Snowblower Snowblower advice please.

   / Snowblower advice please. #1  

Vince

New member
Joined
Apr 6, 2000
Messages
17
Location
NE Pennsylvania
Tractor
Kubota L3430HSTC/Ags./turfs - Ford 8N - JD 445 - JD 316
My trusted local implement dealer sells the Woods and Meteor 3pt mount snow blowers for use on the back of my Kubota L3430HSTC. Can I go wrong with the purchase of either the Meteor 68" or the Woods 74" model? Would you folks with snow blowing experience prefer one or the other? (2000' blacktop driveways and parking areas, N E PA) Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
 
   / Snowblower advice please. #2  
I have a Meteor- it was relatively cheap, has always worked well. I have no complaints. It was also about 150lbs lighter than the other one I looked at - so there's less steel in it somewhere - but I've never missed it.
I'd compare
General fit and finish, paint and weld quality
Ease of replacing shear bolts - auger and impeller.
Impeller dia - bigger = longer toss and more HP req'd
Gear box rating
Lubing arrangement - zerks?
Auger drive chain adjustment
replaceable scraper edge? Skid Shoes?
Chute adjustment mechanism and ease

and then I'd compare price and choose the one that seemed to be the best value.
68 vs 74" could make a difference as well. Don't know your tractor - but 5hp / foot of blower is a good guideline around here.
 
   / Snowblower advice please. #3  
You should also make sure the unit is a little wider than your rear tires. I'd add that if you don't have a hydrostatic xmission or a real low reverse gear, you might want to consider the smaller unit. Remember, snow in [depth], snow out [impeller size and construction], and ground speed are things to consider. The hydrostatic makes the differnt combinations easier to live with.
 
   / Snowblower advice please. #4  
Vince,

I have a Woods SS60 on the back of my B2910 that I've used for about 4 years now here in New England. Did you get price quotes on them? The Woods implements tend to be pricey. I paid $1900 for mine 4 years ago. It was painted in Kubota orange. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

A hydrostatic transmission makes operation MUCH easier. Light snow...step on the hydro pedal and move. Hit a snow drift or heavy packed bank...let up on the hydro pedal. Very easy to control.

You have a fair amount of space to clear, so you might wish to investigate a front blower option, although they are pricier. Looking backward can get old fast if you have to do it too often. I don't have too much area to clear, plus I really need my front end loader to clear certain areas.

A side note, when I priced snowblowers, I started in the early Fall. I was quoted about $2100. Checked again in the middle of winter and the price was $2300. Asked him in April and got the price of $1900. He didn't want to keep it around all summer so he was willing to deal. Not sure if you'll be able to do the same, but it's a thought.

I have seen snowblowers for MUCH less than the Woods. Not sure what the differences are. I went with the Woods 'cause that's what my dealer sold and I like to support him as much as possible.

~Rick
 
   / Snowblower advice please. #5  
I have the Meteor as well. The Woods is likely a better unit, but I couldn't justify the extra expense because I have a relatively short driveway, much smaller than yours. So far it's been fine, but it's my first year with the blower attachment, so it's hard for me to say what the long term durability/build quality will be. I think you'll find the Meteor is on the lower end of the scale. There are several other very good brands besides Woods that I'm sure others will provide feedback on.
 
   / Snowblower advice please. #6  
Vince,

Next time you are on your tractor do this for me, start at the top of your driveway in low gear and start backing down your driveway real slow. When you get to the end of your drive, turn around and back down again, and when you are done back down one more time. Then do the same for your parking lot . You have just simulated blowing snow using a 3 pt blower. HOW how does your neck and back feel?

If you have an option for a front mounted snowblower consider saving the $$$ and go for it. I had a 3pt snowblower, used it for 2 seasons and sold it and went with a front mounted blower. So much better on your neck and back.

If you do not have the $$$ for the front blower, wait until say May June to go snowblower shopping, you will get a much better deal. If you are willing to travel you can do even better. I picked up a Puma 54" blower for $1000 in Mass, used it for 2 seasons and sold it for $1000. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / Snowblower advice please. #7  
Vince I have used a 3-point blower for the past 5 years to keep a 650' drive clear. If I was moving to a place that had a 2000' drive I would definitely spend the extra $$$$ and get that baby mounted up front. Your neck will indeed thank you for it, as that's a heck of a lot of backing up in anyones opinion.
 
   / Snowblower advice please. #9  
My neighbor has a Buhler snowblower on his Boomer. It looks like a well-made unit, however, is there any way the designers could have put the chain OUTSIDE the snow area? the chain looks like **** a week after you start using it, from rust.
 
   / Snowblower advice please. #10  
I have not had a customer break one with this design. Of course, we suggest Greasing zerks and oiling the chains on all implements after every use and that stops any potential rust or corrosion problems and follows mfgrs guidelines for maintainence. I suppose if the chain was outside, it would be subject to getting bumped. I trust that Buhler knows what they are doing as the are based in Canada and deal with snow more than we do in Ky--Ken Sweet


Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Used 1-2-3 Bottom Turning Plows and Lift Discs in Stock Today*
 
 

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