snow blower

[tman1020]

I'm looking in to a snow blower and trying to deciede between three point mount and front mount. i was wondering if on a ct 225 if anyone knows if the front mount (72 in) requires the removal of the backhoe brackets to install. (just the brackets i know that i would most likely have to remove hoe). also any opinions on sizing or which may be better i would welcome. thanks

 

[arnoldziffel]

I don't know about your backhoe brackets but I would strongly consider the front snow blower if it will work for you.

With the cab and a front snow blower you'll have a true snow fighter machine.

Are there still some Bobcat snow blowers on dealer lots? They struck me as very well built.

 

[tman1020]

Yes there are still some around but I was looking at a used one. Problem is they are not supplying all parts for them.

 

[afoster]

I have a CT335 with cab equipped with a Bobcat snow blade on the FEL and a 72" Bobcat snow blower on the 3pt hitch. I use the blade mostly until the snow banks start to get too high, then I windrow the snow into the center of the driveway, then come along with the snow blower to remove the windrow. Using the snow blower early in the season on a gravel lane-way usually ends up breaking a shear pin on snow blower as it picks up stray rocks and debris. Waiting until there is a nice packed layer of snow, really saves wear and tear on the blower.

 

[tman1020]

Thanks for that I am leaning toward the rear mount so I can keep my Loader on. Just checking out the wood Maxsnowblowers today online they seem pretty stout. They recommend a five footer for my horsepower at the PTO but I would be tempted to get a six and just go a little slower. I'm sure the bobcat blowers are nice but even with discounts there still priced higher then namebrand locally produced blowers that are still in current production. Sounds kind of sketchy getting a discontinued blower for a discontinued tractor and expecting to be able to find repair parts.

 

[DABSGT]

Tman1020,

Last year I purchased the Woodmaxx SB60 (5 ft.) snowblower, well built very heavy, solid. I had the electric snow shoot installed very pleased all around. You will not go wrong with the woodmaxx 5 ft should be fine.

 

[tman1020]

How many PTO horsepower do you have on the tractor that you run it on and do you think you could've handled a larger one

 

[DABSGT]

How many PTO horsepower do you have on the tractor that you run it on and do you think you could've handled a larger one

I had it on a John Deere 855 24 HP with 19 at PTO, as I said it did well but would not have gotten any thing larger. I see the BobCat isn't rated much more at the PTO I believe it is 27 and 19.5 at PTO. I did get a larger 32 HP I will be using it on this year. But as I said very well built.

 

[tman1020]

Thank you

 

[DABSGT]

Hope it helps. Let me know if you get the WoodMaxx and how you like it.

 

[tman1020]

It's going to be awhile before I get anything unless it's used.

 

[curvecrazy]

If it's a 4wd tractor then I would strongly recommend the pull behind 3pt blower. Reason I say is with 4wd you should have ample traction to drive through the snow in most instances. The benefit of this is you are driving away from the snow ploom... not INTO the snow ploom. Trust me when I tell you spending a couple hours out in the cold now soaked cause the snow came down on you and then melted on your jacket, hat, gloves, face, legs etc.. sucks BIG. I know that all too well. Of course, going used will limit your options to a regular backup version probably.

 

[arnoldziffel]

When I was a kid my Dad had a 3 point pull behind snowblower on his Ford tractor.

I'm just starting to look for one for our CT230. I think it is the only way to go.

 

[tman1020]

I never even thought of getting a pull type. That would definitely solve the sore neck issue.

 

[DABSGT]

Pull type would be nice on the neck but how would they do with drifting and hills?

 

[arnoldziffel]

My Dad's Ford tractor had a FEL. He would position the FEL at a height to cut through the "top" of the snow. This allowed the tractor, (two wheel drive with chains), to crawl through the snow and let the snowblower do its job.

This set-up worked well for all the years he had it and we lived in the Lake Ontario eastern shore snow belt between Syracuse and Watertown, NY.

 

[Lockport]

Big difference between price on the front mount and rear as well. The quick hitch with hydraulic lift is couple grand off the bat as opposed to the 3PH. As far as the hoe mounts go as long as nothing impedes the path of the shaft from mid-PTO directly to the quick hitch (a short shaft completes the connection) I can see anything causing a problem but my hoe it's the 7BH and subframe and hoe are all one piece. In hindsight I would've got the Woods with permanent sub frame mounting.

Perusing this thread imho your best option is probably a blade for your fel and a 3PH pull behind.

Cheers

 

[tman1020]

Thanks Lockport I think you're probably right. I don't think the front mount what I was looking at was going to work out. I'm going to just keep my eye out for a good quality used 3 point. I just spent money on a factory heater for my cab anyways. It was a little pricey but should be very nice keeping toasty in there now. My $25 truckstop heater just wasn't cutting it.