Snowblower size on Grand 30 series

[kevinj]

How fast are you trying to move heavy snow with the 3940. I had a B7500, 16 hp on the PTO and ran a 4 foot blower no problem. I have used a B3030HCDC with 23 hp on the PTO and run a 5 foot blower with no problem. I have just bought a L3540HSTC with 28 hp at the PTO and have a 74" blower on it. I haven't had snow yet to try it, but using 4 hp per foot I don't expect to have a problem. My dealer thought it should handle it without any problem. With the hydrostatic transmission it is easier to adjust speed to conditions than with a gear transmission. All of these were with a rear blower so I don't know if that would make much or any difference when compared to a front blower.

In heavy snow over 6" you have to crawl as in set a stake to see it move.

In lighter snow it works fine. However you MUST load the blower to make it perform properly, this is where hydro drive is important.

Once opened up and taking smaller bites it works great. You cant take much over 4' without some spillage off the side anyway but once you go over an area it is clean!!!!!!!!!!

That 6 footer is about 24" tall and if you push into a drift you are out of power. Kubota does not recommend the 6" til about 42 or 47 hp but I went with it to cover the tires.

 

[kevinj]

What RPM are you running your tractor at? According to the manual the L2674 is recommended for 30 to 45 PTO horsepower.

Pull the lever all the way down!!!!!!!!!!!! A blower takes a lot of power.

You can probably run an 8' but it would be a painfully slow travel speed.

The only time it is a problem is when the the snow is heavy such as the 28 to 34 degree range, all other lighter snow there is plenty of power.

By the way an L3940 is about 32 hp on the PTO so you are at minimum HP for the blower.

 

[moship]

After evaluating everyone's comments I decided to go with a L2185 (72" snow blower. I managed to find a used one for a price I was comfortable with. It just arrived in a very large crate and I am in the process of reassembling it. This has brought on more questions which I posted in a new thread.

Thanks again and I will try to remember posting 1st hand experience after it sees a few good snow storms.

For what it is worth the snow blower has hydraulic chute rotation and electric chute deflector. I look forward to not having to turn around any more.

Thanks again for your collective thoughts!

 

[moship]

Four years later and I/m glad I didn't go with the smaller snow blower. Even with the storm the past weekend (approximately 34") the blower worked fine. Yes, I had to slow down and take it easy. It works great and I've been very satisfied with it. Only wish I had a cab.