Snow Attachments Size of Front Snow Plow for TC34DA?

[JB4310]

Regardless of all other factors I would think a loader mounted snow plow would NOT be the right choice for moving dirt in any way. you have a loader bucket.

Save up for a cab, I've heard when snow blowing from an open platform you can come out looking like a snow man if the wind shifts on you. but still with a blower you only handle the snow once and it's done, that's why I'm thinking the blade will be secondary now.
JB.

 

[DCJL]

You're probably right, I should probably stay with the lighter weight snow plow blade.

The only thing about a cab is I could not hook up the backhoe, so, no cab. I ski so I have some VERY warm cloths. My tractor starts off in the semi heated garage so it has no problem starting, but it would not fit in the garage with a cab either. I plan on mostly plowing with some snowblowing thrown in when needed so the flying snow should be tolerable with all my ski cloths and goggles etc. Kinda use to flying snow from the skiing.

Most of my driveway has a hill on one side where I can push off the snow with the plow. I'm picturing using the plow most of the time and the blower to just push back banks when they get too big. I can pile up the snow and then wait till a calm day toknock them down with the blade or bucket and then blow them over and away with the blower.

 

[Ford850]

Definitely go with the lighter blade. It will be a LOT of weight hanging way out front, farther out than the bucket would. Your tractor will handle like you have a loaded bucket at all times. Think about all that weight when manuevering on the hill when you want to raise the blade to push back a pile of snow or turn around. You'll also need to boost the air in the front tires probably. I know I did. The extra weight is what will help you though, and probably won't need chains on the gravel since your front tires will really pull you through.
Go with the lighter blade and don't use it for dozing dirt or you'll tweak your FEL arms.

 

[Mech]

You're probably right, I should probably stay with the lighter weight snow plow blade.

Most of my driveway has a hill on one side where I can push off the snow with the plow. I'm picturing using the plow most of the time and the blower to just push back banks when they get too big. I can pile up the snow and then wait till a calm day toknock them down with the blade or bucket and then blow them over and away with the blower.

If it was me I would go with the lighter blade. I also have a "shelf" road and that makes the blade work very nicely. No big snow banks to deal with. I put hydraulic angle on mine so I can push to the same side going out and coming back to the house. That will add more weight.

 

[DCJL]

Thanks guys for the great responses. I just orderd the lighter 72" blade as everyone has suggested. I ordered it from Robert at Michigan Iron and Equipment. He has gone above and beyond answering all of my questions. It ended up being his recommendation also to go with the lighter blade with the QA for the loader arms. I am also going with hydraulic angle. They will deliver it to Vermont with the hydrualic angle for a total of $1675. It will go to manufacturing next Wednesday the 19th and will ship on Monday the 24th, although I'd prefer it to ship today!!!

 

[Mech]

Thanks guys for the great responses. I just orderd the lighter 72" blade as everyone has suggested. I ordered it from Robert at Michigan Iron and Equipment. He has gone above and beyond answering all of my questions. It ended up being his recommendation also to go with the lighter blade with the QA for the loader arms. I am also going with hydraulic angle. They will deliver it to Vermont with the hydrualic angle for a total of $1675. It will go to manufacturing next Wednesday the 19th and will ship on Monday the 24th, although I'd prefer it to ship today!!!

Do you have a 3rd function on your hydraulics to control the angle? Never mind, just so in your first post you have a grapple.

 

[Ford850]

DCJL,
You'll love the blade. The light snows are fine to deal with, but when you get the first big storm and get a chance to roll the snow off to one side in medium gear you will have a huge smile on your face. As Mech says, push to one side, turn around and change the blade angle, then zip back up rolling the snow pile you just created even further off the drive. If the pile gets too high just raise the blade 6" or so and straddle the bank as you drive, peeling off the top of the pile. Then clean up the remainder on the next pass.

 

[DCJL]

Thanks guys. Once I get the front blade I should be all set for the snow as I will now have the following.
TC34DA with loader and 1 extra hydraulic front and 2 extra hydraulics rear
5' QA bucket
6' QA snow plow with hydraulic angle
6' Rear blade
5' Rear New Holland Snow Blower (need to get hydraulic chute rotation and angle)
Rear mounted Curtis sand spreader
front and rear chains

The only real problem will be trying to figure out what units to have on. Everything is pretty fast changing except for the sander, and after that the rear snow blower. My guess is the front snow blade and the rear sander will be the norm as we live on a pretty steep hill and sand is needed almost as much as plowing. When the snow builds up too much I'll swap the sander off for the rear snow blower to kill the mountains of snow. With the front blade on I'll be able to knock down the hills so the snow blower can go at them.

 

[JB4310]

DCJL,
You listed a 7' plow? Did you change your mind again?
Probably just a typo, Ya I would say your hooked up for snow now!!!
Anything heavy like 12" I would go with the blower first, this way your not doubling up the snow by just pushing it to the side.
JB.

 

[DCJL]

Yea, brain fart....6 ft plow would work best for snow removal on my 34da. It will be great so as not enough to over load the arms. Most of my driveway has a steep edge on one side that I can just push the snow over onto, so the extra reach helps. Plus of course like you said, I have the blower for either heavy snow or for bank blowing. The company I decided to work with only makes the blades in even foot sizes, so a 5 footer would have been a little too small and a 7 footer too large. The only thing I would really like is hydro for the snowblower chute and deflector, but it will not be an everyday user like the blade so I think I can handle it without.