snow removal

[keegs]

It looks to me that the mid-pto feature to drive a front mounted snow blower is only available in the 30 hp range models. If this is correct, how are you guys in the northerly climes, with larger machines, dealing with snow removal. I'm in northern ME where we get a goodly amount some years.

 

[kootch88]

The Max series takes a front mounted blower. Hate the snow, but can't wait to try out the blower. I'm down here in Gray, but we get a good bit of snow too most years.

 

[keegs]

Thanks...I've got quite a bit of hay to cut as well. The config tool's telling me I need 55 hp machine for that. I imagine you can use the rear PTO to power a snow blower but that seems to me to have some downside. An FEL is probably better at piling up the snow than plowing it.

The Kioti's have the mid-pto up into the 50 HP range...I think the JD's have it as an option as well. I don't think Mahindra, NH or Massey offer it. Didn't check KB.

I'm about 20 miles south of Presque Isle off route 1.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Most of the people use rear mount blowers, and wish they had a front mount, only because of price. The Erskin rear powered, front mount blower works well, but summer storage takes up a good bit of space.

 

[keegs]

Yeah...I'm getting an ache in my neck thinking about it. The driveway must be close to 1/4 mile. I'm really liking the Mahindra... though...this could be an issue.

 

[D Miller]

I have a 5525 (2 wheel drive) and use a six ft. JRW rear mount blower. I have a long steep drive, horse paddocks, and riding arena to clear. For myself, the loader on the front, blower on the back, and studded ice chains on the rear tires is a great combination. The loader can get you out of all sorts of trouble on slopes and scrape a lot cleaner than the blower (particularly on gravel). Aching neck and snow in the face (poor vision and frozen exposed skin) are the biggest drawbacks. All the same I would hate to have to go back to plowing with a pickup.

 

[keegs]

I have a 5525 (2 wheel drive) and use a six ft. JRW rear mount blower. I have a long steep drive, horse paddocks, and riding arena to clear. For myself, the loader on the front, blower on the back, and studded ice chains on the rear tires is a great combination. The loader can get you out of all sorts of trouble on slopes and scrape a lot cleaner than the blower (particularly on gravel). Aching neck and snow in the face (poor vision and frozen exposed skin) are the biggest drawbacks. All the same I would hate to have to go back to plowing with a pickup.

Sounds like a plan D. I understand that the rear snowblowers are significantly less money.

Does the 5525 have the crash box trans that's in the 4025? If so can I ask how you're liking the trans? I imagine with horses and snow removal, you're using the FEL some.

The upside would seem to be in the price...anything else? Some say FEL work is more difficult with the crash box trans and that you take a hit on resale value.

When shopping, did you find this model as available.... for test driving?

 

[D Miller]

Sounds like a plan D. I understand that the rear snowblowers are significantly less money.

Does the 5525 have the crash box trans that's in the 4025? If so can I ask how you're liking the trans? I imagine with horses and snow removal, you're using the FEL some.

The upside would seem to be in the price...anything else? Some say FEL work is more difficult with the crash box trans and that you take a hit on resale value.

When shopping, did you find this model as available.... for test driving?

New 2wd tractors are pretty rare in Maine; the chances of finding one on the lot to try are slim. I ordered this one new, sight unseen. I've been using old 2wd tractors with simple transmissions for a long time and knew I could do everything I needed with one. I would suggest you stick to 4wd machines unless you're certain you would be happy with 2wd. They are a lot cheaper to buy but also harder to sell and I suspect it takes longer to learn to use them effectively (thinking back to my own experience 35 years ago). No problems with the transmission for loader work but very good clutch habits are required.