Snow blower evolution

   / Snow blower evolution #1  

rbargeron

Elite Member
Joined
May 31, 2000
Messages
3,035
Location
MA
Tractor
L5450, L48, L3250, L345
Several threads here talk about "snow weapons" people are using now. Many of us of change our snow tools along the way, as experience racks up.

In my case there have been 5 blowers. First was a draw-forward v-plow type - great for a few inches of fluff.
1 first pull type.JPG
Then came a rear mount backup
2 new idea.JPG
For the center piles left behind I added a drag blade
3 backup with blade.JPG
But I still got a stiff neck - so a front-mount beckoned....
4 first front mount.JPG
My first ERSKINE was almost perfect, but not wide enough so we stretched one 16"
5 front mount  stretched.JPG
This rig does it all. It can even side-swipe center piles left at obstacles (with practice)
 
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   / Snow blower evolution #2  
Nice history lesson. I see there was also some cab evolution.
 
   / Snow blower evolution #4  
I first plowed and back bladed before switching to snowblowing.
Front and rear blades.
20201001_232734.jpg
Next came a rear blower.
Screenshot_20201122-191514.jpg
Currently using a front blower which is by far my favorite way to deal with snow. Rear box blade very helpful as well.
20201025_164658.jpg
 
   / Snow blower evolution
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Hmm.... front blower with enclosed cab..... looks like maybe a trend, huh?


WOW! Is that a driven front axle on a Jubilee ? That's the coolest thing I've seen in a while - very impressive (not to mention understated) - where does it get power? That's just great!

My first tractor was an 8n (2wd) but I never knew about 4WD conversions. For pulling an orchard sprayer thru wet spots it would have been great to have. Maybe would have side-stepped the whole Kubota hobby....

I just looked at your great thread about your Ford 860 with Sherman-Napco 4WD . Not a simple bolt-on. Take care, Dick B


Hope more peoples see this - its much better reading than politics :thumbsup:
 
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   / Snow blower evolution #6  
This has been my snow removal journey.

I have a sidewalk, 300' driveway, 1/2 mile private road, neighbors to help. Typical snowfall 4-8" Some 10-15" Occasional 15-20". Here is what I have used over the years.



  • 2 cycle paddle snowblower - sidewalk light fluffy snow
  • 8hp 2 stage snowblower - sidewalk 6"+ snow
  • ATV w/5' blade - Driveway up to 8"snow
  • 4x4 Plow Truck - Driveway/Private Road - any amount of snow
  • Rear Blade - Driveway/Private Road up to 8" snow
  • Rear facing Snowblower - Driveway/Private Road - 6"+ snow
  • Rear Pull Snowblower - Driveway/Private Road Up to 24" snow

Those bolded are what I still have

  • 2 cycle paddle snowblower - Light and easy
  • 8hp 2 stage snowblower - Didn't get used enough
  • ATV w/5' blade - Quick way to move snow
  • 4x4 Plow Truck - nothing faster but Disintegrated from lack of use
  • Rear Blade - Not great at rolling snow well off to the side
  • Rear facing Snowblower - Removes any amount of snow, but comes with a stiff neck
  • Rear Pull Snowblower - Fast and efficient - why didn't I do this sooner

No one tool is perfect. Your list might look different.

 
   / Snow blower evolution #7  
The last step of the evolution usually involves moving to FL!
 
   / Snow blower evolution #9  
The front axle is chain driven from a sprocket between the trans and rear end. A transfer case is mounted where the original pto shift lever went. Actually was pretty easy to install. Only required a rear split between trans and rear axle housing, and remove original front spindles and install driven front axle. The 860 is like a bull in the China shop snowblowing lol. The Kubota is so much easier to use up close to buildings and vehicles.Screenshot_20201123-232706.jpg
 
 
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