Snow snow blower vs blade (front) on BX23

m3rd · Dec 10, 2005

I am looking to purchase either the 60" front blade or the blower for my BX23. I currently have a 23HP Bolens 2WD tractor with a 54" blade. It works well but I spend a lot of time managing snow piles. I live in NJ so snowfall is moderate, averaging 5", but can get up to 14" per storm. I have 8-10 local residential accounts with 10' x 100' drives and 2 car garage aprons. It takes me anywhere from 20-40 min per house. I want to speed this up. Recommendations?

Thanks.

AB4D · Dec 10, 2005

For pure effectivness, I would go with a snow blower, it is going to be much faster than a blade. A blower distributes the snow over a larger area that you have the option to control, therefore reducing management of snow piles. However, one consideration is cost. Is the blower going to pay for itself over time? I believe that it would, because you could perform additional snow removal jobs with each storm in the same period of time that it currently takes you with a blade. The only other downside I see is that the blower could be a problem in tight quarters. To solve that issue I think the addition of a four or five foot rear blade could take care of most tight spots. IMO I believe that the combination of a rear blade and front snow blower may be the ultimate residential snow removal machine. Just my two cents.

Jim

bird1968 · Dec 10, 2005

If your going to put a cab on, then it's a front blower for sure.
No cab, go with the blade.

RoyJackson · Dec 10, 2005

I'd go with a blower too, but that front blower is going to cost you more then 3 grand. That'll be a pretty lengthy pay off, unless you can deduct it as a commercial expense. Plus, you're buying it at the worst time of the year.

A rear blower would cost quite a bit less ($2000 or there abouts), but be a real pain in the neck!

You could look for a rear blower that is set up to drive forward. Erskine and Puma manufacture these. I'm not sure your BX23 has the 3PH lift capacity or PTO Horsepower for one of these though.

Personally, I'd wait and buy a blower after Winter. You'll get better prices (probably not any cheaper for the Kubota front mount though). In the interim, just tough it out.

However, you really need to decide if a one task and very expensive implement is worth it...

NY_Yankees_Fan · Dec 10, 2005

M,

First I had this set up:

Rear blower and FEL

It is a 54" Puma, I found it new in Mass in May of 02 for $1000

Then I went with this set up

Front Blower

Got a used, if it had 2 hours on it it was a lot, front blower from my dealer with quick hitch and shaft for $2K, Sims cab was $1600.

If you get a rear blade to get close to garage doors, you will have a great machine.

If you live close to me, PM me and I will show you my set up.

m3rd · Dec 11, 2005

NY,

I PM'd you yesterday. I'm interested in seeing your set up. Let me know when you would be available.

Thanks

NY_Yankees_Fan · Dec 11, 2005

M3rd,

I sent you a PM did you get it?? Flashing light next to MAIN INDEX??????

Killer_B · Dec 11, 2005

M3rd,

I have both the front blower and the front blade for my B7610. See photo link below. The blade is absolutely unbeatable for snow falls of 1" to 5". It is at least twice as fast as the blower for those amounts. Any more than that and the blower is the best tool for the job. Thanks to the Kub quick hitch, you can switch back and forth in just a couple minutes.

If you can only have one, get the one that matches your typical snow falls where you live.

Best regards,

KB

m3rd · Dec 11, 2005

KB,

Thanks for the reply. You're exactly the person I wanted a response from; someone who has used both on the same machine. I suspected what you summarized; light snow-blade; deep snow-blower.

rixtory · Dec 19, 2005

NY Yankee Fan, I am a few miles away in Bethlehem, but I go through Warren county everday for work. You have inspired me to look for a front blower next spring.
Thanks
Rick