loader on it also I have a TLB and skidsteer for loader work. I was at a farm sale and found an older Ford five foot dozer blade with angle on it. Also I have a 49 Cub with a blade. THe blade on it is handy for clearing off the feed pads.