Snow Push vs FEL for snow removal

[RoyJackson]

You can definately do some 3PH damage going in reverse. It's made to pull not to push.

Yep, and that's why I got away from using a rear blade for snow removal.
First year or so I plowed, I did push with the blade...then I started pulling it and pushing a little when I had to. Now, I use the loader exclusively. It might take longer, but I'm fine with that.
Probably the best setup (for me) would be a front blade (even if rigged to the loader arms) for lighter accumulations (up to 6" or a bit more of fluffy dry snows) and the bucket for heavier snows. But I only do my drive (150-170 feet) and my neighbor's drive occasionally.

 

[RoyJackson]

I get caught once in a while with having to use the FEL and bucket for snow. But the blade gets mounted pronto after that. Sometimes the snow comes early and I have wood to move with the forks yet, so don't bother the 15 minutes to change to the snow blade. To me, it doesn't get any better (that includes a snow blower too ).
Here is the 7' Western

That's a nice plow, Beenthere.
If you don't mind me asking, what was the price?

 

[bp fick]

I am grinning reading these posts. I love plowing snow. I love the snow coming down and insulated coveralls and boots. I love the tractor work, the solitude and sense of accomplishment. I love helping our 80 year old neighbors. I like everything about it.

I am sooooo glad others feel the same way.:thumbsup:

 

[bstrom]

You can definately do some 3PH damage going in reverse. It's made to pull not to push.

So I have heard - but I haven't had any problem. But I'm pretty easy on things. If you ram a rock or a tree hard- well yeah, an arm might bend. But pushing snow isn't to bad. That's my result anyway. Besides - it's my tractor.

 

[BXpanded]

Scootr2d,
BXPANDED had a link on here over the winter about one.. But it is not on their site..

maybe they will chime in..

J

Sorry guys, I wasn't payin' attention. Here in the south it's pretty easy to put off thinking about the snow stuff when you're looking down the barrel at 3 months of 95 degree days! It's still not on the website but we'll get it on in the next few days.


NEW!!! Fits almost any loader
On or Off in 30 seconds. YouTube - BXpanded Quick-On Front blade NEW!!! Ships right to your door.

Advantages of this system:
Fits almost any loader.
Available in 60" and 72" widths.
Several different types of replaceable wear edges are available to match your use.
Heavy duty skid shoes available.
Allows loader to remain on the tractor and available for use in about 15 seconds.
Installs in seconds with no modifications to your tractor or loader.
Installs with no tools.
Blade floats independent of the loader bucket.
The loader can apply down pressure if needed for removal of packed snow or ice.
The angle of attack of the blade can be changed by manipulation of the loader bucket.
Will ship UPS or FedEx Ground right to your door eliminating the hassle and high cost of Motor Freight.
Wheeled storage dolly (cart) will be available to make storage and installation a breeze.


contact@bxpanded.com for details

www.BXpanded.com is a proud sponsor of TractorByNet

 

[beenthere]

That's a nice plow, Beenthere.
If you don't mind me asking, what was the price?

Thanks. I like plowing snow.
New in '99, plow and A frame complete at $1300, as memory serves me.
Attaching bracket fab'd was $250 at local welder.

This winter added the wing plow. It has added greatly to the enjoyment of maintaining about 1/4 mile of "drive" and three turn-a-round areas. Quick to roll out, attach with two pins, and push snow back.

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks. I like plowing snow.
New in '99, plow and A frame complete at $1300, as memory serves me.
Attaching bracket fab'd was $250 at local welder.

This winter added the wing plow. It has added greatly to the enjoyment of maintaining about 1/4 mile of "drive" and three turn-a-round areas. Quick to roll out, attach with two pins, and push snow back.

Thank you!

 

[Rob-D]

Sorry guys, I wasn't payin' attention. Here in the south it's pretty easy to put off thinking about the snow stuff when you're looking down the barrel at 3 months of 95 degree days! It's still not on the website but we'll get it on in the next few days.


NEW!!! Fits almost any loader
On or Off in 30 seconds. YouTube - BXpanded Quick-On Front blade NEW!!! Ships right to your door.

Advantages of this system:
Fits almost any loader.
Available in 60" and 72" widths.
Several different types of replaceable wear edges are available to match your use.
Heavy duty skid shoes available.
Allows loader to remain on the tractor and available for use in about 15 seconds.
Installs in seconds with no modifications to your tractor or loader.
Installs with no tools.
Blade floats independent of the loader bucket.
The loader can apply down pressure if needed for removal of packed snow or ice.
The angle of attack of the blade can be changed by manipulation of the loader bucket.
Will ship UPS or FedEx Ground right to your door eliminating the hassle and high cost of Motor Freight.
Wheeled storage dolly (cart) will be available to make storage and installation a breeze.


contact@bxpanded.com for details

www.BXpanded.com is a proud sponsor of TractorByNet

When I see that length of space from the loader to the blade and add that to the distance the bucket already makes to the mounting frame I start to wonder about leverage and forces. The further you get away from the loader frame the less power and more prone to damage parts become. It's more than just speed getting a part on and off. While that's nice, it's secondary.
Placeing the blade directly on the frame or loader mount increases strength marginally.

How do you justify your design?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[jb62901]

Both the front and rear started out a 100gal upright LP tank, fabed it all from scrach. Worked great this last winter on the 900' drive. The front did the bulk of it and rear did the clean up.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2150s34.jpg

 

[BXpanded]

When I see that length of space from the loader to the blade and add that to the distance the bucket already makes to the mounting frame I start to wonder about leverage and forces. The further you get away from the loader frame the less power and more prone to damage parts become. It's more than just speed getting a part on and off. While that's nice, it's secondary.
Placeing the blade directly on the frame or loader mount increases strength marginally.

How do you justify your design?

Thanks,
Rob

Hi Rob, Good question. Thanks for asking.

The side load that can be applied to the loader frame is limited by the lateral traction of the front wheels. Granted the leverage is greater, so the force required at the blade to slide the wheels sideways is less, but the maximum side force on the loader arms is limited by tire traction and remains the same. I suspect the traction of the tire with no load on a snow covered or wet surface would be far less than that of a tire weighted with a full bucket of dirt on dry pavement. Who hasn't scooped a bucket of dirt while turning slightly?